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Demi Ricario considers herself both a foodie and a globe-trotter.
Collage: Self; Photos courtesy of subject
It was an experience of a lifetimeshe was hooked.
It took me about a year to develop the confidence and the will to travel again, Ricario says.
I have to be more diligent in preparing for trips now, more mindful, Ricario says.
Ricario recently explored London on a 10-day vacation despite being in an active flare-up. She wore adult diapers during the trip to give her peace of mind while she was out and about.
If you want to get out there and explore, you’re able to.
You just need to explore in a smart way.
To help you do just that, we asked Ricario for her top tips for traveling with UC.
Do your homework before you depart.
When Ricario and her husband plan a trip, romantic thoughts of spontaneity arent the priority.
This is especially true for her trips abroad.
She also suggests learning crucial phrases like Wheres the toilet?
in the local language.
Dont be shy about asking for what you need.
When Ricario flies, she always books seats near a bathroom.
Tell them you have a medical condition that requires frequent trips to the loo.
Pack your meds strategically.
Im like a Girl Scout, Ricario says of her packing routine.
This ensures she has a buffer in case her travel plans change or derail.
These things can come in handy if you have unforeseen issues at security or customs, Ricario says.
They also ensure you have the necessary info should you need a replacement or refill while traveling.
If youre packing liquid medications that exceed 3.4 ounces,let the TSA agent knowwhen you go through security.
You should also tell airport security if you have an ostomy and must bring medical supplies through checkpoints.
TSA has adownloadable cardyou can give agents to notify them of your screening needs.
Prepare for possible bathroom emergencies.
Even the most prepared traveler can experience hiccups, which is why Ricario is always ready for accidents.
Once she arrives at her destination and starts exploring,adult diapersbecome part of her daily uniform.
Ricario recently explored London on a 10-day vacation despite being in an active flare-up.
She wore adult diapers during the trip to give her peace of mind while she was out and about.
Protect yourself from blood clots.
When this happens its called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.
Thats called a pulmonary embolism.
If youcantwalk the aisles for any reason, you’re free to still do lower-leg exercises.
Eat wiselybefore and during your jaunt.
Food, of course, is a big concern.
So definitely give yourself a break if your pre-vacation eating plan doesnt keep a flare at bay.
She points to a corn-and-bean concoction (a fart-fest waiting to happen) as one example.
Take time to de-stress.
All of Ricarios forethought helps minimize the chances that something really stressful will happenwhich is intentional.
Stress is a trigger for her UC flares.
Share your travel triumphs.
Even though we have this disease, we can still make it happen, she says.
All that is to say, your success is everyone elses success too.
If you have strategies that help you travel more comfortably, share them.
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