How can I make travelling abroad easier when I have RA?
Taken from NRAS magazine, Spring 2011
Everybody’s needs are different when it comes to a condition as variable as RA. Information on travelling with this condition would need to be tailored to the individual, but we hope that the following tips will prove useful.
Prepare before you leave
Before going on holiday, here are some things to take into account:
• If you think you may need it, ask your rheumatologist or rheumatology nurse specialist about the possibility of getting a steroid injection (eg Depo-Medrone) before you go, to help to see you through the holiday period with minimum pain.
• Ask about getting a supply of oral steroids, even if this is something you do not normally need to take, in case you get a flare up during your holiday, and cannot access medical help. Ask your team about dosage to take in this event.
• Take enough supply of your regular painkillers to cover the worst case scenario of needing to take the maximum dosage each day. It is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared!
• Pack comfortable footwear.
• If you use cold or hot pads at home to ease painful or stiff joints, make sure you pack them for the holiday as well.
• Make sure you have a good holiday insurance policy.
On the plane
If you are travelling by plane, the following could help:
• A blow up neck cushion could make your flight more comfortable.
• If you have medication that must be stored at a certain temperature you will not be allowed to store your medication in the plane’s fridge, so you will need to keep it cool with a cool pack. Wrap the frozen block/s in a tea towel, but make sure you refrigerate your drugs as soon as possible upon arrival at your destination.
On the holiday
While you are on holiday, the following could be useful:
• If the hotel pillow is uncomfortable, ask if you can have a feather pillow, which may be softer and could help you to get a good night’s sleep. Some people will take a pillow with them, but this can take up a lot of space.
• Make sure that you know the locations of local chemists, doctors’ surgeries and hospitals in case of an emergency.