Traveling with Multiple Sclerosis

If your healthcare provider gives you the okay to travel, there is no reason a person with multiple sclerosis can't travel across the country or around the world. The key to a hassle-free trip is all in the preparation.

Call ahead and ask for maximum assistance. Most air, train and bus lines have personnel designated to help passengers who require extra assistance.

Arrive early. Arrive at the bus, train or air terminal well in advance of your departure time. Then you can take your time purchasing tickets, checking in, and getting through any security lines, without worrying you will miss your departure.

Bring extra medication. Make arrangements to carry extra medication in case your trip lasts longer than expected. Also, bring prescriptions for medications you may need while traveling, such as antibiotics or medications to treat flare-up symptoms. Make sure you have a copy of each prescription, showing the name of the medication, your name, and your healthcare provider's name and phone number.

Keep MS medication and syringes in carry-on bags. If your checked luggage is lost or late, it could severely disrupt your medication schedule. Keep all medication and syringes in their original packaging. It's also a good idea to have a letter from your physician indicating you have a prescription for syringes and need to carry them with you. Check with the Transportation Security Administration for the latest restrictions on what you can carry in your luggage.

Store MS medications according to their label. Some multiple sclerosis medications, such as AVONEX pre-filled syringes, need to be refrigerated. Check your medication label to see if your medication should be kept cool. If it needs to be kept cool, put your medication in a small, thermal lunch bag with a reusable, gel cold pack. Be sure not to let your AVONEX freeze. You may also want to ask your healthcare provider about other formulations of your medication that do not require refrigeration, such as the powdered form of AVONEX.

Plan ahead for injections. If you usually have a healthcare provider give you your AVONEX injection, plan ahead to find a healthcare provider at your destination who can give provide it for you. You may want to locate a walk-in clinic in the area and then make sure they will be open when you need your shot.

Size it up. If you use a wheelchair or electric scooter, bring documentation of its dimensions. This way, travel personnel helping you will know where it will easily fit.

Rent a scooter. Some people with multiple sclerosis who usually don't use electric scooters rent one when they travel. Long distances in terminals can be difficult if you experience fatigue. A scooter can make your trip a lot less tiring.

Don't skip your MS medication. Stay on your medication schedule. Don't skip your medication because you are traveling. Use the tips above to help you make sure you stay on schedule. Your health is important, and having an enjoyable trip shouldn't mean compromising it.

Vacations designed for you. If you're planning a vacation, check online for travel agencies that specialize in vacations for travelers with chronic illness or disabilities. Cruises are also popular choices because you can see many places without a lot of physical exertion. Most cruises have cabins that accommodate people with disabilities, and every ship has a physician on the crew.

Printable Travel Check-List
Download this printable travel checklist to help make your next trip stress-free  so you can keep your checklist with you on your trip.

1-22109-01