Travel

Not sure about the toilet paper.   Maybe try to buy some there.  Taking extra Immodium sounds like a good option.  I went away last year for the first time to Bermuda.  I did get stuck in the toilet during turbulence.  Not fun, but I managed to finish emptying my pouch before going back to my seat.  I don't have any real issues with gas, except when emptying, so not sure what to tell you.  Maybe OTC meds.  We are planning a trip at some point overseas as well, so you'll have to let us know how it goes.  Looking at England, France and Ireland as possibilities.

LoraCH posted:

I have had my JPouch for almost 13 years and have been off and on on this forum over the years.      I am getting ready to travel overseas for the first time and I am very nervous about the plane ride and bathroom issues.   I would love some advice on how others handled the long plane ride.   I can get very gassy and it is not quiet, plus I don't want to stink up the whole plane.   My Dr said I could experiment with more immodium before I go and I plan to do that, but I am sure at some point I will need to go.      Also I use very high quality very soft toilet paper and my bottom gets very irritated if I don't.    What is the paper like over there .... I am going to Rome and Spain.     Any advice or suggestions are welcome.    Thanks.    

Hello,

I went to Rome & Spain and few other places last November. I’ve had my pouch for 37yrs. I always get a seat on the plane closer to the restroom. I did notice in the European countries, very limited with toilet paper, sometimes outside restrooms didn’t have any. I always carried packs of tissues in my purse. 

I've got a K pouch (makes things worse...I need a catheter, syringe, lube and a lot of balance to empty my pouch) so it is quite a challenge on dry-land or solid ground to intubate so airplanes can be a nightmare...it takes longer (so I choose the moment when they start serving food, people start watching the movie or when they are falling to give myself some peace)...I always take an aisle seat in the back for easier access, eat only proteins the night before and during the flight (a low residue diet with no gasseous foods!) and avoid carbs and fibers. 

I get up often to walk around and exercise my legs that allows me to scout out the lines by the toilets...I have been known to bring toilet seat covers and paper along with me (they sell 'rolls' of folded toilet paper (like kleenex) in Europe so it is less conspicuous) or carry the wet-ones in little packets...works great.

Rules for travel include, be conscious of the 'last' bathroom, the 'best' bathroom and the cleanest during your travels so that if you have to run back there, you can. When I eat at a restaurant with hubby, I scout out the toilet first...if it is not 'usable' for me, we cannot stay...it's a deal breaker...then I make sure that I am in the neighborhood around an hour later to go back and use it...I smile and tip nicely first so that they remember me and allow me back in.

Other than that...Enjoy and have fun...avoid too much alcohol especially when flying and drink lots of fluids.

Always carry a script for 'methronyzol' or something similar like cipro just in case and some pepto if needed.

Sharon

I'm 12 months out, living in England, but I went to Dominican republic last September (that's a 9 hour flight).  It's not just the flight, you have to be at the airport 3 hours before, and the other side you have security and baggage collection before transfer.

I ate lightly before the flight, but was surprised I still had to use the bathroom 3 or 4 times during the flight (maybe something to do with air pressure), the noise of the engines is such that's you can get away with a bit of noise in the bathrooms).  In fact I would say it was better going on the plane, than the airport toilets tbh, which were busy and messy and less private.

Next time I plan on taking plenty of windeze, buscopan and Beano, and eating more cleanly and less the day before.   Actually went during the 3 hurricanes that lashed the Caribbean, so was a bit worried about being confined to seat but it was ok really... I did a taxi transfer when we landed, so I didn't have to wait for everyone else to meander down to the transfer bus.  This meant i got to the hotel 1.5 hours earlier than everyone else and got a better room without a wait, went to the bathroom, caught some sun and was in the sea before others arrived

This year we are thinking of going Asia (17 hours flight) to be honest that does full me with dread.  9 hours was manageable but not a positive experience, I was glad to reach my destination. A further 10 hours would be quite unpleasant.  I think I will suggest Caribbean again.

I went to Venice last month.. That's just 2 hours but to be l honest wasnt much better.  Again I managed though... In conclusion I don't find travel pleasant but I will manage.

What I will say is that in the UK I'm used to availability and quality of public restrooms.  Venice is an old city, the only bathrooms were in cafes or restaurants, often just one toilet to be used by everyone.  Not trying to worry you, just to want you to be prepared.  To cope with this, we just planned out day so we passed the hotel around half way through the day.  Took the pressure off.  I suspect it will be similar in Rome...

In summary you will cope just fine, but do whatever you can to help yourself to make it as pleasant as possible.  Few suggestions, eat as simple as possible the day before, just plain meat, or whatever else you consider your safest food.  Play with loperomide dosage, take your anti gas meds and eat light. Also take your opportunities to go to the bathroom, especially BEFORE the food, after the food there will be queuing for the bathroom.. At least then you will last till the queue dies down.

Don't worry, be prepared, have a fab break, it will be worth it.

Hope that helps

Not sure if you use Benefiber, but I get the single packet servings to travel with.

I’ve been on several European trips since my j-pouch surgery. It is a 9-11 hour flight from San Francisco for me, usually with a connection in Europe before my final destination. For me, my arthritis is a bigger issue than my j-pouch. I can’t afford business class, but I do pay for the upgrade to premium economy. It is worth it to me for the extra space and you get extra perks.

In regard to my j-pouch, I take extra Imodium and make sure to stay hydrated on the plane. I do not avoid food, as that just makes my gut churn. I do not wait until I “need” to go, but just go every two hours. Toilets are limited on planes, and they do not allow standing in the aisle waiting for a vacant toilet. When I see the green/vacant light on the overhead, I just get up and go. This gives me exercise and I never deal with an urgent situation. I also go before meal service, because you can’t go past the carts. 

While in Europe I never had issues with the toilets. We have been to Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Germany, France, Netherlands and England.  Charmin makes travel size rolls, and I always bring them. I have never had to use them yet. My butt can handle rough paper for a couple of weeks. You can also use a butt cream to reduce your exposure. You may have to pay an attendant for toilet use, so always have some Euro coins in your pocket for this. We have never done bus tours, but the trains were great.

Another tip is to get an Rx for Flagyl, Cipro or both to have on hand if you develop pouchitis. That could really ruin your trip. Pepto Bismol tablets are also good to have.

The main thing is to focus on enjoying a new and exciting experience. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Jan

Thank you everyone for the great advice.   I am still a little nervous, but it will what it will be.    

Travel isnt hard. Just dont eat much, take plenty codiene, job done!

If you're worried about the smell, there are small size room fresheners that can fit in a purse.  Perhaps you could also take one of those with you.