How to Travel Well with Thyroid Disease

I debated about writing this post about how to travel well with thyroid disease. Eventually, I realized, that if my story helps even one person, that is a huge win. If you are new to AstonishedAbroad.com, be sure to read our About Us page. Here you will learn more about our desire to start this travel and wellness blog!

I would also recommend that even if you or your loved ones are not impacted by thyroid issues, you check out the healthy travel tips in this post. Some of them such as those related to activity and sleep are important for just about everyone!

Both Courtney and I live with thyroid disease. Courtney received her hypothyroidism diagnosis during her childhood. Last year, I too was diagnosed with thyroid disease. Adapting my travel lifestyle to stay healthy and feeling well took some practice and I wanted to share my tips with you.

How to Travel with Thyroid Disease - Astonished Abroad — I am not going to let my thyroid disease slow me down

The content shared here is a look at my personal journey with thyroid disease. It should not be regarded as medical advice. Always discuss your health with your healthcare provider. While I’d like to share what has worked for me, everyone’s situation is unique.

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My Diagnosis

This part of my story was pretty typical, I was experiencing classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism. My heart was racing and I felt shaky and nervous for no reason. Additionally, I had lost about 12 pounds but attributed it to the fact I had recently started running again. I went to urgent care where they did an EKG and tons of blood tests. The next day, I found out I had hyperthyroidism and would need to see a specialist called an endocrinologist.

In someone with hyperthyroidism, their thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid, found at the base of the neck, is essentially a thermostat for the body. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, help you to stay warm, and aid other muscles and organs so they can work properly.

Luckily, because of my job, I knew some exceptional endocrinologists and had my labs sent over right away. The day after my diagnosis, I had to take a flight for work. I flew from the East Coast of the US to Arizona. I remember boarding the flight and being so anxious that I was going to have an episode on the flight. Listening to calming music and staying hydrated helped me to relax.

I was able to work remotely in Scottsdale, Arizona that week without any major issues. When I returned home, I had additional blood work, a thyroid uptake and scan, and an ultrasound. I was officially diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and a toxic multi-nodular goiter. It was now time to learn how to travel well with thyroid disease.

Treatment Plan

My treatment plan included a beta-blocker. This is a medication typically used for individuals with high blood pressure or those who have experienced a heart attack. Beta-blockers are frequently prescribed for symptom management in individuals with hyperthyroidism. Those hallmark symptoms such as shakiness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness, all of which I was experiencing.

A super low dose of methimazole was also initiated for me, administered three times a week. Methimazole is a thyroid medication that essentially decreases the ability of your thyroid cells to make new thyroid hormones. While both medications are generally considered pretty safe, there is ongoing debate about the long-term use of methimazole. I began discussing a more permanent treatment plan with my doctor.

Looking to the future and always out of a plane window

Permanent Treatment

For hyperthyroidism, there are essentially three treatments. The medications I was already on, Radioactive Iodine Treatment (RAI), or surgery to remove the thyroid gland. The latter two options aim to permanently destroy or remove the thyroid tissue. This generally converts the person living with hyperthyroidism to develop hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is typically easier to treat and manage. Those living with the disease take a relatively low-risk medication once per day. Additionally, the side effects of the medication and disease are usually easier to manage than with hyperthyroidism. This is not to say that people living with hypothyroidism do not deal with their own struggles!

While all treatments would come with risks and benefits, I began the process of researching which option would be the best bet for me. I saw a surgeon who determined I was a good candidate for a total thyroidectomy. Ultimately, I decided I didn’t want to undergo surgery at the time. Eventually, I opted for RAI treatment back in January of this year.

After following a low-iodine diet for a week (more on that below) I was given an RAI pill to swallow in an outpatient setting. The idea is that the radioactive iodine will slowly destroy the thyroid tissue. This goal would be to convert my hyperactive thyroid to become underactive. Following my RAI treatment, a one-week quarantine was observed to prevent any potential exposure to others. I have had lab work monthly to monitor my thyroid function.

While it seems like a lot and it definitely hasn’t been the most fun experience, the past year has taught me a lot. I try to look at the bright side. I realize there is always someone out there who has it worse. Yes, there are days I feel like shit but I can usually use the techniques below to cope. I try to be as neutral about the whole thing as possible and realize how lucky I am to continue traveling.

Traveling with Thyroid Disease

Graves’ disease and other thyroid diseases can try to slow you down. Here are some tricks and tips that have worked for me but please remember to always consult with your health care provider.

Caffeine

The first thing I’ll note is that early on in my diagnosis, I realized that caffeine and excess alcohol would cause my symptoms to worsen. I decided to cut out caffeine and switched to decaf coffee and tea. This was much easier than I expected having drank around 2-3 cups per day previously. I have noticed that when traveling in certain parts of the world, decaf is less common. If you must have a coffee, consider packing your own decaf coffee or tea.

How to Travel Well with Thyroid Disease - Astonished Abroad

Medications

I have a pill box (insert old lady joke here) but I’m always sure to travel with extra medication. Since I often add additional days to my trips while traveling. I don’t want to have to return home early or miss a dose because I am not prepared. If you are going to check your bag, ensure your medications are in your carry-on. I would highly encourage you not to skip a dose of your thyroid medications. These should be taken according to your doctor’s order.

Additionally, if you are going to be traveling across multiple time zones, you may want to consider adjusting your medication schedule. This will ensure that you are keeping consistent with your medication routine and timing.

Insurance

Whether you have thyroid disease or not, check your health insurance before traveling to see what they do and do not cover. If you need to seek medical attention (especially abroad) you’ll want to be aware of healthcare costs you might need. While I luckily have not needed to seek out healthcare while traveling, it is important to be prepared.

Electronic Health Record/Patient Portal

Sign up for the patient portal for your healthcare provider’s office. This way, even if you are traveling, you can get in contact with your healthcare provider if needed. I would also recommend having a copy of your medications/prescriptions should you need them.

Keep Calm

In the early stages of my journey, I found listening to calming music and meditating to be extremely helpful. Since elevated heart rate, nervousness, and anxiety are all symptoms of hyperthyroidism, keeping calm is important.

One way I practice this during travel is by laying out my travel yoga mat for meditation. Just ten minutes in Savasana can make a world of difference.

Sleep

Shortly after my diagnosis, I purchased an Apple Watch to monitor my heart rate and it was one of my favorite purchases of last year. Not only does it monitor my heart rate but the length and quality of my sleep. I’ve noticed, especially while traveling, that a lack of sleep may exacerbate symptoms for me. I really try to prioritize sleep whether at home or on the road.

Eating Well

Obviously eating well is incredibly important not only while traveling, but always. One of our most popular posts My Favorite Quick and Easy Hotel Room Meals, includes things that I actually eat while traveling that make me feel happy and nourished. While these meals are not a prescription for treating any sort of thyroid disease, they are mostly wholesome meals that are easy to prepare in a hotel room. Note, that these are not low in iodine, keep reading for my tips on following a low-iodine diet while traveling.

Staying Active

When you are first diagnosed with thyroid disease, fatigue is not an uncommon symptom. I found that I didn’t always have a ton of energy for longer runs or HIIT. Walking and yoga have been great ways for me to stay active. I also find that daily exercise always helps me sleep better, especially when traveling. In fact, I wrote an entire post about how to maintain your fitness routine while traveling!

Dress in Layers

Those with hyperthyroidism may be more prone to heat intolerance and the opposite for those with hypothyroidism. Dress in layers to ensure you can stay comfortable. I especially find this important with airplane travel where temperatures can be unpredictable.

Adhering to a Low-Iodine Diet

During my diagnosis testing and treatment, I had a thyroid scan and uptake. This is a type of imaging done to assess the size and function of the thyroid. More information about this procedure can be found here. I remember being nervous about the procedure but it wasn’t bad.

Prior to a thyroid uptake and scan, you may be asked to follow a low-iodine diet. I found this low-iodine cookbook to be extremely helpful during the two instances I was required to follow this plan. It can be difficult to determine how food is prepared when you eat out. My recommendation is that if you are going to be traveling, prepare your own meals/snacks. I would also encourage you to take food items with you. Iodine is readily found in many pre-prepared foods and ingredients therefore, this is your best bet.

My favorite recipes from the cookbook above included:

Overnight Oats
Homemade Griddle Tortillas
Taco Seasoning Mix
Blueberry Pancakes
Lily’s Hummus
Oat Milk
Cookie Dough Dip

Post-RAI Doctor’s Note

Following RAI treatment, it is not uncommon for the RAI to be detected going through TSA. After your treatment, your HCP should provide you with a note to include the date you received treatment and the dose. Bring this note with you should you get flagged going through security. I flew about 1.5 weeks after my treatment and didn’t have any issues but it is recommended nonetheless.