Question:
I am four weeks post op and have to drive 250 miles tomorrow.

I am concerned about the safety factor. The trip is necessary, there is no other adult to go with me. I am taking my daughters and packing some healthy snacks for the trip (water, string cheese, fruit) and I plan to stop every couple of hours just to walk and stretch. Any other suggestions for things I could/should do to made the trip more bearable. Overall, I am feeling great...I drive all the time locally...walk a mile and a half a day, etc. But, even I know this is a major undertaking! Any suggestions?    — Sharon_Cauthen (posted on June 21, 2001)

June 21, 2001
sharon the only thing i would like to add to ur traveling list is this suggestion. since ur girls will be with u it should be safe enuf for u to do. about 1/2 way thru the trip, find a really public area where u can park safely. provide the girls with something quiet to do that will hold their interest for about an hour & push ur seat all the way back or get in the back seat & lay down. make sure ur doors r locked & the windows open just enuf to let air in the car but not enuf for anyone to be able to get their arms in. just relax. close ur eyes. u dont have to sleep. just rest. the girls can keep their eyes open for anyone who might approach the car & alert u. my son & i used to travel by ourselves alot & i used to do this. u will feel very refreshed & ready for the rest of the trip. u might want to carry a washcloth in a container with some water to 'wash up' after ur rest or go into a bathroom at a fast food restaurant or gas station to splash water on ur face & neck. my hubby & i do the traveling alone now & we still travel this way. he does the driving. when he gets tired & needs a nap...i read a book or listen to the radio & play lookout. have a safe trip!!!!!!
   — sheryl titone