Your Tales: On the Transfer: A Dancer’s Information to Traveling with SpA – Spondylitis Association of America

My pursuit of dance has carried me throughout borders and thru many roles—choreographer, professor, and humanities administrator. After incomes an MFA in Dance in New Mexico, I continued my

apply via choreography residencies and grasp lessons in Spain and New York City. I’ve taught as a visiting dance professor at universities in several states and offered my analysis at a global convention in Mexico.

Along the best way, I’ve additionally had some actually difficult accidents and flares the place I’ve needed to get better. However, I’ve traveled loads in remission, and touring presents distinctive challenges and issues to contemplate for individuals dwelling with spondyloarthritis and autoimmune illnesses. I’ve had clean journey experiences and turbulent journey experiences and have realized loads alongside the best way.

From packing routines to what I search for in lodging, the following pointers will hopefully assist others with spondyloarthritis (or comparable situations) journey with extra ease and confidence.

Always pack remedy in your carry-on.

Never, ever pack it into checked baggage. I at all times convey my remedy in my carry-on, together with a dependable ice pack. I wait till after TSA to fill it, often at a espresso store the place I ask for a cup of ice. It helps preserve my remedy chilly throughout the flight with out the effort of getting flagged for carrying liquids.

Invest in a journey cooler made for remedy.

There are coolers designed particularly for individuals who must preserve meds chilly whereas touring. These are tremendous helpful if you happen to’re on the go for lengthy intervals. Make positive your lodge or Airbnb fridge is working. One time, I received to a lodge, put my remedy within the fridge, and later realized the fridge wasn’t even turned on. Now, the second I arrive, I examine to see that the fridge will not be solely plugged in but additionally chilly. If you’re staying at an Airbnb, message the host forward of

time and allow them to know you’re touring with drugs that wants refrigeration.

Plan for protected disposal of used injection pens.

Used pens can confuse TSA brokers. I’ve been stopped earlier than as a result of they thought I had a harmful sharp object in my bag. If you’re in Europe, pharmacies usually have particular bins for disposing of used medical provides. In the U.S., it’s extra sophisticated. I’ve known as native hospitals and organized to drop them off, or relying on the place you might be, you may put the used pens in taped-up sharps containers and put them within the common trash. Just don’t wait till you’re on the airport to determine this out.

Get an insurance coverage plan that truly covers you and your situation.

A journey insurance coverage agent as soon as informed me that I wouldn’t be capable of get insurance coverage due to AS. I didn’t settle for that. After a ton of calls and digging, I discovered GeoBlue Voyager Choice, which does

cowl pre-existing situations. It gave me entry to English-speaking docs through telehealth and even coated bodily remedy after I received damage overseas. (Editor’s be aware: As of 10/1/25, GeoBlue has rebranded to Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions.)

Use incapacity help at airports when wanted.

I’ve flown whereas injured or flaring, and there’s no disgrace in asking for assist. If you’re flaring, can’t raise your suitcase, or simply aren’t shifting effectively, request incapacity help. You can usually set it up when reserving your ticket, but when issues change mid-trip, request it at check-in. Bring a health care provider’s be aware too; not everybody understands invisible incapacity.

Pack in your physique’s wants.

If you want a warmth pack, a cushion, compression socks, convey them. These small gadgets could make an enormous distinction on lengthy flights. Even if you happen to overlook one thing, most pharmacies overseas will carry fundamentals.

Get a medicine override if you happen to’re away long-term.

I’ve traveled for months at a time. I’ve been in a position to get an override from my physician and pharmacy to convey additional remedy. Though most drugs can’t be mailed internationally, if you happen to’re working quickly in one other state, ask about mail-order choices.

Don’t overlook your meds within the fridge!

The night time earlier than a visit, I pack all the pieces, put my meds within the fridge, and stick an enormous be aware on the entrance door that claims DON’T FORGET MEDS. It sounds easy, however if you’re working on

adrenaline and attempting to make a flight, it’s straightforward to miss crucial factor.

Beyond Travel

These final two notes might not be travel-specific, however they’ve been important for me in dwelling with AS, particularly as an energetic individual working in a bodily discipline: Listen to your physique; your restoration won’t seem like everybody else’s. As a dancer, I needed to study that restoration time with AS is totally different. If you’re flaring or injured, be affected person with your self. Find a supplier who understands athletes’ our bodies and, if doable, somebody accustomed to AS in athletes or performers. I as soon as discovered a health care provider who had expertise with each, and it made an enormous distinction.

Working in the direction of steadiness and restoration is a multifaceted course of that comes with psychological well being, bodily well being, vitamin, spirituality, and many others. It’s such as you’re a diamond and want to shine every of the aspects to shine your brightest. Be affected person for the biologic to work. Listen for readability in your physique and when there’s readability in your skeleton and physique, then you may construct upon a strong basis of well being.

If the ache isn’t going away, get checked. Some individuals go years with no prognosis. If you’re coping with joint or spinal ache that’s not therapeutic on a standard timeline, particularly after harm, ask to see a rheumatologist. Request blood work and imaging. Spondyloarthritis isn’t at all times apparent, even to educated professionals.

 

Final Thoughts

I used to be as soon as informed straight that no insurance coverage would cowl me due to my situation. But I saved researching and asking questions till I discovered options. Don’t hand over, and don’t let different individuals restrict you. It’s not about doing all the pieces completely. It’s about discovering what works in your physique so you may preserve doing the belongings you love, wherever they could take you.