Celebrating our Parkinson's Nurse Specialists
It is important to remember that having Parkinson’s does not stop you from travelling, but preparation is key! PNS Kayleigh Rawle gives us some good tips to prepare this travel season.
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Now that our borders have reopened, people are starting to think about traveling again and it is important to remember that having Parkinson’s does not stop you being able to do so.
All too often, patients tell me that they feel they must limit or cancel travel plans now that they have Parkinson’s. Whilst I agree that spontaneous travel may now be a little trickier, planning ahead is the key and will make sure your holiday meets all your needs.
There are so many wonderful countries and cultures to explore, so here are my top tips for a stress-less travel experience:
1. Use a travel agent
- Booking a holiday through a travel agent can be very useful. If you explain to them clearly what you need, they usually have good suggestions about where to stay given your personal circumstances. For example, if you cannot manage stairs, then they can ensure the accommodation has a lift or can provide you with a ground floor room. They can check that the hotel restaurant offers A La Carte options so that you do not have to struggle standing at the buffet.
2. Prepare your medications before you travel.
- Before you travel, make sure you have an up-to-date list of your medications and ask your GP to give you a prescription for extra medication to cover more than the length of your trip, just in case your travel plans are disrupted.
- If you are carrying syringes or needles, then ask your doctor to provide you with a medical certificate explaining why you have them. Always carry your medications in their original packaging and keep it in your carry-on luggage. If needing to pass through airport security, it is useful to keep your medication in a clear, sealable bag.
- If you use CBD Oil to treat the symptoms of your Parkinson’s, then you may need to check to see if there are any restrictions on taking your medication into the country you’re visiting, as CBD oil is illegal in some parts of Europe, Asia and Africa.
- If you have a Deep Brain Stimulation Device inserted, be aware that metal detectors can affect your device if you pass through. Tell security that you have a ‘pacemaker-like device’, and they will pass you through a different security screening process.
- If travelling across time zones, you may need to alter your medication regime whilst you are travelling. As everybody’s regime is different, it is important to speak with your specialist or Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist prior to your trip so that they can help you work out the best way to take your medications whilst you are away.
3. Request assistance
- Airlines will offer assistance if you need it, as long as they know in advance. They can arrange a wheelchair and escort you through check-in. They can also arrange for you to be taken to your departure gate and boarded first. At your destination, you can be assisted off the plane and taken through passport control and customs. Even if you don’t normally use a wheelchair, it can be particularly helpful for long flights or flights involving transfers.
4. Stay healthy whilst in the air
- It is important to drink plenty of fluids during your flight to stay well hydrated. This is particularly important if you suffer from postural hypotension (low blood pressure). Request an aisle seat so that you can get up frequently and move around the cabin. Most airlines now let you pre-book seats in advance, however, be aware that some airlines will charge for this service.
5. Be prepared for an emergency
- Consider wearing a Medic Alert bracelet that states you have Parkinson’s in case you cannot communicate in an emergency. You may also want to carry a Parkinson’s WA alert card that tells people you have Parkinson’s. Consider getting it translated into the language of the country you are visiting, print it out and keep it in your purse or wallet whilst away.
Lastly…..enjoy yourself!
Written by Kayleigh Rawle, PNS
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