Healthy Living

Rheumatoid Arthritis Travel Tips

Rheumatoid Arthritis Travel Tips

Rheumatoid Arthritis Travel Tips

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can make even the simplest of daily tasks a challenge. The pain and exhaustion that come from flare-ups and feeling sick can keep anyone from being able to perform their daily functions. Suddenly, something as simple as doing the dishes or cooking a meal can seem like a daunting obstacle.

Now, fast forward to a major holiday, or maybe the family wants to take a vacation. Suddenly, there’s a whirlwind of travel planning and suitcase packing. Even being at home can get uncomfortable sometimes; how will traveling be possible?

On top of that, there are so many questions swimming in the back of your mind as you buy your plane tickets or pack the trunk of your car. Do I have all my medications? What if I need more? What if something happens and I suddenly need to see a doctor?

The Headache of Preparing for a Trip

There’s a lot to prepare before you can hit the road on a trip. You know you will be far from your regular doctor or any healthcare professional whom you know and trust. Then there’s the added stress of packing enough medical supplies to last your entire trip, with some extra for safety netting.

You might have to run to the store to get more, or you might have to give your pharmacy a call to forward a prescription. Something always seems to come up.

Then there’s the travel itself. No matter if it’s by car, train, plane, or bus; rheumatoid arthritis isn’t going to make it easy.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. But you aren’t alone; there are millions of people just like you who are going through the same thing.

If you are looking to travel soon and are living with rheumatoid arthritis, there are some tips and tricks that can help make your life a little easier. The extra planning will pay off in the end when you’re feeling safe and comfortable on the way to your destination.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a challenge to live with, as it makes carrying out even simple tasks seem like a trial. At times, the individual has to deal with flare-ups, wherein the symptoms increase, causing a great deal of pain and exhaustion and thus keeping them from performing their daily tasks. Since sitting at home can be uncomfortable at times, how can someone even think of travelling with this disease? There is a lot of preparation an RA patient has to carry out before getting ready for a holiday trip since they will be away from their doctor. Also, there will be added stress about whether all your medications are packed properly and how you’ll handle it if an emergency comes up. If you are thinking about travelling with someone who has RA or are living with an RA patient, below are a few tips that can make life a bit easier for both of you. It will pay off in the end to make that extra planning by having a safe and comfortable journey.

  1. Schedule your medication appointment based on the time zone you are travelling to. Reach out to your doctor for recommendations on any adjustments you can make to prepare properly before you set out for a different time zone.
  2. Those who are taking an immunosuppressant should also speak to their doctor about vaccinations. They may be needed based on where you are travelling to so that you do not fall ill and worsen the condition during the trip.
  3. Always make sure you have an emergency kit available for any sudden flare-up or risk of infection. The kit should contain prednisone and antibiotics.
  4. Always ensure that all your medications are kept handy and close to you, mostly when you board a plane.
  5. To speed up the security process, be sure that all your medicines are packed in a clear plastic bag. You can choose to place them in zip-top bags for easier convenience. You can also make provisions to have your medicines inspected visually instead of getting them X-rayed.
  6. Also, bring along the prescriptions for your medications as well as their original containers. You can also ask your doctor to write a letter in advance for you that will basically vouch for your need to take those medicines. The note should include the name of the doctor, their number, and their office location as well.
  7. All medications should be stored in a cool, dark place while travelling; medicines that are not stored properly can become inactive and useless.
  8. Individuals who have been taking an immunosuppressant need to be careful not to contract an infection since their immune system is already weak. Talk to your doctor about ways to keep infections at bay during travel. There is no harm in wearing a mask or using hand sanitizer.
  9. While travelling in a car, make sure you feel comfortable and get appropriate cushions or pillows that are soft to ease your drive.