Heading somewhere for a winter break? Use these tips to make traveling with rheumatoid arthritis easier.
Lighten your load. Choose a rolling bag. If you have heavy bags, ask for help from a porter or use a rolling cart to move them.
Remember to pack assistive devices. If there are times when you need a cane, walker, splint, or brace, bring it with you.
About 98 million Americans traveled 50 or more miles from home last holiday season. And while any kind of trip requires a bit of planning, if you have rheumatoid arthritis — a chronic disease of the joints — there are several additional factors to consider before heading out on your excursion.
People with arthritis can still have a great vacation, says rheumatologist Eric Ruderman, MD, associate professor of medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, “Most problems are logistical,” he says.
Here's just one example: If your medications need to be refrigerated, you will have to consider whether your destination is likely to have a refrigerator, and plan accordingly with a small cooler if you're traveling by car or taking a train. For those with more advanced arthritis, the difficulties you may face can range from the challenge of carrying out minor tasks related to self-care to determining the right pace for sightseeing in faraway cities.
Here are some ideas for planning a good vacation around rheumatoid arthritis:
“More and more people are taking injectable medications,” says Dr. Ruderman. “It’s legal to take them on an airplane, but I usually recommend avoiding this, simply because you never know what’s going to raise the eyebrows with TSA officials.”
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Instead, he advises working with your doctor to schedule doses just before and just after you travel. “If it means skipping one dose, that’s probably easier than taking it with you,” he says. Ruderman does advise taking prednisone or another steroid with you, just in case you have a flare.
“Some vaccines are contra-indicated with the medications we use,” Ruderman warns. If you are traveling overseas and need to get a yellow fever or other vaccine (especially live-virus vaccines), check in with your rheumatologist before scheduling those shots.
You should carry enough RA medication to get you through the trip, but if you need to get more — or something happens and you have to consult a doctor at your travel destination — having a list of your medications and doses would be helpful.
Another option is to leave copies of your prescriptions with a friend who could fax them to you if necessary. Talk to your doctor about how to handle travel in areas where medical facilities are few and far between, such as rural regions of developing countries.
Your health insurance might not cover medical care overseas. And even for cross-country traveling, you might need supplemental insurance, depending on the provisions of your policy. If you’re venturing to a faraway destination, consider evacuation insurance in the event of an emergency. Cancellation insurance is recommended in case you need to cancel your trip due to a change in your health.
Choose a rolling bag or carry only small, light bags with you. If you have heavy bags, ask for help from a porter or use a rolling cart to move them. One way to lighten your load is to take clothes you can wash and dry easily overnight.
If you're going to be sitting for long periods of time on your way to your destination, or once you get there, get up often and move around a bit. “You have to be careful how long you’re sitting in a plane seat. Get up and walk around every couple of hours,” Ruderman advises. If you're traveling in a car or a tour bus, try to take a break every few hours.
When planning your daily and weekly itineraries, consider how long it takes you to get moving in the morning, and the times of day when you feel most fatigued. Plan your activities accordingly.
If there are times when you need a cane or walker, splint, brace, or any other assistive device, bring it with you even if you hope you won't have to use it. You can also purchase specialized travel items like attachable grab bars to temporarily place in hotel bathrooms.
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And ask for help when you need it. In airports, for example, there’s no need to hoof it and wear yourself out when you can ride in a wheelchair or on a motorized cart.
Just before a trip is not the time to buy brand-new shoes. Instead, choose a trusty pair of shoes with good support and traction.
If you're heading for warmer climes, use sunscreen and wear a hat or long sleeves to protect against the sun's rays. This is especially important if you're treating RA with the disease-modifying antirheumatic drug methotrexate. “Taking methotrexate can be really sun-sensitizing, so people can get a sunburn more easily,” Ruderman says.
After your trip, factor in a day or so to unpack and rest up before leaping back into your daily schedule. If you had to reschedule any medical appointments or you have symptoms that need attention, contact your medical team.
Living with arthritis doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream vacation. Just do a little bit of extra homework to scope out your destination, and talk to your doctor about your travel plans. Then, get going!
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