Traveling Smarter While Living with Chronic Illness

Living with Chronic Illness

Since I was 18, I've been living with an autoimmune disease. By the time I turned 30, I discovered another health issue. Both psoriasis and polycystic ovary syndrome run in my family. My life has gone through many challenging phases, marked by flare-ups, and I have to pay more attention to my body than most people do.

Whenever I travel, my body often has different plans than I do. Changes in climate, fatigue from long flights, or even minor factors like water can have a significant impact on my skin. Sometimes, I just need to rest to manage my exhaustion, but it's not uncommon for me to end up in the hospital due to long-term complications.

Memorable Experiences

At 25, I went on a sailing trip in New Zealand. The scenery was stunning, with crystal-clear waters, but shortly after, my psoriasis flared up under the sun. Upon returning to the UK, I faced erythrodermic psoriasis, a severe form of the disease that my dermatologist had only seen once in 40 years of practice. It was a painful experience.

A trip to the south of France was equally challenging; I spent the entire time in bed due to severe stomach cramps. What was supposed to be a four-day getaway turned into a series of unmemorable days.

Changing My Travel Approach

Experiences like these have transformed the way I travel. Many times, plans have had to be postponed or even canceled. Travel is no longer as spontaneous as it used to be. The most valuable thing now is having a support network around me. Although I used to love traveling solo, I now rely on help from friends, family, and my partner. They assist me during times when I'm not feeling well.

Advice for Those Living with Chronic Illness

When you have a chronic illness, understanding and respecting your limits is crucial. I sometimes tend to push myself to keep up with the group, but not everyone faces the same challenges. Accepting that I can't live life to the fullest like others is essential.

Thorough preparation is the second lesson. When carrying medication that needs to be refrigerated, I have to plan ahead with airlines. I often try to schedule my travel around my medication regimen. If that's not possible, packing becomes an exercise in anticipating all possible scenarios.

Don't Neglect Healthy Habits

Remember not to abandon the healthy habits that help you manage your health, even while traveling. Just a little exercise, getting enough rest, or maintaining a balanced diet can make a significant difference. Although traveling may not be the same as it once was, it is still vibrant and filled with new opportunities, as long as you add a bit of planning, patience, and understanding of your body.

Traveling can be both adventurous and enjoyable, as long as you know how to manage your health condition. Explore the world in your own way!

Article referenced and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler