About Me

Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

Latest Posts

Search

Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Four Tips For Traveling With Cancer

by Valerie Stevens

It is not uncommon to still do many of the same things with cancer as you did before you got a cancer diagnosis including traveling. Taking a trip can be a great way to celebrate the end of treatments or fulfill a goal before starting the treatments.

Whatever the reason may be, traveling with cancer can sometimes require a different type of planning than those who are not dealing with cancer. For some battling cancer, there are no special needs, while others will require special arrangements in order to make their travels work. Here are some tips if you are thinking about traveling with cancer. 

Speak With Your Doctor

One of the first things you should do before heading out on your trip is visit your chosen oncology center. Your oncologist may advise you not to travel during certain points of your treatment in order to keep you healthy.

If they do allow you to travel, then you want to be upfront about where you will be going and for how long. This will help the oncologist decide if traveling will affect your cancer or not. Once you have received approval from your doctor, you can then start planning out your trip. 

Plan Out Your Medications

When you have cancer, you are often prescribed certain drugs to help with symptoms and combat your illness. Traveling with prescriptions takes some planning. Not all countries allow you to bring in controlled medication. It is important not only to have enough of a supply to get you through the trip, but to have a doctor's note explaining why you need these drugs.

If you plan to travel out of the country, you want to be sure to look up the country's requirement on bringing in prescription drugs. You should always have a copy of your prescription with you while traveling. 

Get Travel Insurance

Because cancer can change the way you feel daily, you never know how it could affect your ability to travel. Be sure to get travel insurance when booking your trip in case you end up not being able to travel. Should you get sick during your trip, many travel insurances offer some type of reimbursement for medical costs. Make sure you have a copy of your insurance policy with you during your travels. 

Pack for Everything

When you decide to travel with cancer, you may need to pack a few extra items. These could be any equipment needed should you get sick, information about your cancer, and pain killers you may need. You should also take along someone who knows about your situation and can be there in case you start feeling under the weather. 

Schedule Boarding Times

Because you may require additional care, it is important to schedule early boarding times to give you the ability to board at your own pace. Should you decide to board at regular times, you may find yourself exhausted after fighting the crowds. Many airlines and travel companies will help you schedule special arrangements if you can demonstrate a need. 

Share