Be it traveling overseas or to the next state there are many things to
prepare for when it comes to vacation. If anyone has any good ideas or tips
for traveling with Crohn's Disease, let me know and I'll put
them here.
Pascale: I'm writing about my holiday in Disney Land Paris, all because of my Crohn's. I found out about my Crohn's in February 2000, (I'm on diagnosis page) my mum found out loads of information and joined me up to NACC and Smilies People, clubs for people with Crohn's. Every three months, a newsletter is sent out to all the members and in the March edition, a trip to Disney Land was featured. We immediately sent the application and were given a place. Eight months later, we found ourselves on a coach, then on Euro Tunnel and finally in Paris. The next day we explored the park, went on the many rides, entered the many shops, watched the many parades and a brilliant fireworks display. The holiday was enjoyed by everyone and we were all impressed. But it all had to end and the next day, we left the park, feeling that Disney Land is the ideal short break. If I had any tips for teens with Crohn's, it would be to take all necessary medication, get health insurance, a travel permit from your GP and keep a list of medication, foods you can't eat, etc, handy.
Pat: I would suggest going to Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida for a vacation. If you stay at some hotels there they have lactose/milk-free diets available. Just give them notice ahead of time. The only hotel that will have this diet is the one you stay at. One hotel is Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort. There you can eat at the Cape May Cafe, The Yacht Club Galley, and many other restaurants. Call Disney for more information. You can get their number at a nearby travel agency. As for the theme parks, they're totally fun and cool. Also there is always a near by bathroom. At the Yacht and Beach Club you can walk to Epcot, so if you don't feel well it'll only take two minutes to get back to your hotel room.
Alison: When I go anywhere, my doctor told me to take Imodium AD. It works really well. I live by that stuff. Even going to school I take at least one pill a day. They are really tiny and work. All you really need is one dose. It's great. There is no real easy way to travel with all your medicines except to put them in a week by week holder or day by day. Also, don't forget your TUMS!! Also, this may sound weird, but sometimes my doctor won't allow me to use regular toilet paper on my butt. I have to use these wipe things that flush down the toilet. It may be embarrassing sometimes, but they help too, and all my friends know I have to use them, so they don't say "what the ---- are these wipes doing in your bathroom?" Good luck.
Jen: I just returned from Germany and I had some interesting experiences...my doctor told me to bring Imodium ad in liquid form and for emergencies, I brought the Imodium advanced chewable tablets plus medication in there original bottles... I had a flare up while in Berlin and I had to visit the doctor several times. It was really helpful to have background information on all of your medications because some of them are not in their medical databases...
Matt the Webmaster: When I went to Europe I found that I had to carry with me a backpack full of safe foods. Cookies, crackers, a small jar of peanut butter, Starbursts, Skittles, bread, and a bottle of water all come in handy. Also, bring whatever medicines you need in their original bottle. It's a good idea to ask your doctor for some pain medication just in case.
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