What to Pack in Your Travel Bag When You Have Crohn’s Disease

Medication

Health insurance card

air freshener

Matches

Toilet paper

wet wipes

Extra Clothing

“I Can’t Wait” card

Medication

Stockpile more medication than you think you’ll need for the trip (in case you get hit with flight delays or lose a pill). That may require getting an early refill at the pharmacy or asking your doctor to write you a prescription you can get filled at your destination. Don’t forget any over-the-counter medications you use to relieve symptoms, too.

Health insurance card

It’s always a good idea to have your health insurance card around in case of a bad flare-up that needs medical attention.

Extra Clothing

It’s always a good idea to stash some extra clothes in your carry-on bag. That way, you aren’t left stranded if your checked luggage goes missing. If you’ve got Crohn’s, having a change of clothes at your fingertips can also give you extra peace of mind in case you have an accident. Skip the tight waistbands and synthetic fabrics that might make you feel worse, and opt for flowy, breathable clothes instead — for instance, loose cotton pants in a vacation-ready print. Don’t forget to pack clean underwear, too.

“I Can’t Wait” card

Long lines for public restrooms aren’t fun for anyone. If you’ve got Crohn’s, waiting isn’t an option. Enter the “I Can’t Wait” card. This handy wallet-size card lets people know that you have a health condition that requires urgent access to bathrooms. Flash that baby to an airport employee (or in any other public place) and they can give you access to another toilet, without the line. Think of it as your VIP pass to instant relief. Snag your card from the IBS Network or the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, or a digital version from the Bladder & Bowel Community. Traveling abroad? You can get an “I Can’t Wait” card in 30 different languages from Crohn’s & Colitis UK.

air freshener

No one should be ashamed about an odor after leaving the restroom (Crohn’s or not, everyone’s poop smells). But the inflammation in the bowel from Crohn’s can create extra-stinky stool, and that can be awkward, especially if you’re sharing a bathroom with a friend or other travelers. One solution is carrying a travel-size bottle of toilet spray or air freshener.

Matches

Looking for something even more discreet? Keep a pack of matches in your pocket. Once you flush, simply light a match for a couple of seconds, blow it out, and poof — the smell is gone. (Not on airplanes, obvi!)

Toilet paper

Picture this: You’re huddled in a teeny airplane bathroom, and you reach for the toilet paper roll. There’s not one square left, and no backup rolls in sight. Cue the panic, right? Not necessarily. Packing some extra TP can be a lifesaver during a bathroom emergency at 35,000 feet. Bonus points if it’s a quilted triple-ply for better cleaning. And no, you don’t need to use precious real estate in your suitcase for an entire roll. You can create your own packable TP roll by wrapping a bunch around your hand at home, then stashing that wad in a bag. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, grab some ready-to-go camper’s TP from an outdoor store.

wet wipes

Dry TP can feel like sandpaper when your sensitive skin is irritated from a Crohn’s flare, so consider taking a travel-size pack of flushable moistened wipes on your vacation. Steer clear of wipes with perfumes, alcohols, or other harsh chemicals — they can make your skin feel even worse. Your best bet is to look for extra-thick hypoallergenic wipes with soothing ingredients like aloe.

Doggy poo bags, latex gloves

Even if you’re not bringing your pooch on your vacation, you might want to carry along a couple of their compostable poo bags. They can come in handy if you need a place to stash soiled clothes. Since you might not have access to laundry machines on your trip, consider double bagging the clothes and knotting the top to keep any odors at bay. You might also want to stash a pair of latex gloves alongside the bag to protect your hands.

What to Pack in Your Travel Bag When You Have Crohn’s Disease

10.

Water bottle

Dehydration is always a risk when you’re traveling (after all, who’s thinking about getting their eight daily glasses when they’re busy wandering the Louvre?). But that risk may be even bigger for people with Crohn’s, especially if you’re dealing with bouts of diarrhea. Shell out for a travel-ready water bottle you love to help you stay hydrated on the go. Slim vacuum-insulated vessels, collapsible silicone bottles, and plastic pouches (like those Capri Sun drinks, but reusable!) can all be easily tucked into a day pack.

Doggy poo bags, latex gloves

10.

Water Bottle

GET A DENTAL CHECKUP

Consider seeing a dentist 1 month or so before starting chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause problems with your teeth and gums, the lining of your mouth, and your salivary glands. You’re also more likely to get an infection if your teeth and gums aren’t healthy.

Water Bottle

11.

electrolyte hydration Packs

Diarrhea — from Crohn’s or a bug you pick up when traveling — can sap vitamins and minerals from your body and throw off your electrolyte balance. That’s where an oral rehydration solution can really help. These packets contain a mix of good-for-you powdered electrolytes (like glucose sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and potassium chloride) that you mix with water and drink to rehydrate your body. You can find them over the counter at the pharmacy and in large grocery stores.

10.

electrolyte hydration Packs