Managing Gastroparesis while travelling.

Having a son struggling with Gastroparesis I often find myself searching the support sites for useful information. A friend of mine in the g-pact community had this in her blog so I have printed it out and will be using it this year for our trip to California in July.

Here is her article;

For those of us with digestive disorders, figuring out what to eat at home can be difficult enough; traveling often seems impossible. However, there are some steps you can take to minimize frustration and flare-ups while on the road.

1, As much as possible, stick to your regular routine in terms of what, when and how you eat. Unless you're prepared to deal with a possible flare-up, this is not the time to experiment. If you usually keep a food journal (something I highly recommend), continue to do so.

2, Regardless of how you're traveling, always bring plenty of your own food. Never assume there will be safe options along the way. A small cooler can be helpful for transporting meal replacement drinks, yogurt, cheese sticks, etc. [If you are traveling by plane, call the airline to inquire about the current rules for bringing liquids on board.]

3, If you rely on smoothies or protein shakes, invest in a small, packable blender, such as a Magic Bullet, to use when you reach your destination.

4, Before you leave, make a list of common foods that you know you can eat (i.e. grilled chicken, broiled fish, baked potatoes, chicken noodle soup, rice, etc.). When dining at restaurants, order from your own list to lessen feelings of frustration, confusion and deprivation.

5, Try to get some physical activity after meals. Many people find that walking helps to alleviate symptoms and improve digestion. It's also a great way to explore your vacation destination!

6, Because traveling can be stressful and stress further impairs digestion, it's especially important to take a few minutes just to breathe and relax before and after you eat.

7, While the limitations and demands of gastroparesis can seem overwhelming, especially while on vacation, try to focus on all of the things you *can* do. Having fun, laughing, and enjoying the company of your travel companions can only make you feel better!

You can follow Crystal Saltrelli's blog at:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs037/1103092623330/archive/1103507485072.html