Negative Neurologist

I am currently coming to the end of an eight week tour of the UK and Europe, so this topic is close to my heart and my current experiences. Let me just say – before I get into this – I am not a designated ‘expert’ on Parkinson’s, but that I am an expert in what I need as a person with Parkinson’s. What I feel we should all seek to be is an expert in knowing ourselves and what we need in this journey with Parkinson’s.

I therefore read with some disappointment – at the very least – if not concern and a whole lot of other adjectives, a post by a fellow Parkinson’s affected person. This post was on a website for people with Parkinson’s and those that support them.

The topic of the post, was about travelling to the UK on a long haul flight for a holiday. Apparently, their Neurologist responded with the advice that this person would have a lot worse jetlag than previously because of this diagnosis. They were seeking advice from others affected by Parkinson’s in what they should do. It very much sounded like they were thinking of cancelling their plans for international travel. I was astounded by this negative input from a professional. Sure, travel on a long-haul flight is tough for anyone and perhaps there is an increase in jetlag. However, the way I look at it is this. Every time I have travelled this distance – from New Zealand to England – I have had some jetlag. But, it was a matter of some 2-3 days at most. Flying straight through was what made it worse. However, after my first experience of travelling non-stop from New Zealand to England, I vowed never to fly straight through again. It was a nightmare and I felt like an absolute zombie, by the time I arrived in the UK. From that point on, I vowed to always have at least two days break in Singapore and that has helped immensely. We also have a two day break on the way home.

My point of view is that while a person with Parkinson’s may have increased jet-lag symptoms, that the trip and the experiences far outweigh the effects of jet-lag. For me jetlag has only lasted a few days and is a minor inconvenience compared to being able to have several weeks travelling. The experiences and the memories will stay with you forever, but the jet-lag will soon be forgotten.

My advice would be:

• Go on your international holiday and make the very most of it.
• If you can go premium economy, most airlines provide more comfortable and wider seats and better meals. The better seats that recline further also help with sleep.
• Go for as long as you can manage. If you only go for two weeks, for example by the time you get over jetlag, you might only have a week till you fly back and have to face jet-lag all over again.
• Have a stop-over of 2-3 days. We fly via Singapore and stop there for 2-3 days both ways. It makes a huge difference in comfort and the jet-lag is nowhere near as bad.
• For me, jetlag only lasts a few days. In the scheme of things, it is only a minor inconvenience to gain several weeks of travel and make loads of memories.
• It would be a shame for them not to go after the negative stance of the Neurologist. I know it is their job to inform their patient of the impact that jet-lag can have on them, but not – I feel – to actively seem not to recommend international travel with Parkinson’s.
• Read other Parkinson’s blogs – such as this one – in which you can find information on the challenges of travelling, but also the joy of making memories.
• Take a notebook, or a laptop or journal or something to record your thoughts and feelings while you are travelling. It might be nice to go back and read them at some time and remember the fun and experiences you have.
• If you want to go, go! Don’t let a Neurologist put you off!

To me, it would be a shame not to travel while you can. In the scheme of things, the experiences and the memories you make will stay with you forever. If someone asked me what my experience of jet-lag was like, I am likely to struggle to think of it and relay that to someone. If, however, I was asked what my trip was like, I could happily talk for hours!

By all means, get strategies and advice from your GP – they will be who you see most often and know you best as your primary health support – they will hopefully support and encourage and advise you.

Happy travels!