Continuing travels whilst on home parenteral nutrition

Iolanda is an outgoing and active lady, living with her husband Tony and their dogs Sally and Poppy in Cheshire, UK. Iolanda has lived with Crohn’s disease for more than 56 years of her life, and has spent many years in and out of hospital.

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the bowel and leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, anaemia, weight loss and malnutrition. Crohn’s disease cannot be cured but there are ways of managing the condition and sometimes this requires surgery.

In 2016 Iolanda became incredibly unwell and the only option for her was to have surgery which included having two stomas. This meant a significant change in Iolanda’s life. To ensure she continued to receive the important nutrients she needed, Iolanda started on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) meaning she didn’t need to stay in hospital.

As a keen traveller and with family in Europe, Iolanda and Tony were determined to ensure that despite needing to rely on HPN 7 nights a week this would not stop her living her life as she would have before. In 2017 working closely with her hospital Iolanda and Tony travelled around Europe for thirteen weeks in their Motorhome with Sally and Poppy in tow.

“If there is a will there is a way, and I wanted to ensure that Tony and I could continue with our love of going on holiday despite my need for HPN. I was determined not to let my Crohn’s disease limit what I can do,” said Iolanda.

“I am also delighted that during the course of 2017 I was able to reduce my need for HPN and I am now eating normally. I know that I wouldn’t be here today without HPN and for that I am very grateful.”