Traveling with SjS

[Starlore]

I know that Scottie posted a similar thread previously, which I have taken note of, but I feel like there are still some outstanding tips that I can gain from posting again so humor me please! 

I'm in the process of determining whether or not I will be able to join some friends on a trip to Japan in October. Financial obligations are my primary focus at this stage in the game, but this would be my first time traveling since dx & the onset of so many new symptoms. I've never been to Japan & altho' I have been collecting info from my friends who are familiar w/the country, they do not have the perspective of an autoimmune traveler, which is why I turn to you, fellow Sjoggies 

I realize there is a whole new set of rules for traveling w/autoimmunity so I'm trying to figure out as many of them as possible to fit into my overall perspective of whether I can (financially & physically) & should, embark on this long of a journey.

For example--booking airline tickets; sitting thru a 2 hour movie is heck on the joints, let alone 14+ hours on a cramped plane! I won't have a lot of money to work w/so, Business or First class are out of the question. Economy plus -may- be do-able, depending on the cost at the time, but are there certain airlines that seem to be a bit more helpful in accomodating people w/conditions w/out being certified as 'disabled'? Are bulkhead seats better or should I just go for an aisle seat (getting knocked around by beverage carts!  )? Do I need to see my Rheumy' & co' before travel? Should I worry about being on immunosuppressents while traveling overseas (exposure)? Do I need anymore vaccinations besides pneumonia & flu? etc..

So what are the ins & outs of international travel w/autoimmunity?

-Take medical documentation
-Take extra meds'! Keep prescriptions in their labled bottles!
-Hydrate hydrate hydrate!
-Rest as often as possible

[Scottietottie]

Hi Starlore 

I found the actual travelling a bit of a nightmare. Do make sure that any liquids/gels, that you take in the cabin with you, are clearly labelled - in suitable sized containers - inside a plastic, see through, ziplock bag. I'd forgotten how much walking there can be in an airport too!

A friend sent me Ayr Saline Nasal Gel to use in my nose during the flight and I found it helpful. I went to the toilet on the plane more than I actually needed to just for the sake of getting up and stretching my legs. I wasn't on immunosupresants and didn't need any immunisations because I was covered already for the US.

I found getting travel insurance quite hard but got the best quote online from a company called Travelbility (I think) - someone may know better!

I managed to sleep on the plane a bit too which helped. Also - wear shoes that go on and off really easily for getting through airport security. There seem to be precious few chairs around.

Take care - Scottie 

[Starlore]

Hi Scottie! I hope that you're doing well today/this week/this month   
I have to agree w/you--US travel more or less sucks. I absolutely understand the need for it, but security is downright tricky sometimes, such as concerning carry-on items. You have to check the airport security website up to the day you're scheduled to travel, as those "allowances" change w/out much notice. I've traveled domestically (I'm in the US) quite a bit but not internationally in YEARS & years...regardless, you're quite right about it being exhausting, it used to wear me out so much--& that's when I was 'healthy'.

Thanks so much for the info! As much as I'd think I could just sit down & scribble up a list on my own, w/out the firsthand experience, there's soo much I'm likely to miss--especially w/these pesky cognitive issues 

[Pooh]

Hi Starlore,
Like Scottie only going her way from the USA to Scotland, I too found the airport running the hardest.  Especially when we got to the Toronto Airport.  It was under construction at the time and a real mess.  I hope you don't run into that type mess on your journey.

I was lucky with the carry on water though, it was 2000 and 9/11 wasn't in the cards.  However, I did have to drink some of it in front of the security guard.  Even though it wasn't totally necessary, I carried a letter of verification from my rheumatologist as to the needs of my travel.  Such as the water, meds, etc. 

It's a lot easier getting out of the USA then it is getting back in.   Geez, I thought I would have to give a pint of blood and my right arm before we left Toronto.   But I would go again in a heart beat if I could. 

Pooh

[Sjenny]

Dear Starlore:

I read a really good tip from Irish in another thread that really helps me.  She says to wet a washcloth and wring it out and carry it with you in a plastic bag.  I've used it to breathe through when my nose goes dry or to cover my dry eyes when traveling and was so glad to have it handy.

Don't know if the airlines allow it but I don't see why not, of course, they would if I ran the zoo.

Sue

[Skylar]

Pooh, oh boy, we had to go through the Toronto airport while it was undergoing construction and that was one of the longest walks through any airport I've been.

Starlore - how exciting. I've always wanted to go to Japan, in fact I've taken a short course on speaking and writing in Japanese in the hopes that if I get there I can read the street signs etc. I wouldn't let Sjogren's stop you from going and enjoying yourself. Finances is another matter since it is very pricey.
I've flown to Korea which is just as close as Japan and had no problems. There are exercises in the airplane booklet that you can do to keep all parts of you moving.  DH and I both got up and walked the aisles a couple of times but the best place was just by the kitchen in the back of the plane, there was room there to really stretch out without being in the way. Having the aisle seat will allow you to get up easily to walk around the plane. I hope you do go, this will be a trip you'll remember for a lifetime.

Ask your Rheumy and PCP if you need to do anything WRT vaccinations or additional medication. Wear very comfortable slip on shoes and don't plan any plane changes too close together. In the US airports have golf type carts to help move handicapped, elderly and just plain dead tired people around the airport - I took one recently for the first time in my life on my return trip from Scottietotties old stomping ground of Scotland. LOL it was a life saver. They didn't have any in the two Korean airports (Seoul/Incheon and Juju)  I was in, but both were small. They might have them if the Japanese airports are large.

Pack all your medications in your purse, not in your suitcase. You will be limited to 4 oz of any fluid and have to put those in a plastic see through zip lock type bag. If the container is larger than 4 oz, even if the product is less, they will throw it away. Plan to buy your water in the airport once you have passed security. I had a bottle of water that I drank in the car and security waiting line that I dumped once I got to the actual security machines. There are plenty of opportunities to buy fluids in the airport itself.

Pack lightly, who cares if you wear the same clothes for 2 days in a row as long as they are clean. The less you cart around in your suitcase, the easier it will be. Japan is a modern country, if you run out of eye drops or mouth wash etc. you will be able to buy replacements in a pharmacy - maybe not your preferred brand, but something similar to tide you over. (know the active ingredients of your OTC products so you can buy the same). Japan also has plenty of vending machines on the streets with fluids etc. Plane air is extremely dry - use vaseline on your lips, plenty of eye drops and nasal spray or gel. Some people wear those eye goggles with moisture (sorry I don't know the name). Pace yourself and you'll be fine.

Skylar

[Starlore]

So many great ideas & useful suggestions! Thank you so much for your input everyone, I really appreciate it  My list of information is coming along very nicely!

Scottie--I found Travelbility, I'll be requesting a quote today hopefully.

Pooh--I can't imagine airport detours! Personally I hate international airports cause they're so darn BIG & your transfers always seem to involve running from one terminal to another (always the farthest one too!). Its so bad that I've gotten to the point that I do anything to book flights that don't involve Atlanta (I think it's the one I hate the most!)!

Sjenny & Irish--washcloth is a GREAT suggestion! Never would've thought of it! Considering crazy security here in the US it works to take a dry one & wet it at the bathroom closest to your boarding gate.

Skylar--interestingly enough one of my friends was telling me to check what NOT to bring into the country, as some simple things such as Nyquil are considered illegal That made me realize that I was going to have to look into OTC drugs overseas & compare ingredients against my meds' to ensure against "mistakes"...I'm glad you brought this up because its a great example of one of those little things that you may not think of, that can ruin a trip & then some.

Packing light, I fear, will be a real trial for me haha.

[eyeamdry]

Y'all, if you have a problem with mobility, usually you can ask the airport for help with a wheelchair.  Every time I fly, they are waiting with several wheelchairs for passengers.  You must ask, though.  This could be a big help going through the airport to catch another plane.  In fact, once I called for the "wheelchair" when I was by myself and landed in the Detroit airport and only had 20 minutes to catch a flight to Boston.  I would have taken an hour just to find the right corridor.  I tipped the employee running me all around $5 and I was happy and so was he.  This was the only time I did it, but would not hesitate if in a time pinch again.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we flew from South Bend airport to Nevada.  Guess who of all the passengers got pulled over and searched IN FRONT of everyone?  Yes, in front of all the other passengers.  Patted down by hand, then wanded all over.  Jeesh. 

One more thing.....you might want to WAIT ON THE WATER.  Twice on my last trip, I had to toss newly purchased bottles of water before passing security.  There is no more "taking a sip."  You can buy water after you've passed security and take the bottle on the plane with you.  I have not been overseas, but this was my recent experience.  Lucy