My chronic conditions can make airports harder to navigate. I have vascular EDS with cardiac complications and it makes it difficult to walk long distances, stand long periods of time, carry/lift bags, and setting conserves my energy enough to make it to my destination. I also have a visual impairment, which makes TSA hard to do alone. On top of this, I have epilepsy and environments like this can often lower my seizure threshold. Many people don’t realize that you can have many focal aware and unaware seizures throughout the day without convulsions that only last a few seconds. It makes places like airports very confusing at times. I would like to be seizure, free and reduce my risk of SUDEP but sometimes that means taking precautions to prevent seizures. With VEDS, a simple bump or fall, could cause a serious injury. Being a VEDS patient, almost makes me feel like I’m made of glass. If I haven’t built enough muscle around my joints to protect them in a while, I dislocate, tear, and can cause internal injuries such as arterial rupture, Intestinal perforation, Internal bleeding, vertebral artery dissections, spontaneous lung collapse, and more. Sometimes my skin just tears spontaneously. It’s icky and I don’t show it very much. It sounds so silly, but so many people Im friends with who also have VEDS, have these exact same complications from very simple and novel falls/ twists. I feel like many people at the airport look at me and judge the fact that I am in a wheelchair or have a service dog. I swallow the pill of people not knowing everything that I’ve gone through and survived to be here today. When I see people using medical devices or needing accommodations, I know that I may know nothing about what they’re going through and I make sure to treat them with kindness. 🥺
#VascularEDS #ServiceDogLife #EpilepsyAwareness #sunflowerairport
Traveling through airports can be an overwhelming experience for anyone, but when managing chronic conditions such as vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS), epilepsy, and visual impairment, the difficulties multiply significantly. From my own experiences, I have learned that planning ahead and advocating for accessible services can make all the difference in conserving energy and ensuring safety. Airports are sprawling spaces that require walking long distances, standing in lines, and lifting or carrying luggage—all tasks that present unique obstacles for someone with vEDS. The fragility of my blood vessels means even minor bumps or falls can result in dangerous complications, so I rely heavily on mobility aids like a wheelchair and a service dog to navigate safely. Having a service dog not only provides emotional support but also practical assistance, especially in areas like TSA screening where visual impairments complicate solo travel. One challenge that often goes unnoticed is the increased seizure risk in these fast-paced and overstimulating environments. Epilepsy can involve subtle seizures that don’t always look dramatic but affect my awareness and coordination. This reality makes crowds, noise, and the stress of travel potential triggers. I take necessary precautions, such as ensuring I'm well-rested and hydrated, and communicating my needs to airport staff so they can assist promptly if needed. It is disheartening how often strangers judge those of us using wheelchairs or accompanied by service animals without understanding the invisible burdens we carry. However, I've found strength in extending kindness to others who might be facing their own hidden struggles. The airport community can be more compassionate if we all remember that accommodations aren't privileges but essential supports for diverse travelers. For anyone with chronic illnesses considering travel, my advice is to request medical accommodations early, bring necessary medical supplies, and inform your airline and TSA personnel about your condition. Utilize airport disability services whenever possible—they can provide wheelchair escorts, priority boarding, and assistance with security screening. Managing energy and pacing yourself is crucial; choose seats near gates and rest areas when booking flights. Ultimately, my journey underscores the importance of awareness and empathy for travelers with complex medical needs. Sharing our stories can help foster environments where everyone can feel safe and respected while pursuing their dreams of exploration and connection.
