There's nothing like a trip to liven up a dull, dreary winter! Don't let incontinence stop you from enjoying your winter getaway - here are a few tips for a worry-free trip:
Plan ahead
Visit your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. Your doctor can talk to you about your overall health, help you understand the health issues of the area you'll be visiting and make sure you are getting appropriate treatment. For those who use medications, your doctor can prescribe enough medication to see you through your trip. Depending on your destination, your doctor may recommend that you visit a travel clinic to learn about vaccinations and health precautions needed for your destination (e.g., ways to prevent traveler's diarrhea).
It's also a good idea to plan your washroom access:
- When booking your flight, choose an aisle seat near the washroom.
- When you arrive in a new area, check out the locations of the nearest washrooms before you need them.
- Keep a small amount of change on you in case you need to use a pay toilet or a "customers only" washroom.
- If you feel comfortable, let your traveling companion(s) know about your incontinence so they understand why you need to find a washroom.
Pack smart
If you use absorbent products for incontinence, make sure you have enough to get you through your trip. Pack enough in your carry-on bag to get you to your destination (plus a little extra in case of delays). Then, bring enough for the rest of the trip in your suitcase. For long trips, you may not have room to pack all the absorbent products you'll need. In this case, check to see if you'll be able to buy them at your destination or have them shipped to where you're staying. You may also want to pack some baby wipes to help you stay clean while you're on the road, and disposable underpads to put under your hips to protect hotel beds.
If you use medications for incontinence, don't pack them away in your suitcase. Keep them close in a handbag or briefcase that you carry with you. For air travel, bring them in your carry-on bag. Medications should be in a professionally labelled container (such as the one provided by the pharmacy) with the name of the medication, its manufacturer, and the name matching your ticket.
Think about what you drink
Travel can shake up your usual routine. That's part of what makes travel fun, but remember that changes to your fluid intake can also affect your incontinence. Don't overdo it on alcohol and caffeine, which could make bladder control worse. Some people also find that carbonated and citrus drinks irritate their bladder - avoid them if this is the case for you.
Limiting your fluid intake before bedtime can also help with incontinence. But be sure to drink enough fluids during the day (about 6 to 8 glasses), and have extra fluids in hot weather or if you're very active. Getting dehydrated can actually make your incontinence worse, as the concentrated urine can irritate your bladder.
Remember, going away doesn't have to be stressful if you suffer from incontinence. Planning ahead and following a few tips can go a long way to ensuring that you have a great worry-free trip!
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Worry-free-Winter-Getaways
