This is the English version of the post published on Con P de Párkinson. The original Spanish can be found here.
"Are you nervous?" is a very common question when we travel: from the check-in desk to security personnel to other passengers, we've all heard it more than once. And more than twice. One of the recommendations we get when we have Parkinson's disease (PD) is to avoid unnecessary stress. And, of course, when we talk about traveling, we run into a problem: how can I travel and avoid stress at the same time? Here are some ideas and tips on how to do it.
Medication: always carry it with you. Ask for note from your health-care provider (HCP) as proof. It is also a good idea to carry extra medication, just in case.
If you are traveling abroad, ask your HCP to indicate which is the generic equivalent or the most important ingredient, so that it is easier to identify it.
If you are going to change time zones, continue to take your medications according to the prescribed schedule: the body does not know whether it is 9 a.m. or 3 p.m., it only knows that it needs dopamine!
Assistance: whether you are traveling by plane or train, alone or not, do not hesitate to ask for assistance. First, sometimes you have to walk long distances at airports, or you have to wait in endless lines. Second, by getting on the plane or train earlier, you will have more time to settle in.
- It never hurts to give a tip to the person who helps you, especially abroad (remember that there are countries where it is common practice). They will probably refuse it, but insist. Some people accompany it with a "coffee is on me today".
Water and food: although you cannot bring liquids through security, you can bring an empty bottle, which you can refill later. An apple, some dried fruit or a cereal bar are good ideas for snacks, too.
Medical alert: some people suggest wearing a medical alert bracelet or badge; in the case of DBS this is more than a suggestion. Other options, especially when traveling abroad, are the EPDA's PD Doc, the Parkinson's Foundation's medication form or their "medical alert" card.
Try to rest whenever possible and be mindful of your pace and always listen to your body.