Here are a few helpful hints for traveling with Crohn's disease.

Bring your meds
Talk to your doctor
Immunizations
Watch what you eat
Get a "Can’t Wait" card
Insure yourself

Don't forget your meds! Many people do, especially when they're in a hurry to get out the door. If you're going away, write yourself a reminder note so you don't forget.

Also, don't keep your medications in your suitcase, which may not always be with you. Instead, carry them securely by putting them in a zippered pocket, shoulder bag, or purse. That way, they're easy to get to if you need them.

Remember, if you don't take your medicines, they won't work. Even if you feel fine, you should always take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Back to top

Talk to your doctor about your travel plans. Which medications does he or she recommend for your trip? How much medication will you need prescribed to last the entire length of your trip? If you expect a long car, plane, or train ride, which medications does the doctor recommend to firm up your stool or that are antidiarrheal? Again, talk with your doctor.

Back to top

Before traveling outside the United States, make sure you're prepared, so you can protect yourself and avoid exposure to any local diseases. Plan early. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends visiting your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before you leave the country.

Talk to your doctor and check the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm to learn about the latest health advisories in many places around the world. It can help you and your doctor determine the immunizations you'll need to get before you go.

If you have Crohn's disease, you should receive the standard immunizations when you travel, including the following:

• Yellow fever
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Cholera
• Rabies
• Meningococcal disease
• Japanese encephalitis
• Tuberculosis

However, you should avoid certain vaccines (such as yellow fever, cholera, and tuberculosis) if you're taking steroids such as prednisone, immunomodulators like 6-MP, methotrexate, or biologics, because they may affect your body’s ability to respond to the immunizations.

Talk to your doctor about what may be right for you.

Back to top

It's common to get diarrhea when traveling to less developed countries. Remember to be careful and watch what you eat, so you don’t aggravate your condition. If you’re visiting another country, try to drink and brush your teeth with only bottled water, and be careful not to swallow any water in the shower or when swimming. Also, stay away from uncooked foods like sushi, raw vegetables, and even ice cream. Finally, you should peel any fruits before you eat them.

Back to top

When you become a member of the CCFA (Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America), they'll send you a "Can't Wait" card, which you should carry with you at all times. The card states that you have a medical condition that requires you to use the bathroom urgently. The card is especially helpful if you are in a supermarket or other establishment without public restrooms.

Back to top

Before you leave for a foreign country, make sure your health insurance will cover you if something were to happen. Hopefully you'll never need it, but it’s important to have just in case.

Back to top

Now read our tips for eating healthy