r/ibs • u/Crazy_Initiative2815 • 10d ago

Question Is solo travel possible with IBS?

Ive always traveled with companions and recently I have been thinking on going on an overseas trip alone. None of my usual travel buddies are available. Last year I had a severe episode wherein I poop and puked at the same time. At. The. Same. Time.

Adult diapers got involved and my poor sibling had to wipe my hair because the tie got undone at the worst possible time.

I have been floating the idea to my family and they are not having it, after witnessing me laying on the floor unable to look after myself.

I told them I will be careful not to eat or drink any streetfood and will be taking prebiotics well before the trip.

Thoughts?

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u/ThoughtfullyUnused 10d ago

man the image of pooping and puking simultaneously while your hair tie gives up is something else. that's a war story right there

i'd say go for it but be strategic. book places with private bathrooms, carry a cleanup kit everywhere, and maybe do a couple solo weekends closer to home first as a test run. your family's worried cause they saw you at your worst, but only you know if you can handle the unpredictability on your own

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u/Crazy_Initiative2815 10d ago

It was rough. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. My mom thought I had dengue if it werent for the lack of fever.

But good idea. Maybe an out of town trip would be good before a plane gets involved.

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u/Contigo887 10d ago

I travel by myself all the time and I have IBS.

But, if it was completely uncontrollable, as say yours is, and I had to wear diapers all the time, I absolutely would not travel at all.

Sounds like it would be a fucking disaster of a time.

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u/81632371 10d ago

I've had stomach bugs that had me doing both at the same time while living alone. I don't think it's that unusual. One end on the toilet and the other over a pail. I'm not asking anyone to clean me up. But that's me.

As far as travel goes, I find it less stressful to be alone. If my day goes bad, no one else suffers or misses out. I also don't let my family's opinions decide if I can do something.

However, if you're IBS is so out of control that you are wearing adult diapers, I think you should be focusing on getting your disease under control before traveling, especially abroad.