Comments on: Traveling With Multiple Sclerosis

By: Annette B

Annette B — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:14:56 +0000

My other M.S. traveling concern is heat sensitivity which can trigger a relapse. I was surprised this was not mentioned as it is a strong influence on WHERE I can travel. My muscles feel weak and I can get light-headed and exhausted/tired within minutes of exposure to heat. I have done the ice packs and cold water things to cool down when trying to adjust to the heat. Any others with this symptom…any suggestions?

By: Blair Henderson

Blair Henderson — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:01:59 +0000

I used to drive an accessible cab in Chicago and heard stories about airlines taking wheelchairs apart and batteries freezing as a result. One couple told me they simply tell the airlines the chair cannot be taken apart. They say airline personnel are happy to find a place for it in the cabin instead – they don’t want the hassles of taking it apart and trying to get it to work afterwards any more than you do.

If you’re traveling in or to a city like Chicago that has accessible cabs I recommend keeping it simple when trying to get one. There is a number in Chicago to call for an accessible cab, but if you’re at the airport or a hotel or other location that has cabs waiting you’re probably better off having the doorman, security, or other personnel get you an accessible cab from those waiting or passing by. Drivers are usually much happier to skip to the front of the line than to go out of their way and wait.

If you’re traveling with family or others who will be with you most of the time I suggest leaving the power chair at home. A folding wheelchair is easy to accomodate so long as you can transfer without a lot of help.

By: helen poulos

helen poulos — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:09:06 +0000

We are traveling to Bermuda this coming August. My husband is a full time wheelchair user. ABLE TO TRAVEL

By: Barbara Puszcz

Barbara Puszcz — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:47:34 +0000

I just got back from Bermuda. It was a last minute business trip for my husband, and I was able to go. The flights on JetBlue were wonderful, they were very accomadating. Although I arranged ahead of time to have a wheel chair waiting, they didn’t but took care of it right away. I would not send anyone with any disability to Bermuda. I am able to walk small distances with a cane, but need a wheelchair for most sightseeing.(wheelchair is small titanium fold up) We took the bus service and the drivers would not let us take my wheelchair on the bus. They said they weren’t allowed. We didn’t believe that and argued with every single bus driver Eventually they let us on, mostly because of the other passengers agreeing with us. It was very stressful and upsetting to me. (the bus drivers were correct, they are NOT allowed to take wheelchairs!) Upon arriving home I e-mailed the Bermuda Dept. of Tourism and explained what happened. That was over a month ago and I have not received any reply.

By: tscott

tscott — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:37:14 +0000

Thank you all for the feedback. Lots of luck Donald on your trip to the Games! When you get back, let us know how everything went.

By: donald j plunkett

donald j plunkett — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:33:51 +0000

I also have MS and use an electric wheelchair. I have flown several times and do not let my MS interfear. I use an Permobile C350 (issused by the VA) the weight is 350 lbs. This limits the type of aircraft I can use. Next month I am going to the National Vetran Wheelchair Games in Spokane, WA (http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/nvwg/2009/default.cfm).

By: Rani Merens

Rani Merens — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:02:45 +0000

Good article and good advice to seek out a travel agent with experience and knowledge of traveling with disabilities. I must say, though, that the article has a big focus on fearfulness. Now, I have traveled with MS and I have had frustrations, but fear? Intimidation? Not! Yes, we have to speak up and make our needs known. I was turned off at the start of the article, with focus on such cowering emotions. I am co-facilitator of a large MS support group and I know a lot of people with MS locally, nationally and even internationally and I don’t know anyone with “fear of flying” due to MS. Some have said it’s too difficult and found other ways to travel or stopped travelling entirely, but not because they are afraid or intimidated. Yes, it’s a PITA to find accessible facilities and to transport my DME, but it doesn’t scare me.

By: Jean

Jean — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:48:54 +0000

Hi…lots of great information. Thank you. I have also added a link to your web site and some of the things mentioned in your newsletter. Also want to say hi to Stuart above as he does a wonderful job with his web site and shares alot of good information. Feel free to visit our MS web site at mcmsgroup.com