Share your vacation tips

[cheerspark]

I was diagnosed with PD for about 10 years and have been quiet in this group for a long time. I finally retired in last November. I recently went on a cruise trip with my husband. The trip was carefully selected to allow flexibility to my PD. The trip was largely enjoyable. However, at some points, I could not follow the simple schedule of keeping meal time, on shore tour or joining an event. I felt shaky getting in line. I felt lower leg weakness and was unable to stand or walk. The normal medication routine suddenly seemed to fall apart. I doubled the dosage and decreased the in between medication span. I took add on Madopar oral dispersible tablets but they seemed being dumped into deep ocean. I was so frustrated and blamed myself for ruining the fun. I didn't think I was stressed out by whatever means. Was it the food or really the unconscious stress??? Could someone share their experience of going on a vacation. Thanks.

[sharron2]

My husband has difficulty in keeping schedules as we never know when he will run out of steam. Our travel is independent so we can adjust to what he is up to at the moment. I think this less stressful for both of us. No group tours to worry that we are slowing others down. He usually can have relatively active day and then 1 very light day or just a day rests and recovers.

We have had nice holidays at our own pace.

[cheerspark in reply to sharron2]

Thanks for the sharing. Your words eased a lot of my worries.

[jaycees]

Sharron2 is exactly right. Do not expect to follow everyone and try to do everything. Do it at your own pace. I’ve had PD just over ten years as well. Went on my first cruise not long ago and enjoyed it. I have to lower my expectations and warn my husband the same. I had days like you where my legs just freeze and actually hired a wheelchair to bring along. That saved me when I could not move at a most inconvenient time, e.g. rushing to a show, or even at the airport, which can be stressful admist hundreds of people. Take things easy, allow plenty of time, tell yourself it’s ok not to do the tours, or do anything, and you will enjoy it. In fact, you may surprise yourself and end up doing more this way because you are relax! Hope this helps. I wish you many happy holidays to come!

[cheerspark in reply to jaycees]

Thanks for your sharing. Hope I can enjoy as much as you do in the future. My best wishes to you.

[Cindy27]

Your experience sounds like mine when I took family to Disney World last year and tried to keep up! Ugh. I was weak and shaking the whole time. I would have to go back to the hotel shortly after noon every day. Too much stress, stimulation and scheduling! I should have started the day more slowly and just met the kids for lunch or dinner instead of wearing myself out so quickly.

However, I just got back from a four day vacation in Asheville N.C. (in the mountains.). This time I did the following:

1. I took extra dopamine if I started feeling weak and I took caffeine pills every few hours.

2. We made plans, but added a back up plan in case of low energy.

3. We slept in every day and went down for a late breakfast by 10 or 11 a.m. 4. We made double dinner reservations (one early and one late) and cancelled the one (or both) that we felt we couldn’t use.

5. We sat outside and read, utilized room service (chicken fingers-nothing expensive) and watched movies one evening.

6. We bought tickets for an art exhibit for two evenings, so we could decide which to attend depending on how I felt. (We ended up attending both nights as we had such a good time the first night).

In other words, we simply relaxed and didn’t feel obligated to keep to a schedule. We picked a nice hotel with a terrace and made that our ‘vacation,’ and realized that anything else we added was bonus stuff and not mandatory. What money we spent on the nicer hotel, we made up for by doing a shorter vacation. Win-win. Considering I was totally off my daily routine, I felt great most of the time. Good luck and don’t stop trying!

[aliciamq]

Appreciate the post!!!! Sorry you had a little trouble. Wishing you a better next time!🏝

[justhavefun2]

Thanks for sharing your vacation experiences one and all! Before my diagnosis earlier this year, I loved, loved, loved to travel. My husband recently changed jobs and keeps talking about “the next trip” after he is allowed time off. I have been thinking my traveling days were over, but you have restored my hope. Where’s that cruise brochure!?!? Lol

My tip? When you cruise choose to take a taxi instead of a tour bus. Maybe you can meet a new friend(s)on the cruise and split taxi cost to save money. Then go at your own pace and see what you want to see without any pressure. Taxi drivers can make terrific tour guides and if you take them to lunch, if you’re in a foreign country, they can assist you in ordering off off the menu!

[M_rosew]

Sorry some aspects of your holiday were difficult.

I have done touring holidays involving multiple time changes, and I have found it helpful to keep strictly to my usual timetable for medication. I write a list for the whole holiday and add 'local time' for where I will be each day. I wear a vibrating alarm watch set to my home time, and a normal watch set to local time. I can then enjoy the holiday timetable in a properly medicated state. Occasionly I wrap a meal for later (or take the veg option if protein is the issue.) Occasionally I have to take medication in the night - but less often than you might think.

Suggest you carry the day's meds and water bottle with you all the time. Also ask your pharmacist for travel tablets that are safe to take with your PD medication.