{"id":41590,"date":"2017-08-19T06:29:23","date_gmt":"2017-08-19T06:29:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/?p=41590"},"modified":"2017-08-19T06:29:23","modified_gmt":"2017-08-19T06:29:23","slug":"challenges-travel-people-ms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/health\/challenges-travel-people-ms.html","title":{"rendered":"The Challenges of Travel for People With MS"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Challenges of Travel for People With MS<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The Challenges of Travel for People With MS:- Travel is an exciting way to broaden your horizons, whether you\u2019re off on an adventure or simply visiting friends and family. But for people with multiple sclerosis, travel can be daunting. \u201cThere are many reasons why people with MS may be reluctant to travel,” says Debra Frankel, director of MS professional workforce development for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “They may have to worry about mobility issues and access to bathrooms, restaurants and hotel rooms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

About MS<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

MS is an autoimmune disease that damages nerves in the spinal cord, brain and optic nerves. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the coating on the nerves \u2013 called myelin \u2013 as well as the nerve fibers themselves. That damage shorts out or slows the body\u2019s ability to communicate, causing a long list of symptoms or secondary conditions, such as problems with muscles, walking, balance, bladder or bowel control, cognition, mood and vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

People with MS are prone to extreme fatigue and overwhelming stress. They can also become overheated easily, which can cause a temporary flare-up of MS symptoms, a condition known as Uhthoff\u2019s phenomenon. \u201cSymptoms of this include reversible problems with vision; severe fatigue; weakness in the hand, foot or limb; and loss of core strength, which can predispose someone to falling,\u201d says Dr. Elliot Frohman, a professor of neurology and director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin.<\/span><\/p>\n

MS treatment typically involves medications that are given orally, by injection or by IV infusion. Some of the newer, more powerful medications help keep the immune system from attacking myelin, which then helps slow MS progression and reduce relapses. However, the drugs can also leave MS patients vulnerable to other infections, since the immune system is suppressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

How MS Complicates Travel<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Even for the healthiest people, travel comes with frustration: planes and trains may run late, sitting in cramped seats may be uncomfortable and getting through security checkpoints can be difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n

Those common challenges can create a perfect storm for MS patients. Take the risk of overheating or stress, for example: \u201cYou\u2019re on the tarmac or you\u2019re waiting at the gate and stressed out, and it\u2019s hot, and 70 percent of MS patients don\u2019t sweat adequately, and you get overheated,” Frohman says. “Then maybe your leg or foot won\u2019t move because you have Uhthoff\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Other common travel risks for MS patients include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Dehydration. \u201cA lot of our patients purposely dehydrate themselves when they travel, so they won\u2019t have to go to the bathroom frequently. They void before they travel, and then they don\u2019t drink anything. They get a concentrated urine, which puts them at risk for a urinary tract infection,\u201d Frohman says. “A UTI can lead to more MS symptoms and possibly serious complications.”<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Constipation. If you\u2019re not staying hydrated, you may become constipated.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Diarrhea. Drinking the water in some countries can lead to diarrhea, which can result in dehydration.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Illness. \u201cPlanes are like large metal petri dishes. You\u2019re breathing in the same air as 300 other people, but you\u2019re taking immunosuppressants, so you have a risk of getting sick,\u201d Frohman points out.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Clearing security with medications. \u201cIf you\u2019re traveling with injectable medications and an auto-injector, security may wonder if it\u2019s a weapon,\u201d Frohman warns.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Clearing security with a leg stimulator to help you walk. \u201cYou can\u2019t take it off or you\u2019ll fall, but security may not know that,\u201d Frohman says.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Accessibility. You may encounter spaces that aren\u2019t wheelchair- or scooter-friendly. \u201cThe room in the hotel may be easily accessible, but maybe there are stairs to get into a hotel lobby or restaurant,\u201d Frankel says.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The loss of medications. This could happen if you pack medication in your checked bag, and the bag doesn\u2019t make it to your destination.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Leg or arm spasms. These can be caused by stress or sitting in cramped spaces for long periods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Planning Helps<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    The best way to reduce risks and hassles when traveling is planning ahead. \u201cYou can\u2019t just say, \u2018I\u2019ll go next week,\u2019 hop on a plane and go. There can be a lot of planning required, particularly if you are traveling with a mobility device, from getting on the airplane to what happens when you get to your destination,\u201d Frankel says.<\/span><\/p>\n

    She recommends taking advantage of the wealth of travel information available on the internet. For example, the National MS Society website offers travel tips. And there are numerous apps that list wheelchair-accessible restaurants, hotels and parks. Frankel recommends two apps: TripAdvisor and It\u2019s Accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Frohman emphasizes the importance of talking to your health care team well in advance of traveling. \u201cIf you know you\u2019re going away and you need medications early or you need more of them, let the clinic know,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

    He also suggests getting a letter from your health care team that spells out your particular medical needs, such as medications, an auto-injector, leg brace, wheelchair or scooter. You can present that document at security checkpoints.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Transportation Security Administration recommends calling the agency with questions at least several days ahead of travel if you have questions about screening procedures at security checkpoints.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Make sure your mode of travel can accommodate your needs as well. Remember to ask if you can roll your wheelchair or scooter onto an airplane, train or bus; how your wheelchair or scooter will be stored; and if you can get a seat near a bathroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Other Travel Tips<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    There are many important aspects of travel that you\u2019ll need to address, depending on your individual needs. It may be helpful to have a family member or friend assist you with plans and then go with you on your trip to help coordinate transportation, get suitcases and contact a clinic if you get sick while you\u2019re traveling.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Here are some other suggestions:<\/span><\/p>\n

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    • Try to take a direct flight, so you don\u2019t have to worry about connections.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Once you get through airport security, use the restroom before boarding the plane, and buy cold liquids to bring on board.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Take advantage of early boarding procedures.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Keep your medications with you in a carry-on bag, so you won\u2019t lose them.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Consider a cruise. \u201cIt\u2019s very attractive to someone with mobility limitations. Everything is in one place \u2013 restaurants, cabins, entertainment options and a spa,\u201d Frankel says.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Stay hydrated throughout your travel day and your trip.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Perform simple stretches if you\u2019ll be sitting for long periods to cut down on muscle spasms.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Maintain reasonable expectations. \u201cDon\u2019t try to do 21 cities in 21 days,\u201d Frankel offers.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Bring cooling devices with you, such as seat pads, vests or cooling packs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Finally, don\u2019t give up before you start. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to be a determined traveler, but it\u2019s well worth it,\u201d Frankel says. \u201cTravel and new experiences are important to your well-being and your quality of life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

      Source:-\u00a0http:\/\/health.usnews.com\/health-care\/patient-advice\/articles\/2017-08-18\/the-challenges-of-travel-for-people-with-ms<\/span><\/p>\n

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