11 Tips For Traveling With ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia - Part I
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11 Tips For Traveling With ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia - Part I
Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.
Traveling long distances with ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia - most of us avoid it at all costs! It's just too much for our bodies to handle!
I had the very same opinion because I was (and still am) largely housebound due to Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (also known as ME/CFS). But as a result, I had forfeited seeing my beloved family (who live abroad) for four long years. So recently, I decided to 'bite the bullet' and go. Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome or not.
I had a lovely time there, but the voyage there and back raised quite a few issues for me as a sufferer of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome.
When it comes to ME/CFS no one sufferer has the same experience as the next. For a start, you may suffer from this condition less or more severely than I do. You probably also experience a different mix of symptoms. But there are a few things you can bear in mind if you do plan on making a long trip:
1) Rest adequately beforehand
This might mean not exerting yourself mentally or physically for a number of days or even weeks beforehand - easier said than done, I know. But bear in mind that resting is a BIG priority PRE-trip.
2) Plan your trip
Leave LOTS of time in-between train, bus or plane times so that you don't have to rush. **Over-estimate** the amount of time it will take you. That way, if you get there early you can just sit and rest instead of rushing and stressing, which will only make you feel more weak and ill.
3) Get help
If you're making a long trip then it's advisable that you ask someone (like a relative or friend) to accompany you there and back. Ideally this would be someone who understands your condition and how it affects you. If you have trouble walking (or if this wears you out too much usually) then consider asking someone from the train or plane company to meet you with a wheelchair. Most large commercial companies seem to offer this service, but you usually have to tell them in advance.
You might also consider using a walking stick.
Anything to help you get there in one piece, right?
Click here to read book reviews on ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia -related books...
And for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia , click here!
This article will be continued in Part II...
Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.
Traveling long distances with ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia - most of us avoid it at all costs! It's just too much for our bodies to handle!
I had the very same opinion because I was (and still am) largely housebound due to Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (also known as ME/CFS). But as a result, I had forfeited seeing my beloved family (who live abroad) for four long years. So recently, I decided to 'bite the bullet' and go. Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome or not.
I had a lovely time there, but the voyage there and back raised quite a few issues for me as a sufferer of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome.
When it comes to ME/CFS no one sufferer has the same experience as the next. For a start, you may suffer from this condition less or more severely than I do. You probably also experience a different mix of symptoms. But there are a few things you can bear in mind if you do plan on making a long trip:
1) Rest adequately beforehand
This might mean not exerting yourself mentally or physically for a number of days or even weeks beforehand - easier said than done, I know. But bear in mind that resting is a BIG priority PRE-trip.
2) Plan your trip
Leave LOTS of time in-between train, bus or plane times so that you don't have to rush. **Over-estimate** the amount of time it will take you. That way, if you get there early you can just sit and rest instead of rushing and stressing, which will only make you feel more weak and ill.
3) Get help
If you're making a long trip then it's advisable that you ask someone (like a relative or friend) to accompany you there and back. Ideally this would be someone who understands your condition and how it affects you. If you have trouble walking (or if this wears you out too much usually) then consider asking someone from the train or plane company to meet you with a wheelchair. Most large commercial companies seem to offer this service, but you usually have to tell them in advance.
You might also consider using a walking stick.
Anything to help you get there in one piece, right?
Click here to read book reviews on ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia -related books...
And for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia , click here!
This article will be continued in Part II...
Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.
