Things Every Lupus Patient Should Pack When Traveling 

As a lupus patient, travel can be difficult. Traveling tends to trigger my lupus symptoms, even when I'm headed somewhere fun and stress-free. Flying means standing in long lines, possible delays, and being in an enclosed space with other people's germs.

Traveling by car means spending long hours on the road, which is exhausting even if I'm not the one driving. I've never successfully traveled anywhere without having a few lupus symptoms pop up. However, packing things that make my life with lupus easier helps me take control of my lupus symptoms so that I can enjoy my trip. Here are some things I pack wherever I go:

My pill pack

One of the best lupus-related purchases I've ever made was a cute pill pack to organize my medications. In addition to having compartments for nighttime pills and daytime pills, it holds the over 90 pills I take each week with room to spare.

The pill pack I use was designed by a lupus patient. It doesn't look like a pill pack from the outside. While I am open about my life with a chronic illness with my work friends and colleagues, some lupus patients choose not to share their diagnosis at work. This particular pill pack is a good option for lupus patients who travel for work but aren't open about having a chronic illness.

Emergency medications

I take care to never be without any medication I might need in an emergency. For me, this means oral steroids and hydrocortisone cream. The beginning of a flare can be stopped before it turns into something more serious if I carry my medication and know how and when to use it. Be sure to always consult your doctor when increasing your dose of any prescription medication.

Concealer or foundation

Many lupus patients experience the typical butterfly rash. Oddly enough, I didn't develop the rash on my cheeks until after I'd lived with my disease for nearly a decade.

A lupus rash is nothing to be embarrassed about. No one should ever feel obligated to hide what their body naturally does. However, I personally prefer to cover my lupus rash with makeup. I began wearing makeup long before I was diagnosed with lupus, and I've always loved experimenting with different eyeshadows, blushes, and foundations. When I look at pictures of myself on vacation, I want the smile on my face to stand out, not my butterfly rash.

Ear plugs

Every lupus patient knows that getting a good night's sleep is essential to keeping lupus fatigue under control. Since becoming sick with lupus, I've needed many more hours of sleep than my able-bodied peers. If I share a hotel room with someone, I always warn them that I need to be able to sleep in until 10 am or 11 am in the mornings. I've been both careful and lucky to have roommates who have respected my need for sleep. To help ensure that I get the sleep I need, I always bring ear plugs with me if I'm spending a night away from home.

Snacks

Something about traveling always makes me hungry. Since being diagnosed with lupus, my body doesn't handle hunger in a normal way. Rather than feeling my stomach growl, I become dizzy, weak, and nauseous if I don't eat right away. Especially when I travel, I keep snacks in my purse or carry-on so I can stay safe and comfortable when traveling. Some of my favorite snacks are protein bars, bananas, hard-boiled eggs, cauliflower, and blueberries.

Socks and mittens

While I don't have Raynaud's syndrome like many lupus patients do, I tend to get cold more easily than my friends and colleagues. That's why I always pack socks, slippers, and even mittens when I travel. Vacation or work trips are more fun and productive when I'm comfortable and healthy.