How to Plan for Vacation?

Ok now that my husband and I have gotten all our hours back and work plus the hubby got a really large raise, we are going on our first vacation in 5 years.  We used to go once a year until my hubby became a work-a-holic.  The the recession hit and hit very hard for us.

My questions are?

How do you plan a vacation with CP?  This will be my first one since my illness set in with the pain.

I have a wheelchair even a motorized one can't take this one for we don't have an attachment for the SUV.  I would only need this for outing to the theme parks and shopping?  What about pain meds?  What about possible ER trip?

We will be staying at my mother in laws in Cocoa Beach, FL.  So I don't have to worry about hotels.

What do I need to plan?  I know I would forget something and be 800 miles from home and be miserable.  Plus my mother in law has no clue about my health conditions.  Shes a great lady hopefully she will understand.  I don't even know how to prepare them for my illness or even bring it up without feeling selfish and wanting to talk about me.

Any help would save me such grief on planning.

Laurie

Good, well thought-out advice, Sarrah.

I have a motorized wheelchair and bought the attachment for the car over the internet. They vary greatly in price, but mine was not expensive at all. Next, I need to get a hitch for my car installed, though.

As for vacations, I go to Disney once a year or so with the grandkids and my daughter and her husband. We enjoy that so much. I do take my wheelchair with me though. It works out just fine. But I have rented them before too.

I have a checklist for packing on the computer. That way I never forget anything when I go to pack. It's a good idea to store it there. That way it is always available for each trip and you never lose it. Plus, you can always add to it over the years, if need be.

When I go on vacation, I always take my own pillows. That way I am always comfortable in any hotel room and even in the car on the trip. Disney is just an hour's drive from Ocala, where I live, so I don't have to worry about a long drive.

Enjoy your next trip and enjoy this holiday weekend!!

Lindaloo

The most important thing is to relax. What good is a vacation if it stresses you out more than staying home would. Remember, you can replace almost anything you forget, they have Walmarts in Florida, LOL. Bring the things you use when at your worst, but make sure you put them in your carry on bag. Don't bring your favorite of anything if you have to check the bag.

I like the instant ice compress idea and they also have heat patches if that's more your style. I hope the airlines don't have rules about them now. Pack for comfort, not fashion.

Make sure you have enough meds for your trip. If you use a national pharmacy like Walgreens, you can get a refill in Florida. I know in my state you can get a smaller, labeled pill bottle so you can split up your pills. Make sure to bring enough for an extra day or two in case of delays.

Be ready to stay behind if you need to. Pace yourself so you can do the things you really want to do, skip the things that are not as important. Talk to your family ahead of time and let them know it is ok with you if they go off and do some activities without you. I always bring a book so I can sit and read for an hour or so while the family does their thing. Be grateful for what you can do and don't waste time feeling bad about the things you can't do.

Don't worry about your MIL, if it is stressing you out, either you or your husband should call her before the trip and fill her in. Letting her know in advance, especially if you have any special needs, will help her plan for your visit. Informing her about your health is not selfish, it would be more selfish not to tell her. This allows her to plan based on your needs so she doesn't have to scramble around at the last minute.

Enjoy your trip.

We are planning this for the last 12 days in July. We are driving that is another concern for me. Its only 10 - 11 hours away and we have always gotten up at 4 am to leave to be there by dinner time. But mornings are so miserable for me. I can hardly walk until my pain meds start to work. We could set the alarm and take the meds at 3 am that might work. But sitting for that long might drive me insane with discomfort. I should talk to the PM about it.

Dagger I ALWAYS have a book. Its part of my therapy for pain...lol My MIL is the sweetest lady she the older lady at church that opens the door and greets you, my step FIL is an usher. My hubby grew up in this church. It will just feel so strange telling her about my illness. I've known her for 18 yrs and have never brought her into private issues. This should be interesting

Chartreux I'm usually glued to the weather channel two days before we leave. I'm so scared of Hurricanes. My husband and his family think its nothing but bad storms not a big deal. Boy to me they are a really BIG deal.

Ok so far this morning I have created an excel spreadsheet for what to pack. With each member with there own heading. My 16 yr old daughter is the one that will be the longest just her hair supplies take up one suitcase. Boy now I need to think of packing room in the SUV cuz I will have to bring the wheelchair. I haven't brought myself to even use it yet, its brand new and shiny.

Thank everyone its helping my stress level

Laurie, I agree with PAlady, just the thought of an 11 hour drive gives me goosebumps!!! I guess you'rd make plenty of stops for stretching? I'm facing a 3 1/2 hour flight for my parents diamond wedding anniversary and I'm dreading that! Plus the worry of being active at least staying with your Mum they will give you time out to recover. Goodluck, golitho