TRAVELLING WITH A SPINAL INJURY

Adjusting to life with spinal cord injury can be very difficult but it is something we all have to adjust to How can we travel if we are 100% wheelchair dependent?

Hi guys, I am Michelle and I am 41 years old I have a spinal cord injury (L1 incomplete) following Cauda Equina syndrome, and 2 epidural haematomas. I am honoured to be an ambassador for Spinal Injuries Scotland. So here is my very first wee blog style article I hope it helps!

I struggled to come to terms with wheelchair life However, when I accepted it, I questioned “HELP, HOW CAN I GET ABROAD?” It was such a worry

I will admit I was 100% nervous - I mean, how do I get on the flight? Once I am on, what if I need to catheterise? What if I need to do an urgent toilet trip for my stoma bag / bowel issues SO MANY WORRIES!!!

I travel for business and often fly to California This starts with a wee short trip to London, then a whopping big transfer to my 7 hour flight I WAS SCARED Anxiety overload is no fun, but the staff 100% put me at ease WHAT A RELIEF!

First Flight Post Injury

So my first flight post injury was to New York, and I flew with my friend for our 40th birthday celebrations I have flown with several airlines now However, my first experience was with British Airways, and WOW what an incredible and comforting trip!

Before You Go

So I was extremely nervous, but I ensured that I requested assistance prior to my flight I explained that I am unable to walk at all and need assistance on to (and around) the aircraft With British Airways, I did this all online with my booking However, with other airlines I had to call and explain that I need help ON to the plane, AND to my seat

Tip

ALWAYS ensure you ask for assistance at the time of booking I always like to ask at check in “so I have assistance?” The assistance for me has always been amazing

I generally ask for it to begin from the gate HOWEVER, if you need someone to assist you from the point of check in - this is also available at most airports

The Chair

So I have to admit, I was semi nervous and semi hysterically laughing as I had to transfer to an “aisle chair” from my wheelchair I was strapped in all over and so super secure!

I had my own chair to the aircraft door, and then when I transferred to their aisle chair - I was all strapped in They lifted the aisle chair on board, and wheeled me to my seat Voila - easy!

I like to take my wheelchair cushion on board to sit on my chair to help protect my pressure areas My wheelchair was then taken to the hold, and I wouldn’t see it until arrival at my destination Voila!

TIP

I tend to put a wee luggage tracker tag in my chair so that in the off chance it is missing, I can track from my phone - PS They do not lose chairs - I am just overly protective of my wee wheeled buddy

How Do I Get To The Toilet?

Accessibility

What Next?

Landing at the destination, it is easy I was told to stay where I was and we just wait for the airport staff to arrive

Once everyone has disembarked from the flight, that is when some lovely staff arrive with an aisle chair for me to transfer to, and be safely taken off of the aircraft My wheel chair is always waiting for me at the door of the aircraft, and I just transfer over and I am on my way!

So we arrive at our hotel I like to think I am super organised when it comes to travel etc However, I forgot to request an accessible room when in New York The staff organised this for me (Luckily they had empty rooms)

TIP I would say PLEASE always request accessibility when you travel The room I had was HUGE and the sink at a good height and a wet room with grab bars Perfect!

Within the USA, if a room is said to be “accessible” they do have to meet very specific standards, and so I have found that in the USA the accessibility in hotels is amazing!

MY TOP TIPS

So travelling around abroad, things to consider:

-How are the streets? This generally is not so much of an issue in tourist areas, but it can depend on where you visit

-Practice those “wheelies” to get up and down kerbs New York, and most of the places in California that I have visited have dropped kerbs and it is not an issue

-ASK for information if there is somewhere you want to visit I tend to contact restaurants and tourist places in advance to check if they are wheelchair friendly

A real worry and serious concern to me was the big question for long flight

“how do I get to a toilet?”

I have travelled alone and with a friend, and on all flights - the staff are amazing and have a little “on board wheelchair” that I transfer on to and get wheeled to the toilet.

But Most Importantly!!

It can be daunting to travel for the first time after huge life changes However, it can be so amazing

I tend to stick with British Airways and can 100% vouch for their amazing service!