All travelers should plan carefully to ensure their health and safety while away. However, older people have a few extra concerns- especially if they’re traveling with Arthritis. That’s why we took the liberty to outline some tips here to help you be well prepared to help you to avoid complications and make even the most uncomfortable situations bearable.
Tip #1
Discuss your travel plans ahead of time with your rheumatologist. During this visit, you can:
When you know you are planning to travel make sure to set up an appointment plenty of time ahead so you can have an updated checkup and to obtain a letter to carry with you stating your condition and any extra prescriptions you may need.
Many RA patients are on medications that suppress their immune systems, so ask your doctor about the kinds of diseases you might encounter if you are traveling, especially if you are going overseas. Make sure to check with your doctor about any vaccinations you may need and whether they are contraindicated with your arthritis medication.
Keep in mind that as you travel across time zones, you may need to adjust the times of your medications. This is especially important with steroids, which have to be administered at certain intervals throughout the day. Speak to your physician to determine how to best address this timing issue.
Discuss an “in case of emergency” plan with your doctor. He/she may be able to tell you how to alleviate certain symptoms. Your doctor might be able to recommend a rheumatologist where you are traveling
You may also wish to write a short page of your medical history, diagnosis, and medications to take along and use Google Translate to translate it into several languages, depending on your destination.
Tip #2
Booking your flight and your hotel:
The first thing to consider is when to go on your trip. If you know there is a particular time when you have flares (e.g., in the heat of summer or right after the holidays), avoid planning trips during that time of the year.
When booking your hotel(s), ask the hotel staff to tell you exactly where your room will be. Find out its distance from particular amenities and whether there are steps, ramps, or elevators near the room. When booking your room, request a location close to the elevator and on a lower level in case there is a blackout or some problem where you cannot take an elevator up or down. Also, if you are traveling alone or have an emergency, hotel staff can more quickly aid you if you are closer to the lobby.
Let the front desk know if you have any mobility issues, especially if you are traveling alone. If there is a fire or an emergency, they are required to make sure you have assistance in evacuating the hotel.
You can also call ahead to the hotel to make sure they have a firm bed and extra pillows or can accommodate other special requests.
Check to make sure that it is safe to travel with all medications (do they need to be refrigerated or do they require other important storage options?). Many hotels will provide a medical fridge if you need one.
If you plan on checking out in advance of your departure, you can ask the hotel concierge to arrange for storage of your medication.
Most biologics do not “spoil” unless exposed to extreme heat. You can contact the pharmaceutical company that makes your drug to see how long it will last without refrigeration.
When booking your flight(s) try to schedule your departures during non-active hours to avoid standing in long lines and being jostled in crowds. Speak with the airline or resort staff to find out when the low traffic times are. (Friday through Monday is typically the busiest time in airports.) Be sure to schedule a time to recuperate and acclimate upon your arrival. Consider adding an extra day to your itinerary so you can be sure to find some rest after arriving.
It’s also a good idea to plan your seat selection. An aisle seat can enable you to get up and stretch more frequently, and if you have back problems, keep your seat reclined, to take pressure off of your disks.
Tip #3
Packing Tips:
Come up with a list of aids that make your life with arthritis a little easier on a daily basis.
When packing medication, include prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies you think you might need. If you are having a flare-up and also have a headache, you want to avoid having to leave to find a drug store.
Pack a list of the medications you are taking and include a list of medication allergies. Make two copies of the list; leave one in your room and keep another with you.
Have two sets of medication just in case something happens to one bag. Keep one in your carry-on and one in your checked baggage.
Keep all medication labeled and bring extra doses for your trip just in case you lose a dose or two.
Also, it’s very important to bring a brief medical history in case of an emergency. It is easier to provide a physician with a list rather than explaining your medical history. Include the contact information for your physician and your rheumatologist.
Be absolutely sure to bring your insurance information. If you are purchasing travel insurance, check to see if they will cover a pre-existing condition. Most do not. It is best to contact your medical insurance company and ask them what to do in case of an emergency.
Wear your MedicAlert® bracelet. This is especially important if you are on steroids. A serious accident or injury could create a situation known as steroids-related shock. If you have been on Prednisone for up to 6-8 weeks in the last year, you should have a MedicAlert® bracelet that says you are – or have been – on steroids. There is a number they can engrave on the bracelet that allows health care providers to call and obtain important information. Remember to keep this information up to date.
Other key items to consider packing:
- Travel sized heat packs and cold packs.
- Assistive devices, even if you only use them occasionally. If you use a tool to button your shirt, devices to pick up your silverware, or similar tools, be sure to bring these items. Flares can happen at any time, so bring all of the assistive devices and aids you might need.
- A horseshoe pillow to ensure that if you fall asleep while traveling, your neck will be supported and you can avoid stiffness.
- Comfortable clothes and shoes are a must.
When it comes to actually packing your luggage there’s a few things to consider.
You want to make sure to select a bag on wheels with a handle that will lock in the upright position. That way you can push the bag instead of pulling it to avoid strain on your shoulders. Even some small bags like knapsacks and computer bags are equipped with wheels and can help you avoid stress on your joints.
Do not lift your bags when you are checking them, going through security, or putting them in the overhead bins. If you need help getting your bag through security, let someone from the airline know in advance that you are going to need assistance and they will send somebody down to help you.
Although it’s pricey, you may consider the possibility of sending your luggage beforehand via UPS or FedEx.
Tip #4
Getting through security:
- Canes and walkers are generally allowed, but check with the airport to make sure you are meeting the most up-to-date security requirements.
- Walkers and canes have to be stored during takeoff and landing, but they can be returned to you during the flight so you can move around.
- Do not put canes or walkers in your checked luggage in case your luggage is lost.
- Remember to put an ID tag on your assistive devices. Canes, walkers, and medication in insulated bags do not count as your limited carry-on pieces.
- Bring a letter from your doctor about your medical history and the medications you take. This will provide backup if security questions you.
- All your medications should be in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag goes missing.
- Pack ankle splints and/or tensor bandages if you use them.• Use compression socks for long flights
- Bring your handicapped sign with you if you have one.
Tip #5
How to travel by car, bus cruise or train:
Car Travel:
The advantage of automobile travel is that you are in control. When you need to stop to take breaks, you have the complete freedom to do so.
Bring the right things to make your car ride comfortable. Stock the car with food and beverages in case you are hungry or need to take medication but are not up to stopping. Have a neck collar or a horseshoe pillow so you aren’t straining your neck while you rest. Bring a beaded car seat to increase you back’s comfort, or try sitting on a large garbage bag, which makes it easier for you to get out of the car.
Customize your car. Cars can be retrofitted to suit the needs of people with RA.. But if you are renting a car, make sure it is a vehicle that you can easily get in and out of. You probably do not want an SUV, which is high off the ground, or a two-door car if you are going to be riding in the back seat.
AAA is a great resource and can help you arrange an “accessible” trip. They will work with your limitations and help you find appropriate accommodations and activities.
Bus Travel
This can be a difficult way for people with RA to travel if you will be traveling for more than a couple hours. Most buses do not have lifts.
Inquire about how often the bus will stop. You may want to get off the bus and stretch, but that means going up and down stairs. Also ask how far the bus will be parked from rest stops.
One advantage of bus travel is that if you can provide a doctor’s letter saying that you need a travel companion, you can usually get two-for-one or reduced fare for the person accompanying you.
Cruises
The cruise industry is very accommodating and goes out of its way to welcome people with disabilities.
Cruising is one of the best ways for someone with limited mobility to travel. There are many cruises that cater to people with disabilities, and every cruise ship has some kind of medical facility and staff. Often, there are special cruise managers for people with health issues.
A major advantage of cruises is that they are self contained. Food, activities, lectures, and entertainment are all close by. You can choose not to leave the ship when it docks in a port of call and just enjoy the quiet of the ship. Furthermore, cruises provide activities of all kinds that accommodate not only your needs but also will be entertaining for the people you are traveling with.
You might want to consider some kind of travel insurance for cruises since most cruises are in international waters and your medical insurance will probably not cover health care while onboard a ship.
Before you book your cruise, know that newer ships are more disability-friendly. Choose a cabin that is near the area you want to be in. This may depend on your desire to be near an elevator or, if you are sensitive to seasickness, on a lower level toward the center of the ship.
If there is assigned seating in the dining room, ask the staff to place you close to the door so you won’t have to walk far.
Be aware that one of the major issues with cruises is having access to a handicapped bathroom. In many of the cabins, you have to step over a ledge or lip in the doorway to enter the bathroom.
Train
Amtrak’s special services desk can be a great asset as you prepare for your trip. They may be able to arrange for you to have overnight accommodation in larger rooms and can reserve seats with more room or special swiveling seats that make it easier to get in and out.
In some ways, train travel is better than air travel for those with RA. Trains have handrails, which are helpful for holding on while in transit. Legroom on trains is better than on airplanes. You can also walk to the café car when you need to stretch.
Many trains require climbing up stairs to get into the passenger car, so arrange to have someone there to help you board and disembark. Some stations have a mechanical lift to get you on and off the train.
Amtrak will also help you coordinate your luggage pickup with your destination station by arranging for people to help you and your luggage off the train.
Trains do have refrigerators available for your medication if necessary.
They will often bring food to your seat if you request it in advance, and some train routes provide a refreshment cart.
Tip #6
What to do for a flare up:
An unexpected arthritis flare up can happen- especially on vacation.
Despite being compliant with your medications, pacing your activities, getting regular exercise, following joint protection techniques, and following all the tips and advice above —flares can still happen.
Know the maximum limits of your pain medication. Discuss whether you should always have a backup on hand or ready to be refilled. Know what your healthcare provider wants you to do.
To alleviate the pain you can use cold therapy if joints are swollen, as heat can worsen swelling. Apply a cold pack, like a bag of frozen vegetables, to swollen joints two to four times a day for 15 minutes each time.
Use heat if joints are painful but not swollen during your flare. Try applying a heating pad, warm compress, or heat patch to the affected joints two or three times a day for 15 minutes at a time, or soak in a warm bath.
Just make sure you don’t overdo either hot or cold treatment.
Additional Helpful Hints
- Get ample rest before traveling. Don’t leave packing to the last minute to ensure that you are well-rested upon your departure.
- When you are arranging travel, try to use a travel agent. Ask for specifics about the amenities or arrangements you are making to be sure they will work well for you.
- Don’t assume anything – research as much as you can. Fodor’s has a book specifically about traveling with disabilities which might be helpful.
Conclusion
As you can see, if you have arthritis you can go out and enjoy a vacation if you prepare and know what to do in case of a flare up.
Also, with the help of your doctor and Google there’s always an abundance of new resources and services that are helping to make travel with chronic illness and limited mobility more accessible.
So, we leave you with this, never be afraid to travel. With the help of your physician, and by doing extra research and planning, you should be able to enjoy your next vacation. So go have fun and enjoy your next journey!
If you’re located in Idaho Falls. Idaho then Eagle Rock Medical Center is the perfect place to help you with treatment and preparation before you travel! To learn more or to schedule your Free consultation with us today, just click here!