I love to travel. Seeing new places can be inspiring, and taking a much-needed break from the city can be refreshing. But traveling is different for me now that I have Cushing's disease.
It used to be that you could just jump on a plane and go anywhere in the world without thinking. That's no longer the case. I started to feel more comfortable when I had complete control over my travels. You can proactively find and call suitable and safe places for people with chronic illnesses. See if there are clinics or hospitals nearby. He can also plan his day around complex medication schedules.
Of course, it's unreasonable to think that you can plan every detail of every trip you take. Especially when other people are involved. While I also recognize that having Cushing's disease presents certain challenges that cannot be ignored, I struggle with trying to appear flexible.
Considering all this, here are 5 reasons why you might be nervous when traveling with healthy friends and family.
1. Unable to do various activities
It's awkward having to explain to people that I can't do certain activities. Sure, I'd like to go hiking to see the lake, but only if it's a flat trail, I can take my wheelchair and cane with me, and I can easily escape if I need to. Because of this, I tend not to participate in most activities so as not to discount the experiences of others.
If my buddy is interested in a last minute activity, I have to check about 100 items before tackling it. Can I stay overnight? Are there any foods that are safe to eat? Does it require a lot of walking? Will I be allowed to bring all my medical equipment?
Spontaneity is great, but it's nearly impossible for someone like me.
2. Physical fitness changes every day
I'd like to promise that I'll be able to do some activities and fly around, but I can't. My stamina is not constant and changes every day. For example, yesterday I noticed that my whole body hurt. I was able to get out of bed to take my morning medication, eat, and then curl up on the couch. I had a migraine attack, so I took three naps, ate some zucchini, and then went back to lying down. Days like this are unexpected and can happen at any time, making a well-planned day really tough.
3. My life revolves around medicine.
Lately I've had to take even more medication than I used to, but unfortunately it's all time sensitive. Take your first medicine when you wake up in the morning. Her three other medications must be taken with meals throughout the day. My nightly medication starts exactly at 8pm and I have to take another at 10pm. Finally, you must take your last medication with a glass of water before going to bed. It makes me tired so I often go to bed right after.
I have a way of managing all this. I carry my medicine with me, have an alarm, and take precautions. But no matter what happens, you have to stop taking the drug 6 times a day.
4. Mobile devices don't work everywhere
I use a wheelchair or cane depending on the day and the severity of my symptoms. Access can be difficult if you are going somewhere that has stairs or is not wheelchair accessible. Some places claim to be accessible but are actually not. I've been to restaurants where you can get in without a problem, but the toilets are downstairs. So before you go anywhere, you usually have to make a few phone calls and ask questions. Still, the place may not be able to accommodate me.
5. Be prepared for emergencies
I am currently taking ketoconazole due to high cortisol levels. Because of this, my body constantly lowers my cortisol levels too much, which can lead to a crisis. If this happens, emergency medication must be administered.
I always carry a sheet with directions for administration in my bag, but it's very stressful to have to get someone's attention and hand them the sheet in an emergency. Therefore, it is much more comfortable to travel with someone who is trained to deal with this.
I love to travel and like to take risks and go on adventures with the people I love. But I think people who aren't in the same position as me tend to forget all the things I'm supposed to be doing.
What do you think about traveling? Please share in the comments below.You can also follow my journey tick tock and YouTube.
Note: Cushing's disease news is strictly a news and information website about this disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or information. process. 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 Cushing's Disease News or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues related to Cushing's disease.
