1. Medication
The most important thing I think is to make sure you have all your medication. I (as many others) have to take about 10 different tablets throughout the day, so the best way I've found to not forget any it using pill pots. Every week I count them out and fill up the compartments with the correct drugs, this way I'm less likely to forget any when I'm in a rush in the mornings. The pots I use are from eBay and cost about £2 so a real bargain, but recently I found a super cute travel pill pot that I like to have in my bag when I travel. I bought this from TkMaxx and I believe they still have them in stock, not only is it lovely and sparkly, but it's perfectly compact for my handbag. I even use it to have in my handbag when I'm going to work, and fill the compartments with my daily meds along with anything else I might need, like pain killers, indigestion tabs or anxiety relief medication.
Another important thing to check with medication is that in some countries some meds are prohibited. It is best to do some research, and speak to the country's UK embassy to find out what is allowed in the country you're going to. If it's something you're not sure of, I advise travelling with a doctors note, and keep your medication in your hand luggage so not only if you need it during a flight you have it, but also so it can be checked by anyone should it be questioned.
2. Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is something that I definitely used to overlook, but since being diagnosed I realise its importance. As Crohns is fabulously unpredictable, we never know when it will flare up, so it could very well be that when we are on holiday we could need some medical assistance. When I was looking for insurance, the first place I went to was the Post Office and was blown back by how expensive it was. As I had to state my condition, the medication I was on and when I was last hospitalised the price kept bumping up. I decided to go on compare the market and get a quote there and had hundreds of options that were much cheaper! I didn't just go for the cheapest one, as it's important to get good cover for what you could need. So I read through them all and went for All Clear medical insurance which offered a really good policy for what I needed. Luckily I haven't needed to use it, but knowing I am covered should I need, makes me feel more relaxed.
3. Sun Screen
Read all of your prescriptions carefully, as a lot of drugs can give you heightened sensitivity to the sun. Azathioprine in particular is one of these drugs. As the drug is an immunosuppressant, it makes your immune system really low, meaning you are more susceptible to picking up illness. As well as increasing risks of developing common colds and infections, it largely increases risks of developing all types of cancers but in particular skin cancer. It's important to protect yourself from the sun, and whilst vitamin D is good for our bodies, we don't want the harmful affects of UV rays. I like to keep safe in the sun by wearing 30 factor and sometimes 50 if it is particularly hot out. I also love a sunhat! Not only does it protect your head and face from the sun, but also looks super chic and glam on the beach. The feeling of sore burnt skin is not nice at all, and is really not worth the permanent damage it can cause to our bodies.
4. Flight Preparation
Preparing for a flight and packing your hand luggage bag can seem not too much of a big deal, but for us chronies it's very important what goes into our bags! My handbag essentials for travelling are :
- Medication (for any possible outcome! Pain killers, daily meds, sleep tablets, etc)
- Packet of Soft tissues
- Vaseline
- Wipes
- Change of undies
- Gluten free wrap/sandwich
- Crohns friendly snacks
- 2L bottle of water (purchased after security!)
Not all of these things I will necessarily use, but it makes me feel calmer to know I am prepared for any situation. I've found that drinking a lot of water during a flight really helps me as it keeps me hydrated and also helps avoid any toilet troubles after the flight. The air pressure can really mess up your digestive system, so drinking regular fluids helps to keep the system working. Now all that water can make you need the toilet, and due to my condition anyway I always like to be sat near a toilet. I would always advise to book your seat when given the option, for an isle seat and fairly near to the bathroom. That way you wont have any anxiety about disturbing anyone, or about getting to the toilet in time. If I'm on a short flight, I like to pack some snacks in my bag that I know I am ok to eat. Often on planes they don't have a lot of options for intolerances, so its great to plan ahead and not go hungry. On longer flights you have the option to book specific meals, so I have my Virgin profile set up with my special meal request so I never need to worry when taking a long flight.
M&S now do a super yummy GF sandwich collection, and M&S is at most UK airports too!
5. The language Barrier
When you're travelling abroad to a foreign country it is wise to get some words and phrases learnt in the language of the country you're travelling too. Especially if you are trying to explain to someone that doesn't speak English that you need a non gluten, non dairy, onion free meal! I found it really handy to use online translators to translate phrases such as 'I am gluten intolerant' or 'I need a gluten free meal please' just to make ordering meals out easier. I would advise to get the phrases before you travel and screen shot them to your phone, so you wont even need working wifi to explain to the waiters and waitresses.
The last and most important point is to enjoy yourself! Relaxing and recouping away from the daily stresses of life is truly amazing for the body. Be selfish and take time to heal your body by doing whatever makes you happy. I'll be being super selfish this week sunning on the beach in Barbados sleeping lots and enjoying yummy fresh sea food.
XOXO Crohnie Girl
