Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Traveling with Multiple Sclerosis

I have just come back from a 6000 mile Road Trip to a business meeting. Why did I choose to take a Road Trip over flying ? I love to drive. I love to see the beautiful country we live in. I am inspired by mountains, water and open land -- which I see a lot of when I travel across the country. Having Multiple Sclerosis does NOT stop me from living my life to it's fullest and doing the things I love.

Here are a few tips that I would recommend to take if you are traveling for an extended period of time (and through different climates):

1) Make sure that you bring light and comfortable clothes for the warmer climates (as you know, heat can impact the symptoms of MS -- so stay cool)

2) If you are planning on doing outdoor activities in the heat, get a cooling bandana or cooling vest; wear a hat and pace yourself. When all else fails, find an airconditioned restaurant that has great food! (I know that makes me happy!)

3) If you are traveling with any of the injectable medications, check with the drug manufacturer how long the product can stay unrefrigerated. I take Copaxone and that can be unrefrigerated for 7 days. Although, I do make sure when I stop each night on my road trip that I stay at a hotel that has a refrigerator. I highly recommend Marriott Residence Inns

-- cause each room comes with a kitchen and a full size refrigerator where the temperature can be moderated (easier than one of those small refrigerators that tend to freeze everything no matter how low you have the setting!)

4) If you are driving, bring a cooler in your car so that you can keep cold water and also put your meds in (if you have a tray to lay on top) -- just make sure that you keep the meds in the temperature range the drug company recommends.

5) Always remember to pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you are tired or need to take a brake, then listen to what your body is telling you to do. Don't push yourself beyond your limits. Remember, you are traveling to have fun and enjoy yourself.

Multiple Sclerosis DOES NOT have to stop you from traveling and enjoying life.

If you have any questions for me about Road Tripping with Multiple Sclerosis, feel free to contact me at maria@marialesetz.com.

In the past year, I have traveled almost 20,000 miles across the United States and have had a blast doing so! I am Lovin' Life and living life to it's fullest. You can too!

Warmest Regards,

Maria C. Lesetz, Motivational Speaker & Life Empowerment Consultant for people with Multiple Sclerosis

Owner & Founder of the Company Lovin' Life

0 comments:

  © Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP