Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Your typical IBS nightmare...while travelling!

Aw, so sorry to hear you couldn't fully enjoy your trip. Traveling overseas is tough, especially when the main ingredient in their food is a trigger. I just went to California for the weekend which isn't nearly as bad, but I was sharing two adjoining hotel rooms with a bunch of my classmates (who do not know my condition!). I shared a room with another girl but the boys' room was adjoining and we basically left it open the whole time. It was tough. I packed my instant oatmeal packets and was very glad I had. The continental breakfast at the hotel was kind of gross. I could have picked some safe things but I was thrilled to have my oatmeal and Heather's peppermint tea bags! I started each day with that and I think it really helped. I did cheat a lot though. I had a TON of beer, which made me pretty gassy, but I only had one mild D attack. I took a bunch of pepto chewables and I used them as needed. Immodium is too strong for me (I'm an A and it makes me C) but pepto does the trick every time. Watch out for the tar-black stools though! Haha. There were a couple instances when I wished I had normal GI tract -- everyone ordered pizza and I didn't have the nerve to speak up and say I couldn't have it, so I just told them all I was really not feeling well and I just went to bed without dinner. The other time we went out for mexican food and I ordered the one item that did not list cheese as an ingredient -- the crab enchilladas. Well there was cheese all over the top and all mixed inside. I hate special ordering stuff (no cheese please, etc) and much prefer to just find the safest thing I can and make do with that, so I was really annoyed that it didn't work out. I have to admit I did pout a little about it but eventually I just shut up and slurped down my strawberry margaritas! For some reason, alcohol doesn't bother me nearly as much as other triggers. I can have several drinks with just mild consequences, but one teaspoon of greasy cheese will send me to the can for days. Red wine though -- that gives even "NORMAL" people D, so I think you were wise to avoid it!

Sorry for the rambling -- I came in on the redeye this morning and haven't slept in about 30 hours. Time for bed!

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Amanda

I live in the Big Apple, but I don't eat the skin

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