A slight issue...

[BecBennett]

So I'd pretty much decided on a DFTW, just too many reasons to have one, and not enough in my opinion not to...

Well until now. We just got back from another holiday to the States, which was great fun, except for the fact that we've realised that I get sick on every holiday we go on, and I mean really sick, probably should be hospitalised sick...

Last time we went to the US I ended up with a really bad cold, that stopped me from sleeping and talking for several days, and most moments I struggled to breath.

This holiday I spent the last few days of it in the bathroom, we don't need to go into exactly what I was doing in there, but if our imagination is used, I'm sure you won't be far off...

Looking back, I can see now that this generally happens quite regularily on our holidays. Unfortunately it's not just a case of dosing up on stuff before we leave, due to other medical issues, you can basically just say that I don't have an imune system.

Now whilst this isn't going to stop me from travelling and going on holidays, the last thing I want is to feel absolutely terrible on my wedding day... Not only that, but I'd hate for something similar to happen to any of our guests, and find out that they've spent all of this money to come and spend our special day with us, only to spend the whole time sick!

So, I'm after opinions here! Should I keep pushing the destination wedding thing, and hope that my body stops doing it's "over excited? Well let's get sick" thing? Or look into the shoddy wedding option, which means I'll be well, because I'll be able to spend the whole time leading up to it in the relaxed comfort of my home, but means that I'll have to give up on a lot of the things I want for our wedding, because they're just not options here...

Ok, rant over, seriously, any opinions! Even though I probably won't like them!

 

[Wish on a Star]

Do you have different symptoms every time you travel or is it the same illness? Because if it's the same, it seems like something you could avoid. Otherwise do you think it's just a weird and evil coincidence?

 

[Sarah <3 Disney]

I am sure there are precautions you can take before coming over to the states next time. You should probably ask your doctor for other ideas, but some possible ones:

- Do you regularly get a flu shot? Maybe before you leave next time, a couple weeks beforehand, look into getting one.
- Is there some common factor from each trip that has resulted in sickness? Do you eat something you love every trip? Maybe that is what is not agreeing with you.
- Trying drinking only bottled water. Even though I am sure it isn't the water here, it may just be an extra precaution to take. Or if you have a fridge in your room, bring your own water filter (like a Brita pitcher or something).
- Load up on Pepto and other such drugs before the trip. No harm in having an arsenal in case you do get sick again.
- If you do get sick, just remember BRAT - eat bananas, (white) rice, applesauce, and (white) toast. You may want to stock up on the individual serving sizes of applesauce to keep in the room also. And drink only water and clear sodas.

I would go visit your doctor and ask for some advice also. Then, just plan another trip to Disney before the wedding, to test out all of these neat tips! Hope that helps!

 

[*Nessa*]

Hi Bec,

That’s terrible you poor thing.

We go through something similar each time we travel, not me but FH. It doesn’t matter if we are going away for the weekend or for a month. He always gets really really sick.

TBH it is something we seriously considered before booking our DFTW, but luckily for us it is usually happens within the first week to 10 days, which is why we are travelling to the US 2 ½ weeks before our wedding

Have you noticed a pattern around when you get sick? The other suggestions sound good too ( I think we might try BRAT on our next trip ) can your Doctor give you any help? It would be such a shame to give up on your dream if you don’t have too.

 

[mermaidbride1108]

Before making any further decisions, I would make an appt with you primary care physician and see what type of preventive treatment can be done. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, tell him (if he doesn't already now) and also try to make a list of everything you eat, plus the time of year you go. You may have an allergy to something in the States that doesn't affect you so much at home.

I know I have been developing allergies as an adult, but never had them as a kid. I literally want to rip my eyes out during early spring. Now here's a tidbit of info for you.

I went to WDW in late August in 2008 for our site visit. I felt some of the same syptoms in August there, that I feel here in early spring in Philly. Do I know how to explain it? No idea, however, I'm preparing to take allergy medications even before I get on that plane!

It depends how much you want it, you may have to take some preventive steps and be ready with treatments. You doctor can help you with this. I wouldn't give up just yet!Try to see what you can do health wise before you make a wedding choice.

 

[disbridemimi]

I would suggest getting there a week before the wedding day, just in case you are sick for a few days. Give yourself plenty of time!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

It very well could be the water that's causing stomach upset. It's not that there's pathogens in it, but different countries have different standards for levels of certain substances such as fluoride. If you aren't used to it it can give you some gastrointestinal issues. That's why they say don't drink the water when you travel- not because it's dirty but because your body isn't accustomed to it.

Definitely talk to your doctor, and I like the idea of arriving extra early. Maybe if you can't do anything preventative you could bring (or purchase, nto sure the rules on flying internationally with meds) meds to treat. If you have a compromised immune system your doc might prescribe antibiotics or antivirals for you to use if you get sick. If you feel a cold coming on (scratchy throat is always my first symptom), look into Zicam. I use the nasal swabs and they really do help! Another thing I have found helps me with colds/allergies is nasal wash. It's kind of gross, but it does clear me out for at least a little bit. I combine that and the Zicam with some kind of cold medicine and normally I'm able to function a lot better.

 

[BecBennett]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will take them on board. I do have an autoimmune disease, which basically means that whenever I get anything, instead of my immune system attacking what's wrong; it attacks me, which makes everything worse. So generally taking lots of immune boosters before my trip doesn't work. My immune system is incredibly strong, it's also just incredibly stupid...

I usually get sick towards the end of my trips, so I was actually thinking more of getting there 3 days before the wedding, so I'm at least well for it, and then sick for the honeymoon

It might be just different food, different drinks and everything that makes it all happen. Even standard things that you think would be the same world over, like Coca Cola are different - damn high fructose corn syrup! What's wrong with good old sugar?

I also think it's a psychological thing...