On this Memorial Day and with vacation and fun days ahead, you may not think readily of your body needs, but it may not take long until your mind wanders in that direction. Why? Because all of us are planning our picnics and happy outings for vacation season. We’re reaching into the summer clothes drawer for shorts and t-shirts. We’re grabbing the flip flops and other airy shoes & paraphernalia. We’re thinking about vacation!
However, if you are someone who doesn’t feel well because you suffer with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you may suddenly have a catch in your throat. You’re feeling apprehensive, maybe even a touch sad. Why? Because you realize that because of how your body changes constantly due to the illness, you will probably have to make accommodations for your body needs, if you’re going to enjoy your vacation and have any fun at all. Here are some things you might plan to do before you start out:
Comfort: What will you need to take with you on any excursion or outing to be more comfortable? Maybe it will be an extra bed cushion to keep the springs of those hotel beds at bay and as far away as possible from your tender tissues. You don’t want to aggravate your Fibromyalgia symptoms. Maybe it’s a heating pad or microwavable sock cozy? If done discreetly, you can warm those in public microwaves.
Maybe it’s even booking yourself a massage session in the town of your destination? The key is to make “comfort” a part of your planning and a high priority.
I am planning on a trip from Virginia to Connecticut either by Amtrack Train or by car (whatever works best for our little group at the time). Either way, that will mean that I’ll be sitting a lot and substantially immobile for long periods of time, so I’ll tuck a couple of small cushions in my bag for comfort. Now if you’re worried about the airline restrictions for weight and bulk, you might look into the blow up type of cushions. I’m betting that you can find one that meets your needs if you begin looking now. You can even stick a tube of massage cream or a couple bottles of essential oils in your bag, just in case. (To see examples of essential oils for muscles aches, etc., search for “essential oils” on this website. There are lots of references.)
Also, if we do go by car, I’ll be sure to let the driver know that it’s important for me to stretch at every rest stop and gas fill up. If I don’t become too stiff from sitting too long, I’ll be much more comfortable during the ride and when I get to my destination.
Also, in regards to sleep and rest, plan to take your rest breaks as needed. If you’re not sleeping well, you won’t have as much energy and stamina as you normally do. Sleep and rest, such important life issues not to ignore. As your body changes due to your vacation, you don’t want to be headed into a downard spiral just because you’ve lost some sleep. Not only will your body yell at you, but you’ll take a hit to your immune system and possibly gain additional symptoms. Yikes!
Diet: What will you need to eat ‘just for you’ to stay well as possible and comfortable? What foods do you need to take with you that you may not have ready access to along the way or where you’re going? If you will be visiting someone, can you tell your host about your dietary needs? If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, plan to visit a market for a few essentials before you arrive at their home. Hosts never mind you bringing in good food! If you’re going to a hotel, how easy will it be to get access to food that supports your ongoing health needs and does not sabotage you?
E.g. If you are dieting to lose weight, you have needs. If you’re eating to uphold your energy needs because you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, that is important, too. Energy is a frivolous thing sometimes because even during the “good stress” of good times, you can become very tired to the point of exhaustion. One answer for all of your concerns is to pack a goodie bag filled with the food stuff that will support you! You may include a recommended energy or protein drink (no caffeine-laden drinks, please!), some organic fruits or simply nuts, raisins and a couple bottle of spring water. But whatever you do, plan for ongoing needs ahead of time.
Medical Care: What medicines do you need to have on hand? If you’re not going far from home, maybe only a couple pills of each one will suffice. Tuck them in a special little case of some kind out of the way. But if you’re going away from home for awhile, be sure to order your refills ahead of time so that you’ll have them on hand and ready to go.
When I was first so sick with a horrible case of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I took prescription drugs and many, many supplements. Due to the brain fog, I sometimes had a hard time remembering which ones I had taken, when to take the next one and so on. I conquered the problem by getting myself some inexpensive plastic boxes for fishing lures or craft supplies. I put an adequate supply of each medicine in each compartment. I would take adhesive labels and attach them to the top of the box to make the RX medicine name, number and instructions very visible and easy. The system worked marvelously well! If you do this, just be sure to buy the cases that snap or seal shut with a plastic latch. You don’t want your pills to get all jumbled up when your suitcase gets banged around by an attendant. With a good case, the pills should stay in their own compartment, even if turned upside down in transit.
*Note: even though I don’t take nearly so many pills of any kind because I feel so much better these days, I still have my old plastic boxes. They still help me out to this day, some 20 years later.
I hope these tips help you to manage your vacation days well and accommodate your body needs as they arise. If you have some additional tips that might help someone, leave them here. If you want to comment and relay some of your experiences with summer and vacation needs and how you managed them, please do that, too.
Have a wonderful time today and during the days and weeks ahead. Happy Summer!
Cinda Crawford, your host of the Health Matters Show
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