blog
Our New Normal!
I hope this blog page will answer your questions, uplift you through education, and inspire hope that we will get to our new normal together. Finding a New Normal While Traveling! I know personally that first time travel can be a bit nerve-wracking wearing an Orthosis or Prostheses, but let’s focus on the destination and be prepared so that you can have an enjoyable journey. Whether your first trip is to the beach, mountains or even overseas, the guidelines are the same. Start by looking up the airlines, bus lines or cruise ship lines you will be traveling to know how you can be prepared before you show up for your transportation. Be prepared. Look up your airlines and find their requirements and any useful tips for travelling as an amputee. Request A bulkhead seating to give YOU maximum leg room. If you find that is not available, they are generally happy to try and seat you where you will have an aisle seat or a seat open between you and another traveler to give you just that little bit of extra room. With patience and kindness most are happy to accommodate you. Since you will be gone for a few days.Make an appointment with your Prosthetist. He will make a thorough inspection of your prosthesis to be sure there were no broken or damaged parts and your sleeves and liners were in good repair. Visiting a Prosthetist in another state or country can be costly or non existent. I made a checklist of the following items - which I know you might need regardless of the weather and would ensure that you have a comfortable trip. 1. Extra liners. 2. Extra sleeves. 3. Sock ply in case there were any limb changes due to colder/ warmer temperatures and elevations. 4. Thin sock ply to use inside the liner to wick away moisture in those humid climates. 5. 4mm T- wrench and some set screws and Loctite. 6. Sleeve with a large Velcro strap to slide over my socket for extra reinforcement. 7. Keep all your liquids in the 3 ounce or less travel bottles. (If you use lubricant or alcohol to put your liners on you might need this.) 8. Roll of electrical tape (you never know if you need to seal a hole in a sleeve). 9. Plastic bag to help slip my boot on. (Place a plastic bag around foot shell and slide into winter boot as well as great to keep sand out of your components when at the beach.) 10. Chargers if you have any microprocessor components. (European plug adapters if traveling overseas.) Make your personal experience with TSA (Transportation Security Administration )a pleasant one. Arrive at least two hours early before your flight so that there is no rush to get through the security point. Let them know when you approach that you are an amputee. They will use a wand to scan your leg, do a brief pat-down of the leg and socket, as well as a swab of the socket (testing for drugs or explosives, standard for all passengers). Make sure ahead of time that your bag that contains all your prosthetic equipment is labeled as “medical bag” and maybe there is no charge for that bag. TSA will even offer a wheelchair assistance to you if you felt you would need it on the receiving end of your flight. Wheelchair service can also be arranged when making your reservation at the start or your destination. They are happy to have this waiting and assist you to your gate if you feel you may need assistance, as sometimes it’s a long walk to or between terminal gates. The Transportation Security Administration and the Amputee Coalition both have resources to help amputees make their dream vacations as smooth as possible. There are great traveling tips on those websites, and you can search for other travel tips to give you other ideas and tips on how to make your first journey as a new amputee a pleasant one. So Happy and Safe travels and be sure to relax, rest and take a lot of pictures!! You have earned it! Happy Travels! These tips are informed suggestions. If you do not feel comfortable with them, please do not attempt them. Instead as always contact your medical professional or your Prosthetist for help and advice. {article by Ms Dawn Miranda,an amputee)
1 Comment
11/16/2022 12:47:38 am
Who vote build cause including idea series. Pass note food without guy thing citizen. Without sound study structure.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
|