Hello, my
name is Bethany and I am 26 years old. I have F.V.S (Fetal Valproate Syndrome),
Epilepsy, M.E & an Underactive Thyroid. I currently work in the hospitality
industry as well as that, I am a carer for my mum and brother who have
challenges from a range of disabilities and medical conditions.
Because of all this, travelling or even a holiday can be a
headache before we pick the destination! What type of medical insurance will we
need? Is there any medication which is illegal in the country we wish to go to?
Will the place be suitable for my mum or brother? how long will we be
travelling for or issues at the airport, just to name a few.
With all the questions we need answering, its always best to
start with the simple tasks: first pick the destination, for the last few years,
I went to New York, U.S.A and will be taking my brother next year! After I have
picked the destination, I check on the UK government website for information
about medication, visa requirements etc. The next step can take a few days
which is finding the best insurance cover (in 2011 I had my second seizure in Turkey
which resulted in a week stay in hospital). As it gets closer to the date, I
ring the airline I am travelling with and explain the conditions we have and
that we will need assistance. Last year my local airport brought out invisible
disability awareness lanyards and it made being in the airport so much easier
for my brother. Border control made him feel at ease with everything and we got
boarded first. Another task that needs to be completed is the doctors’ note to
carry the medication into a different country.
The hardest thing about going on holiday is being worried you
will take ill in a place where no one can help you. I have found from
going away that is not the case. People can be cruel, but they can be so kind
and helpful with anything you may need. I was travelling to my destination
resort in Turkey when I was 13 years old with my family, at the rest stop I had
a seizure (this was only my second one). I was taken to the hospital in
Marmaris, where I would be staying, while the staff took care of me, they also
took care of my mum and the bars around the hotel looked after her too. Towards
the end of my hospital stay I was sick of hospital food and the local bar
provided me with free meals until I was discharged.
As a person with a range of chronic illnesses (and being a
carer) it can be a lot of stress and hassle thinking of holidays but with the
right support and information it can be the most rewarding experience.
Can you
relate to Bethany’s story? Please share your travelling and holiday experiences
with us.
