Camping & Ulcerative Colitis: How to Do It

I love camping. Keep in mind I like "safe" campsites (I'm not much for running into bears), but I definitely love the outdoors. My wife hates camping. Her idea of "roughing it" is the "Presidential Suite" at the Waldorf Astoria. Actually any hotel will keep her happy, but you get the idea; she doesn't like camping.

My best friend and I have historically gone camping together every chance we get, which unfortunately isn't often enough.

It may surprise you to know that even though I am an ulcerative colitis sufferer, I love to go camping. In fact, I may go so far as to say that camping aids my ulcerative colitis condition.

I guess I should define my style of camping. My best friend has a small fold-down camper that we hook up to his pickup truck. While it has plenty of capacity (four people), since our wives usually eschew these camping opportunities, we get to hog all the room.

The camper has air conditioning (as provided by the campsite hookup), heat and a refrigerator. The beds have very nice mattresses so we are quite comfortable. We typically go to a regular campsite or state park where we can shower and the restroom facilities are more than adequate.

Perhaps it is because we aren't traveling but staying in one location that my ulcerative colitis condition seems to relax during these camping excursions. My pal and I talk, fish (we throw them back), and do a little hiking. Sports, politics and life are thoroughly examined as we while away the time being completely egocentric. I barely know I have a bowel let alone an ulcerative colitis condition. I typically use the restroom early in the morning and there is rarely anyone around.

To the camping purist, this may not seem like camping at all. My buddy and I do, on occasion, use a tent and sleeping bag. As long as we use a standard campsite, restroom facilities are no problem. If we decide to "go into the wilderness", I seem to get a little nervous and sometimes I have a little diarrhea from my ulcerative colitis. Of course, this isn't the most pleasant thing to deal with while using a latrine and, that is why I enjoy trailer camping so much more.

When I go camping with my friend, I drink a lot of water because I'm more active than usual. Also, I have an appetite for foods that are good for me like fish we bring along to cook because it is easy to fix. Additionally "trail mix" is good and good for me. Trail mix is made up of a little chocolate candy, fruits and nuts.

My wife has gone with me to camp but I cramp because she hates it so much; I get irritated and feel pressured to "get it over with". My buddy's wife hangs with my wife while we are gone. They shop together and spend time with kids and do things they're happy to be rid of us to do.

I believe that camping for the person with ulcerative colitis offers rest and rejuvenation. It offers relief from stress and encourages exercise and hydration. I personally find that I really rest better than normal because my body gets tired along with my mind.

While I have never had a flare of my ulcerative colitis condition while camping, the fact that we always know the location of the nearest hospital keeps me relaxed. Also, I always take along things like Valium and Mylanta to aid in relaxation both from a self-help standpoint and to give me time to seek professional help in case of a flare.

Of course, camping, as with most things is a very personal choice and, there is no question that an ant or two will crawl on you. However, if you have ulcerative colitis and you like being outside, camping is something that will give you a wonderful respite from the pressures of life.