Travel Tips to Prevent Glitches on the Go

Disclosure: As a reminder I don't go back and correct any mental errors while writing because that is true to how my brain works with living with epilepsy. In order to understand this by someone just joining, one example at times I might speak a seteances out ouf order, or repeat them, spelling.

Traveling across various time zones is always challenging for MyGlitch.

Over the years, I have tried various methods depending if I am going ahead or going back, or even across 2 time zones. Imagine how you feel changing time zones with being a person witjhout required pills times, and having to have a strict schedule. Now place that in your mind, and try to imagine how a person like myself living with a chronic illness might feel. I hope by reading some of the below will help yourself and others be a bit more understanding when others may have to back out of an activity with travel/vaction.

First off what are a few things that can change MyGlitch

When you cross time zones, your body’s internal clock get all out of whack

This can affect:

• Sleep quality and duration  

• Timing of medication doses  

• Stress levels and fatigue

• Weather condituons are a trigger for me

Even small disruptions can trigger MyGlitch, or anyone living with epilepsy to have a seizure. For example, missing a dose a med, or not adjusting it corectly, getting less sleep than usual can increase seizure risk. Right now, extreme heat & storms are a BIG trigger for me & I need to prepare prior to & be willing to adjust.

Plan Med Timing & Details Before You Travel Tips

Medication timing is critical. Here are some steps I try to do

• Talk with my Mayo Nuerologist. We have tried different options over the years based on the type of med I am on, and the dosage. Most of the time I try to take my meds my time zone if traveling for 3 days or under. If longer I take it about 30 minutes early(basically the middle timmig between my time zoineand the one I am in. BUT please discuss with your own dr for what is best for you. Wear a medical ID bracelet

• On a sheet of paper typed or written have the following: Provide this sheet of the person traveling with you, place in your pill bag/purse, if carrying backpack.

  • At top list your full name, DOB, blood type(if known), language you speak(if you need sign language), cell number, your dr's full contact info, emergency contact info(relation to you), all your conditions you have & any procedures you have/any implants. Wears eye glasses. Any allergies you have to medications, food, example I am allergic to latex.

  • NEXT: Have med/vitamins list ALL names, dosages, and when you take them including your time zone. Keep this inside an item you always have with you at ALL times. Use a travel pill organizer labeled with times and days to avoid confusion. This is for the meds you need that day ONLY. When flying, all meds need to be in official pill bottles/labeled.

• Set alarms on your phone to remind you when to take medication, adjusted to what my dr has said to do. (I do this anyways even when at home)

• Carry extra medication, you never know if adjustments will need to be made depending on how long and where you are going. NEVER place any meds in your checked luggage if flying

• KEEP/BRING your emergency meds provided by your dr for seizure clusters

• RNS Sysytem: For me I need to also have my RNS laptop. Remember to scan as always. Make sure to have your magnet with you to swipe when you believe you had a seizure, this is another thing the person with you should know to do, in case you are unable to swipe yourself.

  
  

Maintain Your Sleep Schedule as Much as Possible

Sleep disruption is always a common trigger for MyGlitch. Afterall I already deal with menopause hotflash o sleep distriptuon, now throw in a time change. UGH

• I Try to sleep and wake at my usual times based on my home time zone, even if it means staying awake or going to bed at odd local hours. (This is a hard one for me)

• I always meditate bedtime, and that does help me always no matter where I am

• Avoid caffeine close to bedtime. I already have been requireddto do this, 2 hours before scheduled bedtime, I am supposed to not have anything but water. I also take magnesium & no eating at this time either.(this will have to be flexible)

• Keep my "rest time" This is a hard one to keep when traveling. I am supposed to laydown for 1 hour. I might fall asleep or not. Either way I am supposed to let me brain rest, all commmunication is turned off. No longer than a hour if possible, to not make it harder to sleep that night. But at times I do need to possibly sleep longer if a rough day. On the flip side It is hard to have the same scheduled time, depending on what we have planned that day. If I am with those that are close to me, we do our best to schedule things around my brain rest time, based on my local time.

  
  

  Manage Stress and Stay Hydrated

Travel can be stressful, which may increase seizure risk. To keep stress in check:

• Plan ahead to avoid last-minute rushes  

• Practice relaxation techniques I do stretching/yoga, meditation, reading, watch a movie/TV show, puzzles, word search books. If I am near a beach, watching/listening to the waves:)

• Stay hydrated: no matter traveling or not, this should be done daily

• Eat regular, balanced meals to maintain energy levels

• Exercise for me this is important to help with my sleep, but I am also supposed to only do certain things, and at times I need to avoid heat based on whre I am. I also need to have someone with me.

Overall the key thing is to not be hard on yourself.

If things are a bit off as far as your schedule, don't let it ruin your trip. Listen to what your body/mind is telling you during the entire trip. Don't be afarid to say you have to rest and possibly miss out on something in order to enjoy something later.

I hope this helps for you to have a GREAT trip.

Please comment if you have any more travel tips for any condirion, not just epilepsy.

I am sure I forgot something, in order to not make this too long of a post:)