Travel Considerations
My best friend is 87 y.o. He wants me to do a cruise with him on a 160 passenger ship to Antartica. I have been diagnosed with MG since last October, and am stabilized with mestinon and gabapentin. I haven't had any flare ups or crises. My only symptoms are leg cramps and muscle weakness. I have evacuation insurance, but would it be safe to take this trip? I think it is my last with my friend due to his age and health.
Is there an elevator on the ship?Can you get a cabin that is close to the dining area? Last year I went to Alaska and found there was much I could not do .Find out what the excursions are and choose what you can do safely. Get lots of rest. Avoid 12-15 hour non-stop days. If you can get a room with a balcony you can sit outside ( bundled up) and appreciate the scenery when you feel the need to "go easy."
Bring your camera and a journal to record images and your thoughts, which you can enjoy later at home. Suggest a lightweight walker that you can easily fold up and can assist you when you are out and about on unknown turf.
Enjoy what you can without becoming exhausted. But yes, go!
JoannaGood advice. I'll check on the prednisone.
Hi
A cruise to Antarctica? That sounds incredible!
I'm so glad to hear that you have not had any flare-ups or crises. I found this article about tips for traveling with MG.
https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/traveling-tips
Please talk to your doctor to make sure there are no medical reasons that would make it unsafe for you to go.
If you do go, Bon Voyage, and please tell us about your trip 😀
Warmly, Chelley (Team Member)Thanks for the link.
I had a very rough time on a recent cruise to Alaska, In fact, travel in general is hard on me because I get too tired. But I survived to talk about it and wouldn't want to trade the experience. Your only MG drug is mestinon. The gabapentin is for cramps. Tell your doctor what you are planning and ask him if he would recommend you take along an emergency MG med, like prednisone. Be advised that cruise ships have quite excellent clinics on board, but they do not have MG drugs or any experience dealing with MG flares or crises. On a trip to Antartica, there won't be nearby land-based hospitals, either. Ships do have prednisone, but they may want your doctor at home to advise you on treatment. Be careful. Get plenty of rest, Good luck. I'd kill to go to Antartica.
