With over 2.8 million people worldwide and 130,000 people in the UK living with multiple sclerosis (MS), many are determined to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle, including travelling.
However, travelling with a chronic disease like MS can feel overwhelming. From safely transporting medication to navigating the nuances of travel insurance, addressing accessibility concerns, and preparing for emergencies, there is a lot to consider.
So, here’s a comprehensive guide to travelling and flying with MS. We hope it helps make your adventures more enjoyable, safer, and stress-free!
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Related article: How to Store Avonex Pens At Home and Travelling?
How Multiple Sclerosis Can Affect Travels
Most people with MS can travel safely and enjoy an active lifestyle. However, there are many ways in which MS can affect your travel plans. The key is preparation and understanding. So, here are some considerations to bear in mind when you plan your next travel:
Energy and fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. Travelling, especially long journeys or changing time zones, can significantly increase fatigue, whether you have multiple sclerosis or you don’t.
Plan and pace yourself accordingly, allowing for rest periods and adjusting activities. Consider scheduling breaks during travel and letting for recovery time after arrival at your destination.
Accessibility
MS can affect mobility, balance, and coordination. Travelling may involve walking long distances, navigating uneven terrain, or managing stairs.
Consider accessible transport options, such as the UK's National Rail Assistance service or accessible attractions like the Tower of London, which offers step-free access to many areas.
Before travelling, investigate about your destination's attractions and their accessibility.
Temperature sensitivity
Many people with MS are sensitive to heat, and increased body temperature can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, travelling to hot climates or during the summer months may require taking precautions, such as wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, using cooling devices or accessories, and seeking air-conditioned environments when necessary.If you're sensitive to heat, consider destinations with a temperate climate.
The UK's Lake District or Scottish Highlands offer cooler temperatures and stunning scenery.
Stress management
Travelling can be stressful for anyone. But stress can potentially worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms. So, it’s important to manage stress levels by planning and preparing well in advance, allowing for relaxation and self-care during the trip, and having coping strategies.
Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or listening to soothing music, can be beneficial too.
Related article: How to Store Copaxone Correctly?
10 Tips for Travelling with MS
Here are a series of helpful tips for travelling with multiple sclerosis:
1. Consult your doctor before departure
Before embarking on a trip with multiple sclerosis, it is best to consult your healthcare team, particularly your neurologist or MS specialist.
They can assess your current health status, review your medications, and provide specific recommendations, precautions, and documentation for your travel plans.
2. Plan ahead
Careful planning is crucial for a successful, stress-free trip. Research your destination, including medical facilities and accessibility information.
Consider factors such as climate, altitude, and potential triggers for your MS symptoms. Plan activities and itineraries that accommodate your energy and mobility levels.
3. Pack your medication safely
Ensure you have enough medication supply for the entire length of your stay. Always pack extra in case your trip is unexpectedly extended because of a delayed or canceled flight, for example.
Keep your medications in their original packaging so they're easily identifiable by customs or airport security workers. Always carry them in your hand luggage when flying because hazardous temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the hold could damage your medicine.
4. Keep your medication cool!
If you're using injectable drugs for multiple sclerosis, like Avonex, Copaxone, or Kesimpta, follow their storage instructions even when travelling.
These must be refrigerated and can only stay at room temperature for a limited time (7 days for Kesimpta and Avonex, 30 days for Copaxone). Besides, they should never be exposed to high temperatures.
Consider equipping yourself with a reliable medical-grade travel cooler such as 4AllFamily’s.
5. Bring documentation
Bring the necessary documentation when travelling with prescription medications for multiple sclerosis or any other condition. Depending on whether you’re travelling nationally or internationally, you may be required to show:
- A doctor’s letter
- A copy of your prescription
- Medical ID cards
- Proof of travel insurance
- Others
6. Check your travel insurance
Before departure, ensure your travel insurance plan covers your specific health needs, including MS-related issues. This can provide assistance in case of medical emergencies or unexpected relapses at your destination.
Most travel insurance companies automatically exclude pre-existing medical conditions, like multiple sclerosis. However, you can waive that exclusion by revealing your condition to your insurer before departure (and paying an extra fee).
7. Prioritize accessibility and comfort
Always choose means of transportation that are comfortable and accessible for you.
Before flying, inform the airline about any special requirements or accommodations you may need, such as wheelchair assistance or extra legroom. Research accessible transportation options at your destination, such as wheelchair-accessible taxis or public transportation.
Be aware of accessibility options at your accommodation too. For example, request an accessible room with features like grab bars, roll-in showers, or lower beds if needed.
8. Pace yourself
Travelling can be physically and mentally demanding, especially with a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis. So, be mindful of your energy levels and pace yourself. Listen to your body.
Allow for rest periods and schedule activities with breaks in between. Prioritise activities and choose the ones that best align with your abilities and interests. That way, you can reduce the risks of overexertion and MS symptoms flare-ups.
9. Stay hydrated and manage temperature
Staying hydrated is essential for overall well-being, so drink plenty of water during your trip. Extreme hot and cold temperatures can worsen MS symptoms: take appropriate measures to manage your body temperature, such as dressing in layers or using cooling devices in hot climates.
10. Support and communication
Inform your travel companions about your needs and limitations so that they can offer support and understanding. It's also beneficial to carry a medical ID card or bracelet indicating your condition in emergencies.
Remember, everyone with MS has different needs and limitations, so make sure to adapt the above tips to your specific circumstances.
Related article: A Comprehensive Guide to Store & Travel with Kesimpta.
What Are the Best Places to Travel With MS?
Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can significantly impact multiple sclerosis symptoms and flare-ups. But that’s not all there is to consider. MS-friendly places to live or travel depend on access to healthcare, supportive communities, and individual preferences and needs.
Access to healthcare
Accessible and high-quality healthcare is a crucial consideration for individuals with multiple sclerosis. Look for locations with reputable medical institutions, neurologists or MS specialists, and comprehensive MS care centers. It's also a good idea to assess the availability of specialised MS treatment options and clinical trials.
You may also want to investigate the country or region's disability rights, laws, and support systems in place. Assess whether they provide adequate support and protection for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Climate
As mentioned above, climate can significantly impact MS symptoms, particularly sensitivity to heat. Many individuals with MS find milder climates more comfortable. Moderate temperatures, lower humidity, and stable weather patterns might be preferable. However, personal preferences and how your symptoms respond to different environments may vary.
Supportive MS communities
Living or travelling in areas with supportive MS communities and resources can provide social and emotional support. Look for MS support groups, advocacy organisations, or local chapters that can help, and offer information and connections to people living with MS.
Evaluate the presence and quality of social support too. This can include friends and family, as well as local support services. A strong support network can significantly enhance the overall well-being and experience of travelling with MS.
Accessibility and infrastructure
Consider the accessibility of the location and its infrastructure. Look for areas with well-maintained sidewalks, wheelchair accessibility, and public transportation systems that accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.
Consider your preferred lifestyle and the activities available in a particular location. For example, some people prefer quieter, less crowded areas, while others may thrive in vibrant cities. Assess the availability of recreational activities, cultural attractions, outdoor spaces, and opportunities for social engagement that align with your interests and abilities.
Can you Fly with MS?
Flying itself does not directly make multiple sclerosis worse. However, there are aspects of air travel that can potentially affect individuals with MS, including:
- Low humidity levels
- Increased fatigue from disrupted sleep patterns
- Potential temperature fluctuations in the airplane cabin
- The risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from prolonged sitting
- Increased stress and anxiety.
Therefore, people with multiple sclerosis are recommended to take precautions when flying, such as staying hydrated, managing fatigue, dressing appropriately, practicing stress reduction techniques, and staying active during the flight to minimise any potential impact.
Can you take a long car ride with MS?
Taking a long car ride with MS is generally possible, but there are some factors to consider depending on your symptoms:
- Plan the route and schedule regular breaks for rest and stretching.
- Make sure you're comfortably seated and control the temperature in the car.
- Stay hydrated and pack healthy snacks.
- Stretch and exercise during rest stops.
- If you're the driver, consider sharing driving duties.
- Listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider if needed.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
What about you? Are you a frequent traveller with multiple sclerosis? Would you like to share your tips, experiences, and concerns with others? Your contributions can provide valuable support and inspiration to others in the community.
