Multiple Sclerosis & Travel: Managing Symptoms Away From Home

Preparing for a trip takes time. Many factors might make travel frustrating, such as verifying whether certain drugs can pass security checks or confirming whether your location is wheelchair accessible. However, preparing beforehand may make travel less stressful. Here are several ways to travel with MS without worry.

Packing

Packing slowly over a week or two may assist. It lowers stress and weariness. Bring a bag and bungee cords if you use a wheelchair to attach items without using your hands. Bring a disability placard if you hire a vehicle.

Arranging Accommodations

To find your way about the hotel and nearby attractions, obtain a map. Call ahead to ask the hotel about their accessibility and disability accommodations. If your prescription needs refrigeration, verify and ensure your room or suite has a mini-fridge.

Medical Appointments

If necessary, get a letter from your doctor or neurologist to carry injectables and drugs. Some drugs still need a letter. Meds may be a problem in nations that don't recognize certain pain pills or opioids, even with a doctor's note. Make sure your medicines won't conflict with travel immunizations.

Communicating

Coordinate with your trip mates. Discuss issues and assign responsibilities to avoid travel day difficulties. Discuss how long you're willing to spend in a vehicle or aircraft.

Travel Insurance

If you're concerned about not going on the trip, buying travel insurance is a good idea. Insurance may be arranged via a travel agency.

Traveling By Plane

The Air Carrier Access Act bans disability discrimination in all air travel. Certain things, like an electric wheelchair on a trip with 60 seats or less, may need 48 hours of notification. If you require a wheelchair, check the aircraft type before you travel.

The crew must keep a foldable wheelchair in a cabin priority location on planes with 100 or more passengers. Most flights must have accessible restrooms. Disability-related early boarding is frequently available. Asking for an aisle or toilet seat may also make traveling simpler.

Also, simplify your airport stay. For faster security check-in, label any carry-on medicines with their kind and prescriber. Prescription labeling rules vary by state, so be prepared.

Try enrolling in TSA PreCheck beforehand. If allowed, you may wear a jacket, shoes, and belt through security without removing liquids. Tell an airport worker about your particular requirements.

Injectable Medications And Air Travel

Injectable drugs may be stored at room temperature or chilled. The National Library of Medicine can identify yours. Travel coolers with ice packs can keep medicine chilled. Airport security requires declaring injectables and cooling devices. Put them in a plastic bag inside the cooler so you and security may easily carry them in and out. Make sure it's in original packaging with the prescription on the box.

What To Do During The Trip

Once you are there, you may do things to make your stay more enjoyable. If you are feeling ill, please inform the hotel or restaurant personnel. It might assist to reassure them that your symptoms are harmless.

Find the nearest emergency services and the quickest way to them in case your MS symptoms worsen. Pause days. Perhaps you might maximize your sightseeing if you had some downtime in your hotel room in-between visits.

If you seldom need the assistance of a wheelchair or walker, consider renting one. You can get your work done with less tiredness from having to move about.

Get Support From People Who Understand

People with MS and their loved ones may connect on MyMSTeam. The group's members meet together to discuss MS-related topics and learn from and support one another.