Action for M.E.

Transport

When you have M.E. getting away from your home can be an exciting but daunting prospect. You know that the change of scenery, the chance to see family or friends or even the opportunity to go to an organised event can give your self-esteem a boost. The risk is that the whole episode can leave you feeling totally exhausted and possibly having a relapse.

However with these top tips, advice and useful links you may be able to take fewer risks and be able to sit back, relax and even enjoy your journey.

Planning and preparation

For coping with any journey check out these top tips recommended by members of Action for M.E:

Packing involves decision-making and considerable effort. Get someone to help you or even better do it for you. Make sure you pack well before your leave, so you can rest before the journey.
If you have an event to go to, it may help to go up the day before so you have time to rest overnight, rather than having to make an early start.
Make sure you get yourself comfortable, this may involve using a range of pillows, duvets or blankets to minimise the jolting around.
Some people like to rest regularly by taking frequent stops; others like to get the whole journey over with in one go. Decide which suits you best and make a plan to pre-empt any problems.
Once you have arrived at your destination you may feel a lot worse. Often your muscles have been compensating for the uneven or bendy roads, the sensory stimulation from moving quickly or the traffic pollution. It's important to plan to take some rest when you arrive to give your body time to recover, before you start your next activity.
A journey does not necessarily mean you have to leave your house or garden. A trip to the end of the garden or street is a real achievement if you have been bed or chair bound for a few days.

Travelling by car

Is it safe to drive if I have M.E? This will depend on the severity of your symptoms, as you may have to notify DVLA and/ or declare them on an application for a licence. Check out current information from the Drivers' Medical Group (DVLA) in useful links.

Everyone develops their own way of coping with travelling; you might want to try out these top tips:

If the person driving does not know about M.E. you might want to ask them if they would drive smoothly, not to keep chatting and not to put the radio/ CD player on.
It may help you cope with the journey if you listen to a relaxation CD on your walkman. It will also block out surrounding noise.
It may help to keep your eyes closed during the journey to minimise the impact of the fast moving scenery.
Get the car registered with a road rescue service and make sure they know you have a 'disability', as some organisations will give you priority service.
If you have been receiving disability living allowance for a minimum of three years, you may want to find out about the Motability scheme. It allows you to buy a car or powered wheelchair instead of receiving payment for mobility.

If you suffer from chemical sensitivity here are Action for M.E. member Laura Shave's top tips for travelling by car:

New cars may have a high level of plastic and 'new smells', which exacerbate allergies. Use citrus solvents, baking soda or other hypoallergenic cleaners to wash inside of the car.
Experiment with air vents to see what cuts out the most outside pollution.
Inside the car - ask fellow passengers to please not wear perfumes, hairspray, or to smoke whilst in the car. Explain carefully beforehand just how unwell they can make you. Remove all air fresheners beforehand.
Ask the driver to fill up the petrol tank before the journey, to avoid petrol stations.
Eating crystallised ginger, or taking ginger tincture beforehand can help nausea. Some people benefit from sucking mints.

Travelling by Train

National Rail has information for passengers who have a disability. If you use a wheelchair to help you get around, you may need to book your journey in advance to ensure there is adequate space. If you use the train regularly it may be worth checking National Rail to see if you qualify for a disabled person's railcard.

Travelling by bus

If you use a wheelchair many buses are now adapted to be low level, which makes bus travel easier. Ask your local Social Service dept whether you would be eligible for Dial-a-bus. Contact Tripscope for the phone number of your local branch.

Travel by taxi

The Train Taxi Guide is a great way of finding out which taxi services meet trains. Many parts of the UK also offer concessions for travel by taxi to people who are registered disabled with their local council.

Travelling by plane

If you use a wheelchair or need assistance when travelling by plane contact Tripscope or 'you are able' for useful information. Check out the Holiday page for more top tips.

Your rights as a traveller with a disability

For more information about travelling with a disability check out Part 5 of the Disability Discrimination Act. It sets out your rights in regard to public transport, including taxis and trains.

For top tips on getting around by wheelchair check out A Wheelchair User's Guide to Public Transport.

Concessions on public transport

To find out about concessions available for people with disabilities using public transport, contact your local Social Services department or Council as schemes offered vary across the UK.

Information produced April 2004