It’s not just getting through TSA anymore that makes travel so difficult. Traveling, especially flying, takes so much energy that by the time you get to your destination, you are totally exhausted.
Where do you pack your meds? Do you need mobile assist at the airport? Do you need a cane? Walking stick? Wheelchair? What fits in your carry-on bags? And how do you explain to security why they cannot take your walking sticks away from you? If you have a travel companion, they can help navigate the way for you to the airplane (or train, bus, etc). They can carry your bags for you. But if you are traveling alone, how do you get help when you arrive at the airport?
In my former pre-PD life, traveling was easy. Mr. Twitchy often traveled for work and I would meet him somewhere on his journey around the world. One time I went to Hong Kong from Los Angeles for 4 nights and returned home as he continued on his business trip. No problem. But that was pre-PD. Last weekend we went to Chicago for 3 nights to see our grandchildren and I am still paying for it 4 days later. I am contemplating a one day trip to Sacramento next week for the California Parkinson’s Policy Conference and I don’t know if I can go alone anymore. Now I rely on Mr. Twitchy to be my Sherpa where ever we go. You can spot him coming a mile away with 2 rolling suitcases, a backpack and my “personal” carry on which is stuffed with my meds, iPad, purse and anything else I need for the plane. Fortunately, we can take advantage of pre-boarding for people with disabilities so that we can get settled in our seats before everyone else boards. That makes a huge difference for getting comfortable and ready to fly.
Do you have a story about traveling with PD that you would like to share with everyone as part of the Parkinson’s Story project for Twitchy Women? Please send it to me at twitchywoman18@gmail.com.
Upcoming programs you won’t want to miss
April 12, 2026 @ 1:00 PM ET, 10:00 AM PT
The Boys of Summer: Short Stop
Join us for a screening of the third film in the award-winning documentary series – Boys of Summer . Robert Cochrane, PhD, will show his film Boys of Summer : Short Stop which will be followed by a Q & A. In the film, Robert continues on his journey visiting baseball parks in the US and Canada with his father, who has advanced Parkinson’s. The Fourth of the series will debut at the World Parkinson Congress in May. For more information, go to Boys of Summer.
Register here
April 26, 2026 @ 1:00 PM ET, 10:00 AM PT
George Ackerman is an amazing advocate for people with PD. He is the founder of Together for Sharon in memory of his mother who had Parkinson’s. He will talk to us about Advocacy for people with Parkinson’s. You won’t want to miss this informative program. Register here
May 3, 2026 @ 1:00 PM ET, 10:00 AM PT
Author Steve Yellen – Living Parkinson’s
Steve Yellen will join us to talk about his new book “Living Parkinson’s. He says that living well with Parkinson’s isn’t only possible – it’s within your reach.
The book is organized around seven core strategies—attitude, knowledge, support, exercise, wellness, advocacy and research—and includes:
- 35 “What You Can Do” actions to jumpstart change
- 11 Expert Insights from neurologists, researchers, therapists and advocates
- 9 first-person stories from people living with Parkinson’s
- Perspectives drawn from 10 countries and regions
Living Parkinson’s is a practical guide grounded in solid research and real-life experience, offering clear strategies for living your best life with the disease. It provides a roadmap anyone can use to take control, find purpose and face Parkinson’s head-on
Register here
Another PD Story
Do you inspire others? Who do you go to when Parkinson’s gets you down? Here is a poem by Sue Edge.
“The Unlikely Inspiration”
“You are an inspiration
You’ve helped me so much.
I look at you and wonder
How you can be positive and such.
You’ve refused to give in,
You scoff in PD’s face.
You are so strong and resilient,
Would I be so in your place?
Could I be as defiant
Or strong or as tough?
I watch you and wonder
If my strength would be enough.”
Upturn your frown “These are words that people have said to me
I hear them and wonder “How can it be ……
That people perceive me as this strong one
One fighting the fight
When I feel so helpless
When my body’s not right.?
I throw things in frustration ,
I cry buckets of tears.
And then pick myself up
And try to forget all my fears.
“Think positive the experts say
Don’t let it get you down
Put on a smiling face and
Upturn your frown “
But it’s hard to do that
When I’m scared of what’s coming
Scared of losing control of my body
And just feel like running…
Away to the land
Where I’m healthy and fit.
Where my body obeys me
And I don’t feel like shit!
Where I can be ‘normal’ and feel
That I can do what I like.
Dancing and singing
And riding my bike.
Go out with my friends
And play with the kids.
Laugh, work and read …
Things that PD forbids.
I don’t always want to be the one
Who is inspirational and strong.
I like it sometimes
Don’t get me wrong.
But sometimes I just want
To be seen to be me ….
The one that’s frightened
And from problems not free.
Have a great day!
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