Guest Writer - Beth

Gap Year Travel with IBD

So anyone else dreamed of that elusive gap year adventure abroad?

I use the word ‘elusive’ because more than just perhaps money or commitment issues, for an IBD sufferer a trip of lifetime will seem even more elusive, or perhaps even impossible.

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2004 and felt although not a ‘death sentence’ that it was the end of any adventure or dreams I wanted to achieve. However, over the years I have improved and actually gone into remission. I managed 3 years of university, which although there were some tough times, I’m so proud I did that. Once I graduated and realised that dream of a degree, I wondered if that gap year dream would be achievable too.

My boyfriend quit his job and so did I. With savings and inheritance money we went ahead and booked some flights to Bangkok, and planned a trip around South East Asia for 3 months. After the initial rush of excitement suddenly the fear snuck in:

      What if I have a bad flare up?

                  What if I can’t get necessary drugs?

                              What if I get food poisoning?

                                              What if, what if, what if??!

After several panicked and tearful conversations with family and friends they reassured me I could do this and not to let the fear of the condition flaring to stop me. I researched the area thoroughly with didn’t help my fear as it seemed certain countries like Laos and Cambodia have very limited medical facilities. Suddenly I was wondering why had I chosen hot, exotic and poor countries to explore?

Over the next few months of planning I collected all my medicines, with extra (over 800 tablets!)  And researched my travel insurance thoroughly, insuring they covered my Crohn’s condition. I packed lots of over the counter medicine like re-hydration sachets, diarrhoea relief tablets etc. until it seemed like my bag was bursting. I got a letter from my doctor to ensure I could show border controls what all this medication was for. I was terrified of them confiscating it or something.

So finally the day came when we left. As we boarded the first 7 hour flight my boyfriend squeezed my hand and reminded me I’m not alone in this and he’d look after me. Truth is I was so terrified I don’t think I could have boarded without him and his reassurance.

Those 3 months came and went so fast I almost don’t believe it happened.  Throughout my time there my condition varied. Amazingly enough, after a few weeks of immersing myself into oriental/Asian cuisine I felt a noticeable difference. No bloating. No gas. No diarrhoea. It felt so good to feel comfortable after a meal. I ate pretty much only noodle, rice and stir fry dishes. The portions were small but surprisingly filling. I had very little stomach aches. I’d have the occasional day where it was bad but looking back now that seemed to be when we’d had western food. This could be a coincidence of course but I think I’ve established some food triggers now that I never had before.

Because I was having such an incredible time doing exciting things each day I hadn’t initially noticed the difference.  But my boyfriend remarked on how active and healthy I seemed. It was true, I felt less lethargic and lighter. The humidity and travelling took an effect, with 52 mosquito bites on one leg and cuts and bruises, I may not have looked the healthiest but I felt a real difference. What an absolute surprise.

However the worst did happen. I got food poisoning. I guess in some ways it was inevitable in humid countries that don’t understand the concept of health & safety. We did try and choose our food places carefully but that was almost impossible. I got food poisoning in a tourist café that was on a pre-arranged tour. And yet I’d previously been eating street food with no problem. So it’s a hard thing to judge.

Anyway, we got a 6 hour coach journey across the Cambodian border and gradually I started to have unbearable but unfamiliar stomach pain. I felt faint and so nauseous. By the time we arrived at our hostel I collapsed on the bed in agony. Tears streamed down my face because I was so frightened what this meant. I understood that because of my Crohn’s, a normal 48 hour food bug could turn into something much much worse. Worst still, we’d just left the capital of Vietnam where the medical facilities were good, into the poorest country we were vising. I couldn’t believe the odds. I lay on the bed clutching my stomach with my head over the bin bracing myself to throw up. I was sweating and uncomfortable.

The temperature was now somewhere near 47 degrees with no air con and the knowledge I’m in one of the poorest countries in Asia. In that moment I would have done anything to have been home.  Thankfully my boyfriend went on a hunt for medicine and after an hour or so he returned with some medicine he’d managed to get from a pharmacist. There was hardly any English on the packet but my boyfriend seemed convinced the man understood my problem (even if it was acted out to him as he had barely any English skills).  Over the next 24 hours the pain stayed the same and I just tried to keep sleeping. Eventually, with the aid of the medicine the symptoms seemed to ease off. By the third day I felt well enough to move to different accommodation. We spent the day taking it easy. The next day it seemed to have passed and I cannot describe the relief.

Although more nervous after this incident we continued to enjoy our last month back in Thailand and thankfully without any more stomach problems.

Since returning home I discovered I’d lost a stone in weight but I looked good for it. And of course once back into bad habits here like snacking, chocolate etc I’ve slowly put the weight back on. Actually since being back in the UK, the food tastes so fatty and rich to my new palette and I realised new reactions to wheat. So in fact it was good to discover these.

In conclusion that trip has completely changed my life in so many ways. It’s changed my confidence, my awareness, my diet, and much more. Besides being the best thing I’ve ever done it also signifies so much. I did it and I will always be proud that I took the plunge. If I can do something as exciting, challenging and different as this trip, I can do anything. This disease does not have to stop me doing anything.

I would advise several things if you consider taking a trip:

•    Research your insurance thoroughly and actually speak to your provider and discuss your concerns, insuring you are covered for your illness. Take all details with you.
•    Take some over the counter medicines (like re-hydration tablets and vitamins) to help keep your health up.
•     Bring not only the required amount of medication but EXTRA.
•     Carry a letter explaining all your required medicine and why you have it.
•     Do some research of medical facilities available in the areas you’re visiting before going (just in case) and check the prices.

-   Take extra money if medical assistance is required. Although you’ll get the money back from your insurers, you have to pay yourself initially. So make sure you have some available.

-    I would personally travel with someone and make sure they know the details of your condition. But this is just a personal preference.

Some of these things I didn’t need in the end, but it will vary massively from country to country and with circumstance changes. So I would recommend having these things in place just in case.

Otherwise my parting message is plan, prepare and take the leap of faith. You’ll always regret what you didn’t do more than what you did. If you are nervous, or still going through rough uncertain patches of the disease, perhaps start by visiting more western countries, or for short trips and see how they go for you.  Good luck and safe travelling!