I thought the following travel article was very good so I am putting it here for you to read. Don't let Parkinson's take away your ability to travel. Probably not all will apply to you, but use what does and enjoy your next vacation!
HOW TO TRAVEL (WITH GREATER EASE)
WITH PARKINSON’S
For the average person, traveling is a minor
frustration. Security lines, delays, crowded airports and cramped and long
lines at snack shops and restaurants are par for the course. However, if you’re
living with Parkinson’s, those things aren’t just frustrations they can be so
troublesome and aggravating to deal with that you choose to stay at home.
That’s why we decided to reach out to
our Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassadors, many of
whom are avid travelers, to get their best tips for traveling with Parkinson’s.
Armed with this information, when you get out and about this summer, we hope
you’ll do so with greater ease.
Medication Management
Managing medications topped nearly
everyone’s list. Here are a few suggestions our expert travelers offered.
wBring more than you need.
(And always know how to get more in a pinch.) When you’re headed out for a long
trip, it’s easy to miscalculate; so, bring extra.
wPut your medications in
more than one location. This way if something happens with your luggage or you
forget a backpack somewhere, you’re covered. Ideally, keep them in your carry-on
bags or on you if possible.
wSet timers or alarms on
your phone so you’re always prompted to take them, even if you’re caught up in
another activity.
wIf you’re going to be in
multiple time zones, plan a consistent schedule for taking your medication. Your
body doesn’t care that you started in Boston and ended up in LA – it wants
Sinemet every three hours.
Sometimes travel days will stretch on and
on, far beyond a typical day at home. If your awake time demands it, take an
extra dose of something and make sure you account for those extra doses when
packing your meds.
wIf you’re traveling with a
companion or care partner, have them carry an extra dose of your medications.
wAlways carry a complete
list of medications with you. And be ready to show them if asked.
wMake sure at least one set
of your prescriptions are in Rx bottles with labels. If someone in authority
questions the contents of your pill bags or bottles and you can’t prove what
the medication is, they can take them if they must.
wIf you have any liquid
medications (e.g., the gel form of carbidopa/levodopa for the Duopa pump that’s
approved in the US), you’ll need a letter from your doctor. Although you’re
allowed to travel with medications greater than the three-ounce limit specified
by the Transportation Safety Administration, those medications will be subject
to additional scrutiny, and you’ll need the documentation from your doctor as
part of that process. Be sure to keep these medications with you in your carry
on. Do
not put them in your checked luggage.
Planning
wConsider traveling by
train rather than getting trapped in those tiny airplane seats. Trains have
plenty of legroom, there’s no TSA and you get an amazing view.
wWhen buying plane, train
or bus tickets, be sure to allow enough time between legs if you have to have a
layover so you have the time you need—and more—to get to your next gate.
wTravel when you’re at your
best. For example, if you feel best in the morning because that’s when
your medications offer you the best relief from symptoms, consider flying or
traveling at that time.
wMake a list of everything
you could possibly need for your trip and save it. You might have different
lists for bike rides, road trips, weekend getaways, international trips, work
trips and long-term travel. Update your lists on your computer each time you
travel so they’re ready to print out when you prepare for your next adventure.
wCheck the weather! If you
need to pack a few days before you leave, and you pack for the current weather
report, you could get stuck with the wrong clothes. Be sure to check again the
day before you leave since weather reports change quickly, and you may need to
adjust what you pack. Many people living with Parkinson’s don’t do that well in
the heat or in the cold. Not having the correct clothing can be a real problem.
wPut all of your paperwork
in an easy to access location. This might be in the top pocket or your backpack
or maybe the pocket of your pants or jacket.
Consider including in your paperwork an
emergency contact list with information about your neurologist, primary care
physician and other healthcare providers as well as the names and contact
information of family members or other people who should be contacted in case
of emergency.
wIf you tend to run late,
avoid stress by getting to the airport extra early. Everything takes longer
than you expect, so think through the steps you’ll need to take for airport
security, airline boarding, baggage handling, lines at the bathroom, snack
shopping, etc.
wIf you’re going to be out
of town for a while, take a quick picture of where you parked or make a note in
your phone in case you forget exactly where you left your car when you return.
Getting Around
wCarry a cane or a walking
stick, even
if you think you don’t need it. Stress often makes Parkinson’s symptoms worse, and
travel is stressful. Even if you don’t need it, it’s a warning sign to others
to not crowd you or run over you in the terminal or on the street.
wArrange for a wheelchair
to get through the airport. This can help a lot in crowds or in unfamiliar
places.
wIf you need to use a
handicap bathroom, use them when you see them.
wTake advantage of TSA
Pre✓® and Clear.
wIf you need help, ask for
it. If help is offered, take it. This includes having someone carry your bags,
taking advantage of extra time allowed for boarding, having someone get food
and bringing it to you, etc.
wTake a disposable plastic
grocery bag with you so you can open it up and sit on it on the plane. When you
want to get out of your chair, the plastic reduces friction which makes it much
easier to get out of your chair.
wPractice getting in and out of your airplane
seat (or any seat) before you go.
Food & Drink
wHave your food items at
the ready since you need to separate them when going through security.
wFill your water bottle
after security and between flights.
wBring more snacks than you
think you’ll need on the plane in case you get stuck, delayed and re-routed and
suddenly your two-hour flight turns into a six hour one.
Communication
wRemember that
communication is on the person with Parkinson’s. As Kathleen Kiddo says,
“Nobody can read our cue cards so it’s our job to let them know what’s up.”
wConsider wearing or
traveling with a card that says something like, “I’ve got Parkinson’s and I
need a bit more time and space. Thank you.”
wSome people with
Parkinson’s carry this card [provided by the Parkinson’s Foundation.]
Sleep and Rest
wSlow down and don’t
overschedule your days. Choose the activities that are most important to you
rather than trying to rush through to hit every possible spot. You will have
the most enjoyable time if you learn how to conserve energy so that you have it
when it matters most.
wTry to time your travel so
that you have plenty of time to rest once you arrive at your destination. For
example, if you’re traveling to Europe, consider going a day early so you have
time to get your body clock adjusted.
wIf you travel somewhere
that has a significant time change, take a one to two-hour nap when you arrive.
Go out for dinner and then go to bed at what would be a normal time for the
part of the world you’re in. Immediately try to assimilate into the routine of
your new environment.
wBring a sleep mask and
earplugs. Many people with Parkinson’s have difficulty sleeping. Keeping a
sleep mask and a pair of soft foam earplugs nearby can help you get some rest
when you’re traveling. You might also consider bringing an inflatable neck
pillow for additional comfort.
Clothes
wPack light and feel secure
knowing that, unless you’re traveling to a remote area, you’ll be able to pick
up anything you need once you reach your destination.
wTravel in comfortable
clothing that’s easy to get on and off in bathrooms. Slip-on shoes or sandals,
shoes that don’t require you to lean over to take them off, are great for
airports. And keep an extra pair of socks in your carry on for cold planes.
wWear knee-high compression
socks for road trips and air travel. They keep the blood flowing and reduce
swelling.
wBring a change of clothes
in your carry-on bag just in case.
Exercise
wConsider bringing a jump
rope. It travels well and it offers a great workout. It’s an aerobic and motor
challenge, a great exercise for travel.
wWhether in a car or on a
plane or train, take time to get up and stretch every 30-45 minutes.
wAs much as possible, try
to continue to exercise and do the things that are part of your daily routine
for living well while you’re on the road. It can be a challenge when you’re in
a different place and don’t have access to the same routine or equipment, but
veering too far off schedule can create problems both when you’re traveling and
when you arrive home. Adjust as needed, but continue to do the activities that
make you feel well.
Miscellaneous
wUse a label maker to put
your name and cell number on loose objects, like canes.
wIf you don’t have a
handicap placard, get one.
wWhile you’re exploring new
areas, consider checking out the local Parkinson’s offerings. Does the
place you’re visiting offer something in the way of support for people living
with Parkinson’s that you don’t have where you live? If not, do they need your
skills? Could you bring something to share with the community you’re visiting?
wDon’t be afraid of letting
your travel companion(s) know that you’re too tired to do certain activities
and you just need time to rest.
wIf you have DBS, bring the
Medtronic device wallet card (or whatever company made yours). You may be asked
for it. It’s best to not try and explain DBS to security people. Just say
you have a “medical device” or even just say you have a pacemaker as that’s
something they hear all the time. Remember, you can’t go through the old style
security check machines or let them use wands to check you. Be prepared for a
pat down.
wPay for luxuries and
conveniences while traveling if you can. They’re designed to make your life
easier and if you ever need that, it’s when you’re traveling.
wIf at all possible, travel
with others who get you so well that they know when you need help and when to
back off. They know when you need to rest and when you’re ready to go. And
they, more than anything, can gracefully manage the unpredictability of
Parkinson’s and not let it get in the way of a fabulous trip.
wMaintain a sense of humor.
Travel is difficult even under the easiest of circumstances. When something
goes wrong, and it almost always does, the way you handle it will have a big
impact on your physical and emotional well-being. Eventually, you’ll get where
you need to go; so, in the meantime, have a good laugh about it.
Finally, while there’s a lot that happens
when you travel that you can’t control, you can control your experience. Don’t
let Parkinson’s stop you from traveling. As Jill Ater says, “Most people in the
world are incredibly understanding and patient. If you like to travel, then
it’s part of your living fully with Parkinson’s.”
Your Parkinson's symptoms may include resting tremor, rigidity, slowed movements (bradykinesia), and freezing, along with others depending on your body. But the painful symptom you have most likely experienced in one or more of its forms, is dystonia.
