I recently returned from a trip to Boston, Massachusetts. I had been looking forward to it for a long time, since I lived in Boston during the 1990's. When I arrived it felt familiar, a little like I was returning home. I had missed the cool ocean breezes, the bustling sounds of the city, and the lush, green Northeast foliage. Not to mention the history! I stop and read each and every little historical marker, learning about those that have walked the same ground before me. The day before I flew home, I had a free afternoon and took a walk along the famous Freedom Trail - from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall to the North End. I took a few pics with my iPhone along the way on one of those rare sunny days this Spring (see below).
 |
| Boston's North End (Little Italy) |
 |
| George Washington before Boston skyline |
 |
| Faneuil Hall and Custom House tower |
Sleep - This particular trip involved crossing 2 time zones. When I arrived I was more than a little jet lagged and it took most of the week for my body to adjust. Before leaving on the trip, I had tried to get to bed a bit earlier so the adjustment would not be as difficult, but it was still hard. When I don't sleep well, I don't feel well. Napping was not an option since it was a business trip. Even if I could nap, sleeping in a bed other than my own is not easy for me.
Medicine - I am pretty obsessive when it comes to my prescriptions and supplements. I always bring them as a carry-on on the plane to avoid losing them with luggage. Nothing separates me from my meds! They are what keep me in remission. However, the change in routine means I have to focus more on taking them on schedule. If I do forget to take them, my body has a way of reminding me eventually. This trip I did okay, but I could have done better. Maybe next time set a timer on my iPhone to remind myself .
Diet - When I'm at home, I stick to pretty much the same foods each week and that consistency helps me stay well. But when I'm travelling, my diet is anything but consistent. On this particular trip, I ate more fast food than I usually do and way too many rich foods (Gotta love that North End Italian cuisine!). Fast food is a common trigger for many people with Crohn's Disease and I'm no exception, but often it was the only option available. If I had planned better, I'm sure I could have made better food choices.
Exercise - I'll admit, I'm not a fan, even when I'm at home I find it hard to exercise. I've tried the last year to walk regularly, but it has only happened in stops and starts. Arthritis doesn't make it any easier, but I know that moving can help ease that pain if I'm consistent. On this trip I did a lot of walking. Probably too much. On the flight home, I realized I was quite exhausted. I should have paced myself better. Or better yet, try to get in better shape before I travel.
After my 5 hour flight home, I launched into a full schedule of activities. My family obviously missed me and wanted to spend time with me. I had church responsibilities the next day and a full day back at work the next. My body was not getting the rest it needed. Eventually I got sick. To avoid a full blown crash, I cleared my schedule and tried as best I could to just rest and recover. Note to self: Next time plan time-off to recover after a cross-country trip (and follow my own suggestions above!). What do you do to stay well when travelling? Leave your ideas in the comments.
Thank to Sara for her inspiration on this post.
It is so hard to know what went wrong. I came home from an overnighter out of town getaway. Ended up with a severe flare up of my fibromyalgia. Severe for me is muscle spasms that keep me from functioning. Was it the food? The 2 hour drive? Sitting in one spot and not moving? I walked a lot on the trip which was good. I took my meds at the normal times(I do set my cell phone reminders). Wondering how long I will be out of commission this time?
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I will be traveling for business next week and this will be my first time traveling since my AS has progressed this far. I have never flown with humira. It will be a tight a schedule as it is a three day conference. I will take your advice and please wish me luck for no flare ups.
ReplyDeleteGood post, wise advice, GREAT pics. Hope for a great recovery for you, as well!
ReplyDeleteCheers and best!
I travel to Texas every year for 2 week vacation. This is the first year I did not end up in the ICU, though it's harder every year to make the trip by myself. I did step way outside of my comfort zone this year. You can get the details on my blog. I've been all over your site since you posted on mine and I'm really inspired by your body of work. I was unable to find contact info for you, could you shoot me an email? lyndaespa@mediacombb.net
ReplyDeleteI have some ideas
Really, nice practical article... I love travel, would happy be nomadic if finances allowed. Your article was full of good basic commonsense, which is very often the very best advice! Well done for not illness stopping you doing what you value - and for sharing your journey with us :)
ReplyDeleteWe carry our meds in our carry on, too. We try to drink extra water when traveling, and typically I push DH in a wheelchair through the airport. Flying is incredibly hard on him. We've actually decided to drive instead of flying whenever possible.
ReplyDeleteAs someone living with Ulcerative Colitis, and currently on many dietary restrictions during a flare-up, I find travel quite disruptive on maintaining any progress I've made with meds and diet. However, having a job that requires the occasional business travel for conferences and meetings, one thing I've begun doing that helps is to stay at "suite" style hotels that have kitchenettes. I either bring "safe" food with me, or make a quick trip to the grocery store upon arrival. This takes the stress off of finding "safe" restaurants if you are unfamiliar with the city you are in. I'm currently trying a gluten-free / reduced diet, which is particularly difficult to accommodate when traveling. I find the kitchenette particularly helpful for at least getting a good breakfast before a busy work day.
ReplyDeleteTravel can be a real bear! However, it does give you a new perspective and outlook. One has to discipline themselves and remember their health is number 1.
ReplyDeleteSleep deprivation is a common issue with regards to feeling well on trips i think. It may be a change in climate, food, and even how much you're drinking. It's hard to know how to keep it all in check, especially when you want to enjoy yourself as well. I think having a checklist of all the things you need to do each day is a good idea. The calendar feature on your phone is helpful, and setting alarms is really the only way of ensuring taking meds on time. Other than that, a well thought out plan beforehand always helps.
ReplyDelete