MS Comic: Packing for a Weekend Trip

By Brooke Pelczynski

1 min read

Packing light for a weekend getaway isn’t always possible with MS. Trying to be prepared and bring along medication, extra clothes in case of bladder or bowel issues, cooling gear for hot temperatures, and other necessities can take up a lot of space. Brooke’s comic below shows her packing thought process!

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repp8x Member
Every trip we take" "Honey, I can't find my cold neck wrap", 'sweetie we are going to Alaska'... Um yeah, what's your point???"
1. Brooke Pelczynski Member
 that’s so true tho! I am always hot even when it’s cold 
2. judyvarley Member
 We are in Canada! It can be -40C which is basically the same as -40F, I still get the sweats. My least favorite symptom! I was kind of saying the other day that it happens 4 or 5 times every day. Well, damn, all of a sudden it is lasting way more than that. Typical MS, you never know what symptom changes all the time.
shugar48 Member
Hi Brooke, I'm laughing because you know we have to laugh to keep from crying. So I'm sitting here with my aching legs and overactive bladder reading your post about packing for a 3 day trip.. Really ??? 3 days we need to pack for 6 days. I love to travel and the best day for me is when I discovered that my toilet seat actually fits in my suitcase.. It was on and poppin then
1. Brooke Pelczynski Member
 Hahahaha omg that sounds like a silver lining to me!!!
Therry Neilsen Moderator & Contributor
In addition to the cold packs, cooling vests and extra pants I try NOT to pack anything I can easily buy at my destination, like incontinence pads, which do take up a lot of space. I'll pack a few for the journey itself, but buy a package when I get there. I'm a reader, and I download books to my ereader before I leave home so I can use my own wifi. AND I have a folding forearm crutch that I can bring on to an airplane, although these days we usually travel by train. I keep an extra Squatty Potty in the car! Strange how most of our traveling needs seem to revolve around elimination, but that's part of what makes MS the gift that keeps on giving!
Peteic Member
For a ten day trip i bring three bags of abena and a odorless backpack with diaper covers, gloves wipes, chuxx paper towels and creams and sprays. I also bring a swim nappy. For certain trips the abena case is delivered there
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 This list makes a lot of sense, <inline-mention username="Peteic" user-id="8655570"/>! I wish you didn't have to pack all these extras, but it makes sense to be prepared and ready for anything! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member. 
2. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Peteic" user-id="8655570"/> thanks for sharing all the things that you bring to feel prepared. These are really helpful tips to share with others. Firsthand experience is always so valuable! Thanks again, Alene, moderator
Peteic Member
Wrangler jeans with elastic waist are ideal discretion.
Peteic Member
I also bring an ice pack to go to sleep on pillow
1. kayleighhill Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Peteic" user-id="8655570"/> That's such a great idea! Thank you for sharing it! - Kayleigh, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> team 
2. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Peteic" user-id="8655570"/> I love the idea of the ice pack on the pillow! I actually had a cooling pillow when I was younger and got debilitating migraine attacks almost every weekend. It was called a Chillow Pillow and I'm pretty sure it was designed for women who experienced hot flashes in the middle of the night, but it did help to keep my head cool during a migraine attack too. Whether it's a cooling pillow or an ice pack, the result is the same, it feels good! Best Alene, moderator