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7 replies

Third world travel, j-pouch, crohns, meds, oh my! - nerves.

I ian337Member
I'll keep this short and sweet. I've had two opportunities, one to go to India, and one to go to Africa (Uganda) for charity and media documentation. I passed on India due to time.

Now they want to know about Africa, and frankly I'm leaning on saying no way.

I've got a 9 year old J-Pouch with Crohn's (diagnosed UC at first). My last hospitalization was last year due to dehydration from a flare.

I'm on Cimzia and Entocort. Lowered immune system plus almost gauranteed Malaria exposure and region with high HIV and Hepatitis rates (ok blood exposure highly unlikely I realize that)?

And the lack of clean water and facilities for hours on end. Wow, sometimes I think we were not all made for equal assignments.

It's times like these I almost wish I had that ileostomy again so I can just do whatever with the bag and replace it. No holding a cramping pouch, sweating in pain and anxiety.

Has anyone done it? Can you tell I'm bummed? Acceptance is hard for me! Stubborn. Smiler
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suebearsuebearMember
I've traveled many a 3rd world country with my jpouch and not had a problem. I've taken Malarone for malaria; found it to be a better choice since it's not an antibiotic. I would never give up 3rd world travel; but I do pay a bit more attention and I do pack antibiotics and pepto bismol. I also make sure to see a travel doctor before leaving the US to ensure my vaccines are up to date.

Sue Big Grin
skn69skn69Member
Ian,
It is a very personal thing in my opinion...I do not think that it is a question of courage or strength or character but a question of risks.
You have a pouch and that is not a disease but a state that needs attending...for some of us who have healed well and without incident it is not an issue, we barely realize that it is there...but for others who have chronic pouchitis or other 'enteritis' issues it can be a nightmare. If you are on constant runs of antibiotics or on immuno-supressors then it can be a risk. Nasty bacteria can hide in anything from the water that you drink to the ice in your whiskey. ( beware of the water that you use to brush your teeth or opening your mouth in the shower...) Dirty-nasties can hide anywhere.
So if I were you I would evaluate the risks and decide which risks are worth taking...short-term discomfort I can deal with but anything that can or will impact my pouch negatively for the long-term is off the table...
This is probably no help to you but maybe it can help you to think clearly about what you are willing to risk.
Sharon
US Usual SuspectMember

I have a similar question, but more specific. I have 1 1/2 old well functioning J-pouch, and I have opportunity to go on safari trips in S Africa. I've rarely been able to be without a toilet for more than 4 hours depending on time of day. Can sometimes need it a couple of times within a few hours (under U.S. conditions). Any thoughts how I can be sure to handle the 5 hour trek? They do make short pee stops in the bush, but don't think that'll do it for me.  For convenience I thought of bringing a 4 lb folding "toilet", but I'm assuming even ground. Don't know about pests or other issues in the bush. This is also an issue as we also have enjoyed cycling trips for extended periods as well.

skn69skn69Member

I guess it depends on the organization sponsoring the safari.

I dream of going on one but have similar concerns. Hubby who has been there already informed me that the conditions under which he went were "guy friendly" but not k pouch or girl friendly.

I would ask for specific details of the toilet situation  (and possibly bring a couple rolls of Charmin in your luggage ) and pack Pepto along with all emergency meds and a spray bottle of clean water for clean up in the bush) .

I would be heart broken to miss out on such a wonderful opportunity just because of my pouch.

Sharon 

CTBarristerCTBarristerMember

You have to be careful because in these areas if you make a bathroom stop in the bush you could end up getting attacked by a lion or other animal. I have read about this happening. You definitely have to have some plan in place. Certainly I would bring Depends diapers at a minimum. Perhaps there are vehicles or buses that have toilets or there are portable toilets? However this can also be dangerous. A few years ago in Alberta a woman was killed by a black bear after emerging from a portable toilet at the periphery of a camp. The bear had wandered into the camp. When you go into the wild you are doing just that and assuming the risks that go with that. Carrying a weapon of some kind is another option if it's legal and you don't kill animals that are protected by law. Do your homework on this one and don't find out the hard way like that Hunter from Minnesota who killed that protected lion.

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