Personal Stories
Travel tips: Jürgen F.
For me, the sea means relaxation and peace.
Jürgen F., 34 years old, has had MS for 10 years. For years he was able to live normally without any restrictions. That situation changed three years ago and now he no longer works. Today, balance disorders are his main problem. Nevertheless his dream is to one day take a vacation on a large old sailboat, and really help when the sails are set. In the summer I spent a week on the North Sea with my MS self-help group. The self-catering Danish holiday house worked out well, and the climate was ideal. The sunshine isn’t good for me so I had to avoid it. Being subject to too many sensations is also problematical for me.
For me, the sea means relaxation and peace. Best are the beaches which can be easily accessed by car, slope gently to the water and are mostly sandy. In the meantime I travel with shoes made of very light material and which can be laced up to the ankle. Finally I’m rid of the feeling of walking with a lump of lead on my feet. Sometimes I also pack a folding chair, in order to rest on the way. In dining rooms with self-service I would like to see hand rails along the whole front, to help with balancing. When I have the choice, I prefer going into cafés with table service. If I have to carry the tray myself, the coffee often spills over. If someone speaks to me about my shaky gait, assuming I’ve drunk too much, I no longer get irritated. I simply say I have MS.
My tips for travelling:
• avoid the sun
• carry a folding chair under the arm
• choose restaurants with table service.
