well am I crazy? Dr has taken me off meds and am trying to start new ones, but am afraid off reaction to mtx. I am driving from florida to south carolina on the 5th of september for my sons graduation from basic training. It is an 7 to 8 hour drive I am probably gonna get therte and then be tooo sick to function. I hope not but I cant stand to just ride so will be doing most of the driving if not all. Will start new meds when I get back cause he doesnt know what I am taking as I figure he doesnt need to know. He does know I have RA to some extent just hope I can do this am I crazy?
lol lol
Is there any way you can fly instead of driving? Or take a train?no its economically unfeasible who knows I might be sorry for doing itWhew! Be careful!! We make the trek from Florida to Tennessee every now and again, and we make sure to stop A LOT. It makes the trip longer, but getting out and walking around REALLY helps.I couldn't do it if I had too. My wrists would swell and I would be able to use my hands for probalby a week. Try and not do all the driving you may pay for it more than you think.
Graduation from basic training! Big day. I am sure you are proud as you should be. Have a good trip.
I don't have any advice for you, sorry, I'm new at this. Congrats to your son.
On Labor day weekend, I'll be doing a 12 hr trip to Nova Scotia, my biggest fear is how I will feel when we get there.
Good luck.
I just couldn't do it. My legs wouldn't hold up. I'd let someone else do most of the driving. Sounds like someone is going with you, right? Why torture your body anymore than necessary. Let them do it.
Congratulations to your son. You must be very proud. Lindy
Okay, I know a lot about this long distance driving thing. I have done so much of it between Connecticut and West Virginia or Connecticut and Chicago.
Keep yourself well hydrated. I almost always travel alone and I keep a cooler right next to me. When you get dehydrated you get tired, and also, drinking a lot forces you to stop frequently to go to the bathroom, LOL.
Use the cruise control as much as you can. That way you can take your foot off of the gas and move your legs around a bit, so they don't get locked in one position.
Each time you stop, change your seat position a little bit. Just a little bit can make a big difference. A small pillow under your elbow might feel good too.
Move around a lot. Wiggle, squirm, rotate your neck if you can, don't just sit in one position. Also, make sure you don't have any constricting clothing on.
Chewing gum also helps me from getting sleepy. This is a little known fact, that there is a position your tongue gets into which encourages sleep, where your mouth is closed, your jaw is relaxed and the just tip of your tongue is resting against the roof of your mouth. (I know you're trying it right now aren't you?). Well it is true, that is the position which encourages sleep, and helps you to "zone out". Chewing gum doesn't allow that to happen, and does help you stay more alert - Trust me. When I make my trips I am usually driving for 12 hours or more!
Anti inflammatories - if you don't have a script for one, ask your doctor. They really can help you make it through, and don't be shy about taking them - take a dose every time it is due. Obviously if you are driving you don't want to take anything narcotic, but if you have something stronger you may want to have it to help you sleep after you reach your destination.
If you and your traveling companion are into it, books on tape can be very entertaining. They take your mind off the trip itself as you get lost in the story, and it can make the time go faster.
Think ahead about what makes you comfortable when you sleep. I use a knee pillow, and I always take it with me. Extra firm mattresses in a hotel room are like a bed of nails for me, so I take a self-inflating air mattress with me that I can use if I need to.
Above all, just focus on the excitement of the occasion. This is a very special time for your family, and if you approach it with an upbeat, positive attitude instead of dread, it really does help you feel better. Allow yourself to let go and have fun, and focus on your RA after you get back. Fight the damn disease and don't allow it to take this celebration away for you!
Woohooo!!!! Go Karen!!! That's what I'm talkin about!!!Everyone has given you great advice. Are you starting Mtx for the first time? is it possible to time it so you take it when you get back? Let your dr know about this important trip and see if you can hold off on switching everything at this time. Maybe you can stay on current meds until you get back? Just an idea....
Congrats to your son! Mine will be leaving soon for bootcamp :(
Ummm, If I remember correctly, MTX made me feel lost and disoriented just driving around my home town, much less interstate driving. I take quite a few strong medicines, but nothing made me feel as strange as MTX. I had to discontinue treatment and switched to enbrel and prednisone.