Travelling with MS

Travelling with chronic conditions, and in particular with MS, can be a challenge.

Here are some tips that can be of use whether you are travelling abroad, or just going to the seaside for a weekend.

1. Pace yourself

You know your body better than anyone. And remember, you don’t have to do everything in the guidebooks for your holiday to be amazing. Choose activities wisely and build in recovery time.

Take advantage of breaks. Seek shade, drink some ice cold drinks, and take a breather when you can.

2. Dealing with heat

Some people with MS suffer from heat sensitivity – so if this applies to you consider avoiding countries with a hot or humid climate. Always use a high factor of sun protection when out and about.

Physical performance can fall significantly with heat. If possible, avoid rapid changes in climate. Everyone does react differently; therefore, your personal experience of your condition will form the basis of the decision on where you travel.

On road trips, take an ice chest with ice and bottled water, one of the best things to help keep you cool in the heat is to drink lots of water and stay hydrated.

3. Vaccinations

Talk to your doctor well ahead of your departure date about any necessary vaccinations. In general, vaccinations should not be given during an acute relapse or steroid treatment.

4. Flying/transport

Tell your airline of your needs in advance – airlines can arrange a wheelchair or special transport for use in the airport. Aircraft will often carry standard size wheelchairs free of charge. If you have battery-powered chairs you might need to dismantle this for carriage.

Some transport providers may require a ‘fitness to travel’ note from your doctor.

If your schedule permits, you might want to allow a little extra time between connecting flights so you’re not rushed from one gate to the next.

5. Medication

If you’re travelling with MS, check that you have enough medication to last for the duration of your trip. If you carry your medication in your hand luggage, have relevant medical certification with it. You’ll need to arrange for your medication to be stored in a refrigerator at the hotel if needed.

For air travel, medication must be in their original containers provided by your pharmacist.

Some airports have stringent security standards. So you might want to have a doctor’s note certifying that you are on injectable prescription medication.

6. Hotel

Check that your hotel is suitable if you are travelling with MS. Does it have wheelchair access if you need it? Is your room on the ground floor if you have difficulty with stairs and there is no lift? Does it have specially accessible rooms and can you book one of these?

View your accommodation online before you make reservations. Note stairs, pool access, restrooms, exercise room, etc. Have questions? Email or call in advance.

What if you get ill? If your condition is exacerbated whilst you are away, you may need to seek medical assistance. It’s important to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover your condition in case you do need any medical care while you are away.

Source: allcleartravel.co.uk

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When was the last time you travelled? How did it go? Do you think you were well prepared for the trip? Did you encounter any problems while travelling? How did you cope?