newly diagnosed-nervous about work travel

[jck]

I am newly diagnosed and normally have a desk job-have to fly (7hrs) to a conf. in San Diego in April and I am very nervous. How do I make my coworkers (boss former state trooper and others) understand that I have some issues without giving them my whole medical history-I am a very personal type of person when It comes to this. They will also want to be in the bars at night (already informed of this) and I just can't drink alcohol-I pay the price for days afterwards, I also am haveing some bowl frequency since starting elmiron and that is also a little annoying-just too much right now. :loco:

[kadi]

Generally, with colleagues I don't know well, the only thing people notice is my weird diet. So, if I don't want to have the "IC discussion", I just say I have allergies & need to follow a special diet or I get sick. Usually that's enough.

Just a tip, if you are going to fly any significant distance, you might want to bring your own bottled water and lunch/snack. Most airline meals are not IC safe & the only water the airline provided on my last trip was Dasani, which for me is a flareinabottle.

Hope your trip goes well!

[mamamccoy]

I am not sure about the work, fly issue-- but do you think your bowel issues are form the start of Elmiron? I am newly diagnosed, and have only been taking it for 1 month. Does it seem to be helping yet? Where did you get an IC diet? I have not seen it yet?

[Sarojini]

The IC Diet is in the Patient Handbook on this site -- http://www.ic-network.com/handbook. Just look for the part on Diet.

As for flying, Kadi gave you some good advice about bringing your own water and snacks. In addition, you may want to ask for a seat on the aisle, near the bathrooms, so if you have to get up to go during the flight you can do so without disturbing others as much. I usually go right before boarding the plane, then right before they close the door to the aircraft and make everyone sit down. I've also notified some stewardesses that I have a bladder disease and may need the bathroom often.

Make sure you bring your meds with you -- if you have any pain meds or muscle relaxants it might be wise to take them before getting on the plane to stave off pain during and after the trip.

As for the bar scene, there's no reason why you have to do it -- you can explain that at the moment, you're taking some medication and cannot have alcohol with it. You could go and have some water, or you could just go back to your hotel room and rest if necessary. Usually people are pretty understanding of this.... I hope your coworkers are too!