New York or not New York??

kickyloo
kickyloo Member Posts: 66
edited 23. Jul 2010, 09:53 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi there,

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while, I've been so busy (and tired) since going back to work. I've managed to get back to work for 3.5 days a week but have decided to take voluntary redundancy in September because I just don't think I can sustain it. It is also a great chance to come off the DMARDs Sulpha and try for a baby without the pressure of trying to stay at work. I'm managing at the moment with some careful pacing. Although the last few days my knees have been really painful and uncomfortable. I'm finding it difficult to sleep, stand, walk, the usual!

My husband has to go to New York on business in a few weeks and we've been thinking about me flying out to join him for a weekend. I would need to get to the airport and fly out on my own. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to New York and this is a great opportunity because we wouldn't have to pay for my husbands flights athough it's still going to be pricey for my flight. I don't want to limit my life just because of RA but realistically I don't want to spend all that money and then just spend it lying in a hotel room. I know seeing the sights of New York involves a substantial amount of walking. I don't know what to do for the best.

Any advice?

xx

Comments

  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kickyloo,
    why not hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter out there or hire one to take out with you? Shame to miss out on a great opportunity or to have the experience spoiled because you are in too much pain to really enjoy it. Good practise for OH pushing you too ... if you are trying for a little'un!! Before my last hip op, my sister came to stay and I just could not keep up with what she wanted to do - so we started borrowing wheelchairs at venues - made such a difference - we could move at her pace, I didn't need to stop every few minutes - and I enjoyed it too because I was in less pain.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • scattered
    scattered Member Posts: 326
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I went to New York 2 year ago with my RA in remission. It was a great experience. I would recommend taking on of the open top bus tours to see all the sights without the walking. The tour takes about 2-3 hours and depending on which one you get, shows you pretty much everything touristy. You can get on and off the bus as often as you like too.

    A great way to see the Statue of Liberty is to take the free Staten Island ferry(i think that's it...). It goes right past the island the Statue is on and makes for great photos.

    New York is a veyr busy, very fast paced city. Worth going to see but be prepared to be wiped out after a short visit. I hope you get to go and enojy it.
  • marion1952
    marion1952 Member Posts: 963
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there

    Ooh I am jealous - I want to go to New York!

    I have heard those New York city bus tours are an excellent way of seeing all the sights.

    Can your husband take your stuff in his luggage so that you don't have much to carry/look after at the airport?


    It sounds like a great opportunity..

    Best wishes

    Marion
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You go girl!
    great opportunity that as delboy said you'd so regret if you don't go!

    ask for 'assisted traveller' for the flight out / back...that way you'll not be frazzled while queuing etc as your luggage will be taken care of and you'll be first on the plane!

    sound out hiring a scoota while you're there.

    hope you do go and have a wonderful time.

    Irisxx
  • airwave
    airwave Member Posts: 579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Not really a matter of NY or not is it?

    The question is 'When do we go'. Arther will still be around and waiting whether you go or not, so GO! As for money, it is just that, just money.

    Please remember to tell us what it was like.

    8) Its a grin, honest! (a jealous one)
  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi There,

    GO GO GO :D

    Next year there could be three of you so enjoy your time together. :D

    We can say no to many times in life,and you never know you might pick up a bargin flight.

    Lv, Ix

    PS Photo's please
  • kickyloo
    kickyloo Member Posts: 66
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    you have to do what's best for you Nicky. :wink:

    hope you're not too disappointed though!


    Iris xx
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    Have you spoken to your GP? I would go!! I would suggest you wear really comfy shoes and use public transport as much as possible. Take lots of rest breaks and have a lie down mid-afternoon.


    Sharmaine
    X

    kickyloo wrote:
    Hi there,

    I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while, I've been so busy (and tired) since going back to work. I've managed to get back to work for 3.5 days a week but have decided to take voluntary redundancy in September because I just don't think I can sustain it. It is also a great chance to come off the DMARDs Sulpha and try for a baby without the pressure of trying to stay at work. I'm managing at the moment with some careful pacing. Although the last few days my knees have been really painful and uncomfortable. I'm finding it difficult to sleep, stand, walk, the usual!

    My husband has to go to New York on business in a few weeks and we've been thinking about me flying out to join him for a weekend. I would need to get to the airport and fly out on my own. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to New York and this is a great opportunity because we wouldn't have to pay for my husbands flights athough it's still going to be pricey for my flight. I don't want to limit my life just because of RA but realistically I don't want to spend all that money and then just spend it lying in a hotel room. I know seeing the sights of New York involves a substantial amount of walking. I don't know what to do for the best.

    Any advice?

    xx
  • pols090607
    pols090607 Bots Posts: 126
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    kickyloo wrote:
    Hi there,

    I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while, I've been so busy (and tired) since going back to work. I've managed to get back to work for 3.5 days a week but have decided to take voluntary redundancy in September because I just don't think I can sustain it. It is also a great chance to come off the DMARDs Sulpha and try for a baby without the pressure of trying to stay at work. I'm managing at the moment with some careful pacing. Although the last few days my knees have been really painful and uncomfortable. I'm finding it difficult to sleep, stand, walk, the usual!

    My husband has to go to New York on business in a few weeks and we've been thinking about me flying out to join him for a weekend. I would need to get to the airport and fly out on my own. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to New York and this is a great opportunity because we wouldn't have to pay for my husbands flights athough it's still going to be pricey for my flight. I don't want to limit my life just because of RA but realistically I don't want to spend all that money and then just spend it lying in a hotel room. I know seeing the sights of New York involves a substantial amount of walking. I don't know what to do for the best.

    Any advice?

    xx
    [/quote]

    Hi,

    I think you should go !

    I went to Florida in Sept for a fortnight with my husband and two kids. I made sure I had loads of medication, a steroid injection before I went and really comfortable clothes and shoes. With that it was absolute non stop but I just rested here and there and got loads of early nights (well about 10.30pm) which helped immensly.

    i wouldn't imagine you'll need loads of luggage so try and travel lightly - just get it booked and enjoy :D
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Nicky,

    Its such a hard decision to have to make but I agree with Iris you do have to do whats best but at the same time...... its such a hard decision. A ((( ))) and a hope your ok with what ever you decide. Cris x
  • carola
    carola Member Posts: 786
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    So, what did you decide?

    My boyfriend and I were talking about doing New York for Hogmanay or just after.

    The way I am just now I don't know however not been on hols for years and had such a rough year this year I am thinking to heck with it all, lets go! I am determined that 2011 will be a much better year and this would give me something to aim for.

    Are you going?
    Carol
  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    oh Kickyloo, go, you won't regret it. I spent a couple of months there, admittedly a long time back, but it is a great city, never sleeps, so much to see and do, it just has a buzz about it. Taxis are reasonable, well they were, just put on your best American accent or they might take you the long way round, lol.

    You will be able to hire out a buggy, http://www.scootaround.com/rentals/n/newyork/information.htm here is just one of them.

    I would be so excited to see NY again.
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • jenfa1
    jenfa1 Member Posts: 42
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    wow what an opportunity
    Having been to Hong Kong a few years ago I would say that the one advantage of cities this size is that there is lots of transport and of course they are so busy that you don't need to rush it. take a leisurly breakfast, go out in the morning for a while, back to the hotel to rest and then out with your husband in the evening.

    The tours sound like a great idea because then you won't be thinking you've gone and missed lots of things by taking your time. Make a list of the spots you def want to see, and if you see more then great, but don't put pressure on yourself.

    Consider which airline you travel on, the long haul flights have extra leg room but try and walk around the plane if your legs hurt.

    Have fun
    Jen
  • kickyloo
    kickyloo Member Posts: 66
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there
    I didn't go. Hubby is there now. I've just been feeling too bad of late. I know the flight would make me worse, so didn't feel worth it. My wonderful other half said 'don't worry, I will have to take you one day'.
    Felt very down about it the other day. But not so bad now.

    Finally went back to the Dr, have been putting it off. Got some tramadol and gone for blood tests today. Haven't had any for a while, so why not! :lol: I'm sure inflammation is back, but we'll see....
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi kikkyloo,

    I'm sorry you have been feeling low and that you've been going through a flare? it's good you saw the doc and that you've been given Tramadol...why not indeed! I take Tramadol regularly for pain and so do lots of other peeps here. :wink: we have to keep on top of arther pain and inflammation if we can so I hope you do get anti inflammatories or are you waiting for the blood results?.

    You have made the right decision for you about New York but it must have been difficult ... just make sure your OH takes you at a later date!

    keep posting kikkyloo....we are here for you.

    Iris xx
  • marion1952
    marion1952 Member Posts: 963
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kickyloo

    Just checked the weather for New York and is seems to be very hot and heavy showers until about Monday, so sounds like it would have been very uncomfortble for you...

    Best times to go are probably May or September .. you will have to think about it for another time..

    I like arriving at places, but absolutely hate all the waiting around at airports... espcially the cheap airlines (have only travelled by the cheap orange airline once and will never go again!!)

    Hope you are feeling better soon..

    Marion x
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,785
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Kicky

    I am so sorry you didnt get there, but I expect there was a teeny bit of releif that you didnt have to do as much as you would have had to physically.

    You have to try another time and get a steriod jab in your bum first.

    I hope no-one thinks I'm awful,but I would have done the same - it would have been too BIG for me at times too.

    You take care

    Love

    Toni xx
  • carola
    carola Member Posts: 786
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kickylou

    Well done you for listening to your body. We all fall into the trap of trying to carry on 'as normal' and then pay the price with more pain and stress.

    We have to adjust our lives just now until we get a bit better.

    I am sure you will go to New York or wherever else takes you fancy when your body allows you to enjoy it to the full.

    Have a good day today.
    Carol :lol:
  • jenfa1
    jenfa1 Member Posts: 42
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    sorry to hear you aren't well enough to go, if you are in that much pain then just the flight could have been too much. I'm sure if it is a place you want to go to you could find a reasonably priced deal in the future.

    Maybe staying at home and getting your meds sorted is the best use of your time anyway - hark at me I'm the one that has put off meds for so long and now having to start over!

    hope your flare up gets under control quickly
    Jen x
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, If you want to go, go! I'd go and see your GP and tell him and ask if theirs anything special you need to think of, but its something that you may regret if you just give in and say no. On the other hand if you arn't too keen and are going to worry a lot before you go, well, you have to weigh things up in your mind and talk to your husband, then come to a disission that you stick to and try not to regret it!

    This is all very easy for me to sit here and write, but I know its not easy to always be logical and its natural to get little 'what if?' feelings! :? Good luck and sorry not to be of more help.
    Love Sue