Traveling with PD

My wife planned a great trip which involved three countries, trains and planes. She built in down time for my rest. So now it's the big day, we're off to the airport. I've got this. I can do it.
So away we go. Trip of a lifetime. Planning for months.

On the first night of our 3 week trip I have a meltdown and ruined the trip. After the fact I realized I was feeling like felt prior to beginning the PD medication. Angry, screaming and obsessing. I also appeard to be disinterested (masking) in things.

I remained this way for the first 10 days (through two countries) and when I got off the train in country #3, I felt my meds suddenly kicked in. Releasing an unrealized grip on me. 

Whatever was going on had stopped and I felt okay again. Two weeks to adjust after a 7 hour flight? Jetlag was the official diagnosis.

So here are some recommendations to help reduce your own travel stress:

• Take direct flights if possible
  • Less stress, quicker, better to sleep on the flight
• Get an aisle seat on the plan for those urgency times
  • Be sure to drink fluids and walk around while on the plane - yes it will make you pee that's why an aisle seat is good.
• Keep at least one day's dosage of medication in your pocket or purse.
• Carry all of your medications with you while traveling, just incase your luggage is lost or delayed.
• Pack enough medications to last the entire trip plus enough for an extra week, just in case.
• I switch my medication times to local times but check with your doctor for professional advice.
• Make sure all medications are labeled and in their original labeled containers.
• Write down the names of your doctors, insurance company (better yet copy your insurance card, front and back), emergency contact, and medications. Keep with your passport, in your wallet or purse.
• Get a doctor's note explaining your diagnosis and the medications traveling with you.
  • Just in the event you get questioned about all those meds
• Carry identification stating that you have Parkinson's disease.
• Use a "fanny" pack or backpack so that you have your hands free to balance as you walk, especially if walking any distance.
• Pack snacks and carry a water bottle to take medications.
• Plan to do nothing your first day
  • Going out the day you arrive in a crowded, strange city that speaks a foreign language can turn a "simple" task into a stressful ordeal, leaving you exhausted, dehydrated and starving.
• Plan downtime during the trip too. Relax and do nothing. Even little things can become a big thing in a foreign land. This may be hard for the "Type A" traveler.

Medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. Check with state and country laws regarding prescription medication labels.

You are responsible for displaying, handling, and repacking the medication when screening is required. Medication can undergo a visual or X-ray screening and may be tested for traces of explosives.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) set up the TSA Cares helpline to provide travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
Go and enjoy!