I'm terrified to go an overseas holiday!??

Maui757 · ‎20-10-2017

Hey guys,

So this might seem odd to some, I really don't know. But my boyfriend and I have booked a trip to Iceland and Europe in December this year. It's a celebratory trip because I finish uni in a couple of weeks, and we've both wanted to go overseas for ages, and it's our first real holiday together. We've been together for over 4 years now btw.

My problem is, I've never been overseas! The longest plane ride I've ever been on was just under 4 hours, and I'm anxious about the 14hrs+ I will be stuck on a plane. I'm usually ok once we're in the air, but as I've said, I've never been on a trip so long before. Luckily my boyfriend has been overseas, so he's got no problems and will support me, but I'm still scared!

The other big issue for me and travelling that scares me, is I suffer from IBS (a stomach condition for those of you who don't know) and due to the amount of stress I've been under this year, it's been pretty bad. So I'm so, SO worried about getting sick on our holiday! 😞 I have this crazy fear of getting sick, like I absolutely can't stand being sick in the stomach. I know no one enjoys being sick, but it absolutely terrifies me when I get sick, so naturally I get very anxious when there's a possibility I could get sick.. Like when travelling!

Does anyone have any experiences? Any tips to put my mind at ease? What happens if I get sick on the plane? What if I eat something that my stomach doesn't agree with and I still have another 7 hours of flight - I've never used a plane toilet, and I'm terrified to do so in general, let alone having to do so with an upset stomach!! (Sorry for the details - gross I know).

And our trip is made up of 2 tours, both of which include a bit of driving on a bus - Again, what if my stomach gets upset then?? I'm so scared, and I really don't want to be. This is meant to be a relaxing, enjoyable experience, and something to look forward to. Instead, my anxiety is making it something I'm starting to dread, and that is really depressing.

FYI I do see a doctor about my stomach issues, and I take a thousand and one things daily to try and keep it working as normally as possible, but sometimes it just does what it wants. A lot of the time actually.. I have a VERY strict diet, which is yet another issue overseas - What the hell do I eat!? Anyway, I have had many doc consults and it is IBS as far as we know so far (more tests ongoing).

Please help! I want to enjoy this 😞

Maui

geoff · ‎21-10-2017

hello Maui, the thought must be exciting except for your worries which is understandable, make sure you have all the injections, plus the doctor can give you some tablets to calm you while on the plane.
If you like to get some mild sleeping tablets from your doctor just to make you drowsy and when you arrive make sure you don't eat from any food vans on the street, they are always a risk and make sure your doctor gives you something to settle an upset tummy and they will also have to make sure that anything they do give you is authorised with medical name and medical number so if the travel authorities question the medication you can provide them with your doctors approval.
Talk to yourself to give yourself some confidence, because the more you worry the worse you will feel, so have a positive point of view and feel the excitment that you both have been talking about. Geoff.

quirkywords · ‎21-10-2017

Maui,

Helloand welcome. I can relate to your post on a few levels even though I have been overseas before I always worry about things. I have a condition ( different to yours) which means I need to know where the bathrooms are.

I don't think many people enjoy long flights or using toilets on the aeroplane.

I can understand your fears but you need to prepare as much as you can . I assume your doctor knows you are planning this trip and he/she can help you .

Also are there any IBS support groups even online who may be able to give you handy tips.

I assume your boyfriend is supportive and reassuring. Have you told I'm how you are feeling?

I know that it is hard for others to understand who are not constantly worrying where the toilets are, what you should eat and drink to stay well.

I suppose I try to plan as much as I can, then focus on the wonderful experience you will have and all the great places you will visit and people you will meet.

I find on the airlines if you can find a sympathetic attendant that helps. Have you booked an aisle seat- I find that easier for getting in and out of the seats.

Let us know how your are going. I may not have been much help but I can understand how you are feeling.

Quirky

Hope_for_the_best · ‎23-10-2017

I can relate to your fear of unknown, although I have been overseas and taken a lot of long haul flights (9-12 hours). Flying for 10+ hours may seem like forever, but it is not that terrifying as you imagine. I am not sure whether you booked a morning or evening flight. If it is an evening flight, you will have dinner some 2 hours after takeoff. If you can fall asleep for a few hours afterwards, then it's pretty much time for landing after you wake up and have your breakfast. Personally, I find morning flights more boring (as I cannot sleep the hours away), but I can still keep myself occupied with the in-flight entertainment.

I would like to reassure you that airplane meals are prepared with a very strict protocol. They must be cooked and stored at correct temperatures to ensure food safety, so your chances of getting food poisoning are next to none. In fact, they are safer than many foods you eat on land. If you know that certain food will trigger your IBS, then do not order any meals with those food. You will get a food menu from the flight attendants, but they will ask what you would like anyway when they do meal service. If you want to be certain for what you will eat, you can order special meals prior to your flight (check with your airline).

If that will make you feel better, consider booking an aisle seat that is close to the bathroom. But then those seats are usually at the back of the plane and you tend to get disturbed by people going into and out of the bathroom. Don't forget to bring necessary medication with you. I always have medication for common cold, pain, allergy etc.in my hand-carry when I travel. You may not need it, but it can give you a peace of mind in case you need it. I would also suggest that you bring some fibre supplement because you can get constipated when you travel. Probiotics may be helpful for IBS too. In the event that you get very sick on the plane (touch wood), the flight attendants will seek medical assistance. They are well-trained to deal with situation like that. So, you really do not need to worry.

Wish you a nice trip!

Maui757 · ‎15-11-2017

Hi Guys,

Thanks so much for all your words of wisdom and your support. I went back to my doctor and he's given me a massive list of medication I can take that covers literally every scenario I could think of. I have some calming stuff to take for the plane rides if I start to freak out about them, I've got stuff to control my IBS symtoms if they get bad, anti-nausea stuff incase I feel sick, and even antibiotics incase I get travellers tummy bug!!! He was great and reassured me that even though I'm at a higher risk of getting sick (thanks to my problematic stomach) I should be fine.

I've also started focusing my psych appointments on handling pain management as I've been told this is a great way to calm anxiety about these sorts of things. So as much as I suck at meditation (I'm a very impatient, active, must-be-doing-something kind of person so sitting still mentally and/or physically is a huge challenge for me), I'm giving it more effort and trying to get some sort of calming system in place.

Thanks again for your help. I think I just need reassurance that it will be ok no matter what, and I hope I still enjoy it even if I do get sick.

Maui

quirkywords · ‎15-11-2017

Maui,

Thanks for the update. You sound a lot more confident now that you have a plan.

It is good that you are giving meditation more effort.

I hope you have wonderful trip. You are prepared .

Quirky