road trips and pit stops

I've had this topic on my mind for a little while. It is summer vacation and who doesn't love to pack up the car, grab some snacks and head on a road trip. Well, I can tell you who!!! Someone with flared up Ulcerative Colitis, that's who!!! I mean, it's not that you don't want to go somewhere fun with the family. It's just that once you have to take UC along with you on the trip, it just isn't quiet as fun. Frankly, it is downright stressful and disgusting!!! Oh, the stories I could tell of some of my road trip memories and the bathroom stops we have made. We just won't go there.

Ulcerative Colitis and road tripping has definitely been one of my biggest struggles. I will be honest, UC and getting in the car period has been one of my biggest struggles. It doesn't even have to be a long road trip. It could just be a trip to the grocery store or even shorter. When you are constantly going to the bathroom you just need to stay out of the vehicle!!! Not only do you have the problem of not having a bathroom when you need it, but you also have the problem of ANXIETY!! It is an absolute panicky moment in the vehicle, whether you are going 5 mins down the road or on a 500 mile trip, and your colon tells you to go to the bathroom RIGHT NOW.

Back to road trips and vacations. When I go on a trip I am one of those who likes to stop at the store and load up on the junk for the car. Nothing gives me the munchies like hearing the seat belt click. My favorite road trip snacks pre UC consisted of anything sugary and fruit flavored. Starburst were one of my favorites!! My mouth just started watering!!! Also, you can't go on a road trip without a good cappuccino. The problem with this is that my colon is inflamed already and sugar only makes it worse. So, sugar creates inflammation or adds to the inflammation I already have, leading to more symptoms and discomfort which can make a road trip really miserable.

I am very excited that this summer I have actually been able to go more places with less problems. Since I have been doing so well and my UC is under control, road trips have been great!! I do have to avoid sugary snack, and cappuccinos are very limited. If I eat the sugary snacks I know I will pay for it. I take healthy snacks and I bring tea to make hot tea for the road. I limit the junk even with my family. I have a very difficult time staying on track when it is easily accessible, so if it isn't in the vehicle I am much better off. (I guess I should also say I have a problem with self control. LOL!)

I want you to learn and remember more than the fact that road trips are difficult when you have UC. What I really want to leave with you is that sugar creates inflammation or "itis". In my case it's Colitis. But this is true no matter what disease or health issue you are facing.

SUGAR=INFLAMMATION=ITIS