IBS at WDW

[clanmcculloch]

So do you know if the things like brownies, ice cream, and mac & cheese were soy based instead of milk.

Give Brenda a call (contact info in Stickies). Most places that have soy ice cream also carry Rice Dream ice cream which is milk and soy free. The milk free cheese is soy, though if you speak to a chef with a couple of weeks advanced notice, a few might be able to get the rice based one in. They currently use the Galaxy Vegan (soy) slices, but Galaxy also makes a vegan rice slice. Some chefs may be able to do it with notice.

 

[hockeymom3]

I avoid caffeine too!! Like the plague!

But at least if I'm having any trouble going, I know one mouthful of coffee will fix it in about 5 minutes!

Thats hilarious - my mother has the complete OPPOSITE problem and often gets constipated. I told her to take a sip of "getting cold coffee" and that would do the trick. Little did I know that it didn't work on anybody.

Oh, here's another trigger for me. PEANUT BUTTER CUPS. I am ok with chocolate (not always, but most of the time unless I go crazy) and I am ok with Peanut Butter - but put the 2 together and look out!

Thats just cruel to not let someone eat peanut butter cups!!

 

[mechurchlady]

I have celiac and was told to stay off fizzy drinks. Why drink something full of stuff that is the same as you exhale. Two glasses of iced tea and two cups of regular coffee are my limits but I am supposed to be caffiene free also. Over two cups or glasses and I am in the bathroom a lot.

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

Yes, suffer is the word for it! Sometimes I feel like IBS ruins the part of my life that includes freedom to go where I want, when I want with a clear head, without the need to plan out every move I make and know where every bathroom is! I feel anxiety waiting in line for the rides and then once I get on the ride, wondering how I can get off if I need to! So the mind plays a big part in it, although the physical part of IBS has caused the psychological--make sense? In '07, we stayed at Poly and the trip went good, no major stomach issues, other than the heat making me feel a bit ill in the stomach. I was terrified to try the Disney busses to go to HS or AK. In '08, I did have some issues. We stayed at CR and went to Poly for breakfast. After breakfast, DS wanted to take a walk around and DH went back to the hotel. I was doing a little shopping and decided it was time to head back to CR. While waiting for the monorail, it hit me. I started to panic and I was somewhere between angry about this IBS and upset that yet, another time, it was ruining my fun time. After a 1/2 hr, I tried to get back on the monorail and I just couldn't do it. Earlier that morning, the monorail stopped for about 6 minutes on the way to TTC but to me, it may as well have been an hour. The monorail was packed, it started to get hot and the "what ifs" start to turn into "I have to get off of here NOW". The stomach pains, the panic, the dread of humiliation of "what if......". I think that was playing on my mind and made it difficult to get back on the monorail. DH called to see what was up and I told him ( not sure how he puts up with me lol) and now I am in tears and thinking ok, I will take a cab from Poly to CR because I can't get on the monorail and take a chance of getting stuck with the awful stomach pains. He said-I am puttin my shoes on and I am coming to get you. I felt bad and then a monorail came, and there were hardly any people waiting and I got into the last car, which was empty and that sure helped with the anxiety, having the car to myself. I called Dh and told him to hang tight! Got to GF and decided if anyone got on, I was getting off. No one did so onto MK I went. This helped me feel better so even when some people got in my car at MK, I knew only 1 more stop to CR. I made it, although there was a 2-3 minute stop on the tracks where I could have panicked, but closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing. I made it back and was fine the rest of the day, although I took a cab to DHS because the thought of the bus scared me. Following day, more monorail anxiety and DS went on to the TTC without me while I ran to the lobby restroom. Finally I had to get on since he was there waiting on me, I made it and then even took the bus to AK (the chances we take for our kids huh lol) I was fine the rest of the day, imodiumed up! I even took the bus all the way back to CR. I was on the phone with my friend from work the entire time talking so as to keep my mind occupied and keep the "what ifs" away. DH and I are going ourselves for a few days in May, staying offsite at Caribe Royale this time, but we have to rent a car. I can not fathom the thought of taking a shuttle with strangers on it to the hotel, or having to rely on shuttles to the parks. I will feel better knowing we have the car and we can drive and leave if I have to. Terrible, isn't it? I used to take a prescription called Lomotil and I am going to ask the Dr about getting it again. I try to survive with Imodium and pepto, but that does not seem to be doing the trick anymore. Pepto does help if I take it before I eat though, I think. We got stuck on a few rides in "08 also......yep, more anxiety, but you know how it goes. I think preperation, looking at park maps ahead of time for restroom locations and having a plan of action is your best bet along with having your medication and whatever else you need to do to make yourself stay calm and have a great time!

 

[Cheryl592000]

Yes, suffer is the word for it! Sometimes I feel like IBS ruins the part of my life that includes freedom to go where I want, when I want with a clear head, without the need to plan out every move I make and know where every bathroom is!

Having IBS, I know how you feel. I also worry about being too far away from a bathroom. Kinda puts your life on hold. Keep your chin up and hopefully they will find a cure for this horrible disease. Anyway...have a magical time!

 

[DisneyWalkerGirl]

I find it really interesting to see what food triggers folks have - when I asked my doc about caffeine, he told me that it wasn't the caffeine that was the issue - it is the oils found in the beans. The same is true with chocolate and colas.

We used to travel with a large performance group and be given box meals. Before I knew the deal with the cola and chocolate, I would skip the box meal (usually something greasy ) and have a diet cola and a candy bar. Good move - this was like throwing gas on a fire

Once I found out how bad this was I began carrying my own bottled water and plain bagels and crackers with us. Life became MUCH easier.

I avoid all fizzy drinks, not just colas when traveling. I also avoid all cold drinks - I drink room temp water and room temp teas. Love the looks I get when I ask for iced tea, no ice. Oh well, it keeps my tummy happy.

I completely understand the mental part - panic attacks are brutal with IBS, but I am getting better about that since I know what my food triggers are. I have also discovered that I flair up on travel days when we take flights in the wee hours of the morning. I know it sounds odd, but when I have to get up at 3 or 4 in the morning, my system just knots up. If we fly a little later, I am fine.

Here's hoping we can all find the right solutions for our IBS issues

 

[torsie24]

I find it really interesting to see what food triggers folks have - when I asked my doc about caffeine, he told me that it wasn't the caffeine that was the issue - it is the oils found in the beans. The same is true with chocolate and colas.

We used to travel with a large performance group and be given box meals. Before I knew the deal with the cola and chocolate, I would skip the box meal (usually something greasy ) and have a diet cola and a candy bar. Good move - this was like throwing gas on a fire

Once I found out how bad this was I began carrying my own bottled water and plain bagels and crackers with us. Life became MUCH easier.

I avoid all fizzy drinks, not just colas when traveling. I also avoid all cold drinks - I drink room temp water and room temp teas. Love the looks I get when I ask for iced tea, no ice. Oh well, it keeps my tummy happy.

I completely understand the mental part - panic attacks are brutal with IBS, but I am getting better about that since I know what my food triggers are. I have also discovered that I flair up on travel days when we take flights in the wee hours of the morning. I know it sounds odd, but when I have to get up at 3 or 4 in the morning, my system just knots up. If we fly a little later, I am fine.

Here's hoping we can all find the right solutions for our IBS issues

I am 100% there with you on early morning travelling!

I find if I have to get up unusually early and rush out of the house, I siffer all day as I haven't been able to 'go' before leaving. So halfway to the airport I remeber that I haven't been and then I start to worry! Then the pain comes, and then as soon as we get to the airport, my poor DF is left waiting outside the bathroom for me, yet again.

Great start to a trip!

Urgh, stupid IBS!

 

[blondietink]

Mine is almost purely stress related. I find that I have the best times when I am at Disney and relaxed. Just being at the Happiest Place on earth helps me a whole lot. I do have my moments, though and therefore I have memorized almost all of the bathrooms around WDW.

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

Yes, early morning traveling is hard for me as well. To someone without this, they may not understand but I have started to travel on Southwest, rather than American for especially early morning flights because SW has a much smoother area when going thru security and it is pretty much right at the gate, just a few lines whereas AA is a total mess and longer line waits, most likely because of AA having more gates at my airport and I have had to get out of line to run to the restroom at least twice.

 

[pianoronni37]

Oh I feel your pain!

I was diagnosed with IBS when I was 16 years old (imagine, a 16 year old going in for a colonoscopy! ). Since then, managing it has gotten a bit easier through time...

One main point that I do, is I grab a map of each park (and DTD) when I get to the resort, and I circle each and every bathroom!! You never know when IBS will come knocking at your door, so to speak, so it's always best to be prepared! Also Immodium, Pepto and Ibuprofen are great to have on hand to stop whatever symptoms your IBS can cause, including the pain.

At times, my IBS will give me HORRIFIC stomach cramps, I double over in pain, and nothing helps and all I can do is wait it out for a few hours... DH is very understanding, so when that hits we will head back to the hotel so I can lie down and deal with the pain.

Also, I find that having IBS leads to having more UTIs.... which seems unrelated, but it really isn't. No matter how "clean" we are, IBS can wreak havoc on our entire system... so I have a doctor to call when this happens and I get antibiotics over the phone, but at Disney I try to call him ahead of time and bring the antibiotics with me so I am not stuck in a very painful predicament!

IBS, as simple as it may seem (and as THANKFUL as I was when I was diagnosed that it wasn't anything more serious!), is definitely a debilitating disorder, but it should never keep you from thoroughly enjoying your vacation (especially at Disney!!!).

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

Ya kniow, I never thought about having something on hand for pain. I normally do carry Aleve with me for my back, just never thought about pain relief for IBS! Good tip.

 

[debbiemomto4]

My 15 yo was dx with IBS last year. Colonscopy on a 15 was not fun. My oldest was dx with Crohns at the same time. I am reading this thread and getting lots of ideas. MY son's IBS is definitely food triggered plus stress. He doesn't seem to stress at Disney so I'm hoping. He can't eat many burgers ,greasy food or soda because of his IBS. He also can't eat any milk and peanuts and most vegetables and soy because of severe allergies. Yet he definitely finds things to eat. Love Disney because its the only place we go that can actually accomodate his food issues. Rice Dream ice cream and he is in heaven. Thats even hard to find at home!
Love Disney!

 

[toodycat]

I suffer from mild IBS, but as long as I avoid my trigger foods---spinach, eggplant, anything deep fried---I am OK. However, I would suggest that if your IBS is anxiety based that you ask the doctor for a small supply of low strength Xanax. That way, your IBS won't become a vicious cycle. You won't think," I'm worried about having IBS. Uh-oh, that thought makes me anxious. Anxiety causes IBS. I'm worried about having IBS. Now, I'm even more anxious." And the next thing you know, you're running for a restroom. If you have a little bit of xanax or some other anti-anxiety medication, you can enjoy the MK without worrying. Also, drink a lot of water. If you do wind up having an episode, it will be very easy to dehydrate in the Florida sun!

 

[newtowdw1]

To the OP: I'm glad your fiance knows about your problem and is willing to deal with it with you. Don't feel guilty. You have a biological problem. And perhaps you feel that it's your 'fault' because excitement/anxiety makes it worse. Goodness, adrenaline effects everyone differently. Be kind to yourself, and get a couple cell phones. Tell him you'll call him when you can, and will link back up with him. Worrying about ruining his vacation will simply make you more anxious. I think a slight sedative would be great, especially if you can find one that works on smooth muscle tissue, like your bowel. I know that my pain meds certainly put a hamper on my smooth muscle tissue.

I am from a family of very mild IBS sufferers, maybe one or two attacks a month. DD has been preliminarily diagnosed with it, but the specialist didn't want to formally diagnose her too young. He felt the anxiety would worsen her situation, causing her IBS symptoms to get worse. Sounds from all of you that he was right.

I will say that as every female in my family (5 generations worth) has gotten older, IBS has gotten better.

Remember, disney bathrooms are some of the best. I've held DD's hand and head through many severe attacks. We all suffer severe cramping. If I can't be in our bathroom with her, at least WDW is almost clean.

And, to hopefully make some of you smile, my darling optimist daughter said to me at the tender age of 5, "I just have to thank God for the cool bathroom floor. I'd never make it through this without this nice cool floor." We'd been in the bathroom all night (1 am until after 6am). She's still very sweet, even at 12.

 

[JustMe3]

I'll have to admit, I'm nervous about traveling with my 10-year old. She had IBS-C. I have another child and no other adult coming with us. I'm wondering how many rides we are going to wait in line for and then have to leave the line to find a bathroom. I'm hoping that they will let us get our place in line back. Anyone know?

Thanks in advance.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'll have to admit, I'm nervous about traveling with my 10-year old. She had IBS-C. I have another child and no other adult coming with us. I'm wondering how many rides we are going to wait in line for and then have to leave the line to find a bathroom. I'm hoping that they will let us get our place in line back. Anyone know?

Thanks in advance.

My best advice is for you to try and not wait in any long lines. Use fastpass as much as you can. Being the only adult I think it would be pretty hard to get back to the same spot in line, it is not like you have someone to join up with. Try not to stress about it too much.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

I don't really have any helpful advice but just had to say thank you on your children's behalf to those who mentioned having children with IBS. My parents never took me to a doctor for my symptoms, yelled at me a lot about being in the bathroom when we needed to be somewhere, and later told me they thought I was making it all up. Of course, all that made me more anxious which made my symptoms much worse.

I've somewhat grown out of it and have learned not to panic when I start feeling symptoms. I think uncomfortable pregnancies and unmedicated labors have given me the confidence to know I can stand the temporary pain and taught me how to relax my body. I had only one short episode that I managed to keep under control on our last trip to WDW.