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).

COP-45263 June 2018
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4 Comment(s)
  • Ryan Eggleton  | September 15, 2017
    I found your story very helpful I found out about my RRMS last year August and lost sight in my left eye gain it back with blind spots but I make a way to keep smiling because I feel like we have a mission in life in I truly loved yours thanks a lot Ry 😏
  • Margaret  | September 16, 2017
    Andrea, thank you. While I do use a cane for ambulation , I use a wheel chair in airports. I could never walk the concourses at the airports. We tip the patient transport people always, they take you to your gate etc. Then the airline's people try to seat you nearer to the front of the plane as not to make you walk a great deal. I appreciate the efforts that both airport and airline staff give.
    • Teva's Lift MS® Team | September 18, 2017
      Thanks for sharing, Margaret. Best wishes!
  • Margaret | September 26, 2017
    Yes. The heat is problematic for me as well. I try to remain indoors in the air conditioning during the hot summer months, or under the shade of a shady tree with cold water or a cold soda. We took summer holidays frequently when our children were young. We do again now as well. We try to take our holidays in places like Ireland, a wee bit cooler for sure. Moreover, I am less fatigued when cool.
  • Fernando | October 09, 2017
    Very good recommendations.
    Thank you for Sharing.