Traveling soon? 9 Things to pack if you have Crohn’s/IBD.

Traveling can be a stressful endeavor if you have Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis or any form of IBD.  The thought of going somewhere unknown where you don’t know what foods will be offered and where bathrooms will be located can cause anxiety.

Not to mention, the “getting there” part.

If you are flying, airports can be a nightmare.  There is walking involved and if you are in the middle of a flare this can be especially nerve-racking. 

If you are driving somewhere, the thought of not making it in time for the rest stop can be painstakingly embarrassing. 

And if you’re starving and don’t have snacks with you, trying to find something to eat at a gas station, duty-free shop, or any restaurant is usually frustrating—no grain-free crackers?!

Over the 8 years of being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, I’ve found that the best way to calm your nerves for any traveling adventure is to plan ahead and be organized. 

The more options you have available on hand, the more at ease you will be.  And when you’re at ease, you can focus on having fun and enjoying your well-deserved trip!

Here’s what I suggest to bring with you on your adventures:

1. Baby Wipes.

Lots and lots of baby wipes.  Of course, it all depends on the length of your trip, but make sure you have plenty with you.  Also, always bring baby wipes to have with you in your purse while you are out and about.

Crohnie Tip*

I like for my purse to be as light as possible, and travel-sized wipes start to add weight to my bag quickly.  So instead, I take a zip-lock back, put 10 wipes inside and seal.  It makes things lighter and I have my wipes with me.

2. Pads/Liners.

These are so important, whenever I am in a flare I don’t leave the house without one on.  Again, pack enough to last you for the length of your trip and always keep some in your purse.  These are essential for unexpected accidents.

3. Peppermint Essential Oil.

This oil has become one of my favorites, as I am an avid Essential Oil user and use a variety of oils daily.  Why do I like Peppermint Oil so much?  Because it soothes cramping and nauseousness, and if I am hit with a random bout of abdominal pain, I apply and get the quick relief I need.

Reminder: Not all oils are made equally.  I use Young Living Essential Oils as they are totally pure and can be applied topically. Make sure you read the label if you do not use Young Living Oils.  The only ingredient you should see is the Latin name of the plant used- that’s it! 

Peppermint Oil comes in the PREMIUM STARTER KIT for Young Living. CLICK HERE for more information!

4. Medication.

Pack all of your medications with you.  If it involves pills, use a pill organizer that is labeled by the day to house your meds.  While you’re vacationing you want things to be easy.  The less thinking you do, the better!

If your vacation lands on a self-injection day, make sure you pack your syringe or pen with you.  Again, place it in your cooler.  If you will be flying, make sure you have a note from your doctor to present at security so that no questions will be asked.

If you take probiotics which need to be refrigerated, pack them in a small cooler.

Crohnie Tip*

If you are bringing a small cooler with you, I suggest using Ice Packs to cool rather than ice, especially if you are flying.  It is less of a hassle as you don’t have to worry about dumping out water.

5. Snacks

This is a big one.  Always have snacks with you.  Whether it’s your favorite bar that sits well in your stomach, an apple, almond butter, grain-free crackers with homemade guacamole—whatever your choices, pack a few.  Food options can be the biggest stress factor while traveling, so to minimize this, bring options.

6. Cooler

Pack a cooler to house your probiotics, syringe/pen, or any other medication that needs refrigeration.  Sometimes fish oil needs refrigeration—at least mine do.  And make sure your cooler is a comfortable size.  I suggest one that is made of fabric so that it is not so heavy and bulky.  Again, use ice packs to cool your cooler, rather than ice—it’s less of a hassle.

7. Poo-pourri

Always have some “spray before you go” odor eliminating spray.  I suggest Poo-pouri, as they have travel-sized sprays.  CLICK HERE to check them out!

8. Extra underwear

Yup.  You just never know if things get crazy and you have an accident.  I always pack a ridiculous amount of underwear with me when I travel.

Crohnie Tip*

Always keep an extra pair of underwear in your purse while you are out and about.  Better safe than sorry.

9. Make-up bag of tricks

Check out my post about 6 THINGS I KEEP IN MY PURSE at all times. I always have a make-up bag filled with: wipes, pads/liners, peppermint oil, underwear and POO-POURRI.

I don’t like having things thrown around in my purse, so I tuck all of these items away into a small make up bag.  This makes it easy to grab whenever I need one of these items while I’m on the go.

And there you have it, a list of what I pack whenever I am traveling.  Comment below and share the items you pack while you’re off adventuring.  I’d love to hear what you bring!

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