IC and Travel???

[tillysav]

Travel Questions?

I seem to have problems when I travel. I'm not sure why. Does anyone know what's the connection between IC and pain and travel? I don't get it. :confused:

I have a formal wedding to attend in July. I will be flying to Denver from Oklahoma. It will be three days of socializing, going none stop from one place to another, all in formal dress and heels. I'm trying not to worry, but I know what it's like when I am in pain and in the midst of mingling and smiling, and on the inside I'm hurting. My body starts trying to pull me down.

I already know that by the time I get to denver (about 4 hours before the first event) I will already be in pain and will need to lie down. I don't know why lying down helps me, but it does. Instead I will be greeted by people in the wedding party and expected to do things with them and keep going until time for the rehersal dinner (1st event). I will have gotten up that morning at 6:30 and the rehearsal dinner will last until 10:30. Then do it all over again the next day. Two days of events and then finally the wedding. I know my body and this is going to be tuff!

Then, in August my husband and I are going to Coeur d' Alene, Idaho on a road trip. I'm looking forward to both of these trips and want to be happy and have fun and not be a "stick in the mud" around anyone.

Does anyone know why this causes problems i.e., severe PAIN, constipation, no sleep, etc? I used to LOVE to travel. I don't understand why it makes my IC worse. Does this happen to anyone else?

Also, I am newly diagnosed as of December '03. Not well knowledged at everything yet.

Thanks for any replies or suggestions...:kiss:

[crystilclear]

I don't travel that much. But I know that even the stress of it all is enoguh to make me stress and flare up. I was also diagnosed in Dec 2003. So I'm pretty new too. I've had symptoms since early childhood and they just figured it out now! URRRR that really sucks. I don't really know what to tell you. My hubby is trying to get me to go to the beach this summer. It's a 41\2 hour drive and I've gotton out of it the past 2 years but everyone like his mother, sister, nd others have been hounding me. I just don't think they understand it's not that i don't want to be with them I just don't like traveling especailly with the kids. They never wnat to go to sleep, keep me up all night... Everyones like oh you'll have so much fun............ yah right I'll be chasing the kids around trying desperately to keep my eyes open after getting no sleep and cleaning up after everyone else. Sorry anyways I hope it all works out for you. If you need to lay down do it. Make time out for yourself. If they knew how you really felt they'd understand. If you hurt really bad your body is telling you to take a breather and get some rest. Take care I hope you can enjoy yourself. - Chris :) :) :)

[ICNDonna]

Sounds like a fun week, but you may need to be firm about needing some rest. That four hours between arrival and the rehearsal dinner could turn into a couple of hours to take it easy. Rehearsal dinners are usually fairly casual so you might be able to get away wearing comfortable shoes at least.

Also you'll want to be very sure to stick with your IC diet to help you get through the festivities without pain. And be sure to grab a few minutes of "feet up" time whenever you have an opportunity --- even five minutes relaxing can pay off in the long run.

I really like traveling --- it's always fun for me to get away from the regular routine.

I hope you have a wonderful time.

Sending warm hugs,
Donna

[tillysav]

Hi Donna,

That is exactly what I have in mind for the four (4) hours between arrival and rehearsal dinner. Problem: His kids are picking us up and want to take us to Cherry Creek (quaint little shopping area) in Denver. Something I would love to do if I could just negociate a "little break" between airport and dinner at 8:00 p.m.

As far as casual goes "NOT A CHANCE". This is the wedding of the year. "Men in Tux ... Women dress to the Nines" It's my husbands family (including his ex-wife) so I am already a little nervous about it and wanting to dress appropriately. Then after the wedding comes the reception and the dance! I used to love this kind of thing. I still love it...just can't last as long as the others.

Thanks for your suggestions. I'm not taking any chances with my diet!

I love to travel too! Guess I'll pack all the IC "just in case" stuff, follow my diet to a "T" and have great time. :pray:

[Lyn40]

Tilly,
Just wanted to wish you well. Whenever I travel, I almost always stress over all the rest I 'won't' be getting. I find that when I plan really well (pray a lot), rest and eat a very strict diet beforehand, I get off to a better start. Also, getting my own mind set that it is okay to need to rest and not over do it is the key. I seem to be the one in placing the most demands on myself. I honestly don't think others notice as much about me as I think they do.

I understand your thoughts exactly. I go through the same ordeal everytime I travel myself. Just wanted to share this and I really do hope you are able to relax and enjoy this wedding and time away. :)

Lyn
:grouphug:

[kadi]

You might try thigh-highs if you need to wear stockings!
I went to a wedding last year & was worried about the lack of rest, but tried to stay relaxed & even a 30 minute rest in the hotel room really helped!

Hope you have a marvelous time!

[VickiB]

I love to travel, especially road trips. At home I drink a lot of water. I think that generally what causes me IC problems when I travel away from home is that I forget to drink! I'm sure the stress of a trip also plays a role. I'd also suggest for your time in the car to wear loose comfy clothing, stop often, and again, drink, drink, drink!

CDA's a nice little town, and there should be a lot going on in August.

Vicki

[Ruby*]

I travelled long distance for the first time in over 2 years with my
mother and 2 yr old daughter to Antigua in Feb! I was so happy
because I felt like I didn't let the IC control my life for once.

What I did to make my travel more comfortable was inform the
airline of my disability so I could be seated near the restrooms,
carry lots of IC friendly snacks and water, my heating pad, my poise pads, I always carry an extra pair of pants and panties
in case I have an accident or I leak, my meds are always in my
purse or carry on for quick retreval, I make sure I take breaks
when I have to and I stick to my IC diet religiously.

If anyone of these suggestions helps that makes me happy.

I hope you have a great time, I'm sure you will!

:kiss:

[Tia2]

I have always loved to travel and my health problems have severly limited that. I find I can only sit for a few hours in the car before I have to get out for a while and stretch. I don't know what it is about just sitting that seems to clog up the system. Flying can be dehydrating and it is much tougher to keep with the liquids when you are constantly moving. I have found simple yoga stretches really get blood flowing through my internal organs and relieves tensions as well. I still get around just not as far as I used to.

The thing that my health condition has taught me is to stand up for myself and say "I'm sorry, that's not possible." I have been historically a wimp and let people direct my actions much more than is now healthy for me. I think being a woman it is always hard to put ourselves first but for the sake of our families sometimes that is exactly what we must do. Good luck. Tia2

[poetgirl]

As someone who is a relatively frequent flier, I have to agree with Tia's remarks that flying is very dehydrating, and also the cabin pressure is still different from what you experience on the ground, so both factors can wreak havoc on your bladder and gastrointestinal tract. We're really not meant to move through the air at 500 mph, even if we don't really feel the motion of it so much while in flight. (I know of someone who traveled constantly around the world and finally had to retire because he developed permanent vertigo, but that's an extreme example.)

Of course, trying to remain hydrated without having to get up every 10-15 minutes on a flight is a real challenge! Drink enough water the day before, and try to make sure you're well-hydrated at least 4 hours before your flight and that should help. Wear loose, comfortable clothes that don't bind your abdomen. I also recommend not eating those snack packets they often give you because they have loads of salt in them -- and they make me bloat instantly, like I'm pregnant.

Also, I think many people unconsciously tense up when they fly -- gentle stretches, deep breathing and positive visualization can help you relax overall. Having a good book helps too. And definitely make sure, as the others have said, that if you have things that help relieve discomfort (heating pad or medications) that you have them on hand during the flight.

Have fun and try to enjoy your trip!

[tillysav]

Hi Everybody,

Thanks for all the helpful post! I made the trip just fine! Actually had a wonderful time. Love to travel! I just kept drinking water, water, water, and my IC did not bother me at all (well, maybe just one little ouch after drinking fresh "carrot juice/w ginger" in it?). Infact, I think I'm experencing my first remission (in four years) because major pain and symtems are gone.

I did a really dum dum thing!!! Five days before the big event I was lifting weights and dropped a free weight on my big toe OUCH/45 lbs of steel/BROKEN! :yikes: Trying to stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle.:rolleyes: After all that anxiety over my IC, I had to wear a special foot brace and walk funny.:biglaugh:

Now I'm really looking forward to my road trip "Coeur d' Alene, Idaho to Jackson Hole, Wyoming" in August. I never knew I would feel this good again. "Keep on keeping on" things really can get better.
I owe many thanks to the ICN NETWORK for good information, advice, suggestions and support, prayer :pray: and strict IC diet.:kiss: