IBS help please

[TheNoteIsEternal]

I am lactose intolerant and also have IBS. I have a big work trip coming up (my first in years) where I will be at an exhibition abroad for a week and then a week's holiday tagged onto the end to visit family in that country. Eating out is hard because of the lactose intolerance, and it always seems to trigger the IBS as well.
I have no idea how I will manage a week in a hotel plus meals out every night with colleagues/customers.

Any advice from people who travel regularly? I'm already stressing out over it, which will trigger the IBS. It's a doom loop.

What country are you going to? Milk is an allergen in a lot of countries. I know it's not a milk allergy you have, but if the food is milk free, it's also lactose free, and anything with milk will be highlighted on the menu (depending on the country)

I'm going to the US. Even if I order vegan, I always seem to be ill after a meal out or takeaway. It's like my stomach is determined to prevent any fun.

I have exactly the same issues. I have resorted to not ever eating when I’m not at home. I have heard of people drinking kefir products to help but I personally haven’t had any success with that.

Lactase tablets (available from most health shops like Holland & Barrat or Natures Best) they help you tolerate small amounts of lactose that may be hidden in things you eat while away.

Apple cider vinegar and yes kerfir can help, though I would suggest you start having these before (and while) you go away so that your not having it for the first time while away as it’s not an immediate drink and fix sort of thing.

Imoduim or Lopromide, I never leave the house without it, it’s always stashed in my bag. My doctor also recommended a dally dose of codine instead of the Imodium if I preferred. I actually prefer the Imodium/lopromide as it works faster and I can take it if I feel I need it, whereas the codine doesn’t work as fast (and can also irritate your tummy anyway) and so you sort of take it regardless as it’s more of a preventative measure.

Hope that helps

Oh and there is also Colpromin that you take 30 minutes or so before eating, it does something along the lines of lining the tummy to decrease inflammation/reactions.

I can also recommend a very good and high dose of acidophilus, you can also buy digestive enzymes which can also help.

The problem with tablets is that many of them have lactose as a filler. The lactose pills don't seem to work for me, not sure why.