Pain and travel

nearlybionic

Hi
I haven`t posted for a while , but do try to pop in now and again to see how people are doing. I haven`t posted as I haven`t felt too great for a while physically and emotionally and didn`t want to bring people down.
Arthur is being wicked with my joints and this makes me feel miserable and not a nice person to be around. My THR side is usually good but my other hip is being a pain, literally. Spasms, pain, and giving way causing me to fall (embarassing!) . I am still waiting to see my consultants , one on hols , one has left the hospital so waiting to see successor.
I am going on holiday next week to sunny Spain, first proper hol since my THR last year and Hysterctomy this year. So I could have done with Arthur behaving himself. I am dreading the flight , sitting in a tight seat for a few hours and not looking forward to the steep hills that are around the villa. I am taking my stick, might take 2!! Not had to use them for a while so feel like I am taking a step backwards. I am hoping the sun will make me feel better, as the damp has defo made things worse.
Any travel tips welcome.
Sorry to be a moan!!
NB

lindalegs

Hi NB,

Good to see you again and sorry you're not too good at the mo.

Don't apologise either, we're a good listening team on here

I haven't really got any tips as regards the flight because I would feel exactly like you do. I could say get up during the flight and have a little walk around but I know that once you're in the tight little seat the thought of getting up won't be a thrilling one.

I'm sure the better weather will do the world of good though.

I hope others come along with more practicle advice.

.....and have a good holiday.

Luv Legs

dreamdaisy

Hello nearlybionic, I know exactly what you mean. My recommendations would be take two sticks, they do offer more support - crutches are better than walking sticks for that - and, if you are taking them, up your prednisalone for the flight. I know it's a fake better, but they do boost everything, enabling one to cope. It is surprising what a difference a change of scene can make, the holiday itself may well be the deciding factor in booting arthritis to one side for a while. You need the holiday - I hope it does you good. DD

PS It doesn't matter how down you are: tell us, we know what it's like and we will do our best to support you. Always.

nearlybionic

Hi
thanks for your replies. i am planning to up my medication for a few days and take plenty with me, just in case. Its not worth holding back, when it could spoil the much wanted and needed holiday, for me and my family.
If things are still bad when i get back, I will go back to the GP and chase the hospital appointments.
Thanks again xx
NB

wibberley

My consultant gave me a steroid jab before my trip to Florida last year - made my journey there totally hassle-free and meant I could enjoy the waterparks!

Unfortunately, the effects wore off towards the end of the 2 weeks and the journey home was a tad more uncomfortable!

Lois x

salamander

hi, you can always ask for a wheelchair too and from the plane. My mother did this when she last went to Spain. Helped a bit and also meant she didn't have to walk to the departure lounger/gate and ditto at arrivals. My advice is to not take hand luggage, except necessary meds etc. Less stuff to lug about the airport. I've learnt to pack very light since I've got arthritis! Oh! and take taxis in Spain if you can get them. Have a lovely time!

marion1952

Hi NB

I wondered how you were getting on - in fact I posted a message recently to see if anyone had heard from you..

Sounds like you have had a rough 2010, with the hysterectomy and arthur rearing his ugly head. Don't feel you can't post - we want to hear how things are with you..

Hope you have a fab holiday next week. Fortunately it's not a long flight - but no doubt the check in, etc, will be tedious for you. You MUST take at least one stick or crutch. Hope you can get an aisle seat - ask at the desk and tell them your difficulties.. (other people do this, so take advantage of any help that's on offer).

Good idea to increase your meds.

I would have a walk round the aircraft every half hour actually and take a good magazine - the time will pass quickly..

Best wishes

Marion

speedalong

Hi, just to wish you well on your hols, lots of people find the change/rest keeps arther at bay - hope this is true for you too. Just wriggle as much as you can, take full wack meds and hope for the best on the flight?! I would take both sticks, not as a step backwards - just for the holiday, when needed on those hills!

Speedy

nearlybionic

Hi Marion
thanks for thinking of me. We have checked in online to save time waiting and booked a short flight to minimise aches, hopefully. I will try for an aisle seat. And my hubby is good at doing all the carrying etc..
I am soo loking forward to the holiday. We are going with friends too and don`t plan too much walking etc.. Just chillin by the pool.
I need to get in a positive frame of mind fro packing though :roll:
Take care
NB

tillytop

Hi NB.

Sorry you are struggling so much at the moment but glad you are looking forward to your well deserved holiday! Hopefully the increased meds will make the journey easier and the relaxation when you get there will make it all worthwhile.

I wonder if we could find some "packing fairies" to help you out - I loathe packing and the very thought makes me think twice about going away!

Have a lovely holiday NB - hopefully you will come back feeling thoroughly refreshed and more able to cope.

Love Tilly x

nearlybionic

hi Tilly
Hmmm `packing fairies` sound brill! Please send them round to mine asap.
I am feeling quite stressed , packing, organising kids, work, and trying to be positive. Its a bl***y holiday after all. It shouldn`t be all stress should it? I just don`t want to spoil it for everyone else. Last holiday abroad I was bad (pre THR) and spent too much time in bed and ringing my GP in the UK.
My family and friends , who I am going with, are really great and will help me loads. I am thinking of asking my GP for some steroids to boost things too.
I will send plenty of sun back here for all of us xx
NB

skezier

Hi Nearly,

Tis lovely to see you but I wish you weren't being challenge so badly buy the bone thing.

I can't really help as I never have holidays but I think take both sticks just in case.... if you don't have to use it that's fine but at least its with you if you do.

I echo DD about doing our best to support you and sending you a ((( ))) and it is nice to see you again. Luv Cris x

dreamdaisy

Morning NB, over on chitchat there's a post from delboy who has returned from Brazil - a 30 hour journey apparently. He might have some tips. I hope you are OK today. DD

nearlybionic

Hi DD
Wow 30 hours!! Would like to see Brazil, but wouyldn`t relish the journey! I will have a look.
I am feeling a bit more positive today. thanks to chatting on here, and now that I have done a bit of packing and list writing :roll: . Sorry, I have to do it. My memory ain`t what it was!
The sun is out here and it has made my joints a bit less sore today. Just hope it lasts.
take care
NB