I regained the confidence to travel after my MS diagnosis
Written by |
Kaite Belmot traveled to Italy right after learning that she had MS. (Courtesy of Kaite Belmont)
In recognition of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March, the MS Community Spotlight campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by MS, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MSSpotlight, or read the full series.
I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in early April 2023. In addition to processing all the emotions that came with this news, I had to learn something else very quickly: how to travel with MS. My husband and I had planned a trip to Italy months earlier that we were to begin only two weeks after the day of my diagnosis. I didn’t want to cancel (and my neurologist encouraged us to go!), so we went for it.
Italy was incredible, but the trip was challenging. I was adjusting to new sensory issues, walking difficulties, and energy fluctuations. It was a lot of walking and exploring — two things I love to do — but I wasn’t yet used to setting limits on how far I walked or how long I was on my feet. Despite the challenges, I look back on our trip fondly; I cherish the delicious meals, beautiful sites, and new experiences.
These days, I feel much more confident about traveling. I love to travel for fun, and I don’t mind traveling for work, which I do often. I’ve learned that, for me, it all comes down to energy — how to preserve it, manage it, and enjoy it while I have it. But something I’ve learned is that standing in one place for an extended amount of time can flare my symptoms. So, to help conserve my energy, I decided to begin taking advantage of an essential accommodation at the airport that I’d been missing out on: preboarding for disabled passengers.
Between walking to the gate and waiting to board, you’re on your feet a lot. This is especially true if you are like me and arrive at the gate with plenty of time before boarding starts. It’s always been important to me to start my trip with as little stress as possible, which is also why TSA PreCheck has been critical.
Finding a seat in the gate area and then boarding right away has been a game changer for me, as it allows me to take my time once I board the plane to get situated. I always bring my cane for extra support when I’m walking through the airport or going down the jet bridge, and it functions as a cue to people that, yes, I do have a disability and need to preboard.
Though I sometimes feel self-conscious about preboarding or about needing extra time in the airport (especially if I’m with coworkers on the same flight), this little perk helps me get my trip off to a good start. I don’t want MS to stop me from traveling or hold me back from seeing a new place. With my new travel plan, I always feel ready for the next adventure
