Flare, vent & holidays
Question:
Anyone else had any experience with long-distance driving, or any suggestions on coping.
I just took a long trip in March, the biggest problem I had was my hands, especially after the death grip I had on the wheel driving through the mountains in snow/rain/fog mix. Aside from that, I did OK by trying to shift positions every now and then and taking frquent stops to walk around. I’ve always presented as able to cope with anything. I’m the strong one you know, the one that everyone else turns to.
I can definately empathize with you here. I have always been very strong and independent. I find it extremely difficult to cope with the things I can no longer do and even more difficult to admit it and ask for help. I thought I was hiding it well at work but last week my supervisor asked me if I was depressed. That forced me to take a long look at myself. Being in the mental health field, its a little embarrassing to admit that it snuck up on me. Guess I’ll talk to my RD Thurs about this. Sure don’t look foward to yet another pill. Have a great vacation Lizzie. The other thing I discovered on mine was that the sun and the water relaxed me so much my flare did decrease while I was there. Sarah
Response:
Being in the mental health field, its a little embarrassing to admit that it snuck up on me. Guess I’ll talk to my RD Thurs about this.
on the plus side, you must also realize, doing what you do, that depression induced by chronic pain (sleep disturbance too) is common, and nothing to be embarassed about…. it’s funny, anti-deps are common treatment for FM in sub-clinical doses. but so many have spent so much time being told that everything is all in their heads, that the mere mention of using a medication that is primarily to combat depression sends up a big red flag. the thing is, as you well know, chemical imbalances and depression really isn’t something to be ashamed of. i see people on the FM ng worried that they will become "addicted" to anti-depressents. eek. for me, i try to think of my meds the same way diabetics view their insulin or those with thyroid disorders view their meds — my body is screwing up, and i need to take this stuff to set things right. that goes for the anti-depressants — that my serotonin prodcution is screwy — and for the prednisone, and even the pain meds. i have to take this stuff to function properly. and Angela is right, as always:) you won’t lose anything by trying amitryptiline, or trazodone, or Prozac, or whatever you and your RD decide is/are the best med(s). you’ll know in a few weeks whether it’s working (there is an adjusstment period with ADs, so don’t give up too soon). and if it does work — YIPPEE. the stuff we have to deal with is bad enough. throwing depression and sleep disruption on top of it — you don’t need that. good luck, and i hope you feel better soon, Sarah. Shelley
Response:
Hi Liz, Take lots of little breaks. I stop every 1/2 hour or so and sometimes only walk around the car. that helps. I also bring baggies and every chance I get I put ice in it and ice the needed area. That also helps. Bring your own pillows and ask your doctor about upping any nsaids if you need to. I also bring slippers for when I am not driving to give my feet a break. Bring snacks and fluids so you don’t miss any meds due to lack of such. Feel free to moan anytime. Kelly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, Having a struggle-day today. My neck is so bad that I would be glad if my head fell right off and lightened the load a bit! Really I’m having a `pity party’ and just needed to tell someone. Can’t really talk to my family about how I’m feeling, probably my fault as I’ve always presented as able to cope with anything. I’m the strong one you know, the one that everyone else turns to. Sometimes though the load gets a bit too heavy. Well, thats enough venting, we are going on boliday on June 11th. Taking the boat across Bass Strait (some of the roughest waters in the world) and driving up the east coast of Australia until it gets warm enough. Its been freezing here! As I’ll be doing most of the driving, I’ve been wondering how I’ll cope if this flare keeps up. Anyone else had any experience with long-distance driving, or any suggestions on coping. Thanks for listening to my moans folks, its great to have an outlet. Luv Lizzie (Life’s great if you don’t weaken, but more fun if you do).
Response:
Lizzie..cold packs or heat might help if its possible to use them while driving..maybe the towel method mentioned earlier could hold a pack in place? I hope your holiday is relaxing after you get there.. Kate Send in the clowns
Response:
(Ifish2b) writes: I have always been very strong and independent. I find it extremely difficult to cope with the things I can no longer do and even more difficult to admit it and ask for help. I thought I was hiding it well at work but last week my supervisor asked me if I was depressed. That forced me to take a long look at myself. Being in the mental health field, its a little embarrassing to admit that it snuck up on me. Guess I’ll talk to my RD Thurs about this.
Dear Sarah, I was so convinced that my pain/fatigue was so unique and so encompassing that no pills were ever going to help. My current RD coaxed me into trying lo dose, combo tricyclic antidepressants to help with the really fractured sleep disorder that seems to go with my RA. So it was a suprize to me when it really helped. I do believe some of this cheery nature that has overtaken me is because I get to sleep every night <g and maybe, part of my problem was wintertime-in-Canada SAD and now the sunshine is having a cheery effect but, I have lots more energy, too…I’ve started walking, lowered my prednisone, and my nsaid doses…there is definately improvement in my quality of life. It may actually be harder for a mental health professional to recognize turmoil in their own lives…yeah, I’m really cheering you up, eh? Everyone thinks the shrink should be wise and healthy in their own lives but, it may be harder for them to get support than it is for other people. Who shaves the barber and all that? I would encourage you to discuss this with your RD *and* with your immediate support system. They may be suprized by your feelings but, I bet they’d want to know…wouldn’t you if it was one of them that wasn’t feeling well? Good luck…let us know how the appt goes. Warm regards, Angela
Response:
Thanks everyone who sent encouraging posts and advice. I’m coping better today even though things physically havent improved much. Heading of to my G.P later, cant get into my RD till August! Wer’e pretty short of them round here. Once again, thanks folks, its great to have this wonderful supportive group. Lizzie
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone else had any experience with long-distance driving, or any suggestions on coping. I just took a long trip in March, the biggest problem I had was my hands, especially after the death grip I had on the wheel driving through the mountains in snow/rain/fog mix. Aside from that, I did OK by trying to shift positions every now and then and taking frquent stops to walk around. I’ve always presented as able to cope with anything. I’m the strong one you know, the one that everyone else turns to. I can definately empathize with you here. I have always been very strong and independent. I find it extremely difficult to cope with the things I can no longer do and even more difficult to admit it and ask for help. I thought I was hiding it well at work but last week my supervisor asked me if I was depressed. That forced me to take a long look at myself. Being in the mental health field, its a little embarrassing to admit that it snuck up on me. Guess I’ll talk to my RD Thurs about this. Sure don’t look foward to yet another pill. Have a great vacation Lizzie. The other thing I discovered on mine was that the sun and the water relaxed me so much my flare did decrease while I was there. Sarah
Hi Sarah, You make a good point about relaxing and what it will do for you. One of the hardist thing to do is lower a persons stress level and when done right can be one of the biggest helps. Walter H. has helped me to do just that with what he has said in the past on this subject. I wish I was a computer whiz and would repost it if I could. Harv
Response:
Kay, Terrific idea! I’m gonna remember that. Char – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Liz, I went through agony with my neck for a long time. Finally my Ortho Dr. told me I could get a brace or neck collar; or I could just fold a towel in about about fourths length wise, and put this around my neck, and tie it with a scarf, and do this when ever I was going to be doing any lifting or heavy duty house cleaning; etc. Driving and keeping arms up would fit in this class I think. Anyway, it worked! It was cheap, simple, and handy, besides! My neck has fused now, so seldom bothers any more, but I do remember the agony when it did! Kay Hi everyone, Having a struggle-day today. My neck is so bad that I would be glad if my head fell right off and lightened the load a bit! Really I’m having a `pity party’ and just needed to tell someone. Can’t really talk to my family about how I’m feeling, probably my fault as I’ve always presented as able to cope with anything. I’m the strong one you know, the one that everyone else turns to. Sometimes though the load gets a bit too heavy. Well, thats enough venting, we are going on boliday on June 11th. Taking the boat across Bass Strait (some of the roughest waters in the world) and driving up the east coast of Australia until it gets warm enough. Its been freezing here! As I’ll be doing most of the driving, I’ve been wondering how I’ll cope if this flare keeps up. Anyone else had any experience with long-distance driving, or any suggestions on coping. Thanks for listening to my moans folks, its great to have an outlet. Luv Lizzie (Life’s great if you don’t weaken, but more fun if you do).
Response:
Hi Liz, I went through agony with my neck for a long time. Finally my Ortho Dr. told me I could get a brace or neck collar; or I could just fold a towel in about about fourths length wise, and put this around my neck, and tie it with a scarf, and do this when ever I was going to be doing any lifting or heavy duty house cleaning; etc. Driving and keeping arms up would fit in this class I think. Anyway, it worked! It was cheap, simple, and handy, besides! My neck has fused now, so seldom bothers any more, but I do remember the agony when it did! Kay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, Having a struggle-day today. My neck is so bad that I would be glad if my head fell right off and lightened the load a bit! Really I’m having a `pity party’ and just needed to tell someone. Can’t really talk to my family about how I’m feeling, probably my fault as I’ve always presented as able to cope with anything. I’m the strong one you know, the one that everyone else turns to. Sometimes though the load gets a bit too heavy. Well, thats enough venting, we are going on boliday on June 11th. Taking the boat across Bass Strait (some of the roughest waters in the world) and driving up the east coast of Australia until it gets warm enough. Its been freezing here! As I’ll be doing most of the driving, I’ve been wondering how I’ll cope if this flare keeps up. Anyone else had any experience with long-distance driving, or any suggestions on coping. Thanks for listening to my moans folks, its great to have an outlet. Luv Lizzie (Life’s great if you don’t weaken, but more fun if you do).
Response:
Hi Liz, I wish I could travel to Austrailia and drive for you. My wife and I have always wanted to visit your country. We could swap driving for tour guiding. Hope you feel better before your trip and maybe when you hit the warmer weather, you’ll feel better. Bert Wheeler – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, Having a struggle-day today. My neck is so bad that I would be glad if my head fell right off and lightened the load a bit! Really I’m having a `pity party’ and just needed to tell someone. Can’t really talk to my family about how I’m feeling, probably my fault as I’ve always presented as able to cope with anything. I’m the strong one you know, the one that everyone else turns to. Sometimes though the load gets a bit too heavy. Well, thats enough venting, we are going on boliday on June 11th. Taking the boat across Bass Strait (some of the roughest waters in the world) and driving up the east coast of Australia until it gets warm enough. Its been freezing here! As I’ll be doing most of the driving, I’ve been wondering how I’ll cope if this flare keeps up. Anyone else had any experience with long-distance driving, or any suggestions on coping. Thanks for listening to my moans folks, its great to have an outlet. Luv Lizzie (Life’s great if you don’t weaken, but more fun if you do).
Response:
Lizzie dear, Please dont let your head fall off. We would miss you around here. And besides, I would no longer be able to brag to my 10 year old nephew that I have a friend in Tasmania (he thinks that is way kewl). Seriously, I am sorry you are having a bad time of it. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there girl. (o: Char – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, Having a struggle-day today. My neck is so bad that I would be glad if my head fell right off and lightened the load a bit! Really I’m having a `pity party’ and just needed to tell someone. Can’t really talk to my family about how I’m feeling, probably my fault as I’ve always presented as able to cope with anything. I’m the strong one you know, the one that everyone else turns to. Sometimes though the load gets a bit too heavy. Well, thats enough venting, we are going on boliday on June 11th. Taking the boat across Bass Strait (some of the roughest waters in the world) and driving up the east coast of Australia until it gets warm enough. Its been freezing here! As I’ll be doing most of the driving, I’ve been wondering how I’ll cope if this flare keeps up. Anyone else had any experience with long-distance driving, or any suggestions on coping. Thanks for listening to my moans folks, its great to have an outlet. Luv Lizzie (Life’s great if you don’t weaken, but more fun if you do).
Response:
Hi everyone, Having a struggle-day today. My neck is so bad that I would be glad if my head fell right off and lightened the load a bit! Really I’m having a `pity party’ and just needed to tell someone. Can’t really talk to my family about how I’m feeling, probably my fault as I’ve always presented as able to cope with anything. I’m the strong one you know, the one that everyone else turns to. Sometimes though the load gets a bit too heavy. Well, thats enough venting, we are going on boliday on June 11th. Taking the boat across Bass Strait (some of the roughest waters in the world) and driving up the east coast of Australia until it gets warm enough. Its been freezing here! As I’ll be doing most of the driving, I’ve been wondering how I’ll cope if this flare keeps up. Anyone else had any experience with long-distance driving, or any suggestions on coping. Thanks for listening to my moans folks, its great to have an outlet. Luv Lizzie (Life’s great if you don’t weaken, but more fun if you do).
Response:
Hi Lizzy, Most people dont know that its winter in AU and it sounds pretty good to here in Houston where its getting close to 100f everyday and no rain for a month. I have found that stopping the car and walking around a little helps me on a long one. Even take a nap when possible. Necks can be a real problem in heavy traffic. Trying to live up to being the strong one is harder than a bad neck and may give you one. Harv – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, Having a struggle-day today. My neck is so bad that I would be glad if my head fell right off and lightened the load a bit! Really I’m having a `pity party’ and just needed to tell someone. Can’t really talk to my family about how I’m feeling, probably my fault as I’ve always presented as able to cope with anything. I’m the strong one you know, the one that everyone else turns to. Sometimes though the load gets a bit too heavy. Well, thats enough venting, we are going on boliday on June 11th. Taking the boat across Bass Strait (some of the roughest waters in the world) and driving up the east coast of Australia until it gets warm enough. Its been freezing here! As I’ll be doing most of the driving, I’ve been wondering how I’ll cope if this flare keeps up. Anyone else had any experience with long-distance driving, or any suggestions on coping. Thanks for listening to my moans folks, its great to have an outlet. Luv Lizzie (Life’s great if you don’t weaken, but more fun if you do).
