Weekend Getaway
Home Sweet Home, it is not a feeling you can get if you never leave! It is difficult to travel when you have chronic pain or illness however it is difficult to stay at home while others are off having adventures. Taking part in life is crucial and if you travelled before your chronic pain then it is important to do it again. Maybe not as often or for as long but being the person you were before as much as you possibly can be is a healthy attitude.
I just want to say there may be those who are reading this who think I am crazy to even suggest such a thing as getting in a car voluntarily, then you are not ready. It will come.
My attitude has always been I can be in pain there or here, and then I decide where I would rather be. Admittedly there are times travel is impossible.
Getting away can be just what you need for your mental health so here are some tips to help with the physical health along the way.
Here's my check list for car travel, some of it is common sense but for those who are new to pain there maybe some tips you can use.
1. Bring a full sized pillow
2. A towel
3. Make sure you pack extra or breakthrough medication
4. Heating pad
5. Ice pack
6. Voltarin
7. Tens/ Ems machine
8. Switch seats, do drive for a while
9. Stop often to stretch
10. Books on tape, meditation etc.
The use of a pillow can help in a recline position, I use a memory foam pillow that fits around my body comfortably wherever I need it. When in a recline position I use something to elevate my feet.
Using a towel rolled under your upper legs can adjust your spine so that it fits more comfortably against the seat. Play with it and you will see the pressure comes off the low back and tail bone.
Travel, different bed, and doing different things can cause more pain. Be prepared by having extra medication in case you need it.
Alternating ice and heat is a great way to settle down a flare up so it is best to have both on hand.
Voltarin is my Analgesic Creams, Rub or Spray of choice at the moment but I have used them all. They all seem to work for a limited time, so I switch them around. Do not use on areas with open wounds or skin irritations.
Another one I have had some success with is called Capsaicin. It is particularly helpful with nerve pain, however repeated use is needed to feel relief.
According to the Mayo Clinic website: Capsaicin (kap-SAY-ih-sin) causes the burning sensation you associate with chili peppers. Capsaicin creams deplete your nerve cells of a chemical that's important for sending pain messages.
The machine I have purchased is a dual Tens/EMS. It helps stimulate the muscles and bring endorphins to the area. That is the short description however my article on alternative medicine will include a more comprehensive description.
One of the best pieces of advice I have received from my physiotherapist was to drive and not always be the passenger. One thing I have noticed with friends, family and myself included is we defer to the passenger seat fairly regularly. He asked me to drive at least part of the way and I did. It does really help. I'm not saying to drive when your pain is high, that's obviously dangerous however you can start out driving and see how it goes. One of the reasons it helps is you are not as stationary while driving. You are also focussed on the driving and not your pain while in the driver's seat.
Get out of the car to stretch is a given we all should do that but in our quest to just get there we often bypass this step and keep going. Watch you posture as well. Check in with those shoulders and make sure you are not wearing them as earrings.
Finally, and most importantly. Mediate, read, listen to music.
Enjoy the trip and even it it costs a couple of days in bed when you get back, having fun is worth it!!
I just want to say there may be those who are reading this who think I am crazy to even suggest such a thing as getting in a car voluntarily, then you are not ready. It will come.
My attitude has always been I can be in pain there or here, and then I decide where I would rather be. Admittedly there are times travel is impossible.
Getting away can be just what you need for your mental health so here are some tips to help with the physical health along the way.
Here's my check list for car travel, some of it is common sense but for those who are new to pain there maybe some tips you can use.
1. Bring a full sized pillow
2. A towel
3. Make sure you pack extra or breakthrough medication
4. Heating pad
5. Ice pack
6. Voltarin
7. Tens/ Ems machine
8. Switch seats, do drive for a while
9. Stop often to stretch
10. Books on tape, meditation etc.
The use of a pillow can help in a recline position, I use a memory foam pillow that fits around my body comfortably wherever I need it. When in a recline position I use something to elevate my feet.
Using a towel rolled under your upper legs can adjust your spine so that it fits more comfortably against the seat. Play with it and you will see the pressure comes off the low back and tail bone.
Travel, different bed, and doing different things can cause more pain. Be prepared by having extra medication in case you need it.
Alternating ice and heat is a great way to settle down a flare up so it is best to have both on hand.
Voltarin is my Analgesic Creams, Rub or Spray of choice at the moment but I have used them all. They all seem to work for a limited time, so I switch them around. Do not use on areas with open wounds or skin irritations.
Another one I have had some success with is called Capsaicin. It is particularly helpful with nerve pain, however repeated use is needed to feel relief.
According to the Mayo Clinic website: Capsaicin (kap-SAY-ih-sin) causes the burning sensation you associate with chili peppers. Capsaicin creams deplete your nerve cells of a chemical that's important for sending pain messages.
The machine I have purchased is a dual Tens/EMS. It helps stimulate the muscles and bring endorphins to the area. That is the short description however my article on alternative medicine will include a more comprehensive description.
One of the best pieces of advice I have received from my physiotherapist was to drive and not always be the passenger. One thing I have noticed with friends, family and myself included is we defer to the passenger seat fairly regularly. He asked me to drive at least part of the way and I did. It does really help. I'm not saying to drive when your pain is high, that's obviously dangerous however you can start out driving and see how it goes. One of the reasons it helps is you are not as stationary while driving. You are also focussed on the driving and not your pain while in the driver's seat.
Get out of the car to stretch is a given we all should do that but in our quest to just get there we often bypass this step and keep going. Watch you posture as well. Check in with those shoulders and make sure you are not wearing them as earrings.
Finally, and most importantly. Mediate, read, listen to music.
Enjoy the trip and even it it costs a couple of days in bed when you get back, having fun is worth it!!
