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My name is Erin and I'm 19. I was diagnosed with Crohns about 8months ago.  I was planning on studying abroad in  England before I got sick and am still planning on doing it. But I am really nervous now about going because I am still not on a regular medication regime.  I was wondering if anyone else has ever studied abroad with Crohns? Or if anyone has any advice about traveling overseas with Crohns?

 Reply posted for Erin.

I have been thinking about studying abroad as well. I'm currently in remission so the bathroom situation doesn't really apply to me. What I did notice however is that no one wrote about our immune systems. I know almost all of the medicines that doctor's put us on, suppress our immune systems so our bodies stop attacking our intestines...or where ever our disease is located. Has anyone spoken to a doctor about this? I've caught a few colds, and had a few styes in my eyelids, and they've lasted three times longer than a normal healthy person due to my suppressed immune system!

 Reply posted for Erin.

I've wondered about this, too. I haven't studied abroad, but I might in the future (to Germany). It's good to know that Europe has the same or similar meds. So if I would go overseas for 2 or 3 months, should I get an extra load of Rx meds beforehand to last me the whole time or just get them filled there when I need them? I can get a prescription of Asacol that would last me 3 months, but Remicade only lasts 8 weeks, and you can't bring extra with you. Has anyone received Remicade overseas? 

 Reply posted for Erin.

The most important thing to remember is that in many foreign countries it is not customary to provide toilet paper.  Sometimes there's none at all, sometimes it's for purchase in a machine outside the restroom (something I learned a little too late in Japan), and some places you can't flush paper down the toilet.  In summary, ALWAYS carry TP or a pocket-pack of kleenex.  I also carry little magic towels that are compressed into a pill and expand into a washcloth when you add water.  The common brand names of these are InstaCloth (www.heininger.biz, click on CommuteMate and select InstaCloth) and EZTowel (eztowel.com).

 Reply posted for Erin.

I was diagnosed with CD while studying abroad in France when I was 20 (really a miracle because my US doctors had no clue).  I am now living in Europe again and have been for the past year and a half.  I find that the medical treatment here can be just as good as the US.  When I travel back home and come back, I usually have about 24 hours of diarhea and then I get back to normal. Take some Immodium with you to keep this under control, even if you are usually more constipated. I would take with you any meds (over the counter and Rx) that you can imagine using so that you don't have to go to a pharmacy and try to figure out equivalents.  The good news is that in most cases, they have equivalent over the counter and prescription meds in Europe, even if they are called something different.  I have been on business in Spain and Austria and they were able to look meds up for me on their computers without a problem. 

As for bathrooms, just be prepared with Euros and be prepared to squat in some countries.  I do not think you will see that so often in the UK, but the Mediterranean countries may still have these toilets.

 Reply posted for Erin.

I was in Germany for 10 weeks while in remission with Crohn's.

I took my medicines with me and was fine. The only thing I can suggest is that if you are a picky eater, then bring something to snack on for the flight.

 Reply posted for Erin.

Hi Erin!

I studied for 6 weeks in England while in college.  I agree with namaste about keeping a card with diagnosis and meds with you at all times!  If you are going to a particular school, email one of the program directors about your health concerns.  They can probably let you know in advance what kind of health care they can provide just in case.  I had no trouble finding restrooms at all- they are not as readily available as in the States, but you should be fine.  Be careful about your diet- I came back with a bit of a flare becuase I didn't stay hydrated and tended to eat more fatty foods (hello, fish and chips!) than usual.

Good luck and have fun!

Laura

 Reply posted for Erin.

I haven't traveled to England, but I did visit France last summer - with an active flare of Crohn's. The flight is not too bad, mainly because you will probably sleep most of the time. However, the Europeans are different about restroom accessibility. In France, if you can find a restroom, there is often a charge. I do suggest you have some currency already exchanged before you leave the airport - just in case. Also, some Europeans continue to use a Turkish toilet - which can be quite an ordeal if you have an active flare at the time. Let's just say that you should practice a few squats just in case (it's basically a hole in the floor). 

I do suggest that when traveling, you carry a card with your diagnosis and prescriptions as well as your doctor's number, just in case. I laminate mine and carry it with me. I also translate it into the languages that I may need before I go. Hope this helps and best of luck!!!