Holiday Abroad

[Jennylyn]

Has any of my friends on here who suffer from Lupus SLE need on holiday in South Africa. if so were you ok travelling in a aeroplane.Could you walk da little ways the air craft?

[Chris21]

I have travelled on planes and doesn't affect my sle. I don't have any problem walking to the plane. I use a four wheeled suitcase which helps with pushing it, it doesn't put a lot of strain on my wrists. I guess it would depend on the individual person and whether their illness limits them with walking etc. I have to be careful in the hot climate as it can cause a rash to appear. If you do go on holiday I hope you have a great time.

[Jennylyn in reply to Chris21]

Thank's Chris.I hope I have a good flight with no Health issues.Mobility is a problem,get stiff and pain when sitting for a while and swollen legs.Hopefully I wil get over this.

[Gillyg]

Yes I travel abroad somewhere every year and will do while I am physicaly able. I believe in getting every minute out of life. It's the tiredness that effects me on travelling but plan it well, make sure you rest when you can, and accept help where possible. Have a great time. X

[Jennylyn in reply to Gillyg]

Thank you so much' im really looking forward to my over seas holiday and paddling in the Indian oceon.

[MargaretGail]

At the larger airports you can book in advance transport between gates.

[jojo-lianne]

I'm normally on Warfarin as well as my SLE meds and I usually get the GP to put me on Clexane instead when I travel. Saves me the faf when my INR goes completely wacky, which it invariably does if I fly when on Warfarin for some reason!

[ijeasike]

I think u should book transport in the airport u can book it online when ur checking in so u would not need to walk tomuch when u get there. I wish u a good holiday and south africa is a lovely place.

[Carcrashgal]

I too travel a lot despite my health, and always book airport assistance at either end (in most countries you're expected to tip the wheelchair pusher). Carry all medication in hand luggage, together with either a doctor's letter or a copy of your prescription (or both) - and make sure you have enough for a few days extra, just in case your plane gets delayed. Make sure you have travel insurance, and that it covers your particular condition: medical care overseas can be ruinously expensive. Make sure you have appropriate sunscreen - personally, I swear by Ultrasun all-day cover; this year I ran out and had to make do with normal sun protection - as I result, I spent the last week cowering under every single bit of shade I could find, and even so my arms are still covered in unsightly blotches (and I'm *not* sun-sensitive!) Don't be afraid to go and rest when you need it; listen to your body. And most importantly, have a fantastic holiday!

[Jennylyn in reply to Carcrashgal]

Thank you,glad to see that other people with arthritis travel abroad.thank you for your reply,and your advice,very useful.

[Kentish_Man]

Like CarCrashGirl, I too travel quite a bit and use the airport assistance to get me through the airport from arrival at the airport terminal right to the plane door.

It is important that if you are travelling with medication (as we all are these days) that you keep the meds. in their original wrappers, you put it in your hand luggage (NOT in the hold) and you check with the authorities where you are travelling to to make sure that you are allowed to take your meds. into the respective country. If you do not follow this then it could have dire consequences for you if the meds get lost, stolen or confiscated.

A doctors letter should also be carried with you and you should take 7 days extra medications with you just in case your flight gets cancelled or you have any other problem.

I wear an AllerTag which lists inside all my meds with dosages, my conditions, blood group etc. I also carry a similar list in my wallet. So "if" anything happened and I was taken into hospital all I have to do is hand them the piece of paper from my wallet. This has already proved invaluable in the UK and, thankfully, I have not had to use it abroad.

Finally, good luck and have a great trip !!

[Jennylyn in reply to Kentish_Man]

Thank you Kentish Man,your advice is helpful.Thanks for your good wishes with my impending trip overseas.

[onamission]

I have many symptoms of Lupus 4 years ago I went to Kenya on safari it was my husbands dream holiday.

I had to have a yellow fever jab and take malaria tablets and I have to say my symptoms were much better I never bruised once I normally do at home in the sun, no painful joints overall I felt much better.

Kenya airways are really good air line and because of the long flight you are able to get up to stretch your legs.

[Yangon]

No problem with traveling and airplane for me . Wish u r ok as well

[Jennylyn in reply to Yangon]

Thank you.Looking forward to my holiday in Vape Town and Durban.I hope my health will be Ok

[Jennylyn]

Thank you for your comments,which I really value.Lupus is a thorn in ones side,as it strikes and rears it's head when it pleases. I also suffer from Hypertension,controlled by Beta Blockers.As I am travelling to South Africa overnight flight,will the flight bother my breathing and blood pressure.Any one got advice on getting swollen legs too!

[Carcrashgal]

We'll all look forward to hearing what a great time you had when you get back

[Jennylyn]

Hello friends ,good to be back in touch.look forward to using from you?I have just got over shingles!Lupus is not for the feint hearted!

[Jennylyn in reply to Jennylyn]

Has any one else suffered Shingles lately? My health took a nose dive!