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Original poster

Help - Flight this afternoon and ibs causing problems

26 replies

buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 07:08

I have had diarrhoea yesterday and now woken up with it this morning. I have ibs but normally just let this stage pass however I have a flight this afternoon.

yesterday I brought some Imodium should I take that this morning I have never used it before so a bit worried but my stomach is just gurgling and uncomfortable.

OP posts:
LividTwunt · 27/10/2023 07:12

Immodium is wonderful stuff. Honestly.

Take two to start and then that should bung you up for the flight. I’ve never had pain or anything taking them. It’s a miracle drug, honestly.

MaverickSnoopy · 27/10/2023 07:12

Ask a pharmacist if you can take buscopan alongside imodium. It works wonders.

Tailfeather · 27/10/2023 07:16

Maybe hold off for a few hours to see if you pass most of it and start feeling better. How long does a flare up usually last? Then take it before you leave for the airport (and have it in your hand luggage). Drink lots of water and eat minimally. Luckily you wont be far from a loo, but I know what it's like to worry about the take off/landing/turbulence bits. My worst journey was on a tiny plane with no loo. Longest hour of my life. Honestly thought I was going to have an accident. Although unpleasant, you can vom into a bag in public, but if it's the other end you're stuck. I hope you feel better soon.

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Original poster
buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 07:16

Great thank you. I do have some buscopan at home as I have used that before so I will check if I can take both.

Im sure it’s the stress of me worrying this will happen that has caused my ibs to flare. I’ve not been on holiday since it has been bad the last few years.

OP posts:
Original poster
buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 07:18

@Tailfeather I have to leave for the airport in 3 hours and it’s an hours drive so thinking I should take it now to get it settled. My stomach is making so many gurgling noises.

my flare ups normally only last a day or two and this started yesterday afternoon.

OP posts:
Finestreason · 27/10/2023 07:21

I take Imodium and Buscopan together as recommended by my GP. Only when I have a flare up, not daily.

They do seem to make me dehydrated though so I have to drink a lot of water. The Imodium melts are fast acting and seem to be more effective for me than the capsules. Hope it all goes well for you.

Original poster
buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 07:29

Thanks I only have the capsules. If I start with them can I change to the melts after I have got some at the airport if needed?

OP posts:
Tailfeather · 27/10/2023 07:31

buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 07:18

@Tailfeather I have to leave for the airport in 3 hours and it’s an hours drive so thinking I should take it now to get it settled. My stomach is making so many gurgling noises.

my flare ups normally only last a day or two and this started yesterday afternoon.

Take is section by section. First step, driving to the airport. Next step, time at the airport (here you will be able to get to a loo easily). By which point you'll hopefully have more confidence for the actual flight. Hope you have a brilliant holiday! X

Original poster
buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 07:32

Thank you ☺️

OP posts:
Finestreason · 27/10/2023 07:33

buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 07:29

Thanks I only have the capsules. If I start with them can I change to the melts after I have got some at the airport if needed?

Yes, they are the same medication, one just acts a lot quicker for me and seems to be more effective.

Just try not to touch the melts with your fingers, pop them into your mouth from the foil pack, they work a treat for me and settle the gurgle quickly.

Original poster
buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 07:39

@Finestreason thank you. I’ll get some later. Hopefully it’ll settle fast

OP posts:
Overthebow · 27/10/2023 07:52

If you’ve never taken it before I’m not sure I would to be honest. Not everyone gets on with it and it can make things worse. Break the journey into stages. Are there service stations to stop at if you need to go when I the way and would you be able to wait long enough to get to one? Once at the airport and on the plane you should be fine as there’s toilets, apart from boarding, take off and landing which should only be 30 mins at a time.

Killingmytime · 27/10/2023 07:55

I have very bad ibs. I take Loperamide 5 days a week to control mine. If i have to go to loo more than twice t start on these, why let it control your day?
take them now and then again if you have to go loo again and repeat. ( but no more than i think 8?) It should calm down.
do it before you have to drive.

Nothankyou22 · 27/10/2023 07:58

I have a bowel condition, not IBS and Imodium has never worked for me.
Inky advice is don’t eat junk and definitely don’t have fuzzy or alcohol

KenAdams · 27/10/2023 08:04

Yes, salad and water at the airport OP. Absolutely no alcohol or anything fizzy. Too late now but I always wear high waisted trousers with a loose waist so they don't dig in where the pain is.

Original poster
buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 08:31

Thanks I have leggings to wear on plane so will be comfortable around my stomach.

I have taken the tablets and the churning has stopped. I have eaten breakfast and hoping this stops it

OP posts:
Original poster
buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 09:20

Being collected in less than an hour and stomach has really started to hurt and more diarrhoea. I know stressing is bad for me but it’s hard not to. I will remember what you have all said for one step at a time thank you ☺️

OP posts:
mrswhiplington · 27/10/2023 10:04

Good luck. Hope everything goes well. Enjoy your holiday.

Minfilia · 27/10/2023 11:21

Stress is the worst thing for IBS and airplane travel is the absolute worst for me (and I don’t even mind flying!)

I remember a couple of years ago before leaving for our flight screaming at DH to get out of the bathroom NOW because otherwise I’d shit myself 😂 I’ve never known urgency like it!

Imodium works wonders for solidifying though, busco pan helps more with the cramps for me.

Original poster
buttercup877 · 27/10/2023 13:34

Thanks at the airport now. Been ok since the Imodium and have just eaten a low fat snack at airport as hungry but worried might set stomach off.

your right stress level is definitely no good for ibs and travelling.

OP posts:
Tailfeather · 27/10/2023 13:39

Bless you. Hopefully the journey to the airport was the longest part without access to a loo.

Butterflysunshine01 · 27/10/2023 13:42

Have a peppermint tea- or better still a fresh mint tea, often airport places that make mojitos will steep a few fresh leaves in the hot water for you. It really helps settle , it was the only thing that helped me before a flight!

mynumber · 27/10/2023 13:52

Could you do some mediation and breathing to help with the stress?

Original poster
buttercup877 · 28/10/2023 07:19

Thank you for everyone’s advice I have made it here safe and sound.

OP posts:
mrsdolittle · 28/10/2023 07:58

That's great news OP. Enjoy your hols Smile

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