FUTURE TRIP PLANNED, what should be in my suitcase??

[bluetou]

Well last year we went for the first time to Florida, it was one month after my return I started with IC symtpoms. We always wondered about all the different water I was drinking (disney world...restaurants...etc)...and the chlorine food...and the foods from all the restaurants (something MY BODY is not accustomed to)

SO this year, we plan on going, but we have decided to RENT A HOUSE, which means I CAN MAKE AND PREPARE my own food, and rest if I need to.

BUT....what happens if I FLARE...what if my urgency picks up? What if I am hit with pain....I take no meds...but I WOULD LIKE to have them on hand or know I can buy something at the local walmart if I get hit with URGENCY/PAIN....etc....

So my question are:

1. BOTTLED WATER can I DRINK in the STATES? I am from canada, and only drink NIVEA, this works for me...what about in the States, FLORIDA, do they sell NIVEA bottled water?? if not, what bottled water works for you???

2. What can I buy at the walmart if my URGENCY starts up (i thought there was an over the counter item someone mentioned they used when they flared, but I have no clue nor remember what it is) was it AZO?? ugh dont remember...?? IF there is nothing, what should I ask my doctor for in a prescription to help with urgency? and will it help right away??

3. What about for pain (is this just strictly using tylenol??)..??

4.. We are also having access to our own private POOL...BUT!! it is chlorine!! UGH!! has anyone invented a WATERPROOF UNDERWEAR TYPE PANT!???? does any one here know of something that can help alleviate issus of going into chlorine safely? CAN any of you swim in chlorine water?? What about using A LUBRIANCT around the vagina.....man!! i want to be able to swim in the pool.....but need to have a PLAN in place in case it makes me flare....THE QUESTION is...will I flare right away??? or will it get me the next day?? Anyone know?? TIPS? help? :)

5. ALSO going on disney rides never bothered me...(the bumps the JIGGING AND THE JAGGIN, THE moving etc)...WILL MY IC be aggrivated by the rides??? does anyone know/?

6. what about air travel?? if i wear loose pants ...should travel bother me??

7. Any other helpful hints for travel I WOULD BE SO APPRECIATIVE!!

We do not go till end of March...but I am a pre planner....so thanks for any info...

Thank you!!
Peace

:pray:

[ICNDonna]

When I buy water, I just read the label to be sure it is bottled spring water with no additives. You might want to talk to your doctor about some emergency meds you can take with you, rather than depending on being able to purchase something while on vacation. I know I feel much more relaxed if I take things with me.

Some people say they use vaseline before going in a pool that is clorinated. You may want to immediately shower and dress after swimming --- I know I can't sit around in a wet swim suit.

And I love flying. It doesn't bother me at all.

It sounds like a wonderful vacation plan.

Hugs,
Donna

[michreev]

Hi!
I just took my own first long trip since diagnosis so I can understand wanting to plan ahead. I am very water sensitive and can tolerate evian, smart water and Arrowhead (only available on the West Coast). Of those, I think Smart Water is the cheapest available in Florida...but maybe someone who lives there has a better suggestion?
In terms of flying, I got a note from my uro stating I needed to bring my own water on board for the flight. This allowed me to bring it through security (I don't know about Canada, but in the US we are no longer allowed to bring more than 3 oz of fluids on board). I also got a medical alert bracelet that said I had food/water allergies and needed access to a bathroom. I luckily don't suffer from a lot of frequency unless flaring, but it made me feel more secure knowing if I did need to use the bathroom a lot I'd have something built in. Loose clothing and cotton underwear can be really helpful. I am not super toilet paper sensitive, but if you are you might want to bring some in your carry on since plane stuff tends to be pretty cheap. I also always bring some snacks I know I can eat too since airport food can be tricky.
I'm afraid I haven't been in a pool since diagnosis, so I can't speak to the chlorine thing. I haven't noticed an issue in the past (like many IC'ers I had symptoms for years before being diagnosed) but truthfully, I never really tracked it.
I don't take any pain meds regularly, but my uro did prescribed Urelle in case I had a bad flare while traveling. (I am happy to say I didn't so I didn't really need them.) Uristat is another over the counter pain med for bladder pain. I used it once or twice in the past and it seemed to help. Be warned...they both change the color of your urine so don't panic if you start peeing blue or red!
Lastly, you might want to check about security at Disney. I can't remember, do they allow you to bring outside food and drinks inside the park? (I haven't been since being diagnosed.) If yes, then I'd bring some safe snacks and water with you. If not, check and see if that dr.'s note works again. I'd call ahead and speak to someone, explain the situation and ask what you need to do to be sure you can bring what you can eat and drink with you. Good luck, I am sure you'll have a great trip!
Michelle

[leelee88]

So my question are:

1. BOTTLED WATER can I DRINK in the STATES? I am from canada, and only drink NIVEA, this works for me...what about in the States, FLORIDA, do they sell NIVEA bottled water?? if not, what bottled water works for you???

2. What can I buy at the walmart if my URGENCY starts up (i thought there was an over the counter item someone mentioned they used when they flared, but I have no clue nor remember what it is) was it AZO?? ugh dont remember...?? IF there is nothing, what should I ask my doctor for in a prescription to help with urgency? and will it help right away??

3. What about for pain (is this just strictly using tylenol??)..??

4.. We are also having access to our own private POOL...BUT!! it is chlorine!! UGH!! has anyone invented a WATERPROOF UNDERWEAR TYPE PANT!???? does any one here know of something that can help alleviate issus of going into chlorine safely? CAN any of you swim in chlorine water?? What about using A LUBRIANCT around the vagina.....man!! i want to be able to swim in the pool.....but need to have a PLAN in place in case it makes me flare....THE QUESTION is...will I flare right away??? or will it get me the next day?? Anyone know?? TIPS? help? :)

5. ALSO going on disney rides never bothered me...(the bumps the JIGGING AND THE JAGGIN, THE moving etc)...WILL MY IC be aggrivated by the rides??? does anyone know/?

6. what about air travel?? if i wear loose pants ...should travel bother me??

7. Any other helpful hints for travel I WOULD BE SO APPRECIATIVE!!

We do not go till end of March...but I am a pre planner....so thanks for any info...

Thank you!!
Peace

:pray:

Question 1) For bottled water as long as it say Spring Water you should be fine.. Just remember to read the label!

Question 2) You can buy Uristat over the counter, this is a mild form of Pyridium which will turn your urine orange, but will help with pain and spasm.. Also they do sell Azo's, but the uristat to ME seems to work better.

Question 3) If you have no pain meds, then Yes I would have some Tylenol on hand, but remember that the uristat helps with pain and spasms also.

Question 4) You can buy some Vaseline at Walmart and rub this on you before you get in the pool this will form a barrier and should protect you. BUT I would not stay in there long the first time and do not stay in your wet suit to long. Also rinse off as soon as you get out.. IF you do ok the first time with the Vaseline then next time you could try staying in a little longer. A swimmer here on the boards recommended this.

Question 5) Now I can not help you here so I would suggest that you bring your heating pad and take long warm baths to help afterwards..

Question 6) I ALWAYS wear loose pants or something comfy when I travel!! Just try to stay relaxed and think of the fun to come. If you get tensed and worry you cause a flare. So focus on the big picture! This trip sounds EXCITING!!

Question 7) I would also take along some prelief in case you do come across some iffy foods!! YOU could be tempted.. IF you can not get where you are from you could order it online before you go, OR when you get to the states you could look for any Walgreens or Riteaid..Walmart does not carry it..

Hope this helps.. You are going to have a awesome time!!

[Goldfinch]

If you could get a script for urelle or prosed or pyridium plus and take some with you that might give you the security of a backup plan. Or if you can my otc pyridium (uristat or Azo) ahead and have it in your purse that would do the same for you. That can be bought in any drugstore in Florida and perhaps even at an airport drugstore.

Flying is dehydrating--in a number of ways. Most people tend to drink less when they travel because they don't want to get up to pee so often on the plane. Keep hydrating with whatever water you decide works for you! Have a great trip!

[bluetou]

Thank you Rhonda for all the TIPS!! I am printing it off and going to take this away with me, keeping it in my purse.

Goldfinch, we do not have urelle here...

I also am getting a bracelet (med alert) as I do need to get one to indicate my low platelets and my sulphur drug allergy....I DEFINITELY will get a note from the doctor for water/etc...BUT not sure if I will be able to bring it, we go through MAJOR security ....so it is hard to say....

As far as Disney World goes, we have brought food in before. We went to Disney World for the first time last March (I DID NOT have IC then)....and I always had snacks and food in my bag. BUT Michelle you bring up a good point, I will have a note just in case. Because things change all the time. SO thanks for suggesting this. I would never really have thought twice about this. THanks for the name of a few brand waters too!! I have written them down! :) thank you!

Thank you everyone!

OH and the vaseline...I will try this. I hope it works. :)

THANK YOU!!

Peace
Blue
:pray: