Meet Lonna, a member of the Care+Wear community and a chronic illness warrior. Living with multiple chronic conditions, traveling has changed significantly for her. Discover her personal insights on adjusting to travel after her diagnoses and the essential items she brings for safety and comfort.
Finding the Joy in Travel with Chronic Illness
Traveling has always been a passion of mine. Meeting new people, enjoying different atmospheres, and immersing myself in diverse cultures brings me immense joy. My absolute favorite vacation was in May 2019 when we visited Myrtle Beach. The beach feels like therapy to me, offering a sense of calm and rejuvenation.
Adapting to New Travel Realities with Chronic Conditions
Since October 2019, my travel experiences have drastically changed. Any trip I've taken since then has primarily been for doctor appointments. Despite this, my family and I strive to make these trips worthwhile. We often extend our stays to enjoy a bit of leisure.
Traveling with chronic illnesses requires special preparations. For longer journeys, I usually lie in the back seat, wear compression socks, use a neck pillow, run my IV fluids/TPN, and try to sleep as much as possible. Frequent stops are essential to stretch and manage symptoms like blood pooling, swelling, and pain, especially with Dysautonomia and Raynaud's. The summer heat can be particularly challenging, so we plan indoor activities that require minimal energy and ensure our hotel has an indoor pool for the kids.
Travel Challenges Before 2020
Before 2020, we traveled frequently, but it was not without its difficulties. Keeping up with my kids and husband was challenging, and I was often in pain. Sometimes, my legs would give out, and my husband had to carry me to the car. These episodes left me unable to do anything for days. I was confused and frustrated, having been taught to push through pain my entire life. Now, pushing myself too hard results in severe repercussions. I have learned to listen to my body and conserve energy for the best moments during our travels.
Lonna's Essential Travel Items for Chronic Illness
When traveling, especially with chronic illnesses, having the right items can make a significant difference. Here are some essentials I always bring along:
- Daily/Emergency Medications
- All Central Line Must-Haves
- Compression Socks
- Neck Pillow/Squishmallow (they are amazing on the joints)
- Salty Snacks
- Sanitizing Wet Wipes
- Favorite Liquid IV & Buoy
- Favorite Hoodie/Sweater/Blanket
- Ear Buds and/or Noise Canceling Ear Plugs
Listening to Your Body
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of travel and forget to slow down. Remember to listen to your body and take care of yourself to fully enjoy the experience. Rest is crucial, and it's okay to take breaks when needed. Your feelings are valid, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Prioritizing your well-being will ensure you can be involved in everything that matters.
Traveling with chronic illnesses requires adjustments, but it can still be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience with the right approach and mindset.
Follow Lonna on Instagram to learn more about her story.
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