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Traveling with Sjogren's?

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Posted 1/8/2008 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
I'm planning my first trip since I was diagnosed with Sjogren's, SLE, and everything else a year ago.  I'm feeling pretty good, but the Sjogren's keeps me excessively dry.  Usually I just drink a ton of water all day and deal with it, but I'm nervous about the plane ride.  I'm going to Europe, so will be on the plane for a long time.  If I get a note from the doctor saying that I need to have water continually during the flight, will they let me bring my large water bottle on the flight?  I've heard that once you pass security, you can buy water, but when I change planes in Europe, even that  may not work. 

If  you've traveled recently, or have any information, that would be so helpful!

Thanks!

(Diagnosed with SLE, Sjogren's, RA, Hashimoto's, Reynaud's and elevated liver enzymes)

Posted 1/8/2008 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
I think I'd call your airline. Surely, they would provide water. Maybe you could take an empty water bottle and they'd fill it on the plane?? Great question. I don't think anyone can board with more than the couple oz of liquid. Please post and let us know what you find out . . . or maybe we'll find out sooner if some of the others have traveled recently. Enjoy your trip!! Blessings!
Posted 1/8/2008 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I should start with the airline - why didn't I think about that?! My preference would definitely be to take my empty water bottle to the gate and fill it up there, I hope they'll allow that. I'll let you know when I get it figured out, and yes, if anyone has a recent experience, please let me know. :)

Thanks so much!
Posted 1/8/2008 6:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Brandichi,

I cannot help with the water question and airlines. But there is an Oasis product that is a spray. It give relief without the constant trips to the bathroom.

HTH

emmie
PS Enjoy your trip!
Posted 1/8/2008 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Brandi, I agree with what everyone has told you about caling the airlines. Just recently my rheumy put me on Evoxac for my Sjogrens to increase saliva. My mouth was so dry that no matter how much I drank it didn;t help much. The evoxac works very very well for me and started working pretty quickly. I didn't really want to add another pill, but it's been worth it. If you want to, you could ask your rheumy about any meds that might help. I hope you find something that can help. Take care and have a great trip!!
Posted 1/8/2008 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Brandi,

This summer I went to Europe, and I can say that I had no problem getting water to drink on the airplane. They came by regularly and made sure everyone was drinking enough. I flew British Airlines, so I can only speak for that airline, but they were always coming around asking if you need water, tea, etc...

I hope this helps,

Karen
Posted 1/10/2008 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
KarenO and hippimom2. thanks for writing. I'm definitely going to give the airlines a call next week. I've heard of Evoxac, but my rheumy hasn't prescribed it yet. What I did, though, was get a new prescription for Numoisyn lozenges. I had forgotten all about them, but they work great as well. And since they aren't a liquid, it may be easier to take them along in my purse or carry-on. Karen, I am much more reassured after reading about your trip - thank you!! I'm flying on Northwest and KLM, so I hope they're as helpful. This is my first trip to Europe, and my first time flying for a long period of time, so I hope all goes well. The good thing too is that once I return, I still have 6 days before I need to return to work, so will be able to get lots of rest.
Posted 1/11/2008 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
when i went from georgia to chicago, they make you throw your drinks away before you go through security but once you have made it to the terminal you can buy bottled water and take it on the plane with you, the only real problem is usually with security because of the limited fluid oz you are allowed in your carry on. but since you are taking more than a three hour trip most airlines require that they serve food and drinks, for trips less than three hours they usually only serve a snack and drinks. (please dont quote me on this between migraine probs and lupus fog i read the info a few months ago and i cant remember exact number but i know that its close to those numbers.) and i think that most airlines dont mind that you bring bottled water on the plane cuz i walked right past the stewardess with the water in my hand and she didnt say a thing to me all she said was hello and thank for flying with delta (i think). have fun in europe, so jealous i wish i could take a trip there.
Posted 1/16/2008 7:44 AM (GMT 0)

Hello!

Liquid can't be taken through security, meaning the personal and hand baggage check, but  I have never been in an airport where water and other drinks where not freely available beyond security, nor on a plane where there was not drinking water etc available. I have never seen anybody stopped from taking beverages onto a flight. If you have your own water bottle take it empty, and use a little old bottle for water that you don't mind dumping at security.

The worst thing about airtravel and especially international travel is the standing in line and very often the considerable distances you often have to walk. They often don't know what gate the plane will be leaving from so you might not know how long you have to walk to the gate. Standing in line at check in, security, and immigration the waits can be very lengthy especially on arrival. I strongly suggest asking for assisted (wheelchair) travel . You do not have to be physically disabled - they dont even ask you for a reason but they do ask if you can walk at all so they can assess the amount of help you will help. I usually offer arthritis as a reason though when I am asked that question saying it is the distances and the standing that are so hard for me. The advantages are - priority priority priority, at check in, going through security, customs, immigration, help getting baggage off carousel and first on ( but last off) the plane. Cabin staff will help settle you and put hand baggage in the overhead locker. You can visit duty free and will be helped to make your selection by a sales person This service is available even if you have a fit travelling companion.

Internal travel in USA and changes in Europe can be very physically demanding too. It seems a rule that if there is a transfer involved the departure gates will be at the furthest possible distance from each other, even if they are the same terminal. The only time I have been badly let down with assistance was at O' Hare Chicago.  They hadn't ordered the chair and service was appallingly rude. My plane had been late departing so I was short on time to catch the connection. I only just got it but I realised that if I had tried to walk it I would probably have missed it. The assistant took short cuts. Tip: if the cabin staff seem to have forgotten you, remind them at some point so they can call through to make sure it is organised upon arrival.

:)

Bee

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