Tips for Traveling with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Essential Tips for Traveling with Peripheral Artery Disease

How to Travel with Peripheral Artery Disease Pro Tips!

Doug Fugate, the self-proclaimed travel enthusiast, knows that embarking on a journey can be a real pain. Quite literally. You see, Fugate has peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that restricts blood flow to his legs and arms due to narrowed arteries. But fear not, fellow adventurers! Fugate has discovered some ingenious ways to keep his wanderlust alive, even with his troublesome condition.

Let’s dive into Fugate’s travel playbook, filled with tips and tricks to make traveling with PAD a breeze.

Getting Around with Ease

Dr. Kurtis Kim, the director of The Vascular Laboratory at Mercy Medical Center, assures us that people with PAD can travel safely. However, if walking becomes agonizing, a little preparation can go a long way.

First, know your limits. If you’re heading to an airport or train station, it doesn’t hurt to check if they offer wheelchairs or other assistance. Fugate, now a seasoned traveler, relies on his femoral-popliteal bypasses and prefers to strut through airports without a wheelchair. But hey, if a wheelchair is your golden ticket to a seamless journey, embrace it with open arms!

Still, even Fugate admits that playing sprinter between terminals can wreak havoc on his PAD foot. So, he’s perfected the art of a swift foot shake. Picture this: Fugate stops mid-sprint, shakes his foot like he’s performing a footsy flamenco, and voila! His foot feels rejuvenated, ready to take on the world again.

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But wait, there’s more!

Pre-Travel Preparations

Fugate, being the social butterfly that he is, created a Facebook group called P.A.D. Support Group (PAD / PVD), where PAD warriors unite and exchange invaluable advice. This virtual hub has become a treasure trove of travel tips for anyone daring enough to venture with PAD.

To ensure a smooth journey, Fugate suggests squeezing in some extra walking before you settle into your plane or train seat. Arrive early, take it slow, and stop to rest along the way. You’ll not only get those leg muscles warmed up but also build up anticipation for your upcoming adventure.

When booking accommodations, be a savvy traveler! Inquire about elevators, request a lower floor to minimize stress on your legs, and ask for a room with accessibility features. Your future self will thank you for these thoughtful decisions.

High-Flying Hacks

When Fugate takes to the skies, he’s a man on a mission to keep his blood flowing freely. Legroom can be a challenge, but our fearless traveler knows how to adapt. From slipping off his shoes and resting his feet on top of them to frequent walks down the aisle, Fugate unleashes his creativity to ensure a smooth journey.

Steve Hamburger, a marketing professional from Westlake Village, CA, echoes Fugate’s sentiments. He swears by aisle strolls to keep those pesky blood clots at bay. Oh, and don’t forget to hydrate and say “no” to in-flight alcohol. Your circulation will thank you.

Cruising in Comfort

Car travel can be quite the adventure, too. However, Fugate’s right foot, the captain of his driving endeavors, occasionally succumbs to the dreaded sleepiness. To combat this, he has devised a brilliant strategy: regular pit stops. Every hour, Fugate pulls over, stretches his legs, and allows his foot to awaken from its slumber. This practice not only reduces foot swelling but also minimizes the risk of deep vein thrombosis, a clotting party you definitely don’t want in your veins.

If Fugate finds himself as a passenger during those endless road trips, he has the liberty to wiggle, jiggle, and find the perfect position of comfort. Long live those carefree limbs!

Keep Walking, Keep Exploring

Doctors recommend regular walking for individuals with PAD. It’s a simple and effective way to alleviate pain over time. So, whether you’re planning a trip or just eager to explore your neighborhood, lace up those walking shoes and get moving!

Our good friend Fugate swears by this walking regimen. He racks up an impressive 10,000 or more steps every day and keeps himself hydrated, armed with multiple bottles of water for his adventures. But he doesn’t stop there! Fugate goes the extra mile by planning activities that involve walking. Imagine strolling along a scenic trail, stopping at conveniently placed benches to take in the view and rest those weary legs. Pure bliss.

Hamburger, the walking enthusiast from Westlake Village, shares Fugate’s passion for traveling with PAD. Rain or shine, he attests to the importance of maintaining his walking routine. Be it the beach or the mountains, Hamburger embraces nature’s playground, even if it means pacing the hotel corridors during a downpour.

Now that you’re armed with these handy tips, nothing can hold you back from exploring the world. So, dear reader, put on those travel shoes, grab your suitcase, and follow in the footsteps of Fugate and Hamburger. Adventure awaits!