When you have a chronic illness, and you need to travel a long distance, you might consider a car trip to be the most ideal option. After all, you can ask the driver to stop and pullover whenever you need to take a break, and it is possible for you to stretch out a bit. On the other hand, traveling by car can actually add days to your trip. And if you are planning to travel internationally, traveling by motor vehicle might not even be an option. If you want to know all about the best way to travel far distances while dealing with a chronic illness, read below.
Consider Booking a Medical Flight
In some cases, booking a medical flight is preferred rather than booking a standard airplane ticket. A medical flight is available for persons who are injured, dealing with a chronic illness, or simply require a trained flight nurse to monitor their health during a flight. They are generally arranged via non-emergency medical transport companies who work directly with airports. They have contracts with registered nurses, who then fly out with patients so that they can be monitored during long flights. Consider this option if you are concerned about your health and want to ensure that you will have an easy, stress-free flight.
Contact the Airport and Airline Ahead of Time
The fact of the matter is that the majority of people planning on traveling more than a few hundred miles almost always elect to fly. It’s cheaper, faster, and in many cases, a lot more convenient. As someone living with a chronic illness, you might want to bring a travel companion along to aide you along the way. What is also suggested is making special arrangements with the airline you are flying with, as well as the airports you will be traveling in and out of. If you have proof of your chronic illness, special arrangements can be made to help you get through security checks with ease, make boarding more comfortable, and give you the ability to carry-on all your essentials.
Create a Self-Care Travel Kit
Long-haul travel means that you will be away from your home for an extended period. So, be prepared to bring along an extra pillow and blanket, and perhaps an ice pack and heating pad for optimal comfort. Some people with chronic illnesses have self-care travel kits that contain all of the things they need to protect their health while feeling more comfortable. For you, that could mean a night mask and a pair of fuzzy socks. If you have a nurse or a caretaker, it could mean that they bring along the medical supplies needed to monitor your blood pressure and oxygen levels. For some people, earbuds can be the difference between getting a good amount of rest on a flight and being listless. For those living with chronic diseases, it could be the difference between having an uneventful trip and having a stress-induced medical episode.
People who have chronic illnesses that require constant monitoring are not normally able to travel on a whim. Special arrangements have to be made in advance, and sometimes patient advocates and even traveling nurses are required. As long as you put your health first, you can travel with a chronic disease anywhere your doctor approves.
