11 Tips For Traveling With ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia - Part II
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- Editor
11 Tips For Traveling With ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia - Part II
Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.
In part I of this article we covered my first 3 tips for traveling long distances with ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia. In part II of this 3 part series, we explore some more tips for voyaging when you suffer from these illnesses.
These tips are all based on my personal experiences with traveling long distances as a severe sufferer of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). I hope you will find them useful!
Let's take a look at my fourth tip...
4) Don't rush
Pack slowly. Don't leave it until the last minute! I had an open suitcase in my bedroom in which I put things as I thought of them. I also made a check list for the morning of the trip, so that I didn't forget the things that I needed to pack after using them that morning (like toothbrush, toothpaste, tablets etc).
5) Pack light!
If you're going on a short trip, then maybe you can get away with not packing any luggage at all?
----- SIDE NOTE -----
If you're traveling to a different time zone, consider taking some ear plugs and a light-blocking sleep mask with you, just in case you need to sleep during the day.
----- SIDE NOTE -----
6) Don't forget to pack your medicines, vitamins, and supplements!
Don't make the mistake of not packing enough. Count out how many tablets you'll need just to make sure.
7) Warn the people you're going to be staying with about your needs.
This may be your family, friends or the hotel manager. Let them know about your sleeping habits and your dietary needs. Is there anything you *can't* eat or drink? Caffeine or dairy, for example? Should they get some special food or drink in like say, soya milk?
8) Bring a book on ME/CFS with you just in case the people you stay with are interested in your condition.
If you have ME/CFS then I really recommend Lynn Michell's book 'Shattered', because it really explains what it's like to live with the condition. AND it packs a punch - just in case you face any skepticism while you're there! No need to start explaining yourself - just hand them the book. ;)
Click here to read a complete book review about Lynn Michell's book, 'Shatttered'...
And for more book reviews on ME/CFS and FM-related books, click here!
This article will be continued in Part III...
Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.
In part I of this article we covered my first 3 tips for traveling long distances with ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia. In part II of this 3 part series, we explore some more tips for voyaging when you suffer from these illnesses.
These tips are all based on my personal experiences with traveling long distances as a severe sufferer of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). I hope you will find them useful!
Let's take a look at my fourth tip...
4) Don't rush
Pack slowly. Don't leave it until the last minute! I had an open suitcase in my bedroom in which I put things as I thought of them. I also made a check list for the morning of the trip, so that I didn't forget the things that I needed to pack after using them that morning (like toothbrush, toothpaste, tablets etc).
5) Pack light!
If you're going on a short trip, then maybe you can get away with not packing any luggage at all?
----- SIDE NOTE -----
If you're traveling to a different time zone, consider taking some ear plugs and a light-blocking sleep mask with you, just in case you need to sleep during the day.
----- SIDE NOTE -----
6) Don't forget to pack your medicines, vitamins, and supplements!
Don't make the mistake of not packing enough. Count out how many tablets you'll need just to make sure.
7) Warn the people you're going to be staying with about your needs.
This may be your family, friends or the hotel manager. Let them know about your sleeping habits and your dietary needs. Is there anything you *can't* eat or drink? Caffeine or dairy, for example? Should they get some special food or drink in like say, soya milk?
8) Bring a book on ME/CFS with you just in case the people you stay with are interested in your condition.
If you have ME/CFS then I really recommend Lynn Michell's book 'Shattered', because it really explains what it's like to live with the condition. AND it packs a punch - just in case you face any skepticism while you're there! No need to start explaining yourself - just hand them the book. ;)
Click here to read a complete book review about Lynn Michell's book, 'Shatttered'...
And for more book reviews on ME/CFS and FM-related books, click here!
This article will be continued in Part III...
Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.
11 Tips For Traveling With ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia - Part I
Posted By:
- Editor
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.
New Sub-Section: Fun Stuff!
Posted By:
- Editor
A new sub-section has been added to the ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome section - dedicated fun stuff! Yay! :)
You can check out the new sub-section here!
If you would like to contribute to this section, please do get in touch here!
Claire
Editor of Sleepydust.net
You can check out the new sub-section here!
If you would like to contribute to this section, please do get in touch here!
Claire
Editor of Sleepydust.net
