Weekend Getaways with Ulcerative Colitis

I've always enjoyed weekend getaways. I live just a couple of hours from Chicago and a little over three hours from Indianapolis, two cities that offer a lot to do on a weekend getaway.

Since I do have ulcerative colitis, I like interstate travel. Interstate travel provides the most speed and a rest stop with very clean restroom facilities every so often. Thankfully, signs will tell you where the next rest stop will be available.

Another factor I like about interstate travel is the fact that there are emergency phones. In the very worse case scenario, if I had a flare, a phone is usually nearby.

Weekend getaways are good for the person with ulcerative colitis because, by definition, the destination is reasonably close. Further, there is a locale that is used as headquarters for ulcerative colitis care (usually a hotel room).

Weekend getaways are easy to plan and the itinerary once at your destination is usually simple and easily modified. The very nature of a weekend getaway provides the ulcerative colitis sufferer with a respite from stress. If you have something planned and you don't feel like doing it; just stay at the hotel or wherever you have "headquartered".

I have acquired some "expertise" over the years relating to weekend getaways while being an ulcerative colitis sufferer.

Other than going camping with my best friend, I have found traveling with family on weekend getaways to be the most pleasant of circumstances. If you travel with a group of friends there will be some stress and I have found that I am "hyper vigilant" about my ulcerative colitis condition. I am always thinking about the possibility of a flare or untoward symptom.

While not expecting a problem when I go on a weekend getaway, I make sure and have knowledge as to where the nearest medical facility is and directions to it from my base location.

I always carry a cell phone and, if I am going somewhere by myself, I make sure someone, either with me or even back in my hometown, is aware of where I will be.

I take plenty of water with me on a weekend getaway and I also carry a coating such as Mylanta as well as relaxant such as Valium. I am always careful about what I eat within the confines of what I know works for me and, when I'm in a "treatment phase", I don't miss any doses of my medication.

I do not drink under any circumstances. Alcohol has proven, at least in my case, to be a major trigger of flares and complications of my ulcerative colitis.

When I go on a weekend getaway as an ulcerative colitis sufferer, I make plans that are not intense. I don't try to do too much. I have found it better to stay an extra day than try to squeeze too much in at one time. Weekend getaways are for relaxation, not stress.

Right before the trip, I am very careful to be zealous about my bowel hygiene, giving myself the best chance at having an uneventful trip.

Finally when I leave for any weekend getaway, I set out on the trip early in the day, around as 4 a.m. The reason for this is the traffic is lighter and typically I am at my destination before rush hour; it is all easier on my ulcerative colitis.

When one has ulcerative colitis, weekend getaways are a great alternative to one or two large (and long) trips per year. I have found them to be more fun with less stress, probably because I have way more control over a short and simple itinerary.