traveling with fibro

[Ellie1991]

Any one got any tips for traveling by air with fibro and crutches

[Welshcatlady]

Hi I haven't flown with crutches, but I do fly a few times every year. First thing book special assistance at the airports, both here and at your destination, you can usually do this through your travel agent, or company you are flying with. It really is a must, some airports use buggies to take you to the gate, others take you in a wheelchair, if you need help to get on the plane that can be arranged, just make sure you tell them everything you need when you are booking the assistance. There's no more standing in long queues, you will be whisked through to the front of the queue or the dedicated special assistance desk. Other than that I can't help anymore, except I usually take some painkillers before I fly.

Hope you will get more tips and that when you do fly it will be a good experience for you.

[Ellie1991]

The whole storie is i have skied since i was 3 and mum and dad are trying to keep me goin gi have no idea how its gona work this year for the first tiem in my life im worried. ok scared and they are to proud and embaraced if i use assistance

[Debsdelight72 in reply to Ellie1991]

Either you tell them, You cant go this time as you are unwell,

Fibromyalgia is an internal disease,but your feelings,pain and discomfort are very real, It depends on how you feel, You are allowed to be worried and scared,If your parents are too proud and embarrassed should you need assistance, It's a sad situation, I'm sorry I don't understand why they would feel this way???

You have to make your own mind up if to go at all,The walk across the airport would be impossible for me I know that! I'd be out of it for a week, Well I wouldn't make it in the 1st place,I can get to my neighbours house with a walker but even that leaves me exhausted, Personally I would just say "I'm sorry but I'm not well enough to enjoy it this year" and say you've had some wonderful times skiing but I can't go this time, You have to remember how cold you will be, I'm sure you are a great skier but if you fall?

I hope you make the right decision to suit you

Take care

Debs

[FibronewbieJab in reply to Ellie1991]

I too think as Debsdelight72 that it's not a good idea. If you are worried about the plane journey, the skiing would terrify me, no matter how long I've been skiing. Its a problem just standing on my own to feet at times, and the cold weather just adds to it. Also as Bertie1606 said you will need adequate insurance should you go and have a fall.Your health should come first, rather than worrying about your proud and embarrassed parents.

Sorry but to me the plane is the least of your worries.

I hope you make the right decision based on you.

Take care.

[Welshcatlady in reply to Ellie1991]

If I were you I wouldn't go, how are you going to ski when you're using crutches? Why on earth would your parents be embarrassed because you need assistance? Would it be better if you struggled through the airport on crutches? Also you will need good travel insurance which will cover you if you get injured while skiing, you must declare ALL your health problems otherwise if you did have an accident you wouldn't be covered and would be left with a massive medical bill. As Debsdelight72 said just tell your parents that you can't go this time as you are not well enough.

[bertie1606]

I echo welshcatlady about booking assistance. You will need it especially on the way home as you will no doubt be absolutely knackered after pushing your body through skiing. Also, will the ski resort even let you ski with fibro if you need help walking? Will their insurance cover you if you have a fall? Do you have your own personal travel insurance that covers you for skiing with fibro?Although, if my parents were embarrassed by my disability I would not be going on holiday with them.

[Iamthemedicalmystery]

I used airport assistance in Dec and couldn't believe how easy my experience was. I walk with a stick and was put in a wheelchair and whipped through security and the wheelchair was put on a lift to bring me up to the plane door. It's definitely worth any embarrassment

[Crazyluna4]

Get plenty of rest the day before. You should be able to get special assistance they will fast track you to check your bags in, get through security and they have a lift to take you up to the plane you will also be first to be seated on the plane and the assistance should be in place for you when you reach your destination.

[SorePiggyWiggy]

I booked special assistance for the first time ever in December and it was a god send, but I did feel embarrassed being pushed around in a wheelchair and imagined that everyone else just saw someone that was too fat to walk. I know I need to change my mindset about needing help. At least my husband is happy that I can now go on holiday with him.

[Bhasvic64]

Hi Ellie I travel quite a lot . First thing is to book special assistance when you book your trip. It certainly made much easier for me so I don't feel so tired on arrival. Enjoy your holiday.

[Blearyeyed]

Please don't be embarrassed to use Airport Assistance, people of all ages use it , other travellers seldom realise the reason you are speeding through is because of a disability , and even if they did that shouldn't concern you. And if your parents think it's embarrassing they need putting in their place. They should be proud about you trying to go on a trip they want you to join in on. There's no pride in watching your child struggle because you think Airport Assistance is embarrassing. It would make them look worse to other travellers and be far more embarrassing if people say you were being forced to struggle when you didn't have to.

Most people usually admire the fact that you are taking sensible steps to be able to keep travelling and enjoying life.

I've not taken crutches , I have retractable Nordic sticks so they slot in their own little bag that hangs on my carry on, but they make arrangements in the plane for mobility aids and even oxygen needs etc. you just prearrange it with the airline or travel provider ( or get a family member to deal with the back and forth of emails ).

You need a printed off list of medications from the surgery if you take any and need to check if you can take them on board in a tupperware container in their original boxes or have to have them still in the foil but in clear bags. You can also take a couple of the pill dose boxes on to make taking meds easier.

Pack in stages well before your trip and rest for a day or two before , and arrange with your family that you have a rest day when you arrive and before you leave so it makes travelling easier. Don't unpack if it's easier , just put dirty clothes in a laundry bag and then put this back in the suitcase at the end of your trip.

If you choose to unpack get your fellow travellers to do it for you while you rest after the journey. If bags or equipment need carrying anytime on your trip make sure your parents know they will need to carry yours as well as theirs. You may need special ends in your crutches to get grip on the ground or may need a scooter to get about easily.

I'd talk to the family and say that you want to come on the trip but for them not to pre-book skiing or ski equipment for you because you aren't sure when , or if , you will do any skiing at all and will need to decide on a day to day , no pressure basis but that you would like to join the holiday and enjoy the scenery and rest and apres ski with them if you don't feel up to it. There are special types of equipment and help for those whom want to ski with health issues and it's worth looking into what is available at the resort you are going to. You could also get free and priority access on ski lifts and help between slopes .

Most people really couldn't cope with skiing with Fibro , so choose carefully, you could do an activity in snow which involves less contact physically.

Remember layering and plenty of hydration as rapid temperature changes from indoors to outdoors might be an issue.

If you choose , you could just watch the fun , read a book with your feet up or go and have a relaxing spa treatment or little swim instead.

Let us know what you decide , bon voyage if you go , hugs , Bee

[pigsty in reply to Blearyeyed]

Get assisted travel...no queuing at security etc....mo standing around Went to Bali in October was dreading travel but couldn't do enough for me.

First on last off.....

[KytttyKatt]

Let the airport know that you require assistance.

When I flew I got access to a free lounge, transport to my terminal and free priority boarding.