04.12.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
High Anxiety
After becoming Locked- in, I have gotten a bad case of high anxiety. It does not take much for me to start panicking. A ten centimeters difference in the flooring is enough to make my hair stand up.
21.11.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
Assistants/Caregivers
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There are different types of strokes, and there are many variables in play when one gets a stroke. Like how massive the stroke, how quick the response, and some other factors. The result of a stroke to a patient can vary from wholly locked unto complete recovery.
07.11.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
The great language barrier
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Locked-In syndrome is also referred to as the Living corpse. No wonder for in the worst-case scenarios the patients cannot even move their eyes. I was completely paralyzed after the stroke. The only things I could move were my eyelids and my eyes. The only way I could communicate was by blinking my eyes. Once for; “yes” twice for; “no.” The letter board (air alphabet) was a blessing, with that system I could communicate again.
22.10.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
Taxi
Nowadays, most developed countries have handicap taxi. Nevertheless, only in some (highly) touristic cities, you find them around the corner. In some cities like London, most cabs are wheelchair accessible. In others, you would have to order such a vehicle, and it might take a while before they arrive. There are places where you even must order an invalid taxi in advance.
02.10.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
Onboard restrooms
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Every little thing makes a big difference when you cannot move at all. The few movements I regained during rehab might seem minute. Nevertheless, they made an impact on my life.
18.09.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
Long Flights
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Sitting all day long is not as easy as one might think. Especially for someone that can only sit in only one position. My inability to move makes me such a person. No matter where I sit being it; the wheelchair, on the bed, a standard chair, or airplane seat, I am always in the same position.
05.09.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
From wheels to wings
The most stressful part of a trip (without a doubt) is the flying. Whether it is excitement or anxiety, it can make some neurotic.
People traveling with a wheelchair can check in online but still must go to the counter. The type of assistance you need must be confirmed, and the wheelchair must get its baggage label. Btw, you do not have to pay extra luggage for your wheelchair.
15.08.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
The search for accommodations
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There are a few aspects to consider when looking for places to stay during a trip. Accessibility is number one on our list, of course. Some hotels promote themselves for being wheelchair friendly, but they are far from it. The elevators are too small, hallways and doorways are too narrow, or there are steps. All features that do not work for someone who cannot move at all.
01.08.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
Planning a trip
Back in 1997, people still went to a travel agent to book their trips. There already was internet, but it was not like nowadays that you could find or do anything by yourself on the web. They had brochures with the necessary information and lovely pictures of this and that. If after you looked at the folder and you still were not sure about something, you would have to make that long-distance call to find out.
18.07.2019
The Locked-In Traveler
(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)
Wheelchair Traveling
To travel in a wheelchair is not impossible or even that difficult (as some may think.) Well, that is not entirely true. For us that live in the modern industrial part of the world, it is. For people living in less developed countries, it is difficult. Not just financially. The infrastructure is not designed with accessibility in mind.
