Jan 22 2008
Traveling With Chronic Illness
I am going on a cross Atlantic flight in February and I know all too well that the effects of such a trek are hard for the toughest of bodies. A chronic illness makes travel a beast of different proportion. I barely make it through the check-in line before my legs,feet,and back are screaming at me. Carry on bags with laptop and camera might as well be concrete blocks anchored to my shoulders with twine. (Do not ever suggest I don’t bring things. Its not going to happen. ) I will be alone which adds to my need for comfort and efficiency. I am thinking about finally getting a walking stick to help me get through long airport concourses. But my fear is that it will be another thing to carry. There is always the wheelchair option and the slow moving beeping people carts. I just don’t think I am ready for that mentally. Physically – yes. But in my mind I can’t go there. Perhaps I will change my mind when the inevitable reality of the multiple discomforts of travel hits, but until then the plan is to hoof it. I am thankful for the ability to choose, or I suppose more accurately – the illusion of choice. Somehow it feels like if I can, I should. Should argh. Will. I will. I will do exactly what I am able to. breathe. repeat.
What are some of your best tips for travel chronic pain and illness? I will be on the road for 6 weeks, going between two primary locations with long haul flights on either end. What are some of the best ways to prevent stirring things up more than is needed. (Do I invest in a foldable cane? Seriously. Do I?) and how do you recover from the stress and pain that can’t help result?
One response so far




I think you need to do whatever makes things the easiest on you. If that is a walking stick or cart then so be it. Just think of it this way sweety, hopefully treatment will go so well that you won’t need any of those things on the way back right?
Please let me know if you need me to do anything to make your trip here easier okay? Love you girl and can’t wait to see you.