I left my house

[JudeD59]

I've basically been a hermit since my reversal because of the unpredictability of my bowel movements. Some days are okay with only 3-4 trips to the bathroom while others require 10-15 trips and I never know until the day is over which it will be. So I stay near my toilet where it's safe except for mostly doctor appointments. I've been trying to resolve this issue by adding fiber supplements to my diet. So far, it's helped some.

We bought a house in FL a few years ago that we plan to use for our retirement. Before I got sick, I used to come down by myself for a week about every two months to spend some quiet time writing, to restock what our family and friend guests had used up, and to just keep up with the maintenance. I haven't been down since my reversal.

I talked myself into rolling the dice and flew down with my husband yesterday. Eeeek! Between the drive to the airport, getting there an hour and a half before our flight, the flight itself, the drive from the airport to the house with a stop for a few basic groceries, I was away from my safe place (Kohler with an attached bidet) for about eight hours. I was worried about everything, but especially the possibility of being stranded on the runway for hours waiting to take off and being told we had to stay in our seats with our belts on. That could have been an unpleasant experience for anyone within twenty rows of me. And yes, I know airports have bathrooms, but I've never been a comfortable public restroom pooper. Some people have shy bladders, I guess I have a shy ----, well, you know.

But guess what?? The gods of poop smiled on me and I was absolutely fine the whole time even though it was a very bumpy flight. I was exhausted by the time we got here, but didn't need the bathroom for anything other than a routine pee. I had Immodium and Lomotil in my purse in case I needed them, but didn't end up taking either one.

There is a huge storm blowing in off the gulf, it's windy and raining cats and dogs, and I couldn't be enjoying it more. It can rain every day that we are here for all I care.

I'll bet there were plenty of people on that plane with a fear of flying, but I was probably the only one confronting a fear of pooping! Maybe not though. There was a lot of turbulence so there might have been many who had to check their skivvies when we landed. I might have to live down here now though unless my poor husband can drag me back onto a plane next week.

Take heart, my fellow frequent poopers! Sometimes you just have to go for it and hope for clear skies and clean underwear!

Judy

[MissMolly]

High-five and hip hop horray for you, Judy!

It is always nice to hear good news of someone who has successfully tackled post reversal/LAR syndrome challenges.

In reading your post, I found myself biting my lip in trepidation anticipation as to how the extended flight and drive would end. Like the gifted writer that you are, you held me in suspense right up to the end of your post/narrative.

I think everyone hear can genuinely appreciate that your travel accomplishment is a Big Deal. The horror of a fecal accident or an ostomy water failure is something that everyone hear can identify with.

You did it!

You made it!

Bring out the sparkling champagne. And pop the cork.
- Karen -

[Soccermom2boys]

Loved this post, Judy! Oh my goodness, this forum is really the best--well, except for the common bond of CRC, but otherwise I love this place! I have been reading many of your posts regarding your struggles with your bowel movements post resection and so I was just thrilled to read that you were able to make it not just out of your house, but down to Florida no less! Go you! And thanks for your gift of writing a piece on poop so entertainingly--no where else could we feel so safe to have these conversations.

Definitely enjoy your week down there--make sure you get out and enjoy it! Let us know how the return trip goes--fingers crossed that the poop gods are shining on you for that one as well, you deserve it!

[peanut_8]

That is a seriously big achievement Judy!

Hope that it bolsters your confidence so you can start planning your trip to Great Britain.

peanut

[cmrl]

Congratulations on taking a chance on travel,and succeeding. I also just travelled to the gulf area of Florida, but have the opposite problem, and packed a small arsenal of things to cope with constipation. Not too bad so far, but I feel like it requires constant vigilance. I'm determined to figure out how to travel comfortably, and not let this issue keep me in my daily rut.
Looks like the weather is going to cooperate. Enjoy!

[JudeD59]

That is a seriously big achievement Judy!

Hope that it bolsters your confidence so you can start planning your trip to Great Britain.

peanut

Thanks, Peanut and everyone else!

We actually decided against going to Great Britain for a variety of reasons. Instead---insert blaring announcement horn here---we're booked to spend two weeks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming so we can explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. We are all giant nature-lovers and we'll take short day trips to see the wildlife and natural wonders. That way if I'm not feeling well or having a bad day, I can just hang out in a room with a view of spectacular mountains. All eight of us also love cards and trivia type games, so we'll have a lot of fun hanging out in the evenings. I hope to feel well enough and have enough of a bathroom routine to be able to do short hikes and see everything I want to see, but if I can't go with them every day, that's fine, too. Just having that much time with my whole family is a blessing.

The other benefit of going there instead of Europe is the flight is broken up with a layover so I can get off the plane and have a break instead of flying for 6-7 straight hours. I don't like using airport bathrooms, but it's better than using the one on the plane. That is part of the reason that I made myself do this trip. I didn't want the family vacation to be my first flight since my reversal.

We still want to do London and Ireland, but we decided it would be better to choose a vacation where we stayed in the same hotel and made day trips just in case. If we were doing Great Britain, I would have to get in the car to move to a new location no matter how my day was going. Maybe next year some of us will be able to make it there.

Thanks for all the encouragement and support. Taking this trip was a big deal for me and it's so nice to have a place where people understand why it was.

And cmri, have a wonderful trip! I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

Judy

[tarheelmom]

Judy,

That sounds like an excellent plan! Have a great vacation.

[AnnClare]

Judy,

So glad to hear this. And things will continue to get better from here on out, you'll see.

[JudeD59]

Judy,

So glad to hear this. And things will continue to get better from here on out, you'll see.

Yup, I got "off my duff" and got on a plane.

Thanks, Ann, and I hope you're having beautiful weather to enjoy your walks.

Judy

[ams5796]

Such wonderful news, Judy! That must make you feel like you're getting your life back...and it should.



Ann

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm glad it went well!*hugs*

[Lee]

I And yes, I know airports have bathrooms, but I've never been a comfortable public restroom pooper. Some people have shy bladders, I guess I have a shy ----, well, you know.
Judy

Hand waving, me too.

Prior to my diagnoses, I could NEVER poop in somebody else home or public bathroom. While I have a bag now, my how times have changes. Now if I need to change my bag, I use the public restroom. And I will use the handicap stall for changing my bag. I feel I qualify.

I have a small blue notification card that I carry when I am traveling by air. It says that I have a colostomy and may need to use the bathroom even when we are suppose to be seated. Says . . . this is critical for the card holder well-being and for public sanitation. I got it off the UOAA website. I'm assuming there's something like that for your needs. Something that let the flight attendant know "you gotta go NOW"

Glad you were able to make it to Florida,

Lee

[LeonW]

I have a small blue notification card . . . off the UOAA website . .

Is this the card you refer to?

[Lee]

I have a small blue notification card . . . off the UOAA website . .

Is this the card you refer to?

That be it.

I know this card will not help Jude, butt wondering if there is something else out there that she can carry and use if need to.

Lee

[JudeD59]

I have a small blue notification card . . . off the UOAA website . .

Is this the card you refer to?

That be it.

I know this card will not help Jude, butt wondering if there is something else out there that she can carry and use if need to.

Lee

Maybe a note from my doctor? You know, the kind that got you out of high school gym class?? Seriously, I could ask my oncologist to write something like, "Let this woman use the bathroom or ain't nobody on this plane gonna be happy." No, that sounds too threatening. Not a good idea at all. That would probably win me a cavity search and heaven knows I've had enough of those since being diagnosed.

By the way, I let my daughter pick a movie for us to watch tonight. Guess what she picked? Sully. Seriously? A movie about a plane crash when I'm supposed to fly home in a few days?

How much do you think it costs to rent a Winnebago with a bathroom in it for a drive from FL to PA??

Thanks for the suggestion, Lee. I'll seriously look into it.

Judy