1. < Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
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Ulcerative Colitis and Diarrhea Travel Help?

Posted by mgtyquin @mgtyquin, Aug 22 8:05am

I was just diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) on Thursday after having a colonoscopy. It’s been a long three weeks of doctor appointments after I started having diarrhea with blood and mucus.

On Thursday, my doctor prescribed prednisone 10 mg tablets. I’m taking 6 tablets (60 mg) a day for the first week, then 4 tablets a day for the second week, and continuing to taper from there.

I’m 60 years young, go to the gym 6 days a week, eat relatively healthy, and have never really had any gut problems before. The only time I’ve had issues is when taking amoxicillin, and unfortunately, I was prescribed it twice in the last month.

I started the prednisone on Thursday, and today is Saturday. I’m still going to the bathroom several times in the morning, but it usually settles down around 9 AM.

My biggest concern is that I’m supposed to fly Monday morning at 7 AM to see my grandkids. I really don’t know what to do. I’m hoping the prednisone kicks in by then, but I’m definitely nervous about getting on a plane while dealing with this.

For those of you who have been through this, how long did it take for prednisone to start working? Do you think I’ll be okay to travel by Monday?

I know everyone is different, but I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences. 🙏 TIA!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Support Group.

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brhb2011 | @brhb2011 | Aug 22 9:20am

I am so sorry you are going through this. I deal with crohns and can understand the frustration of that. What I do when I have to travel is wake up earlier then normal to start to morning “process” since I’m on a heavy regiment of MiraLAX. This allows me to run my course before my day activities. I will sometimes add Imodium just to help subdue diarrhea.

Hopefully the prednisone kicks in by Monday. Those are just what I’ve learned that I have to do. Good luck

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seniormed | @seniormed | Aug 22 10:02am

Try Imodium and bring some wipes just in case.
If it makes you feel secure Depends. Watch out for all antibiotics unless absolutely needed. Take your prednisone with food and consider an antacid like Pepcid. Have you tried the BRAT diet? Ask your doctor about Pepto Bismol.

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mgtyquin | @mgtyquin | Aug 22 10:50am
In reply to @brhb2011 "I am so sorry you are going through this. I deal with crohns and can understand..." + (show)
Profile picture for brhb2011 @brhb2011

I am so sorry you are going through this. I deal with crohns and can understand the frustration of that. What I do when I have to travel is wake up earlier then normal to start to morning “process” since I’m on a heavy regiment of MiraLAX. This allows me to run my course before my day activities. I will sometimes add Imodium just to help subdue diarrhea.

Hopefully the prednisone kicks in by Monday. Those are just what I’ve learned that I have to do. Good luck

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@brhb2011 thank you

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mgtyquin | @mgtyquin | Aug 22 10:51am
In reply to @seniormed "Try Imodium and bring some wipes just in case. If it makes you feel secure Depends...." + (show)
Profile picture for seniormed @seniormed

Try Imodium and bring some wipes just in case.
If it makes you feel secure Depends. Watch out for all antibiotics unless absolutely needed. Take your prednisone with food and consider an antacid like Pepcid. Have you tried the BRAT diet? Ask your doctor about Pepto Bismol.

Jump to this post

@seniormed thank you

REPLY
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drandolph1951 | @drandolph1951 | Aug 22 12:33pm

I take fiber which regulated my bowel and stop the bleeding but that was for my bleeding ulcer after colorectal cancer. If you use Kinsyl Psyllium fiber it will give you a couple of days rest from diarrhea. & bleeding. I still take it when I have loose stool from something I've eaten. Be blessed!

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samclembeau | @samclembeau | Aug 22 10:17pm

can you ask your doctor about taking lomotil? works for me when I have to go somewhere.

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