girl, you can rant all you want. We have all taken turns and I'm sure will continue into the future. Have a good weekend. Trish

I have a cane doesn't help for this. And a wheelchair but couldn't take it tonight because if the layout of the grounds. And I don't know if or how to take it on a flight? Withe luggage and everything else I gues I can check on it. I'm just disgusted I want to ball my eyes out. I feel hopeless helpless and embarrassed. I want to participate in this vaca and I'm afraid I will b left out. Also it's so hard to know. One day I might b ok then bam I can't move. What's worse is when you start off ok then .5 or less of a mile you are stuck.

Kimberley, all I can tell you is that I understand and empathize, and that you are not disappointing anyone - far from it! I think it is a testament to your strength that you know when you need to really vent and let out the maddening frustration!

It is not in our human nature to have a good attitude all the time, even when NOT suffering from a completely unpredictable and painfully crippling disease, much less when you are!

I have seen more strength and good attitude and humor HERE, on this forum, from you and everyone else - than from all the people I know who have no painful medical challenges or chronic illnesses to withstand.

Your attitude has been phenomenal - so please give yourself a break - your feelings right now are healthy and human.

Rant and vent anytime you want. If I couldn't do that here I'd go nuts...

Sending you hugs of support and encouragement...

Words can't very well express how grateful I Am to be a part of this group you all feel like extended family your support and love means the world to me. Thank you one and all blessings!

Kimberly97-
I am one that says BS and starts to figure out a way - this stuff is slowly taking away my mobility so ... Mamabluedogs2 and I are planning a trip to South Dakota to see a place called "Crazy Horse". 3 day trip because neither of us can sit for more than 300 miles and it's 900 miles from our home, but dang it, we're going. I have called ahead to see if I can rent a golf cart somewhere close. I will use that when at Crazy Horse - sure I may not be able to walk up the mountain, but I'll be danged if I'm gonna sit at home and rust away. I will not give up my bucket list for this pain and inconvenience. There are places to go and things to see. Let's figure out a way and enjoy what we can.
Peace and a pain free day to us all
Bluedogs2

I consider you folks taking a vacation very brave. I've put any type of traveling out of the picture for myself as I can barely make the 2 hour drive to my doctor appointments.

It's one of my dreams to go out west, but I just don't see it happening. On the couple days a month when I feel pretty good, the idea of making a trip is always there. But knowing now that it lasts only a couple days I know I would not be able to move especially if I had to sit in a vehicle or plane for an extended amount of time.

Home bound it is for me!

I have found that if I keep my world very small I think I'm "normal" if I try to go beyond I realize how limited I am therefore I am homebound most of the time too.

Once in a blue moon I'll get a crazy idea to travel and then I'm reminded of why I don't. Last year I went to NYC with my son, my girlfriend and her two kids. Luckily I went with her as everywhere we went there are long lines and since I cannot stand my friend took the kids and I sat and waited for them. Not ideal but at least I went and could hear about the things they saw.

I love to travel...and if I have to give that up I'll most certainly fall into a depression state. Traveling for me now just takes a little longer and a little more planning. I build in rest days.

When traveling by plane, I utilize the bag guys at the airports and if renting a car I rent an SUV because it's easier to get in and out of. I allow myself lots and lots of time to get through the airports, as feeling rushed adds stress and stress adds pain. I also pre-board, that way I have the extra time to get settled.

When traveling by car I stop and move around every couple of hours. I have power outlets for my heating pad and use it.

I try to stay in hotels that have bell boys, or someone to help with luggage. And in places that have pillow top, extra padding, mattresses.

Traveling this way does cost a little more but it allows me to still do something I love. Life is going on with or without me and I'm doing my best to be part of it.

RCross - I love your ideas! I absolutely adore travel, and haven't been able to imagine it for awhile....

I have a 4 hour road trip next weekend for my nephew's graduation - actually 8 hours b/c we are making it a one day trip (don't ask).

I'm definitely taking my heating pad in the car - it never occurred to me! See, I learn something new every day here. ; )

ScarlettRA...that's going to make for a long day! Try to rest as much as possible the day before and the day after. Your body will thank you for it! I travel with my heating pad everywhere! Did you know they make a power adapter for airplanes that will run it? Yep, hubby got me one!

Enjoy the graduation!!

RCross - Great idea about the heating pad - It never dawned on me but we have 110 outlets in our van - Many MANY Thank you's for such a great idea - sometimes ya gotta hit the old guy up side the head

Peace
Bluedogs2

Thanks for the tips on travel - something I love but have been afraid to do since this struck.

If you have heated seats you can just turn them on if you need some heat on your back maybe even butt and legs.

Thanks for the advice RCross! And what a sweet hubby you have for getting you that. : )

I am planning a trip to Chicago.... 1500 miles by myself... To see my daughter. I am flying and staying a week. She doesn't really understand my limitations not wants to talk about them.... I will just have to bite the bullet and do the best i can bc i sure won't be getting any encouragement from gar.Lol