Traveling With Chronic Illnesses Part One--Managing Medications

Managing Medications

If you're stricken with one or more ailments you know every day can be a struggle. However, illness does not necessarily mean you can't visit places you've dreamed of traveling to. I know from firsthand experience that it's possible to travel well despite my many conditions. I've had to manage my rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, a back fusion, lupus and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I was just diagnosed with congestive heart failure which made my trip to Japan a bit tricky, but my vacation was still amazing. I've dealt with these conditions for a couple of decades now. As you may know, immune system illnesses can make it difficult to plan the day let alone an entire trip.

It is possible though. The following is what I do before and during my vacations to ensure I have a great time. Although the best plans have glitches, there are things you can do to make your vacation a smooth and fantastic adventure!

Become besties with your doctor

I've known my doctor since I was 16 years old. He and his partner were a great team who kept my mother healthy enough to live the best life she could. Traveling was a fun part of her life experience. When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, he took me onto his patient load. His referrals led me to my rheumatologist and cardiologist, both whom I am absolutely happy with the care they give me. I'm elated that they all work together to keep me as healthy as I am. I'm totally aware that I am fortunate, and I'm so grateful to have such great doctors who oversee my health.

I don't know the situation with your medical provider, but if you want to travel, I suggest you develop a strong rapport with them. Communication with your doctor is paramount for smooth travel as he/she can give you advice and prescribe needed medications to help you along the way when you're on vacation.

Most importantly, your doctor will give you the green light to travel. Tell your doctor where you plan to visit, how long you're going for, and what you plan to do on your trip. He/she can determine if you're healthy enough to travel.

Your doctor may not think it's a good idea for you to take that vacation at this time. Ask them what you need to do or how much time you need to convalesce before you can safely travel. You and your medical provider can develop a plan for your travels when your body has properly healed.

Medications

Medications can be tricky when on vacation. If you take as many medications as I do ( I take 21 different prescriptions daily), it can be difficult to manage them at home let alone keeping track of them while you're on vacation.

If you're traveling within the US, traveling with medications shouldn't be too much trouble. Just make sure you keep your prescriptions in your carry-on bag when you're on the plane. This is extremely important– if your luggage gets lost and your meds are in your check-in bags...well, now you are out of your medication until they find your luggage. NOT GOOD!

If you're going overseas, it's vital that you have permission to bring certain prescriptions to another country. All countries including the US have a list of medications that need a doctor's explanation of your medical condition and why you're taking a certain prescription.

Some countries require even more information. I recently went to Japan and I had to fill out a special medication form. Then I had my doctor fill out his portion of that form and sign it. The Japanese Department of Health sent me a permission email to print and have ready in case I was stopped at customs.

Do not overlook these formalities. It is illegal to bring something as simple as NyQuil into Japan. If you are stopped with a restricted substance you can be denied entry into that country. Even worse, you can be detained for breaking the law. DO NOT TAKE THE RISK!

To avoid any confusion, I ask my doctor to print a list of all my medications. This includes the milligrams, the amount of individual pills I take and what each prescription is prescribed for before I leave. All of this in addition to the required med list for each country I intend to visit. This way if I am stopped, I have the required forms and a list of all of my medications. The goal is to have all questions answered and hopefully get me through customs as quickly as possible. I have never been stopped at customs, but I've been pretty confident I wouldn't have any issues because I researched and completed all requirements.

Special Prescriptions

Do you have medications that have special instructions? How do you manage those medications when on vacation? For those of us who have to take meds that need to be refrigerated and administered by injection, there are a few extra steps you'll need to complete while on vacation.

It starts with a visit to your doctor. Explain your travel plans so your doctor can evaluate your needs. Your medical provider may be able to modify your medications to make it easier for your travels.

When I went to Europe, I had to bring pre-filled needles with immuno-suppressant solution to control my rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These vials had to be kept cold and refrigerated. My rheumatologist suggested I keep my needles in an insulated lunch bag with reusable ice packs.

When I boarded the plane, I asked the flight attendant to put the bag in the plane's refrigerator. Before the plane landed, the flight attendant returned my bag to me.

Once I got to my first hotel, I was able to put my meds in my room's hotel refrigerator. There were several hotels that did not have a refrigerator in my room ( I should have checked before I booked). However, each hotel was very accommodating and put my meds in the hotel's refrigerator. My main issue was to remember to get my bag every time I left a hotel. My suggestion is to put an alarm on your phone so you remember to get your medications before you leave.

Keeping track of your meds

Keeping track of your meds while on vacation can be a challenge. You may have a busy itinerary for a day of travel. You may be meeting with family and friends while you're on your trip. Or you may have a big day of tourism visiting special sites you've wanted to see for years. Either way, trying to keep track of all your meds can be a pain. For me, taking my meds in the morning with my breakfast is pretty routine. It's my as needed and evening meds that can pose an issue. I often forget them and when I do remember them, well, it's too late. So what I do is use a travel pill organizer. The AUVON weekly pill organizer three times a day weekly box is a great example of how easy it is to manage your pills on the road. You can get on Amazon.

There are morning, noon and evening compartments. I don't take noon pills, so the noon compartment is great for my as needed medications. I fill each compartment for the week and pop one in my bag before I take off on my daily outing. All of my pills are together. I don't have struggle to remember if I have all of my medications. No matter where I go, all my needed meds are with me. Easy. When you're traveling, the easier the better. When I'm gone for a couple of weeks or more, I have a 30-day organizer.

Take away

Yeah, traveling with chronic illnesses and medications can be a challenge, but with planning and a little extra effort, you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip.

1. Stay in contact with your doctor

2. Follow your doctor's advice

3. If traveling outside the US, go to the country's website to find that country's medication requirements and work with your doctor to fill out all forms as necessary

4. For special medications, consult your doctor for travel ideas

5. Use pill organizers for easy transport of your medications

MANAGING CHRONIC ILLNESS WHILE ON VACATION

Part one--Managing medications

Stay tuned for part two Traveling with Illnesses--Managing Limitations

Next Week!