Forums:
Hi ladies,
Yep, its been awhile since I’ve posted but I do check in often to see how things are going. I’m wrapping up my 2nd year of treatment with Matia and doing well overall. I still have lots of ups and downs, on list three, slowing and carefully venturing into veggies and fruits on list 4.
I have an incredible opportunity to travel from San Diego to Sydney, Australia to meet with my Marcom counterparts sometime in October. This is fantastic new yet I’m scared to death! I LOVE to travel, have never been able to yet here is my opportunity yet I have IC. I’m scared but before I say NO to my boss, I thought I would ask if there are any Australian patients of DR B that can help me with my million questions and guidance on how t ease travel. Its bad enough that I have to explain to people why I can only drink certain water and certain food only, now I have to travel with IC?
So here goes:
Travelling to Sydney Australia:
Spring Water: I currently only drink Arrowhead Spring water, what is Safe brand that is “Matia approved” spring water?
Food: what restaurants, stores do you recommend?
I will be travelling with my supplements yet worried that these may be taken away from me. Has anyone travelled with herbs back to Australia? Were there any issues? I would like to bring a gallon of water on the plane with me. Wondering if that is OK? When I land, where is the nearest store that I can load up on food and water? Are restaurants in Sydney open to people with food restrictions?
How easy will it be to buy supplements there? Or, shall I plan on shipping out my herbs directly to the hotel? I know, sounds crazy and $$ but I have to ask.
What is the temperature like during Sept/Oct? Is it really Humid? Anything past 82 degrees for me I get a migraine. I suffer from extreme migraines during heat and humidity. If the weather is going to be as such, I will back out.
Any pointers that you can give me while travelling? I worry since that is a long flight! Are seats more comfortable that the standard run of the mill close proximity seats on US flights? I will need to pack 3 entrees of food for the flight and when we land.
I will be travelling with a few co-workers though…
Any and all info is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Adriane
Hi Adriane,
Hi Adriane,
Great to hear you're looking to head to our side of the world!
I'm an IC Aussie gal.... some answers to your questions below:
Most Spring Waters have been ok for me over here... I would say the easiest brand for you to find which has been fine for me is called Mount Franklin Spring Water (comes in bottle with blue packaging).
Restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne are both pretty good with dietary restrictions. Depends on the restaurant but restaurants and cafes in both cities have really started to cater to the whole gluten, dairy intolerance thing etc etc. I've found eating out pretty easy from when I was on list 3. I find eating out at places that do the standard meat and vegetable thing (eg places that serve standard steak, chicken, fish dishes etc) are the easiest and you just ask for no sauce. Otherwise Asian places work well for me too and I just ask for a stir fry with no sauce and a side of steamed rice.
Australian customs can be super strict with bringing things in eg herbs etc. When I travelled back from LA with my RP herbs and Natren I had no problems although I got a letter from Matia's office for them just in case. Best thing to do is try and bring in bottles that are still sealed and unopened if you have any. If they are vitamin supplements that are clearly labeled (eg bottles of fish oil, vitamin D3 or whatever you're on) you should have no problems with those. Things like the RP may be trickier depending on who you get at customs but like I said - I just told them I had some vitamins in my luggage and they ok'd it and didn't even ask to look at the bottles. I would still get a letter from Matia's office just in case though!
Weather will be starting to get warm around then and might be slightly humid already but it doesn't get super humid until more like November/Dec.
Hope that helps! Good luck