Be Brave: Ask for Help!

In Posy's recent blogs about her Trans-Atlantic trips, she confirmed that having Parkinson's disease (PD) had complicated her long-haul travel.

The triumvirate of lockdown, the fear of catching COVID and the symptoms of PD had already eroded Posy’s confidence. Unlike Sleeping Beauty, Posy was debilitated, and not refreshed, by her long absence from society and she had developed a strange anxiety about going anywhere.

She certainly did not relish the thought of noisy airports, bustling with impatient people. She was nervous about dealing with unwieldy luggage and fumbling (always fumbling!) with her documents. These trips were never simple, especially with a layover adding another layer of exhaustion. She was not even sure that her under-used legs would keep moving!

A defining moment

Once upon a time, Posy had been a frequent traveler, flying backwards and forwards on a frequent basis ... on standby! With a baby in tow! Many times, she and her baby were "bumped off" the flight, and had to spend up to 24 hours waiting for the next available seats.

Now, as a regular passenger, this stressor had been removed. But, after 2 years spent hiding at home, Posy was nervous. Mustering up some of her old determination, Posy admonished herself. "This is ridiculous!" she scolded. Surely a visit anywhere was a rare treat? She should be brimming with grateful anticipation!

This felt to Posy like one life’s defining moments. Could she meet this challenge with willpower and determination?

PD travel challenges

In 2021, motivation had sustained her through months of 24/7 composing and performing. Surely, the motivation to make these long trips was even greater: Posy's daughter was unwell. There was no question: Posy needed to travel. The worry was, how to survive these PD-induced challenges:

Spontaneity - The trip was arranged at very short notice. Posy had to take advantage of a suddenly slightly relaxed COVID situation to rush out to Florida.

Discomfort - This venture began at 3:30 AM (with an eventful 3 hour drive to London) and ended 20 hours later.

Panic - The 9 hour international flight was delayed, necessitating a frantic sprint through Atlanta airport. Posy jumped on the crowded connecting flight to Jacksonville just as the gate was closing.

Problems with pills - Posy was muddled about her pill schedule as she was traveling to a country where the time was 5 hours behind the UK. Consequently, She suffered a frightening meltdown as the 20-hour trip ended. It was probably the result of not having enough levodopa in her system.

Fatigue - Would Jet lag exacerbate Posy’s customary PD fatigue and render her incapacitated?

Pain - Posy correctly anticipated an increase in both nerve and muscle pain after traveling.

Tips for success

Ask for help! Posy found that when she was prepared to confess her condition, the journey became easier. Also, take your time! Don't feel rushed. If necessary, apologize to the other passengers for holding them up.

Ask for early boarding

Admitting to the gate agent that she had Parkinson’s enabled her to join the "early boarders." What a difference! Posy did not have to wobble on a walkway heaving with passengers. She did not have to fret that all the overhead bins would be full before she got on board.

Posy was prepared to explain that she must not be parted from her supply of vital meds, therefore must board promptly in order to find storage for her bag. In addition, it was such a relief not to struggle apologetically up the aisle, to the accompaniment of irritated stares and not to be jostled or keep anyone waiting while trying to stow her bag appropriately.

Ask for wheelchair assistance

Ask for wheelchair assistance if you need it. You are not being selfish! Additionally, ask for a life on the motorized cart. It is not a lazy option.

Take a seat

Take a seat on the train ride between concourses. It will inconvenience other people more if you have a fall!

Use the disabled restroom

Use the disabled restroom in the airport. If you have a little more space, you are less likely to drop your belongings.

Pack extra pills

Posy tries to prepare for the worst care scenario. She packed 6 weeks’ worth of meds, even though her trips were each scheduled to last a very short 7 days. It would be a nightmare trying to procure the right pills in the event of being delayed in the USA.

Considering our options

One day, most of us will have to consider most of these options. Yes, they are unattractive, but my goodness, they make a trip SO much easier! Posy would love to hear your tips for an easier long-haul travel experience?