Going on vacation is exciting. You get to explore new places, have a break from your normal routine and maybe even try some IC friendly new foods. But, it can also be overwhelming as you try to figure out what to bring along. What if you get caught by a flare? Do you have enough medications? Just how much can or should you actually bring?
The logistics of packing with a chronic health condition can be tricky — especially if you’re flying. Car trips, while sometimes problematic for causing flares, are easier from the packing standpoint, because you aren’t limited by weight and what your suitcase can hold. No matter how much packing space you have or don’t have, you want to make sure you pack the right things.
A few tips to get started
You can help yourself out with packing in a few ways before you even get started. Preparing ahead of time can make the entire packing process easier and less stressful.
1. Get in the right mindset.
Start off on the right foot by getting yourself in the correct mindset. Take a few deep breaths and sort out a plan for how you’ll attack packing. Give yourself some grace. Remember to allow yourself extra time while packing in case you need to take breaks.
You can also check out options for shopping at your destination in case you do forget something. Check a map around where you’re staying to locate drug stores, grocery stores and/or department stores to pick up any items you forgot or need more of. Knowing you have options will help reduce your stress level.
2. Plan ahead.
Before you even begin packing, start with making a list. I LOVE lists and know not everyone does, but when it comes to packing for vacation, they are vital for remembering everything. I have a basic list for each member of my family saved on my computer that I print out. There are lines to add in additional items specific for each particular vacation.
You don’t have to have a pre-prepared list. Just start a new one on your phone, computer or notebook. Along with planning for clothing, walk yourself through the getting-ready-for-the-day and getting-ready-for-bed processes. Make sure everything you use makes it onto your list.
Finally, also think through what medical supplies you need on a regular basis. Put those on the list as well.
3. Figure out your luggage.
This is especially important if you’re flying. You need to know the size and weight limits for your airline. You’ll also want to think of how you’re going to carry things through the airport and/or into your hotel.
Luggage on swivel wheels is especially great for ICers because then you don’t have to carry heavier items and risk causing a flare as a result. If you fly often, consider investing in a small roller bag for your carry-on as well. (We have one and LOVE it!)
Finally, make sure you have all the packing supplies you need. If you want to pack in pouches, be sure you have those ready to go. Have travel-sized containers for toiletries, so you don’t have to carry along large bottles, and organizers for everything as needed.
And don’t forget simple zip-top plastic bags are ideal for containing bottles or containers that could possibly leak and mess up everything else in the suitcase!
What to pack
With those tips in mind, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what to pack. Some things are going to be unique to you, and not everyone needs the same things, but you should consider a few items in particular to bring along as an ICer.
A heating pad
My symptoms are most soothed with a heating pad. In fact, I keep one at my desk, where I sit on the couch and beside my bed. So bringing along a heating pad on vacation is something I always do. You may not need it, but it’s nice to have if you do!
Most heating pads aren’t very bulky and can be rolled up to take up less space. If space is really a constraint but you want to bring along some heat, consider disposable heating patches. Rice bags are also an option if you’re going to have access to a microwave where you’re going.
What to do if you forget it: If you forget to bring along a heating pad, then pick up some stick-on heat patches. In a pinch, you can also slightly moisten a towel and heat it in the microwave.
Cold packs
On the flip side, if cold is more soothing for you, then be sure to pack cold packs. Car travelers can bring them along in a cooler. You can also get disposable cold packs that you “pop” to activate.
If you prep ahead of time and will have freezer access where you’re staying, you can make some padsicles (frozen maxi pads) to help soothe.
What to do if you forget it: Buy zip-top bags and fill them with a mixture of crushed ice and water. Wrap a paper towel or wash cloth around the outside and apply.
Daily medication
You definitely want to make sure you have your daily medications. Vacation is not the time to forget to take your regular medications for your IC and/or any other health condition you’re managing. If you have your medications in a weekly pill container, be sure to rubber band the lid(s) closed and place the container in a zip-top bag to reduce the chance of it opening.
Another option is to pack your daily meds in small zip-top bags. I get the snack-sized bags and label them “A.M.” and “P.M.” and sometimes with the days of the week. I separate each round of morning meds and evening meds into their own bag. Then I place all the smaller bags in order into a larger zip-top bag, and I’m good to go. The small bags works well to stick in my pocket if I know we’re going to be out while I need to take my medicine. (That’s much more likely to happen on vacation!)
If you’re flying, keep your medications in your carry-on bag so you have them in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed.
An additional tip is to set reminders on your phone for taking your regular doses of medication do you don’t get off schedule or miss doses. Bringing along doses for a couple of extra days just in case is a good plan as well.
What to do if you forget it: This is going to vary depending on where you are, how long you are gone and your insurance. If you use a pharmacy with a location near your destination, start there. You can also call your doctor and explain the situation. He or she can usually call in a few days’ worth of medication to get you through. Just know you may have to cover the cost out-of-pocket if your insurance won’t cooperate.
Pain medication
For those IC patients who take controlled pain medications, be sure you pack what you need. These are not usually medicines pharmacies will fill if you have enough doses to take otherwise. Keep any controlled pain medications in a safe place you’ll have on or near you at all times.
These are also medications you don’t want to pack in your checked luggage if you’re flying. Bringing extras in case you get delayed in returning home is also a good idea.
If you are going to run out of controlled pain medication part-way through your trip and cannot fill it ahead of time, then do some research and figure out a location near where you’ll be staying that can fill the prescription for you so you are prepared.
But don’t forget about over-the-counter pain medications as well. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and phenazopyridine are some options for OTC meds that can help with IC symptoms.
And if you have medication specifically to take during flares, bring it along as well just in case you need it while you’re away.
What to do if you forget it: If you forget controlled prescription pain medication, you are most likely not going to be able to get it. OTC medications can be picked up at lots of department and drug stores.
Panty liners
Having panty liners on hand can be good if you are having an issues with leaks or if you are taking phenazopyridine or another medication that changes your urine color. Panty liners can keep your underwear from getting stains.
What to do if you forget it: This is a simple option to go to the store and pick up panty liners. In a pinch, you can also fold unscented tissues without lotion or toilet paper and place in your panties.
Comfortable clothes
You definitely want to bring along the right clothes for your vacation. So while you figure out how many outfits you need and what the weather will be like, also consider what feels best for your bladder. In general, you want to avoid pants or skirts tight around the pelvis. Go for looser fits or dresses.
Check out these ideas for how to dress for success and bladder comfort.
Think also about footwear, especially if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Having good foot support can help keep your back and legs from hurting.
If you’re swimming on vacation, be sure to have dry clothes to change into as quickly as possible. Sitting around in a wet swimsuit increases your risk for UTI. (For swimming with IC, don’t miss these strategies to help you dive in with confidence.)
What to do if you forget them: Forgetting clothes isn’t likely, but if you only have more fitted clothes or things that don’t work as well when you’re flaring, pick up some comfy options at nearly any store. Even drug stores usually sell leggings, which are a great option for ICers.
Seat cushion or pillow
A seat cushion or toss pillow can be especially helpful for long car rides. Having the extra cushion really does help absorb some of the vibration of the car. They also give you extra soft cushioning, which is just more comfortable for ICers.
If you find sleeping with extra pillows or a pillow between your legs helpful, then you can use a toss pillow for double-duty. Plus if you’re going to be sitting on hard seats for a while, then you have the option to bring it along.
What to do if you forget it: Finding seat cushions is a bit more challenging, but many stores sells toss pillows. Look for firmer options that are full so they hold up well when you sit on them.
IC friendly snacks and drinks
Somehow traveling tends to make many people feel more like grabbing a snack. Maybe you don’t have time for a meal or maybe you’re just bored and peckish. No matter the reason, you want to have IC friendly options you can enjoy.
Prepare ahead of time with some IC friendly snacks in your carry-on or car bag. If you’re not flying, then bring along a cooler stocked with your favorite IC friendly beverages.
What to do if you forget them: Buy some as you go! Homemade snacks are certainly not the only IC friendly options. Check out this list of IC friendly snacks for on the go to find some great ideas.
Entertainment and charging cables
So this one isn’t necessarily IC specific, but you do want to make sure you have books or videos to keep you entertained — especially if your bladder starts flaring. Distraction is a great pain management tool.
Be sure to check out your local library for ebooks you can read on a device, hard copy books to check out and even movies to stream.
Along with that, don’t forget charging cables. Watching movies, for example, will drain your device’s battery faster than using it for other things. Have a cable and power adapter you can use to plug in and charge away.
What to do if you forget them: Pick up books at most retailers. Movies are harder to figure out on the go, but not impossible if you have streaming services such as Netflix. Charging cables can also be found all sorts of places including gas stations.
