I am supposed to be going on vacation in ten days.  My sister invited me, unexpectedly, and is offering to pay for the whole trip.  It will be lots of fun and I was really looking forward to it.

Except for my back issues.  The more I think about it, the more I am starting to worry.  I'm thinking about an 11 hour car ride, about lugging my suitcase out to the car and lugging it into the hotel, and what if it's one of those hotels with the room entrances on the outside where they usually don't have elevators?  What if I have to carry my suitcase up a flight of stairs?  I'm in a lot of pain this evening, even though I've taken my vicodin and my flexeril.  How much pain am I going to be in on this trip and am I going to be any fun?  Am I going to be able to have much fun?

I would postpone the trip if I could but I can't.  I can either go in ten days or not go.  I want to go.  I just don't want to be in too much pain.

Anyone got any advice for me?  What should I do?

You should go Kelly. You will have a good time. Take your meds with you. If you don't have a suitcase with a pull-out handle and wheels, go buy one. Then there is no lugging involved. You can get help putting it in the car. If the hotel room isn't booked yet, request a room on the ground floor, then stairs won't be an issue.

Go ahead and have yourself a good time girl! Have FUN!!

How have you been doing on your Cleveland trips? That right there should tell you. It's a good 3 hours divided into two parts. Now multiply that by 4 to get 8 segments of roughly 1 1/2 hours each. In one day.

How you were going to do this was the first thing I thought of when I read you were going. After my accident I coudn't do more than 20 minutes in the car without having an ice pack on my back. Blue ice in this weather lasts 20 minutes tops. With an ice bag you can go longer but when you need access to the ice in the cooler you need it NOW. Certain parties trying to set the record for nonstop cruising are not going to like it. Kids in the car might not like it either.

Getting out of the car every hour or so is a must. If you are going to be crammed into a car with no room to move I don't think I would do it.

You can call to see how the motel is laid out. You might be able to get a first floor room if not a handicap accesible room. The latter go fast. Make sure this is noted on the reservation.

The first time I tried to drive any distance I decided to go to Erie. Lucky me not only did they have ice but they had a sale on already frozen blue ice. I always did love Super Duper. Strangely enough I went there yesterday to get fruit at Wegmans.

How about going down on a bus and meeting them there? We used to do this when we couldn't leave on the same day going to Pittsburgh. He worked downtown so it was easy to walk over to the bus terminal. Only guy on the bus with a briefcase. I'd take the car.

You should totally go.

If you don't, think how frustrated you'll be if the day arrives, you've canceled, but you're actually feeling pretty good.

If you go and end up hurting, you can always opt out of the activities and rest. I'd always rather regret doing something than regret not taking a potentially awesome opportunity.

Go for it!!!  I travel with my elderly mother who absoutely cannot navigate stairs or heights of any kind.  We've never had any trouble booking a downstairs room.  Worst case scenario you could leave your suitcase in the car and just take out a few things out of it as needed.  As far as the long car ride goes everyone no matter the condition of their health should stop every 2-3 hours.  So take stretch breaks. 

If you are in pain...you'd probably be at home too!  When my mom is feeling poorly I let her rest in the room and take off on my own for a while.  It's good to take breaks from family members. Sometimes there's just a little too much togetherness. Gosh I hope my advice helps.  I never give up the opportunity to travel.  Good Luck! 

I think you should go also. Remember to take breaks while riding in the car. Get out and stretch your legs and walk around. Bring your medication and take them. Don't wait until you start hurting. If helpful, bring a small pillow to support the lumbar region while in the car. As far as the suitcase, If your sister is unable to help you with it, tell they staff at the from desk and they will get someone to help you. I believe that is part of the disability requirements. Which you fall under at this point. Try not to let the anxiety of "what if " get the best of you. That statement is my worst enemy and keeps me from doing alot of fun things in life. I think vacations are much needed in life and helps us regenerate. I hope you go and you and your sister have a blast!

Go and have a good time!

Get a pillow for the car. Ask a hotel attendant to help you with your bags.


But go!

 Count me in with the others who suggest you should just go.  

I regret all the opportunities I have missed in my life because of a "what if" fear.  

My advice is "GO". Nothing says that if you get 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours away from home, and find it's too uncomfortable that you can't just turn the car around and go home. At least by starting out you know you tried. You just never know where you'll go unless you try.

Things you might do though are: Have your partner place your suitcase in the car for you, and ask the hotel staff, or your sister to take it out. Put anything essential in a small tote that you can lift easily. Call the hotel in advance and let them know you have a disability, and can not use the stairs, and make sure they will lift your suitcase out, and deliver it to your room if needed. I always call ahead and ask for a room with a fridge, and microwave. Your partner, and sister can also help with a cooler of ice, so you can make cold packs if your back needs it. Bring along a few pillows for the drive, and get out for a wal****asionally. If your seat is adjustable, try moving it to different positions occasionally. If you have time, you might want to order one of those car seat heater/massagers on-line. They run around $25. Stop by the library and get a few books on CD to distract yourself from pain if you have any.

No one can see the future to know how you will feel on the day of the trip, but try not to make self limiting decisions based on what might happen. We WLS people know better than most how wonderful life is when we explore options and take chances.

I hope you have a great  trip, and that you and your sister have a fantastic time together!

Kat

I also had to look for an handicapped room for my mom.  Go and have a great time.  The handicapped rooms are generally on the ground floor unless it is an elevated building.  I don't know if you have difficulty lifting your leg to get in the the shower that are in tubs, but alot of the hotels I have found have handicapped rooms that have walk in showers as well as some rooms that just have rails in the tub.

Yes, my sisters would aid me without question and I'm hoping your sister would do the same. If not, tip a maintenance man, bell boy, staff member to help you if you can't get into a ground floor room.

I'm sorry you're hurting.  I hope you go and have fun.

Oh and if you are able and the hotel has one...USE THE HOT TUB!

^^^ Good suggestion Nik ^^^