Digestive Diseases About This Page:

[Kynna]

Hi All,
I was wondering how many of you have digestive diseases or other other illnesses happen to effect your digestive system and do you have a trick or technique that gets you through travel at the World or elswhere? I was hoping to share useful information without crossing into TMI.

I find that theme parks in general are good vacation spots for me because I never have to wonder if there is a restroom close by but it makes staking out a parade spot or standing in line tough.

My current plan:
1. Skip breakfast.
2. Plan rest time back at the room after lunch.
3. Take medication I know I will pay dearly for the next day right before TS dinners.
4. Order the mildest meals possible & desserts that don't have a lot of dairy.
5. Luckily I have a 7yr old with a grown up appetitie so I often get her QS kids meals and she has my adult meal.

My family knows that if I say "I'll see you in a bit." and take off it means "take the kids go have fun, I'll call you."

Someday I hope for a miracle cure but until then it would be great to share coping mechanisms.

[mechurchlady]

Also add "Talk to the chef" as they can make special accommodations for things like pureeing food, bland diets, dairy free, gluten free, and allergen free. They spoil me rotten.

i like your plan but I have celiac so for me and my sugars I need food during the day. I do however save for the end of the day anything that might be risky or hard on my stomach. i rather do the rides first and then have pizza or pasta marinara than not be able to go on rides. At Disneyland I pigged out on a pair of hot dogs on gluten free buns so no more rides until late that night.

Naming the disorder is not TMI for me and I probably have heard of every symptom and had some myself. It is easier to know what a person has so that I can respond better. Glad to hear how you have adapted to your digestive problems. Definitely the one about the family knowing that when you say BYE or Be back in a bit means you have a crisis coming and not to ask questions or delay you. Very good suggestion.

[Kynna]

Oh sorry I didn't really mean to leave that out. I have Crohn's and RA. I go to a support group that gets a bit detailed and that's ok for that situation but online I figured people would rather not be graphic about it. That's all.

[mechurchlady]

Now that I know you have Crohn's and RA then I can look up online symptoms, dietary restrictions, limitations, and triggers to refresh my memory as I have met people with Crohn's online. I think my old aunt Mary has that, I forget as mom chatters like a hyper chimp at times.

Make sure you talk to the chefs at the parks and note any dietary restrictions. Still reading and not TMi for me. I live with celiac and wheat reactions so almost nothing is TMI. I now can see where you are coming from in your post. As for lines I would not worry as usually they will let you rejoin your group at the loading area or in the line itself. That is what is good about Disney parks, the CMs tend to work with the guests to help them out. It could be a CM taking a picture for a guest or letting 7 people on a GAC but I always feel assure that nothing will go wrong and if so the CMs will take good care of me.

Just wait and surely someone will come along who is familiar with Crohn's and RA. I know there are several out there.

Sending you prayers, hugs and pixie dust.
Laurie

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Great Info!
Thanks for sharing..

[hms1016]

I have ulcerative colitis or IBD. For me I seem to have more issues with pain than other symptoms. I was only diagnosed three years ago and I don't seem to get the typical symptoms. I have learned the hard way which foods really affect me. Good luck!

[Kynna]

Originally Posted by hms1016

I have ulcerative colitis or IBD. For me I seem to have more issues with pain than other symptoms. I was only diagnosed three years ago and I don't seem to get the typical symptoms. I have learned the hard way which foods really affect me. Good luck!

I know lots of people with UC since Crohns is in the same IBD category.
The symptoms are very similar. One thing I have found that helps with extreme gut pain is aloe vera juice. It tastes awful but is very soothing to the guts.

[PamelaK]

DBF has diverticulitis and cannot eat any nuts or seeds as these irritate his colon to the point that he is doubled over in pain. I just called Disney Dining to have this noted on our ADRs and while the CM noted it in the system, she also gave me a phone number to call. Disney Food Allergy Line 407-824-5967. I was told to call about 2 weeks prior to our ressies and then I could talk to the chefs and make the arrangements I need to make.

[bfth]

Most of the chefs and restaurant staff can be very accomodating to your dietary needs/restrictions.

And the good thing too is (maybe TMI) there are LOTS of bathrooms in Disney. Just remember, there are no bathrooms in China (she says from experience).

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Originally Posted by bfth

Most of the chefs and restaurant staff can be very accomodating to your dietary needs/restrictions.

And the good thing too is (maybe TMI) there are LOTS of bathrooms in Disney. Just remember, there are no bathrooms in China (she says from experience).

There is one right next to China in Norway
There are also none in France..

[Kynna]

Originally Posted by bfth

Most of the chefs and restaurant staff can be very accomodating to your dietary needs/restrictions.

And the good thing too is (maybe TMI) there are LOTS of bathrooms in Disney. Just remember, there are no bathrooms in China (she says from experience).

Not TMI good information! Luckily I haven't had to deal with a crisis in that part of World Showcase but I do know there are certain ones to avoid because the line would be worse than the walk. The one over by Rockin Roller Coaster is one. The one closest to the Magic Carpets and Splash Mountain are others.

[Big Baloo]

I have had Crohn's (and am lactose intolerant) for over 35 years now and WDW is one of my favorite places to vacation because of all the bathrooms! (Strange way to choose a favorite, but hey, you do what you gotta do, right?) Anyway, my favorite bathroom at the MK is the one to the right of POTC. Always clean, relatively quiet, and sometimes there is even a character interaction nearby that DH will take the kids to while I'm dealing with a code brown.
Also, always ask the chef about any questions/concerns that you might have. If you are doingTS, call ahead to let them know about dietary restrictions and I promise you, they will spoil you rotten as a previous poster has said.
Please feel free to PM me if you have any particular concerns/problems that you want to discuss. We "Crohnie's" should stick together!