Typhoon Lagoon with Interstitial Cystitis

[sleepingbe]

We are heading to Disney world at the end of this month and I really want to visit Typhoon Lagoon. I havent swam or been to a water park since I was diagnosed last December. My doctor told me she doesn't think it'll be a problem, but I just wanted to get some feedback from fellow ic'ers. Also, if you have any extra precaution you take or tips, I'd appreciate it if you'd share.
Thanks.

 

[newdisneyfan]

I am a fellow sufferer although things are under control for me at present. I find that the major thing that upsets me is dehydration; I keep very hydrated at home but on our trip to WDW next year, I will be drinking lots of water to ensure that I don't get problems. I think though, every sufferer experiences differing problems , but I would think keeping hydrated would be a top priority because of the bladder's involvement.

 

[LilyWDW]

IC triggers can vary so much from person to person that it is hard to say. I have done a lot of research lately into IC (working on a diagnosis). Some people have issues with pools and some do not.

 

[sleepingbe]

I heard from a few sources that Disney doesn't use chlorine at the water parks, just the hotel pools. They use another cleaning system that's supposed to be less harsh. That's the only reason I'm even considering it. I just don't want to end up in a lot of pain because of it. I hate to give up the water park, but it won't be worth it if the trip there ruins my whole vacation.

 

[sleepingbe]

I heard from a few sources that Disney doesn't use chlorine at the water parks, just the hotel pools. They use another cleaning system that's supposed to be less harsh. That's the only reason I'm even considering it. I just don't want to end up in a lot of pain because of it. I hate to give up the water park, but it won't be worth it if the trip there ruins my whole vacation.

 

[PryncessLace]

Fellow sufferer here . I personally don't have problems in pools, but drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated lands me in the restroom a lot. My biggest advice is a tankini makes this much easier!

 

[sleepingbe]

I usually wear a two piece anyway, so that should work out OK. I know this is a little off topic, but I have so many questions about visiting disney with IC and dont know where to post them. do you avoid any rides while you are there? I did a roller coaster back in June at Dollywood, but I know some of Disneys rides are rough. Also any ic friendly foods you like to eat while you're there? I know we are all different, but any feedback would be much appreciated..

 

[disnut8]

I usually wear a two piece anyway, so that should work out OK. I know this is a little off topic, but I have so many questions about visiting disney with IC and dont know where to post them. do you avoid any rides while you are there? I did a roller coaster back in June at Dollywood, but I know some of Disneys rides are rough. Also any ic friendly foods you like to eat while you're there? I know we are all different, but any feedback would be much appreciated..

Check out the Disabilities forum.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the disABILITIES! board.

 

[clanmcculloch]

My DD doesn't have any problems associated with pools I have no advice there. We haven't been to WDW when she's dealing with a flare so nothing there either.

Also any ic friendly foods you like to eat while you're there? I know we are all different, but any feedback would be much appreciated..

This is why I'm responding. You have to know your own triggers to know what is "IC friendly" for you. You could try avoiding the most common trigger foods but IMO a vacation is not the time to start experimenting. Why put yourself through that when you don't even know it'll make a difference.

My DD has to avoid cranberries, citrus fruit, and blueberries due to her IC (blueberries showed up on her allergy test so that's why we first eliminated it but it's near the top of the common IC trigger foods list so I also list it here). Even trace amounts of cranberries or oranges will pretty much guarantee a flare. She can handle tiny amounts of lemon and lime (as in one of the last things listed on an ingredient list) but more than that will usually trigger a flare. She hadn't been diagnosed with IC yet when she gave up blueberries so I don't know about that one. Lots of people with IC find that any acidic foods are IC trigger foods but luckily she's able to eat tomatoes and pineapple and vinegar and other acids as long as she doesn't eat one of the foods that we've identified as one of her trigger foods. Other than that, she eats anything she wants that she's not allergic to (she has a bunch of other foods she avoids due to allergies). There's nothing I would exactly call "IC friendly", but rather she avoids IC triggers and everything else is considered friendly.

 

[PryncessLace]

I usually wear a two piece anyway, so that should work out OK. I know this is a little off topic, but I have so many questions about visiting disney with IC and dont know where to post them. do you avoid any rides while you are there? I did a roller coaster back in June at Dollywood, but I know some of Disneys rides are rough. Also any ic friendly foods you like to eat while you're there? I know we are all different, but any feedback would be much appreciated..

I have problems with long lines and will now sit out and wait for my family if the line it longer than 45 minutes. Luckily, this time we are going during low season and I'm hoping this won't be an issue. I really don't have a problem with rides being rough..my IC is mainly triggered by clothes that are too tight, food items, and "mystery flares". My IC also causes extreme bloating, so I plan on wearing clothes that accomodate that. As for food, if you are doing any table service meals, you will be happy to find that those restaurants are VERY accomodating (as long as you know your worst trigger foods) with making special meals. *Side Note - Disney Cruise Line is even better at this!** As for quick service, I just try to go for things that are straightforward and don't have sauces/condiments that can't be removed and unfortunately are pretty plain..like plain hamburgers and french fries. French Fries are my best food friend lol

 

[sleepingbe]

Your ic triggers sound almost exactly like mine, just add constipation. Lol
I haven't attempted any rough rides, but I've heard of some people avoiding things like space Mountain and Dinosaur, so I was just curious. I love French fries too. I probably eat them way too much, and vanilla ice cream. Guess I could always survive on that for the week. Thanks for your feedback

 

[sleepingbe]

Clanmcculloch,
I'm planning on avoiding the obvious trigger foods. I'm just afraid of the unknown ones . I guess you can say I'm pretty obsessive. I read every ingredient on the box before I buy it and i try to avoid even the smallest amounts or ascorbic acid if at all possible.
I just hope I don't drive myself nuts trying to figure out what to eat.

 

[PryncessLace]

Somewhere there are detailed ingredient lists for most things at disney restaurants..I just can't remember where I found them!

 

[sleepingbe]

I just wanted to let everyone know I'm back and did pretty well on vacation. I went to Typhoon Lagoon and did fine. We stayed about 3 1/2 hours. I took a shower before I left the park.

I also did good with food. I was able to look at the ingredient list at some of the counter service restaurant, and the sit down restaurants sent the chef out to see what I could safely eat. I mostly ate hamburgers and French fries, but I did get to enjoy some fried shrimp and brocolli at Columbia Harbour House and an msg free egg roll from China at Epot. For other meals, we went off grounds for my usual safe bets.

But my biggest indulgences were dessert. People don't realize there are other options besides chocolate, but there is whole nother dessert world out there. I munched on the caramel corn from the German bakery. Delish! I also tried the beignets at POFQ with no problems. Had vanilla soft serve several times and a vanilla FRAP from Starbucks. And guess what? France now has white chocolate eclairs w/ vanilla filling, and they are good. I also tried the rice pudding at the Mexican food and wine booth. I just scraped off some of the cinnamon on top so I wouldn't overdo it. I did the same thing with chocolate swirl on the Napoleon at France. My husband was more than happy to eat the top off. Lol I wasn't sure about the reg popcorn at the carts, so I bought some mini bags of boom chicca pop from target and carried those with me. I also found some natural cookies with no preservatives. The Mickey shortbreads by walkers and they have White Chocolate butter cookies called Snow Bear I found in one of the shops in the UK. I also enjoyed a pretzel from Germany with no problems. Also there is a new ice cream/gelato place in France and I tried caramel Fleur de sil ice cream, it is the best salted caramel ice cream I've ever tasted.

As for rides I did all of them but kept the questionable ones to a minimum and did it late in case I didn't feel well afterwards, but I did OK. I only had one bad night and one bad afternoon. They were both due to constipation. I went too long without veggies and my body was not happy.

I know we are all different, but wanted to share my experience with y'all and hopefully you'll find something new to safely indulge in next time you go.

Thank you so much for sharing your tips and experiences with me so I could have a stress and pain free time.


PS: one little tip I'd like to leave y'all with: get yourself an insulated therrmos and carry some unsweetened almond milk with you. I find if you make a small boo boo, it can counteract and soothe. I drank it throughout the day the whole trip.

Thanks again for all your input.

 

[heidibilotti]

I am so happy you had a wonderful vacation and thrilled for the update. Thanks

 

[sleepingbe]

Thanks Heidibilloti

 

[SashaFarce]

I know you've been and returned but I'm throwing in my 2 cents for future readers who may have issues. In all fairness, I've never been to a Disney water park. However, I have had IC for almost 13 years, so I've got some experience in the matter!

My first 2-3 years when I was having active flares, pools were a big old no-go. I started having spasms that led to stabbing pain within a minute or two of getting in the water. Once I got things more under control and had less active flares, I was able to get in the pool.

When I go to Disney, I take Prelief before I eat a meal or treat that will cause me irritation. If it's super-hot I will also take one of those OTC AZOs/pyridium in the morning since I tend to have irritation during the day as I never drink the amount of water I really should.

Also, thanks for the almond milk tip! That's a new one for me, I'll have to keep it in mind.

 

[sleepingbe]

Sashafarce,
I have heard from a few sources that Disney uses a filtration system instead of chlorine at the water parks. They do however use chlorine at the hotel pools. That is the only reason I attempted it. I do understand what you're saying, though. Everyone is different and there still has to be some chemicals involved to keep it clean. Definitely try the almond milk. I use it in my cereal as well. And try that new salted caramel ice cream in France. I checked and there is no chocolate or citrus in it and its all natural.


Enjoy your trip. Wishing you a wonderful magical time.