How do you approach traveling?

I wouldn't think that Remicade would make travel worse - hopefully better. Most people take it and go back to work - I did right after treatment. But I travel - with kids and adults to dance competitions and such. It worried me at first about sharing a room but here's what I do.

I find out where the closest bathroom is - not matter where I am going. If I don't want to use the restroom in the hotel room, I use one down in the lobby or other area of the hotel. Most people never use those! They all have bathrooms in their room.

I take plenty of Immodium. But if you have to go to the bathroom while in a meeting, you just go. If there is a problem, you may want to talk with someone in charge and just state that you have a medical condition and when you have to go- you have to go. No need in explaining further.

Keep an extra set of clothing with you - in the car, in a bag - something - just in case you may need it.

If you know what foods will set your stomach to churning - just stay away from them. And if not eating will help, just don't eat until you are in your room alone.

I hate to stop at rest areas when traveling by car and hate to use large, multi-stall restrooms. If you can find a Wal-mart or another store that has the "family" restroom - you will have privacy.

The biggest problem with this is the embarrassment. But you know, everyone goes to the bathroom. I was watching Oprah years ago and she said that when toilet paper was on sale, she stocked up too. She said that is something we all have in common. So no matter how important someone thinks they are - they all have to use the bathroom like everyone else. And when you have to go, you have to go.

When someone asks me what Crohn's is like, I say, "It's like having a stomach virus every day of your life. Sometimes it gets better, other times it's worse." And since everyone has stomach trouble at some point, they usually understand.

My problem lately is dating. Ugh. Although I am a million times better than I once was, it still acts up on occasion. So I have gotten to where if I plan on seeing someone again after the first couple of dates, I go ahead and tell them. No need in trying to hide it. I don't go into a lot of details but I state that sometimes I may not feel like eating Mexican and sometimes I may just want to stay home and watch a movie - but that I need them to understand that there are times in which I may not feel well. So far no one has ever refused to go out with me because of Crohn's. And I've even gone out with a few people who knew what it was because they had friends or relatives with it.

Just don't let Crohn's control you. There are sneaky ways around dealing with it and everyday life. I used to confine myself to the house but now that I'm a single Mom of 3 and the sole breadwinner - I can't sit here. So I don't. I try to stay positive and just go with the flow. I may have a bad day on occasion but I know it will be over soon and I can get back out there.

Good luck and happy traveling!

Ginger