June 10, 2005
Trip'n: Traveling with IBS
My last Trip'n entry was abroad to London. While New York is well within the United States, its nevertheless quite a journey for an native Los Angelean and IBS sufferer. Life is tough enough here in Los Angeles; New York is a whole new strategy. As my cousin put it gently, IBS sufferers' anxiety can be even worse in a city such as New York, where you must rely on other people and stringent timetables to move about.
I flew Song this time around and was mildly relieved by the 'purchase-only' menu option. We were given plenty of choices to purchase overpriced, yet very healthy and somewhat IBS friendly food. The fruit, nuts and cheese platter was filling, just make sure you give away the cheese.
I'm sure all of you know that lack of sleep will throw IBS in a tiffy, so our choice to pick the red-eye was pure genius. I spent the next few days with my stomach in knots and rather groggy. So don't be ignorant - pick a flight time that is the most leisurely, even at the expense of losing half day sightseeing. You'll lose the time anyhow if you have an attack.
For those of you who are heading to NYNY for the first time or first time in quite awhile:
- Don't even think about entering Central Park without a map and clearly note the bathrooms. Sometimes they are easy to find and other times you'll find yourself walking in painful circles. And say no to the hotdog but feel free to grab a pretzel from their stands.
- I'm totally carb addicted. New Yorkers make the most amazing bagels in the world - hands down. Pick up a sourdough to calm those IBS rumbles. I just about died at Barney's Greengrass when I tasted the lightest Sturgeon possible. Eating smoked or flavored fish was a treat - and it made me happy knowing it would be fine to digest.
- Stay away from Carnegie's. Very oily, non-IBS friendly and overpriced. In fact, my friends-with-iron-tummys all got sick.
- Scout out fruit stands and corner markets brimming with fresh fruits. In LA , we are rather wary of makeshift shops, but here ... its all about convinience. Most places even offer fresh juice OJ - perfect to start your digestion (constipation sufferers only).
- The city isn't known for their Japanese food, a staple for me, since almost everything in that cuisine is IBS-friendly. However, you can find some decent Thai and Vietnamese food. Fresh veggies and noodle soups are the way to go.
- Feeling the tummy go south? There is a good chance that you are in a touristy area. We ducked into the Sheraton near Times Square and camped out for half an hour. They won't kick you out and the bathrooms are definitely clean! Starbucks is a good bet too, but most New Yorkers stop there for a restroom break as well.
- Always have enough cash to make it back to your hotel/residence by taxi in case an attack comes on and you want to split from the group.
- Plays (and most last 2 hours) may not have the best facilities and are notoriously cold. I had a horrific attack in the middle of Chicago and they closed the only set of bathrooms in the building. I ran in anyhow. At intermission, they didn't offer anything that was warm and drinkable. Next time I plan to smuggle in hot tea in a thermos.
I was in the city for 5 days - so I only got a glimpse of this incredible metropolitan. I was a bit anxious the whole time, traveling by train and walking from place to place, but by the 5 day I fell a little in love.
Posted by Christine on June 10, 2005 7:21 PM
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