My illness typically had rubbish timing! I was due to go on a family holiday to Turkey on the 15th July with a group of 16 others and have a fun boozy time. But this wouldn't be the case for me now :( Still, I was determined to get myself stronger and not miss out on making fun memories.
Since being discharged on the 27th June, I had been working from home and some days coming into the office for short days which helped me get back to a bit of a routine. I work as a Personal Assistant in London, and all my colleagues have been really great so that mean's a lot. I was eager to get back to a routine because I'd been having real trouble sleeping due to the prednisone. 2-4 hours sleep a night have not been good for my eye bags or moods!! But, I knew that some sunshine would help sort that out. So my out of office went on, and off to the airport I headed. At the airport I was with my family and boyfriend so I felt safe that they would look after me. I felt a bit faint and not really with it which is never a nice feeling, but they were on hand to make sure I was ok. The flight was nice and quick and before no time we were in Turkey! Wooo! Our first night consisted of heading to the disco and listening to Turkish House Music, and watching Dutch people jump around like nutters which was very amusing. This was so entertaining I didn't even feel like I was missing out by not having alcohol. I also didn't feel tired at 2am thanks to pred!
My sister Ellie (L) and friend Phoebe (R)
Friends on my sisters birthday. We had hired a cabana for the day which was really cool! We also played a few games of beer pong which I could still be involved in, it just meant that my boyfriend had to drink my drinks when I lost (he didn't complain!)
Over the week I really enjoyed myself, chilling by the pool and dipping in the sea into the day times and having fun with my friends and family in the evening. Prior to going away I was worried about what to eat/drink but this really wasn't an issue at all. It was an all inclusive hotel so whatever food I wanted I could have. I stuck to chicken, plain rice and veggies which suited me well. One night we ate in an Italian and I had a lovely salmon dish, and one night we ate in a steak restaurant and they were able to make me a lovely chicken salad. All the staff were really helpful, even if their English wasn't great - I was able to use Google translator on my phone and explain my problem and what food I needed.
At the Chinese, where I enjoyed chicken and plain rice (not at all repetitive!)
As well as eating well, I tried going back to exercise. There was a great gym in the hotel and previously to being ill I had been really into running. I ran a half marathon in March and was so proud of myself, and really enjoyed it. I got myself on the treadmill one evening and started to jog. I had been going for 3 minutes and was in agony. My stomach was killing me and I can only think this was due to everything jiggling up and down causing pain so sadly I had to stop and only managed a power walk. I felt tears well up in my eyes as this point because only a few months before I had managed 13 and a half miles and now could only run 3 minutes. It was just another realisation for me that things were different now. But quickly I perked myself back up and continued to power walk for 20 minutes which made me feel really good. Other times in the week I tried swimming which I found amazing! The hotel had a lovely spa pool so around 6 o'clock every day (when the rest of the group were having cocktails in the sunset!) I slipped off to the pool to do 20 lengths. It was so refreshing and I was proud of myself for being able to do it.
Pre swim!
All in all, I had a totally amazing holiday and was so happy I was able to go. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and think that the people I went with made the trip. Before going, I was worried I would feel left out by not drinking alcohol but this wasn't the case. I still had such a good time! One night I did try a gin and tonic, and 3 sips got me tipsy (embarrassing!) so I just stuck to the one. As well as a drink, I treated myself to my favourite ice lollies but not excessively as I was still worried if it would affect me, luckily they didn't. I know a lot of Crohn's sufferers have problems with dairy, but touch wood, it seems to be ok for me - everyone is different.
I was amazed by this blue and pink twister!! Tasted delish
Whilst I was away I took my aloe vera gel with me and think this really helped my tummy, as well as the regular medications I was taking at home. I didn't suffer any particularly bad episodes or pains whilst on holiday, just the usual ones which I have learnt to cope with. Any advice I would give to people with Crohn's travelling, is be prepared. Take any medications you think you might need, or anything you have at home that makes you feel better just to keep your routine contingent to avoid any nasty flare ups while you're abroad. And of course travel insurance!! I used compare the market to get mine and managed to get it for a reasonable price.
My next travel is to Vegas with my girlfriends on the 6th August. After having a successful trip in Turkey, it's made me so so excited and now I can't wait!
XOXO Crohnie Girl
#crohnsdisease #turkey #dairy #alcohol #holidays #sun #exercise #swimming
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