Blog
Now, the story turns to you. Your travel experience will vary according to what type of traveling you are doing: flying to a single destination to visit family, touring on an itinerary you have planned, embarking on a group tour. And it will depend on your own particular Parkinson’s issues. Your goal is to become aware of common travel challenges and consider how best to prepare for them.
In getting ready for my winter trip to Iceland, where temperatures range from 28-36 degrees Fahrenheit, I paid careful attention to the packing list provided by the tour company running my trip. As instructed, I brought plenty of layers of clothing. I could barely squeeze all layers on at once and I looked like a sausage bulging at the seams when fully suited up. I soon discovered that I couldn’t manage all those layers. Like many others with Parkinson’s, I have limited flexibility in my torso, shoulders, and arms.
“Doctor knows best.” Not so long ago, this was the prevailing attitude about making health care decisions. The doctor was the expert who made the diagnosis and initiated the treatment; the patient played only a small role in decision-making. But this approach won’t work with Parkinson’s disease. The person with Parkinson’s must be fully engaged in recognizing symptoms, assessing their severity, and deciding if a treatment is working.
