I definitely could be in the running!!!!!
What about you?!!!!!!
We just got back from a very wonderful trip to Colorado with our kids and grandkids!
It was a total of approximately 22+ hours driving in the car!!! I hate driving in the car like that!!!!
However, the blessings abounded, and I made it!
My poor husband has to do all the driving. But he doesn't want me to drive anyway because I have been known to take the wrong road when he was sleeping! ooohhhhh That is really embarrassing when you have other cars following you!!!!
But, I used to worry and worry about pit stops - the number of those! It can be embarrassing when someone else is traveling in the car also! But not so much anymore. What can you do?!
One way of getting to travel without hardly any stress, is day trips. We live in the hill country so there are lots of different options.
If you are travelling by car, get out and stretch at least every half hour. Stretch, stoop. For some people, driving is better because the seat is adjustable, use cruise control and automatic everything, if possible. A pad under your hiney and and behind your back can be very helpful.
Ask for a room for someone with a disability at a hotel.
Traveling can put a real strain on those of us with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. With careful planning, though, you may be able to avoid a lot of common pitfalls and symptom flares they can trigger.
Traveling by plane can present a whole different group of issues and considerations.
Remember that if you need a wheelchair in the airport, the best way to assure that you receive one promptly is to order it when you make the reservation. I have a note from my Rheumatologist, and if necessary I can show it at the airline reservations desk. There can be a lot of need for the wheelchairs.
One patient writes that they space their trips carefully, pace themselves, and take precautions. I always carry my own pillow, and nearly always leave it!!!!!! I have a prescription for anti anxiety medication for flying/traveling. I have not used it as of yet, but it is always good to have a pacifier!!!!
I have learned the hard way to carry less luggage, and less stuff! There is usually a very kind soul to help lift something heavy onto the overhead bin, but I started getting really embarrassed about it.
One issue that I need to mention, although it does no good, is the bathroom situation!!!! Since there cannot be a line outside the bathroom (I HATE TERRORISTS!!!!!!), it's like I have to be a racehorse ready for the bathroom door to open!
Or else the other way is to go back to the kitchen area, and ask for a drink/stretching your legs, then when the bathroom door opens, you dash in there knocking everyone aside!!!!!! Just kidding folks!!!!
Packing:
I have a xeroxed list for packing that is very specific, and I keep adding to it. Before I made that list, I used to get very nervous about forgetting something very important.
Now, I do not have to worry about that so much, even though I might still leave my head!
When it comes to packing medications, obviously take a little more than you think you will need in case of unforeseen delays. I asked the last time I travelled if medications had to be in their specific bottles, and they said no. So according to what I was told, even Lyrica, which is a narcotic, can be put in your pill dispenser. Always keep them with you, and never check them!!!!
It is better to bring a medical device such as a CPAP despite the hassle so that you can sleep better on your trip.
It is very sad to mention that some folks with chronic pain are very sensitive to the TSA pat-down. People are randomly selected. If you are selected, you need to tell the TSA worker that you have fibromyalgia. A note from your doctor would help.
I just wanted to briefly mention that we were able to go on a trip right before Covid started. It was going to be approximately 9 days of walking and sightseeing. I would walk three, then take a day off to rest, read and whatever, and then repeat. My husband never runs our of energy, and had a hard time at first accepting this arrangement. But now it works very well for us.
I recently found out about a way to avoid lines at the airport. A TSA Precheck or Global Entry membership. It is kind of expensive, but good for 3 years. You don't have to stand in any line; you have already been interviewed and passed! If interested, just google it.
I just wanted to briefly mention that we were able to go on a trip right before Covid started. It was going to be approximately 9 days of walking and sightseeing. I would walk three, then take a day off to rest, read and whatever, and then repeat. My husband never runs our of energy, and has had a hard time accepting the compromise. But now he does, and it works out so well.
It is very important for us to have time to "decompress," from the stress of travel. It takes me at least a week to get my strength back, so I have learned the hard way not to plan anything during that time. My loved ones and friends understand. What about you? What works for you?
Just because you have an autoimmune disease with chronic pain, does not mean that you have to be marooned at home. There are a lot of different creative options.
From Me to U!
Have a wonderful week!
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