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Posted 8/23/2010 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

       Just wanted to intoduce myself.  I am 37 years old.  I was dx with Fibro over a year ago,  after 20 years of being told I could not hurt that bad,  and that I was making it up to get attention.  I hurt my back farming right after I got married ( at 19).  These days, I can't remember a day of not being in pain.  10 Years ago I got rear-ended by a kid in a truck with no insurance.  Again Doctors said I couldn't hurt as bad as I said.  I quit going to the Doctor, and just sufferred, until my sister found me on the floor.  I couldn't move.  Ended up in the hospital on Morphine.  I finally got sent to a back specialist.  I need to have disc replacement.  Same Doctor than DX'd Fibro.  His advice was to skip the surgery

because I would be in pain everyday for the rest of my life anyway, so why bother.  All they seem to do is tell me to take more pills. 

        I love my family, but they just don't understand.  I found this site about 5 months ago.  It has really helped me.  The first month I think I cried everytime I read a post because finally I didn't feel alone.  I Was really beginning to think I was going crazy.  I live in a small town that just started a Fibro support group.  I gave out your website to everyone.

        I just wanted to say Thank You for all the info. and advise.   I Actually do have a question.  I have a familly wedding to attend.  It is 15 hours away, We are only going for the weekend.  So 30 hours in a car in 3 days, and I am in a bad flare.  I don't know how I am going to make it.  Any Advice?

Thank You for listening,  Have a great day.

      

Posted 8/23/2010 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Camperchic01,

A thirty hour drive in three days is a lot.  Could you fly instead?  I don't have any suggestions other than carry a pillow and stop and stretch a lot.  That is a lot.  I couldn't make that trip myself.  I can barely stand an hour in a car.  I know that this wedding must be important to you or else you wouldn't even think of going and putting yourself through that.

Welcome to the fibromyalgia forum.  I am so happy that you decided to join us.  It looks like you have been lurking for a while.  It is a good thing that you have decided to join in.

I hope that others have some suggestions for you.  Be patient and keep posting.

Hugs, Karen

Posted 8/23/2010 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
hi camper and welcome to our fibro family. I would not want to do that drive that you are going to be doing. Make sure you take breaks so that you can get out and at least stretch. I will be praying for you that the pain doesn't get too bad. Let us know how it goes ok. Nice to have you here.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 8/23/2010 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Camper, and welcome!  I'm so glad you decided to introduce yourself.  We have wonderful members that love to help one another and we really do care about each other, too.  So, welcome!  I think you will like it here.

 

Have you read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum?  There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot.

 

As for your trip, in Fibro 101, there are some gentle stretching exercises that are done sitting down!  I'd print them out, take them with me, and do them as often as you feel the need.  You also need to stop at least every 2 hours and get out and walk around for a few minutes.  The muscles need to be moved to keep flexible.

 

I have a lumbar support pillow that you blow up.  It only takes four breaths to blow it up but it really help my back when I'm on trips.  It comes in a carrying case and it fits easily in my purse when I don't have it blown up.  It was well worth the investment and I have used it many times.  The link below shows it.  I love it!

 

http://www.amazon.com/Back-Booster-1001-Inflatable-Support/sim/B000P41RK8/2

I'd also take along another pillow to help support  your neck.  They have tiny travel pillows.  We used to carry one in our car all of the time.

 

I hope this helps you and keep a great attitude.  You will make it and you will have a wonderful time to boot!  Let us know how it goes.

 

Sherrine

Posted 8/23/2010 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Camperchic, Welcome to the family! I take a muscle relaxer before going on long
car trips...I'm not driving. It does help along with frequent breaks.

about your back...it might be worthwhile to see a neurosurgeon to see what your
options are. Having back surgery has helped me. I do have back issues, but nothing like
before the surgery.

I'm so glad you have joined the family. We do understand and are here to support
eachother. Keep us posted!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 8/23/2010 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Camper

My name is John, and i just spent 20 hours DRIVING in a car so I could take my daughter to Massachusetts to see her cousins and meet some friends of mine. She had a blast so it was worth it for me to endure the pain that I am still having....What i do for myself in these situations if possible....Is to cut my pills in half or sometimes quarter them and instead of taking one pill every three or four hours....Ill take half every hour and a half.....this seems to help controll my pain better than one pill every three hours.......I know its not much for advice but it is the best i have to offer......I hope you have a great time at the wedding and your pain will subside for at least a few hours so you can enjoy yourself......



Good Luck Be Safe


John
Posted 8/23/2010 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Camperchic.

Welcome.  I'm new to this forum myself.  I also do not have any support from my friends and family either.  Hope this website helps you that way it's helped me.

Posted 8/23/2010 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi camper and welcome to the forum!!

I feel for you not having an understanding family, my hubby says that I can not possibly hurt because I don't complain all the time. If I did he would get sick of hearing it.

That is a very long drive, I don't like long drives anymore. I wish you a pain free drive and and the whole 3 days pain free
Posted 8/23/2010 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
HI...I am new here too...like as in the last 10 minutes...lol. I am trying to figure out how to deal with getting thru one day to the next. I wish I had some advice. If you come up with things that help you would you let us all know. It will be helpful when a trip comes up. Good luck to you. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Posted 8/23/2010 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
15 hrs one way huh? Pillows, Baby Wipes to cool your neck and brow. I have to put a towel in the window if the sun is hitting on my side. Leave room in the back seat so that you can lay down if you have to. Or simply recline the chair. Bring an ipod if your type of music doesn't appeal to your spouse lol. Maybe pick up a wide print book to read? Plan stops and hydrate, nibble, hydrate. And yes split up your meds. :) Try to enjoy though.. even bring a disposable to three or four. Takes some pics of the drive to keep your mind off the flare. Crosswords are good too.. That way spouse can help :)
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