My First Vacation Since I Was Diagnosed With Ulcerative Colitis

Last month, I went on my first real vacation since I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 13. I also went on my very first cruise with my fiance and his parents. While it was a lot of fun, I also find certain moments in life remind me that I am not “normal” - and that week was definitely one of them.

A typical day with ulcerative colitis

Because of my health, I generally don’t start my day until around 10 or 11 am. And by that I don’t mean I am showered, dressed and ready to walk out the door. I start whatever it is I have to do around then. This usually means having decaf coffee on the couch for a bit. Then, I slowly start my to-do list. Unless I am going somewhere, I don’t wear anything that isn’t comfy.

I also rarely wear make-up and unless I am going to see people I know and I don’t put my contacts in. I allow my hair to air dry on the days I do take a shower. I shower every other day to help keep my ostomy appliance dry and also to conserve energy. That may sound weird to someone who doesn’t live with ulcerative colitis or any chronic illness but I think a lot of you reading this understand where I am coming from :)

Able to attend meals and events on the cruise

So I was not used to being out and about so early and for so long each day on the cruise. Because I wanted to be part of things with my fiance and his parents, I made sure I was at breakfast or downstairs early. When we had excursions, they always began early too. But I was there!

For those of you who have ever been on a cruise or know about cruises, you know there is food everywhere and a lot of the vacation revolves around eating to some degree. Breakfast, lunch, and dinners are generally sit down, planned meals.

Because I don’t feel comfortable eating and then going out (since my ostomy filling up will always make it unenjoyable for me), it was difficult for me to fast until I got back to my room.

I did eat a good amount on the trip but the timing was off for me since I had to adhere to a more socially acceptable eating schedule. ; )

Anxiety about needing to go to the hospital while traveling

Overall, I had an amazing time. I also finally went to another country (Canada) which I had wanted to for a while. We traveled to different parts of New England also. This type of trip definitely took away some of the anxiety I had about “what happens if I get sick and need the ER or hospital?” I knew I was at least in America, or close to it. Do any of you have a fear of traveling to a country very different from what you’re accustomed to?

A relaxing trip without cell phone service

I was also very lucky that my fiance and his parents understand my challenges and limitations. A lot of our time was spent in the room, on the balcony, just hanging. Because we were in the middle of the ocean much of the time, I was without my phone for a week. I had service here and there when we got into ports but for the most part, we were isolated.

My fiance has a demanding job and other stressful personal things in his life which keeps his phone close to him at all times. I asked him a few times before the trip if he thought he would be okay without service. I also wanted to know if God forbid there was an emergency that he happened to see on his phone when we did have service, how would that affect the trip? His response was such a calm “if I am in the middle of the ocean, there is nothing I can do about it anyway so it’ll be what it’ll be.” 

My partner understands me and limitations of UC

It was the most fun I have had with my partner in a long time. The distraction was so good for us. We had great conversations and I was reminded how much he really knew me. After six and a half years of being with someone, it can make you forget how important some of the little things are. And when you live with a chronic illness like ulcerative colitis (a form of inflammatory bowel disease), having a partner who knows you and doesn’t judge can make all the difference in the world.

How are you on vacation? Is it difficult for you because of scheduling? What about the eating part of it? Do you have people in your life who understand? Are you worried you’ll have to be in the ER or hospital suddenly? If so, do you avoid traveling or traveling to certain areas? Would love to know more in the comments below!