Learning to live in freedom and independence post stroke

 

Travelling with a disability – living your best life.

1.       Fear of having another stroke abroad 

     Opening the door with my bags packed to head to Italy with my husband was super exciting and incredibly daunting. This duality is not just limited to stroke survivors but to anyone who suffers from anxiety or phobias of flying, however, for stroke survivors the potential of a recurrence is in our minds (pun intended) and it becomes evident as soon as our feet hit the airport floor. The dreaded - WHAT IF. What if another stroke happens on the plane, in another country, how do other countries manage their health systems, how quick is the response, what happens if I cannot get home fast enough? Yep - so many what ifs...

What if everything is going to be just fine  👍

So what's the secret to successful travelling with disability?

Prepare..prepare...prepare

1. Tell your doctor when you're travelling to another country and what you will need

     i.e. medications etc. get the all clear from them before you go. They can also write a letter        for customs regarding your legal medications. 

2. If you have a medical device and it's small enough, take it onto the plane as overhead              luggage. This way it won't get lost.

3. Do not leave home without travel insurance.

4. Before you reach customs, tell them early if you have a medical device, medications or            have had a surgical implant that may trigger the sensors. This truly makes all the                  difference for a smooth transition for international travel. I failed to tell them the first 

    time and one customs officer took delight in taking apart my toiletry bag and tipping all 

    my medications out onto the bench for everyone else to see. What a jerk....

5.  5. Borrow or buy comforts for the plane. Compression socks, travel pillow, bluetooth    

         earphones, etc... these will be your saving grace. 

      

     6. If you suffer spasticity like I do, be prepared to be uncomfortable, don't wait, just take the         pain killers.

https://www.flightcentre.com.au/flights/planning-your-flight/disabilities

2. Understanding your limits

 Tips to monitor your limits

     Wearing a fitbit while you are walking or riding around international cities will not only help with the time, it will encourage you to keep going and celebrate when you have reached a goal. However, if you need to stop due to being too uncomfortable with any disability you may have, then stop. Grab a coffee, a sprtiz, lunch, or just find a park bench to stop and rest. It is crucially important not to overdo it. You may end up being too exhausted the next day to continue on your amazing adventure. So KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Not your friends limits, not your kids limits, not your partners limits .... Your limits.

3. Educating others of your needs

It can be tricky for anyone to voice what they need from others especially with a disability but, it is so important to voice your needs so that everyone has a great time. 

TOP TIPS

•      Write your needs down on a piece of paper

•      Make them simple and clear

•      Don't judge yourself or others for your disability struggles in a foreign country

•      Take some time out to think of your needs and wants and rethink again if needed

https://www.mudcoaching.com/blog/2021/5/11/how-to-talk-to-your-partner-about-your-unmet-needs

 4. Listen to your body

When we were in Siena, Italy, I almost forgot that I even had a stroke because we were so distracted by the beauty of the ancient walled city. The narrow cobblestone streets with beautiful buildings dating back centuries caught me off guard and I ended up having a horrible spasm attack in my leg. The pain was awful, but there was no other option, I had to keep walking so we could find somewhere to sit down or a least find a taxi to get back to the hotel so I could lie down and stop the spasms. This was the moment when I realised I had failed to listen to my body and the warning sign that the spasticity was going to grip by leg and render me immobile. I have learnt that when I get to this point I needed to stop much earlier before I even feel a twinge of stiffness in my muscles. 

5. Do yourself a favour

Getting around

j      Each country has its own public transport that is for their own environment. Trams, trains, buses, ferries and taxi's. In Venice, there are no cars, or bikes, taxi's or buses, it is strickly ferries, boats or gondola's. To get there it is best to catch a tram and then a ferry to wherever you want to go. 

      E-bikes are the best

Bikes for people with a disability are increasing, especially in 

European countries

https://www.themayor.eu/en/a/view/small-town-belgium-introduces-bikes-for-people-with-disabilities-10636

Bikes are more inclusive than ever in many countries. Why not take advantage of them, get some fresh air, have a great time and enjoy the amazing view. 

Life is short, go out there and get it

You can do it

     

         

Testing my limits

3.       Realizing my limits

4.       Positive mindset – change your self-talk.

5.       Educating family and other people about my limits

 

6.       The love of learning how to do things differently

7.       Educating others

8.       Listening to my body is powerful

9.       Pain is only pain until it’s reworded to discomfort. Then you can do the stuff you want to do