Traveling with RA
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Ah, the joys of traveling! Who doesn’t love jetting off to new places, soaking up different cultures, and just escaping the daily grind? For me, it’s not just a luxury—it's essential for my sanity! Taking a break from the same-old-same-old is like hitting the reset button on life.
Picture this: you're strolling through cobblestone streets in a quaint European village or lounging on a tropical beach with a fruity mocktail in hand (since we should refrain from alcohol). Can you feel the stress melting away already? That’s the magic of travel! It’s like a giant pause button for your worries and anxieties.
Now, let’s talk about the real MVP of travel: mindfulness. When you're exploring new places, you can't help but be fully present in the moment. No more mindless scrolling through endless feeds or stressing about tomorrow’s to-do list. It's just you, the sights, the sounds, and if you're anything like me lots of food.
For those of us dealing with chronic illnesses, managing stress levels is a major. Traveling gives us the perfect excuse to destress and focus on what truly matters—our well-being.
So, until I can master a serene sense of inner peace 24/7 (hey, a girl can dream, right?), you can bet I’ll be packing my bags and flying off whenever I can.
Traveling with Rheumatoid Arthritis—let’s talk about a journey filled with its own set of challenges! For us warriors battling chronic illnesses, hitting the road (or sky!) can sometimes feel like signing up for a round of symptom exacerbation. Between the long sitting times in often cramped seating trying to contort yourself into a place of comfort, (unless you frequent business and first class), you have the potential to stiffen and cause swelling.
After long flights my body can become extremely inflamed causing me to have issues just getting out of the aircraft. That is definitely not a great way to kick-off or end a trip.
Now that's just to get there - then you have the vacation itself. I don’t know about you but any dietary routine goes immediately out the window. I’ll just have to regret those decisions later. Do you really think I’m going to go to Italy and not eat Gelato and pasta everyday, please.
You’re also likely to be moving much more than normal. Recently I went on a 7 day cruise across the Mediterranean. We stopped somewhere nearly everyday and planned excursions at each port. Between the 7hr flight, non-stop walking, the rock of a bed on the ship and my friends snoring like a foghorn, my body was wrecked when I got home and pretty much each day there.
I did not realize how much walking you do on a cruise, doesn’t help that we kept getting turned around either (what's port and starboard again). I completely over-exerted myself and paid the price when I got back home.
Though travel is a great self care activity, travel itself can trigger flare ups. Between work and personal life I travel quite a bit. These are some things I’ve learned to do before, during and after trips to aid in easing inflammation or discomfort. I hope they can help you out too!
Drink plenty of fluids. I know I know you already know this, but it’s important so it bears repeating. Water is important in maintaining hydration which aids in decreasing inflammation. This is my go to water bottle to bring on trips. It’s the perfect size and with a carabiner clip can easily hang off my bag.
Take OTC medication. Always consult a medical provider before taking any medication. If I am going to be on a 4+hour flight I’ll generally take Ibuprofen beforehand to lessen the ramifications.
Wear compression socks. This will help reduce swelling. I've started wearing these and have noticed a decrease in ankle and foot pain. After walking all day they have offered me some much needed relief.
Get moving. Instead of sitting down and waiting for boarding, walk around the terminal. I always try to loosen up before a long haul. This should also be done during the flight. Try getting up every 2 hrs to stretch and walk up and down the aisles. Which leads to my next point.
Get an aisle seat!. If you aren’t able to get upgraded seats, an aisle seat is the next best thing. Being able to get a full extension on your legs and rotate those ankles is essential.
If you travel for work, connect with your HR department. They may be able to help facilitate accommodation for extra legroom seating with a note from your doctor.
Cool Down. Resting and ice is a great way to aid recovery. Remember RICE (Rest,Ice,Compression,Elevate). This should be done throughout your trip. I recently found these instant ice packs. They are great in providing temporary relief and are easy to pack.
Think of comfort. When choosing outfits make sure you are thinking logically and not just with Instagram in mind. Loose flowing clothing and things that are easy to put on. Last thing you want is a great outfit planned that you now can’t wear because your hands hurt and you can’t manage the buttons. If weather permits I would pack all dresses or rompers, my go to outfit choices. Check out my pinterest page for my favorite travel outfits!
Incorporate breaks. If you’re anything like me your vacations are full of activities. You want to see all the sites, go on excursions and eat great food. When you have RA you have to remember to pace yourself. Over-exertion can cause needless inflammation later. Try spacing your activities out more and your body will thank you.
Plan a Massage. If you are able, highly recommend getting a massage once the vacation is over or even half way through. Massages are a great way to relax your muscles and improve circulation, aiding in decreasing pain. When I go on cruises I always attend the spa day to get a discount on services. A massage hits differently when the open sea awaits you after. I also always have one scheduled upon returning. Heck, throw in a facial because why not you deserve it.
So, while traveling with Rheumatoid Arthritis may have its challenges, it’s all about finding ways to navigate the journey with a little extra TLC for our bodies. Because let’s face it, a bit of discomfort is a small price to pay for the adventure that awaits on the other side!
Always remember to consult your Rheumatologist to manage flares appropriately.
These are some things I do for travel that have helped me manage. Is there anything you do to manage pain while traveling, please share.
