Traveling Tips for People with MS

Just returning from a trip to Virginia to see family. Here  are some thoughts and ideas for travel after being diagnosed with MS. First and foremost, everyone's symptoms and tolerance levels are different. I find when I travel, although I can walk with a cane, I always order a wheelchair. Connecting flights can be tricky. My first flight was delayed and with fifteen minutes to spare, US Airways did all the running to get me to my next flight.  After getting to your destination, try to only book activities every other day. Remember, you are not sleeping in your own bed.  Fatigue may be worse or just the planned activities may make you need a day in between to relax. Listen to your body. Reserve energy for important events and for your trip home.

Next challenge was the severe cold.  My numbness and tingling is twice as bad in this weather. My only advice is layers layers and more layers.  A long down coat is helpful, and I find wearing mittens is much better than gloves. Your fingers help keep each other warm. I also know if I am staying outside for a longer period of time, I buy hand and foot warming packs. They work great.  Always keep your head covered as I'm sure you are all aware that is where we lose our body heat.   Now if you are taking a warm weather vacation, the heat can be taxing on your body as well. I got great advice from my physician. If lying out in the sun, always stay hydrated. Don't let your body temperature get too hot. The heat can bring on pseudo exacerbations and even cause vision changes to the point of "blindness". Take frequent dips in the pool, shower, or ocean which keeps you feeling great.  My physician once told me the story of a patient who called frantic from a cruise ship as she had lost her vision..he advised her to take a cool shower and once her body cooled down, her vision was back to normal. 

Well hoping these small tips help for those readers who love to travel. Will sign off for now, need to pack for Antigua. Stay warm everyone. 

-- Susan RN

---