Navigating Travel With Ulcerative Colitis: Managing Symptoms on the Go
Traveling with Ulcerative Colitis: Demi Ricario's Top Tips
A foodie and globe-trotter by nature, Demi Ricario found her world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) at the age of 40. Yet, after a year of regaining her confidence and adjusting her approach, she is now traveling at least once a month, regardless of her condition.
The "travel bug" hit Ricario when she was 15 and took a solo trip to the United States from her native Philippines. The experience ignited a lifelong love for exploration, but UC posed a formidable challenge to her wanderlust. "I especially love to explore places by way of their cuisine," she shares. "But with UC, I wasn't sure whether I could get through a flight, let alone enjoy local food adventures once I landed."
Ricario, who now resides in San Diego with her husband, managed to overcome her doubts and fears, and now shares her experiences on Instagram. To help others with UC navigate their own journeys, she offers the following tips:
Do Your Homework Before You Depart
When planning a trip, Ricario and her husband prioritize careful research over spontaneity. They pinpoint the sites they wish to visit, then book a hotel within walking distance to eliminate the stress of relying on public transportation during flare-ups. This may involve multiple hotel stays per destination, but Ricario finds the freedom of having a bathroom readily available is worth the extra effort.
Ricario strongly recommends researching public restrooms and pharmacies near your daily destinations. Knowing where to find essential facilities can provide peace of mind during travel. Familiarizing yourself with local phrases, such as "Where's the toilet?" can also be beneficial.
Don't Be Shy About Asking for What You Need
When flying, Ricario books seats near a bathroom and has yet to encounter any issues with this preference. However, in the event that a problem arises, she suggests contacting the airline to request a seat reassignment and explaining that you have a medical condition requiring frequent bathroom breaks.
Ricario encourages travelers with UC to assert their needs when it comes to creating a comfortable environment. For example, she requests to preboard for medical reasons to minimize stress, and asks for a mini fridge in her hotel room to store UC-compatible snacks and refrigerated medications.
Pack Your Meds Strategically
Ricario suggests treating your carry-on luggage like a Girl Scout would a camping kit–pack strategically, and include a full supply of UC medication in case your checked luggage is misplaced. In addition to her oral medications, Ricario brings enough for a two-week buffer beyond her planned excursion, along with her usual vitamins and supplements. To protect medications from security or customs issues, she keeps them in their prescription bottles and carries printed copies of her Rx slips and a note from her doctor confirming they are medically necessary.
If you have liquid medications exceeding 3.4 ounces, inform the TSA agent during security screenings. You should also inform airport security if you have an ostomy and need to bring medical supplies through checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration has a downloadable card available for travelers with screening needs.
Prepare for Possible Bathroom Emergencies
Even with careful planning, accidents can occur. Ricario always carries a change of underwear and pants, flushable wipes, Poo-Pourri spray, travel-size disinfecting wipes, and plastic zipper bags for disposing of soiled items in her carry-on. On long trips, she relies on adult diapers for added security, especially in cases with questionable restroom situations.
Protect Yourself from Blood Clots
Long-haul flights can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. To minimize this risk, perform lower-leg exercises, walk the aisles when possible, wear compression socks, and stay hydrated during flights.
Eat Wisely-Before and During Your Journey
Food plays a crucial role in managing UC, and Ricario makes a conscious effort to maintain her diet before and during travel. She focuses on simple, whole foods and avoids processed and greasy dishes.
Ricario recommends arranging for gluten-free meals on flights, but acknowledges that this doesn't guarantee gut-friendly options. As a result, she always brings her own snacks, such as nuts, hard-boiled eggs, and fruit. In addition, she researches restaurant options at her destination to ensure there are suitable choices available.
Take Time to De-stress
Stress is a common trigger for UC flares, so Ricario prioritizes stress management during her travels. She begins each day with breathing exercises, gratitude, water intake, and stretching. To aid sleep, she brings valerian-root tea and melatonin.
Share Your Travel Triumphs
Ricario believes that sharing her travel experiences can serve as a source of inspiration for others with UC. She recounts an instance of encouraging a fellow member of Girls With Guts, a community for people with irritable bowel disease, to face her fear of flying. "I tagged her in a post," Ricario shares, "and I said, 'No, just plan. Just do it. As long as you have your arsenal of supplies with you, you can go from point A to point B.'"
By sharing their experiences and strategies, people with UC can encourage and support one another, proving that traveling with the condition is far from impossible.
- Despite being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) at 40, Demi Ricario continues to travel monthly, nurturing her love for food and self-care.
- Ricario, a travel enthusiast, maintains that careful research and preparedness are crucial for smooth trips, particularly when dealing with UC.
- To ensure a comfortable journey, Ricario requests seats near bathrooms and preboards for medical reasons, and she always packs a full supply of UC medication.
- On long trips, Ricario stays mindful of her health, performing lower-leg exercises, staying hydrated, and avoiding stress triggers like skipping meals or sleep.
- Ricario's mental health and well-being are equally important to her; she engages in daily stress management practices like breathing exercises, gratitude, and valerian-root tea to aid sleep.
- Ricario emphasizes the significance of sharing her travel experiences, offering inspiration and support to others in the health-and-wellness community, confirming that traveling with UC is possible with the right mindset, planning, and self-care.
