Holiday and coping with airports etc!

sharmaine

Hi everyone
I've been absent from AC for quite a number of months. I've had a cortisone injection in my foot for the plantar fascilits , which is on the leg of my knee replacement knee. That was in August but I will need another one as the discomfort has returned. The specialist has delayed operating on my other knee and I'm rather grateful not to have to face another big operation. I think he's going to leave it as long as possible, that said, they don't want me to wear out my new knee too quickly either.

Lately I've been having lots of back ache - mainly upper back across shoulders etc - turning around and reaching has been difficult not sure what's going on there but will have to mention it when I see the doctor next. They must get fed up of hearing about my ailments!!! I had to have a cortisone injection in my arm at the beginning of the year - apparently muscles are worn where the collar bone meets the shoulder.

Other than that I've been managing fairly well at least when I'm not feeling well I can rest. These past two weeks I've not been feeling that grand - I've had a flare up and it's been the first one I've had in nearly a year. It's a nuisance when every joint aches and only your mouth and head are pain free! It's a good job I can talk!

My real reason for posting is that we're going on holiday in January which is a ten hour flight. I haven't flown for nearly 3 years so I'm worried how I'll cope with it all. I'm more worried about getting around the airport. Flat surfaces cause me immense discomfort and whilst I can get up steps ok coming down steps is a problem. Has anyone else had to deal with this and if so do you have any suggestions? My husband says we'll take it slow but I know that I'll suffer as a result. While I'm on the plane I'll just move about as much as I can so I'm not too stiff.

Hoping you are all well.

Warmest regards
Sharmaine

suzygirl

Hi Sharmaine, you can ask for special assistance at the airport. They can loan you a wheelchair and you get priority boarding and assistance at queues etc. You have to provide the travel company with your requirements and they arrange the airport assistance. Sometimes they want proof, your blue badge number etc, or a doctors letter, but it depends on the company.

It makes a massive difference to your exhuastion if you get help. Enjoy your holiday!!

barbara12

Hi Sharmaine
I have just come back off hols, and yeah I asked for a wheelchair while I was there....must say it was a massive help
Hope you have a lovely holiday...and we want to hear all about it.

elnafinn

Hi Sharmaine

Lovely to hear from you but sorry to hear about your added aches and pains. :roll: I have missed you Since we last spoke I have had three toes operated on and had a spinal op (neck end) and am 7 weeks post op from that and have to wear this hard collar until christmas at least. I only have to wear it when out now, which helps. Got to look on the bright side as I usually try to do.

So, going on hols. Sounds exciting. Sorry cannot help you with your questions but I am sure you will get tips from the others "in the know". I believe that nowadays airports cater for one's needs quite well, if it is all organised in advance.

That is something lovely to look forward to in the new year.

Look after yourself,

Love
Elna x

sharmaine

Hi everyone

Thanks for your advice. I was going to put off going anywhere but in the end decided that life is too short. Where there's a will there's a way!
I'll contact the airport and see what they have to say.


Elna
I hope that your feet are not too bad. I think you and I seem to have a lot in common with regards to our knees and feet problems. I often think most of the discomfort in my back comes from my neck and will mention it when I see my GP next week. I've noticed recently that my toes are always stiff and tender. I've been complaining about my feet for years to the doctors but they don't seem to take much notice.

My new knee is still behaving itself. I sometimes gets aches there and the leg will never be totally straight - I think they left me too long. But I can walk albeit with a limp - and do more things than I could ever do before the operation.

I had to give up wearing my MBTs since I've had the new knee but wear insoles inside my shoes. It helps but like most things its not perfect.

You've had some serious work done hon! I hope the collar does its thing - you'll be pleased to be shot of it. I made myself a collar out of a newspaper then wrapped a scarf around it! It helps when back and neck start playing up.

I've missed you too and now that the winter is here I'll probably be posting more often.

We're off to the Caribbean - we've rented a villa next to the beach for 2.5 weeks. Just going to take it easy while we're there.

XXX
Sharmaine

elnafinn

Ooooh Sharmaine, the Caribbean. Sounds wonderful. I am having to get ready to go out now. I do hope that you will be more on the forum now the weather is changing. It is lovely and bright and sunny here.

Enjoy your day,

Love
Elna x

bubbadog

Hi Sharmaine, I went on a long haul flight to New Orlean, and flew back from Barbados in January. I used the airport assistance which was amazing I have to say. I arrange it every fly cruise we do.They really looked after me, got fast tracked through all the airport procedures and on to the plane 1st. The plane staff where great with me and we had good seats with lots of room to stand and move around to stop me getting stiff. To be honest I actually slept most of the way there and back!
All you need to do is either ask your travel agent to sort the airport assistance out for you, or you can phone the airport yourself and ask for disabled airport assistance and they will put you through to them.
Hope that helps. If you want to ask me any questions please don't hesitate to PM (private message) me.

julie47

Hi sharmaine

I have also used airport assistance and found them really helpful.

Your holiday sounds fabulous.

Love Juliepf x

diamond

I just used special assistance at airport in October.This was a great service we were first on the plane,after landing i was whisked away to baggage area and out to coach in no time at all.On return journeywhisked through securiity wheelchair put on ramp into large van driven out to plane then van is cranked upto door only had to walk about ten steps to my seat passengers were already on plane.This was indeed a godsend for me.When we arrived we hired a wheelchair for 2 weeks,that way could get out and about more.Would indeed recommend you try this facility.Enjoy yourself.xxx

sharmaine

Thanks folks.

It sounds crazy but I can walk upstairs ok but downstairs kills me. Its all the flat, hard surfaces that will finish me off!! I'll be giving them a ring!

Regards
Sharmaine

hileena111

Hi
I can only add to what everyone else has said.....A wheelchair at the airport and assistnce....and you will be given priority.
As for the popemobile... Not so sure about that one....but a wheel chair def.

Love
Hileena

sharmaine

Hi Hileena

Thanks for the advice. I hope you're doing ok. Now that the winter months are here I'll be checking in more often.
Sharmaine