TRAVELING WITH FIBROMYALGIA IS A CHALLENGE
TRAVELING WITH FIBROMYALGIA IS A CHALLENGE. As we all know, driving isn’t possible for most, if not all of us, and it makes us feel bad most of the time for different reasons. I wish to talk to you guys about how to cope with that.
Here are a few tips for you. When you find driving or riding in a car is hard for you.
With non-sufferers, this task is easy. They get some trail mix to eat when they need to and good playlists to listen to. Do basic planning on how to get to their destination, but for us as fibro sufferers, that is not the case. If we need to see a medical specialist, traveling is hell.
Our doctor might be hours away from home, and family could be hours away from you or going on a holiday. There needs to be options for us. We think about how we can make this traveling experience a better one.
Let us dive into some of them, shall we? Great.
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP.
Get yourself a travel bag:
- Duffel bag: This could hold everything you need, like a first aid bag with your medication, the snacks you will need, your heat pad that you can plug into your vehicle if you get cold easily, and your massage pad.
- Add a blanket and pillow if needed, drinks that you will need. You could put them in a cooler with your ice packs and your bottle or cup if you prefer. The drinks will depend on how long the trip will be.
- Take some distractions with you for your trip: Take some music or have some audiobooks and listen to comedy if you prefer to let the time pass faster.
- Don’t drive yourself: Ask a family member or friend to take you. You don’t need to put more strain on your body or cause yourself more pain.
- Set alarms for your medication: Don’t try to skip medications, and do not put your medication where you can’t easily find it. I prefer to take a small bag for my medication that I can keep at arm’s reach.
- Invest in good quality cushions: gel seat cushions and lumber cushions are good options. You need to get one that can be used for heat and cooling, and you get one that you can plug into the power adapter that makes it vibrate.
Meals and fluids:
- Make sure you have enough fluids and meals at hand. Yes, it will create a lot of pitstops, but see it as stretching your legs to prevent cramping and improve blood flow. Make sure to have enough snacks for the trip, some dried fruit or fresh ones, and Chex mix.
Wardrobe for the trip:
- Dress in a way that will feel comfortable on your skin, once that is loose, flexible, soft, and delicate. Compression knee highs help with swelling and pain in your legs.
Take enough pitstops and breaks:
- Use this time to do gentle stretching and movements to prevent pain, make time to hydrate, and stock up when you need to stock up for the trip.
Hotel:
- When your trip is too long, getting a hotel room for a few hours will help you rest before you continue your journey.
Recovery time:
- Before you start your trip, it would be wise to add two days extra to your holiday, as you will need it after your trip to recover.
ANGEL.
