I'm no stranger to air travel, but I recently started working for an organization that requires me to fly more than I used to. Oddly enough, my favorite part about this flight was the passenger safety briefing. My favorite airline relies on short, well-produced videos to explain passenger safety, but the message is always the same.
In this video, a parent carefully puts on an oxygen mask, then leans over and places the mask over their small child. This is such a great metaphor for self-care that I use it when I talk to others about taking time to care for themselves.
In my head, not only did I think I would be noteworthy in the oxygen mask scenario, but I was also praising myself for doing a better job of self-care.
Unfortunately, I recently realized that I still have a lot to learn.
security issues
Two weeks ago, our oldest daughter (we affectionately call her Ladybug) and I had the privilege of attending the HAEi Regional Conference of the Americas in Panama City, Panama.
Leading up to the trip, I was feeling stressed. Road tripping with a patient with hereditary angioedema (HAE) is one thing, but traveling internationally by plane is completely different. While most parents worry about passports, luggage, travel insurance, finances, and phone plans, we've added a discreet cooler to hold any emergency medications you might need to bring on board.
It was scary. I packed enough medication that I thought I might need, filled a reusable cooler with frozen gel packs, and worried about getting through airport security and customs. As I was anticipating it, I received a letter from Ladybug's doctor, had to deal with the prescription, and stuffed the medical delivery list in the cooler so I could identify the contents.
Also, it was Ladybug's first trip overseas and her first time on a plane, so she was nervous. I did my best to help her get her baggage searched, go through the metal detector, and get her baggage through the x-ray machine. We detailed what flying “feels like.”
At the airport, I asked a ladybug to walk ahead of me. I helped her put her carry-on bag on her belt, made sure she took off her shoes, stood a bit of a “weak mom” as she went through the detector, and gave a TSA officer medical attention. I over-explained the contents of the bag. , and finally got through.
I did it. Ladybug made it through the TSA checkpoint without incident, and I was even more satisfied when my medical bag slowly moved toward me on the conveyor belt without incident.
until the conveyor belt stops.
“Whose bag is this?!” a TSA officer yelled. I looked frantically at my medical bag, which was still untouched, and right behind it my regular carry-on bag was being lifted by an agent.
I slowly raised my hand. “my?”
“Ma’am,” said the woman, a little irritated. “You left your laptop and tablet here!” She quickly throws them both in the trash, carries the trash can and my bag to the front of the conveyor belt, and everything slowly passes through her x-ray machine. I waited for it to happen.
Despite my efforts to secure my daughter's belongings, I was unable to take care of my own. This not only slowed our progress, but also affected everyone else in line.
Self-care is not selfish. This is necessary because if you don't take care of yourself first, it can affect those around you.
On the flight home, I made sure to take care of my belongings before checking to see if Ladybug needed my help. But she had watched me take care of myself, so she knew exactly what to do. And that's the beginning of the most important lesson she'll probably ever learn.
Note: Angioedema News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Angioedema News or its parent company, his BioNews, and are intended to provoke discussion about issues related to angioedema.
