Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Frequent Long Distance Flyer

Marjo:

I fly at least 12 to 14 times a year on long-haul flights (five-plus hours). I always reserve an aisle seat and I always eat a very careful diet before, during and after the flight. This includes carrying a "lunchbag" cooler with my own food (usually sandwiches) on board with me. I NEVER eat airline food.

My sandwiches have only been confiscated once by U.S. Customs. I was carrying roast beef sandwiches (this was before I discovered Heather's diet) and the U.S. authorities feared mad cow disease! Fortunately, I had one turkey sandwich with me which they let me keep. (No mad turkey disease yet!)

I've never been sick on board a flight because, by bringing my own food, I have total control over what I eat and when I eat. I also bring my own bottled water on board because most North American flights serve tap water instead of bottled water. I get sick from tap water. Bottled water is generally served on overseas flights like when I go to England.

Another thing I do is I eat smaller quantities than usual of food while on board -- enough to keep my stomach full and happy, but not so much as to give it D ideas.

Carrying an extra pair of underwear is probably a good idea, but so far I haven't done that.

I tend to be a very calm, cool traveller maybe because I travel so much.

I have a severe case of IBS, but I refuse to let it run / ruin my life.

By the way, if you fear going on flights because of your IBS, do you also fear sitting in the middle of a long row in a theatre (making it difficult to make a quick exit to the washroom)? I will admit to having this fear and, for that reason, I tend to book aisle seats in theatres!

Belinda

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