How do you handle intestinal problems?

[mommyaof2]

To all of you that deal with intestinal problems, how do you do it at Disney? I have been diagnosed recently with lymphocytic colitis, which is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. Right now, I am doing okay, but I recently have came off steriods. I could flare up again at anytime. My fear is that I will spend my whole Disney vacation in the restroom. Does anyone have experience with this type of problem? If, so how do you do it at Disney?

 

[I Love Pluto]

Cross fingers - and hope and pray. Do NOT drink Florida water as this will only make things worse.

Another tip for you - never eat a big meal. We don't do ADRs or the dining plan because of this issue. Eat several small meals daily, and it seems to keep things down quite a bit.

 

[DAniece]

I have IBS -- I know it's not like celiac sprue or chronic colitis -- but it can really mess up a vacation.

My suggestions:
* eat small meals
* AVOID anything that you know will set off a flare-up (for me, that's fried foods & dairy -- and I LOVE ICE CREAM ----- I've learned that I can tolerate a tiny bit of fried food or a scoop of ice cream every couple of days if I eat my veggies & exercise, otherwise, Katie bar the door)
* ask your doctor if there is any medication that you can take with you in case of a flare up (not a suggestion, just an example: I used to carry belladonna rx to take 1/2 hr before eating)
* last thing, make sure you're getting the fiber that your body needs
* okay, the real last thing, yogurt w/ active bacteria (if it's acceptable for your condition)

EG

 

[mommyaof2]

Well, it looks like I may be in trouble. We are doing the dining plan, and that is what I am most worried about. I have looked at the menus though and I think I may be ok. The wierd thing about my condition is that it does not seem to matter what I eat, if I eat plain rice or fried chicken it is all the same. My main concern is the lines at the bathroom if I have a problem. I never really know when it is going to flare. I am okay right now, but who knows by April.

 

[Charleyann]

The last two trips to WDW ended with bowel obstructions! He required hospitalizations. Doctors said drink lots of water. The sun causes Cf children to dehydrate and of course their bowels slow down. This year Doctor is arming us with Peg 3350...little bit each day to keep his bowels moving and him pain free!

Charleyann

 

[OneLittleSpark]

If you're worried about needing the bathroom urgently in a restaurant, you might want to explain your needs to a CM before you buy your food. They may be able to let you use a staff toilet or something, in an emergency. I don't know for certain as I've never tried, but there's no harm in asking.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you're worried about needing the bathroom urgently in a restaurant, you might want to explain your needs to a CM before you buy your food. They may be able to let you use a staff toilet or something, in an emergency. I don't know for certain as I've never tried, but there's no harm in asking.

They would not be able to let you "backstage' to use a bathroom, especially in a restaurant.
The full service restaurants do have restrooms inside - ask the greeter or your waiter where it is when you go in so that you can find it easily if you do need it. Most of the restaurant restrooms are smaller, but don't usually have long lines. Most people will let you go ahead if you tell them you have an emergency.
Also, always carry a park map with you and when you enter a new area of the park, get your bearings so you know where the restrooms are.

 

[mommyaof2]

Thank you so much for the replies!! I will defintely ask where the restroom is at each restaurant just in case! Great idea! I have started on a new medication, hopefully this will help! It seems to be helping so far, but I have only been taking it for a week! Thanks again!

 

[disneyluvbug]

I have celiac/gluten issues..I can eat certain foods and others we can say suprise me..this trip I will be taking some of my own food to eat..that way it won't be as bad..sometimes with the buffets the food can cross each other..and I will have no clue until later..it is no fun to run from restroom to restroom and miss the day..I also saw that if you ask ahead of time they can help wiht certain diets..HTH