Traveling when you are in pain is never easy. When you have a CPD, it makes it even more challenging.
As a sufferer of Fibromyalgia and Lupus, I can tell you that driving is a drag-even if you aren’t the one driving. The seats are cumbersome, there is minimal leg room, getting into and out of the vehicle can make rest stops burdensome, and well, let’s be honest, driving is just not fun when you have a CPD. If you suffer from SLE, making frequent stops are a must so the risk of developing blood clots stays low. All these things need to be factored into your itinerary.
I have just returned from a driving trip that took 10 hours to get there. It was decided that dividing the trip into 2 days would make it easier on my body. Thankfully, I was the passenger.
Day one was 5-ish hours, with 2-3 rest stops along the way, each stop taking 5-10 minutes to stretch and walk a bit. Day two included miles and miles of twisty-windy roads with NOWHERE to stop and the intense nausea and stress from gripping the handle was real…you’ve never seen someone happier to finally arrive at their destination!! Of course, I could barely climb out of the vehicle with pains rising up in places I never knew could have pain.
Thankfully, the destination had a jacuzzi tub, which my aching joints were delighted to see and the anticipation of being soothed in the warm, bubbly water was nicely delivered!
When you travel, there may be unexpected things like long highway waits due to accidents, road construction and detours. Other unexpected things may be stairs and steep walking areas, unavailable parking close to your stop, and so much more, so be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring lots of water and snacks, just in case you get stuck in your car longer than expected.
All of these suggestions are from this recent experience!
In two weeks, I will be the driver, and the destination is 22+ hours one-way, not including rest stop walks and food breaks. I plan to drive 5-6 hours each day, stay at a hotel with a pool (to ease the joints from driving), and arrive with my body as calm as possible. Pacing myself will be the key with planning multiple stops to keep the joints lubricated. I plan to pack healthy snacks, lots of water, my heating pad, massage rollers, knee and elbow braces, Motrin and/or Aleve, and get plenty of sleep each night. This plan will mean a 7–8-hour day total, but at least I won’t be in the car that long and (should) arrive with minimal body-stress…
So, happy travels to you all!
God Bless-
~The Fibro Momma of Ten
