Traveling with rheumatoid arthritis can be quite challenging, even though it is not impossible. Regardless if you are traveling for business or pleasure certain measurements and precautions should be considered first.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and long lasting inflammatory disease that affects the joints all through the human body. Sometimes, this disease affects other body organs too. These can include organs such as the lungs, the heart, the brain, the eyes, the blood vessels, etc.
It is an autoimmune disease, the real cause why the immune system attacks your own tissue is still not known. This is even though various factors seem to play an important role in the development of this disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis risk factors are:
• Sex – women are more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis than men,
• Age – it usually affects women between the ages of 40 and 60 years old,
• Family history – having someone in the family with rheumatoid arthritis increases the chances of a person suffering from this disease,
• Smoking – seems to play an important role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis,
• Obesity – being overweight and obese increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis,
• Environmental exposure – certain substances such as asbestos, silica, increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure and as it is a life–long disease it surely has a great impact on a person’s life.
Here are some things you should consider before traveling with rheumatoid arthritis:
Consult your healthcare provider before traveling. A wise thing to do is to schedule an appointment and discuss with your doctor your traveling plans and the country or places you plan to visit.
This is especially important if you will be away for a long period of time. Also, schedule any examination and treatments before traveling so you won’t have any problems. If your healthcare provider thinks that traveling at this time is not a wise thing to do, you should listen.
If he/she is concerned about your health with reason to be, you should postpone your vacations or business trip for another time.
Medications are a must. Don’t forget to take your medications with you as getting treatment all the time is very important. This is especially true if you will be away for an extended period of time. Ask your healthcare provider for any prescription medication you will need to take with you. Make sure you have enough of your medications to take on your trip for the entire period that you will be away.
Perhaps, a good idea is to have extra medication for an extra week or a couple of days if a situation should arise. Sometimes unexpected traveling plans may change and your return home may get delayed.
Keep your medications close to you in your carry–on baggage as you will not want to end up in a foreign country with no medication at all. Sometimes baggage can get lost or delayed due to various reasons, so keeping a good eye on your medications all the time while traveling is a must.
Also, keep your medication in their original package so you know what is what. In cases of a border control, the authorities will know what these medications are as well. In certain countries, certain medications are forbidden so you would want to check that too.
Perhaps, you should consult with your doctor and he/she can give you a letter detail explaining the medications you are taking for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Get a detailed letter for injectable medications or opioid painkillers.
Vaccination for certain diseases
This is a must if you are traveling to a foreign country. However, when suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and especially when taking certain medications such as immune suppressors, vaccination is contraindicated. Consult your healthcare provider about your travel plans, the countries you are planning to visit, the medications you currently take and if vaccination is needed.
Don’t forget health insurance
Before traveling, don’t forget to check your health insurance. In many cases traveling to foreign countries is not included in your health insurance and no medical costs will be paid by your health insurance while abroad. You can never know what can happen, and especially if you have a chronic and life–long disease. In cases of a severe rheumatoid arthritis flare–up you will probably need an emergency evacuation.
Make a plan
Planning your trip is very important when you are taking rheumatoid arthritis with you. Remember how much time you need to get going in the morning so don’t schedule any activities immediately after you wake up.
Take your time and enjoy your vacations. If you are constantly running from one place to the other, from one activity to the other, you will end up more tired than relaxed.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
It is very important to be comfortable while traveling. For this reason, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Avoid wearing new shoes you have just bought, but instead, aim for the most comfortable shoes you have. Thus, you will know that there will be no problem at all while walking.
Pack your bags carefully
Make sure to have a luggage with rolls, not a luggage that you will need to carry all the time. Also, pack only the most necessary things you will need during your trip, so you don’t end up with heavy luggage and stuff that you will not use at all. If you need help to carry your luggage ask your travel companion, someone at the airport or get a rolling cart.
Stretch and move
Especially while traveling, more so, if you are traveling for a long period of time. Sitting for prolonged periods of time is not recommended if you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Where possible stand or walk for a little bit, stretch the muscles and move around.
Take your time back home
Once you are back at home, take a day or two before you get back to your everyday life routines. Take some time to rest, unpack your bags and get back to your routine. Maybe even schedule an appointment with your doctor within a week from returning.