Traveling With Chronic Illness During Flares--When Your Body Slows Down But Your Soul Wants To Travel

Traveling With Chronic Illness During Flares

When Your Body Slows Down, But Your Soul Still Wants to Travel

Those of us with chronic illness knows what it is like when we're traveling. Your bags are packed and you're ready to go. But your body? Yeah, not so much. It could be a debilitating flare or fatigue that comes out of nowhere. And don't forget pain that makes getting dressed a chore.

Does that mean you shouldn't go on that vacation you've been planning? Absolutely not! What does it mean is that you have to travel differently.

Redefine travel

Travel looks different when you live with chronic illness. Your body may move slower, need more rest or resist plans you once made effortlessly. But your desire to explore, learn something new, and be free to explore doesn't disappear. That desire likely grows stronger.

One of the toughest parts of living with chronic illness is accepting that flares don't pause because you left home. Actually, the change of routine when traveling can trigger symptoms. That's why it's crucial to change your expectations when it comes to travel.

Travel doesn't have to be:

• Jam packed itineraries

• Moving from one destination to another without rest

• Ignoring your body because you have too many things to do

So how do you change your outlook on vacationing? How do you make travel work for you? What steps should you take to make traveling exciting, fulfilling and most important, rejuvenating? Try these steps:

Get rid of guilt

Those of us with chronic illness have a personal relationship with guilt. You likely understand when I tell you I feel guilty for big things like canceling plans with friends because of an immobilizing flare. Or guilt for small stupid things like feeling guilt for not being able to clean windows because I planned it for a certain day.

Guilt gets even stronger when you're on vacation. You want to see everything you can. For me, I like to absorb as much as I'm able wherever I travel. So, slowing down makes me feel guilty if I can't do all the things I planned and want to do. It's frustrating!

Yep, the thing about guilt is it doesn't solve the problem. It doesn't make you feel any better. Actually, guilt can make you feel worse.

The best way to handle guilt

This is a hard one for me. I struggle with guilt constantly. But there are a few things that help when I consider especially when traveling:

• Your body isn't working against you. It's signaling your immune or nervous system is overwhelmed—your body is actually trying to protect you

• This changes your new normal—you can work through this

• You are not doing anything wrong--it's part of the journey

• You have the right to rest and heal your body

Though it's difficult, changing your perspective can change your outlook on this illness journey. Remember, your vacation is for you. It doesn't have to emulate anyone else's trip. It doesn't have to follow some dogmatic way everyone else follows. You do what suits you.

So how do you change your idea of travel? It's all about planning, preparing and listening to your body.

Plan less experience more

• Be honest with yourself. Is one or two activities in a day doable? When you take your time to enjoy your surroundings, your vacation is even more enjoyable.

• Book your hotel or VRBO in the vicinity of the main places you want to see. That way you're not exerting precious energy to see the sites you want.

• Plan for about 50% of what you think you can handle. You can adjust your plans depending on your body's needs for that day

Prepare

Bring a small “flare kit” just in case a flare comes—medications, heating patches, shakes, hydration packets and whatever comfort items you may need when a flare hits

Know what you're going to do if you have a flare and what you'll need if the flare gets worse

Listen to your body

Listening to your body while traveling is a skill that takes practice. You know your body better than anyone. So, listen! When you feel things like:

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Slight pain before it gets intense

You know when you need to slow down. You may feel obligated to power through because you spent time and money to go on your vacation. Believe me, I've been there. I've pushed myself on vacation and even at home. Forcing your body to move when you should rest and relax can extend and worsen your flare. Don't punish your body because it's not working the way you think and want it to. You can't prevent every flare—but you can show your body care and respect.

Here are a few more things you can consider:

Have a backup plan

• When planning an excursion, make sure the business has a solid cancellation plan. When you feel a flare coming on, you can cancel without losing all your money. Read the fine print so there are no surprises.

• Know what to do if symptoms worsen

• Plan a reset/recharge day, in-room activities, transportation and medical help if needed.

Accept help without apology

Another tough one. Why do we fight against every bit of help we're offered? I know the excuses:

• I don't want to bother anyone

• I don't want to slow anyone down

• I can't use a wheelchair or cane because I don't want to look bad

The best and most real way to answer these intruding thoughts—let it go! Seriously, they are thoughts, insecurities that pop into your mind. They are fears coming to the surface in attempt to protect you. Their false. You are not your thoughts! You have every right to utilize services and time to make your vacation the best ever!

Let go of comparison

Your vacation doesn't have to be like anyone else's but your own. Forget what social media and advertisements say that might make you feel you need to follow a certain protocol for vacations. Crazy mishaps happen on everyone's vacation and make trips more memorable. Most people don't share unfortunate events on social media for everyone to see. Either way, your vacation is yours. Do what works for you.

Remember flares do not erase the value of your trip. Having a hard day, or several doesn't mean your journey is ruined. The most meaningful travel moments come from slowing down, noticing small details and finding peace in stillness. Take photos, enjoy a sunset or enjoy the peace in your hotel room. It's your time to enjoy.

Traveling with chronic illness isn't about doing less. It's about doing things differently. Choose yourself over unrealistic expectations.