Destination has been agreed, flights have been booked and you are starting to cross off the dates on your calendar. That summer holiday you have been longing for, is only round the corner and you can finally relax.

For any trip away, preparation is key to make sure that you have a stress free time. However, living with a chronic health condition requires much more planning than how much money to get exchanged or how many bikinis to pack – although also very important! 🙂

Climate

Severe increase or decrease in temperatures can be bad news for MS sufferers. This fact sheet from the MS society gives a more in-depth view into the science behind why this happens.

If you are a sun seeker, there are a few simple ways to prevent any negative side effects the heat can have on you. From keeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water, to requesting a fan for your bedroom at night. Have shade breaks in extreme heat or even just a dip in the pool to keep your body temperature down. I personally always find that an afternoon nap can help me recuperate in time for an evening meal or a night on the town! This may seem like basic common sense, but when you are letting go and relaxing; it’s easy to forget the basics. The last thing you want on your break away, is to become fatigued to the point where you can’t even enjoy your holiday!

Medication

Most medication has specific storage instructions and this can be difficult to accommodate in certain situations. For instance, Copaxone (my disease modifying drug) must be stored in the fridge until such time as when you need to administer the medication. Due to the temperature and altitude in the hold on an aircraft, my meds have to be carried in hand luggage and taken through security.

With the new limits and regulations about carrying liquids on flight as hand luggage, a medical letter is required from a health professional. These can be requested from your medication supplier and I make sure I carry this with my passport and boarding pass when going through security. It can be daunting travelling with injections; the first time that I did made me feel like a criminal mastermind and I was convinced security were going to put me in an interrogation room and be difficult on letting me board with my meds. This of course, is nonsense and it is something that airport staff see on a daily basis.

Also don’t forget your travel sharps bin, as taking a one litre bucket for your used medication isn’t very practical! Again, this should be taken on as hand luggage.
When booking accommodation, remember to check out the fridge facilities. Most hotels and hostels will have mini bars in rooms or will be more than happy to keep your medication cool for you.

Help and Support

Keep safe the telephone numbers of your medical support network. MS nurses, GP’s and next of kins can be useful in case of emergency. I store these on my medical ID application on my iPhone, so that these can be accessed by anybody at any time.

Make sure your travel companions are aware of your health condition and how best to assist you if you are having a bad day and need help. My friends are good at telling me to slow down if I am trying to keep up with them and giving me the good advice of taking a break. Aside from this, I struggle to administer my injections in my arms, so having a friend who is happy to help is always useful.

Another must have, is to look into medical insurance for your trip. Paying a small price back home, could save you a small fortune abroad if you have a flare up and need medical assistance. Some pre-existing and chronic health conditions may not be covered under certain insurance policies, so always check before you travel. Get price comparison quotes and find the best cover you can.

What trips have you been on recently? Have you experienced difficulty with travelling with a long-term health condition? Got any tips that have made your travel easier? Let me know in the comments 🙂