How I Travel With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi Seth-

I have put some effort into this also. I don't jet around like you do, but I travel in my Suburban a lot. And with my 5 kids and a dog.

My tips: bring healthy food you like, in case you can't get some when you need it.

Move around gently as often as possible to prevent the gelling/stiffness. And, I always have something that can be used to change my position in case I am uncomfortable - like a pillow or a soft sweater I can roll into a pillow of various shapes. Take some pain medicine as a precaution - before it gets bad. Not every day, mind you, but when you'll be on the road. Learned that from my brother the hiker.

Happy trails!

Kelly

www.rawarrior.blogspot.com

When I travel by air I always sit in an aisle seat.  I don't mind being disturbed when someone inside wants to get out.  In an aisle seat I can get up whenever I want to without have to wake someone or ask someone to close the tray table that is loaded with all kinds of ''stuff''.  The carry on (with wheels) I use is a small one and fits under the seat in front of me.  I carry meds, a change of underwear in the event I don't get to my destination the same day and anything of value.  I never take a bag on the plane that I have to hoist to the upper compartment, difficult to do and I'm always afraid I'll drop it on someone.  I check my luggage and pray!  When I see my luggage on the carosel, there is always a strong young man standing nearby and I ask him if he would be so kind as to take my luggage off the carosel.  I have never been turned down.  I like your idea about the food, I always eat wrong before getting on the plane.  I'm going to listen to your advise and eat better the next time I fly.  Thank you.

Rest, good food, and I would add, take advantage of any quiet time to re-focus, do the exercise (Tai Chi helps me, even if I just do the warm-up stretches)

and - don't schedule too much, make sure rest is part of the schedule!

I just came back from 4 days in Washington DC to go to a conference with my husband.  He's the member, I'm the "spouse" but there are many interesting sessions even for guests.  Also, dinner with friends who are also involved - means - trying NOT to eat TOO MUCH!   It may mean having just two appetizers instead of an entree, or - the rare change of pace, having just pie with coffee, if I've already had salad and yogurt that day.  In the car, or on a plane (rare these days), I bring yogurt, granola bar (too much sugar but better than a roll or bread usually), boiled egg (protein), dilute juice or water.  I mostly stick to green tea these days, because the black tea makes my sinuses act up.  ( I did run into someone yesterday at work that had an allergic reaction to green tea - wow, his throat closed up!)  And even too much of a good thing, like green tea, is too much.  I have a low tolerance for caffeine, but green tea has just enough to give me a boost without pushing meover the edge into a crashdown.  And it's antiinflammatory, known to reduce the risk of RA - so maybe it will just reduce the risk of mine getting worse.  It's the foundation of my morning, most mornings!

For refocusing:  sometimes a poem, prayer, or mantra can help remind me to stay calm and flexible, in mind if not always in body!  And remembering that pain and illness are not always visible, look and speak to those around me with friendliness and relaxed attention, staying sensitive to any clues that they may or may not want to have a conversation.  Some of the best, most interesting and informative conversations have come in:  doctor's waiting rooms, airplanes, etc.!

that's it for now, thanks for bringing up this topic!  I don't travel nearly as much as I used to, and rarely alone, but it may be just a long ride to the nearest city for a doctor appointment, who knows who will be there in the convenience store where I get gas or snack, or the parking lot.  Life is full of surprises, take advantage of the good surprises when you can!

Ellen

Hi Seth, 

Just a note to tell you I spent one and a half years on the internet researching ways to get control of my RA. i found some great information and want  to share. If you are interested in healing foods and and healing practices that can help. 

Sharon

I love taking cruises but have you ever tried to walk the length of one of those ships? Nearly impossible if your RA is as bad in your feet and ankles as mine! I also have spinal stenosis and bulging disc that they will not operate on so I have double trouble. But did you know that you can rent a wheelchair to use for the trip? Its the most wonderful thing to have! You dont have to use it all the time but let me tell you the trip will be alot more enjoyable if you are not hurting from so much walking! And dont just rent one someone with you have to push you around, why mess up their fun, rent a scooter so you can carry on by yourself. Think abot a nice cruise with wheels for your next getaway, its really the way to go!

The tip on using the carts is fabulous! I never think of using these because I figured you had to have some sort of medical card from the doctor to use them since we tend to "not look sick". I travel a lot for work and long ago switch to the rolling cases as I can't bear the weight of the bags on my shoulders and given that I also have Celiac disease, I must eat well wherever I am. I think the use of the carts could come in unsurmountably useful in the future!!