Learning to Travel With RRMS
- by Andrea L.
- September 11, 2017
Andrea L. is a paid Advocate for Teva Neuroscience, Inc.
Whether it’s a business trip or a vacation with friends and family, sometimes I have to hit the road (or skies) while living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). I try not to let my RRMS ground me, but I find that I may have to do things a little differently when I travel.
One of the most important things I do is listen to my body and figure out my RRMS triggers before I make travel plans. Knowing the roadblocks before they happen helps me figure out how to maneuver around them. I also make plans for bringing along my COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate injection) by following this checklist and following the advice from one of Teva’s Shared Solutions® nurses.
For me, heat is a big factor to consider in planning vacations. Like many other people with RRMS, heat can zap my energy and aggravate my symptoms. But what do you do when the beach is the most popular vacation destination? If that’s what is important for my family, I find ways to manage my RRMS in the summer heat. For me, that means finding a house or hotel near the beach where I can take frequent breaks in the cool indoors. When I’m on the beach, I make sure I’m under an umbrella and bring a hand-held fan to keep me cool. Also, my family and I try to plan our excursions in the early morning or evening when the sun has gone down and the breeze provides some relief from the heat.
Even though a vacation is time away from work and often a time to indulge in relaxation, vacations can be exhausting. My husband is very intentional in his vacation planning, and on top of following these 10 tips, he always includes a midday nap for me in our itinerary. Even a short nap makes a huge difference, as it recharges me so I can enjoy the rest of the day.
Although I find that I have to do things a little differently, I try not to let my RRMS derail our vacation plans. I find ways to make things more manageable by referencing these travel Tips & Tricks, watching these travel tip videos, or taking extra time and planning. Happy traveling!
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Andrea L.
RRMS Patient
COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate injection) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
Do not use COPAXONE® if you are allergic to glatiramer acetate or mannitol.
See Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information for Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate Injection).
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