23 Jul Navigating Social Life with IBD
Navigating Social Life with IBD
Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comes with a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing dietary restrictions. Whether you’re dealing with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, social situations can often feel daunting. However, with some preparation and a positive mindset, you can navigate these situations while taking care of your health. In this article we will cover tips for social gatherings, eating out, traveling, and more.
Social Gatherings
Social gatherings are a common scenario where dealing with your inflammatory bowel disease or dietary restrictions can become a concern. Here is some advice to help you manage:
1. Communicate in Advance: If possible, inform your host about your dietary needs ahead of time. This allows them to plan accordingly and gives you peace of mind.
2. Offer to Bring a Dish: Bringing a dish that you know you can eat ensures there’s at least one safe option available. Plus, it can introduce others to delicious foods that fit your dietary requirements.
3. Focus on Non-Food Activities: Emphasize activities that don’t revolve around eating, such as games, conversations, or outdoor activities. This shifts the focus away from food and reduces any discomfort you might feel.
4. Be Prepared with Snacks: Carry snacks that are safe for you to eat in case there are limited options available.
Eating Out
Dining out can be tricky when you have dietary restrictions or are concerned about a potential flare up. Here are some tips
1. Research Restaurants: Look up menus online in advance to find restaurants that offer options suitable for your dietary needs.
2. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your server about ingredients or how dishes are prepared. Most restaurants are accommodating when it comes to dietary restrictions.
3. Suggest Flexibility: Many restaurants are willing to customize dishes. Don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions or adjustments to fit your requirements.
4. Stay Informed: Stay updated on your trigger foods and be mindful of hidden ingredients, such as sauces or seasonings, that might aggravate your condition.
Traveling
Traveling with inflammatory bowel disease requires extra planning to ensure you stay healthy and comfortable:
1. Pack Essentials: Bring along medications, snacks, and other essentials you might need during your journey.
2. Look Up Dining Options: Before traveling, research restaurants or grocery stores at your destination that cater to dietary restrictions or offer safe options.
3. Plan Ahead for Flights: If you have specific dietary requirements, notify your airline in advance. Many airlines can accommodate special meal requests.
4. Stay Hydrated and Rested: Travel can be stressful, which can trigger IBD symptoms. Stay hydrated and get enough rest to minimize any potential flare-ups.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease General Tips
Don’t forget to advocate for yourself. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your health. Advocating for your dietary needs doesn’t have to be confrontational; it’s about ensuring your well-being. Try to use appropriate opportunities to educate friends, family, and colleagues about your condition. This can foster understanding and support.
Prioritize a positive mindset as much as possible. Managing IBD can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on what you can enjoy makes a significant difference.
You have every right to participate in and enjoy the same activities as everyone else. By advocating for your needs, planning ahead, and staying informed, you can enjoy social gatherings, dining out, and traveling while prioritizing your health. Stay positive, stay informed, and take charge of your well-being.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment
Treatments are available to help improve your quality of life. Advances in technology in recent years have led to the development of several very effective therapies.
Inflammatory bowel disease treatments include a variety of medications, such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators. For some people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis that doesn’t respond well to other treatments, biologic infusions may be recommended as add-on therapies.
The most common biologic infusion treatments for IBD are Remicade (infliximab), Entyvio (Vedolizumab), and Stelara (Ustekinumab). Remicade is also offered in several biosimilars that could lower the cost of treatment.
These infusions have been shown to improve symptoms and overall management of IBD. However, they may not be appropriate for everyone. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment plan for your unique treatment needs.
Where can I get my infusion?
Typically, biologics are administered via infusion or injection in a hospital or provider’s office. Nevertheless, recent findings suggest that receiving treatment at a stand-alone or ambulatory infusion center (AIC) can lower infusion costs by up to 53%, while providing a more individualized and private experience.
Here at Pure Infusion Suites, we put our patients first. We offer flexible scheduling, co-pay assistance, and other financial aid programs, as well as private suites equipped with recliners, flatscreen TVs, and snacks and drinks for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
Pure Infusion Suites currently has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Our founders created Pure Infusion Suites to make the infusion process comfortable, streamlined, and affordable.
Our expertly trained staff will be with you throughout the infusion process to ensure easy referrals and insurance authorizations and reduce the cost of your infusion where we can.
At Pure Infusion Suites, there’s no waiting. You will immediately go into your private suite to enjoy your favorite shows, snacks, and meals during your infusion appointment.
If you have been prescribed an injection or infusion add-on therapy for your ulcerative colitis and are looking for a patient-focused experience, click here to find a clinic near you.
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