Hi all,

I just wanted to give y'all a travel tip that REALLY helped me. I just traveled to Colorado for a few days from Texas. The Crohns and Colitis Foundation (upon a membership which costs approximately $30.00 a year) will give you an "I can't wait card" that explains to your flight attendant and TSA that basically your condition is a disability and that you need assistance and can't wait in a long line. I called TSA beforehand (1-855-787-2227)to set up a "personal travel assistant" to help you through the line. They are very helpful and nice. CCFA Travel tips: www.ccfa.org/resources/on-the-road-again.html. If you need more info call 888-694-8872 or email info@ccfa.org/ www.ccfa.org. They are very helpful and put my mind at considerable ease as I had not flown in 11 years. They also walk you through your rights with an ostomy bag. I just hope that this gives someone hope that you can live your life with Chrohn's/Colitis/ Ostomy/ or j-pouch( like me )and still travel and have a relatively normal life, once you put some accomodations in place and plan ahead. It turned out to be a great experience and I did not worry, feel embarassed, etc. because I had proof of my condition and was upfront with them about it, so they expected me to be up and down on the plane several times. No big deal. I hope this helps someone.

Happy Trails to you!

JenB