To go, or not to go?? That is the question..!!

[ninjananna]

In July I hit the big 50!! I will be having a big family do, which I am so looking forward to! ( they're all aware of the fibro and very very supportive) However, my Husband has been asking if I would like to go abroad in Sep- Oct! My initial answer was YES, YES, YES!!! But now I'm a bit worried about the flight and travel time it will take to get there. On a good day I know I'd be fine, but as you all know, we can't pick and choose our days to suit!! Anyone got advice? (Gran canaria and lanzarote flights are 4 hr+) my favorite places!!

[Hidden]

Morning ninja nanna

Wow a big birthday coming up

I felt the same about travelling abroad and I was going with friends who are very very supportive like your family. I think I got round the fatigue by not planning anything for the first 36 hours apart from resting, keeping on top of my meds and re-charging so that I could enjoy my holiday better.

Have you ever considered a cruise? they are both relaxing and fun

My mum and her partner took me on one around the Western Mediterranean and it was fantastic. The choice of restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities were amazing. There's the ice shows the theatre and cinema as well as the luxury sun and pool decks. The only thing you can do is relax while you have fun Just a suggestion that seems fitting for such a birthday approaching. We went up the norwegian Fjords for my mum's 50th a mini cruise but was fantastic also - no sun decking on that trip for me it was far tooooooo cold but the scenery and sunsets were amazing

The prices often come down a bit towards October too and good deals can be found if you look in the papers or on-line

Looking forward to hearing your birthday tales and holiday fun

healing fluffies coming your way

xxxsianxxx

[ninjananna]

Thanks Sian! Afraid Water and I don't mix!! Aquaphobia!!! The thought of being surrounded by it makes me feel pretty ill!!! Haha, but a lovely thought! I think you're right though with regards to not planning anything for a day or two once we're there!! I could always get one of those mob-scooters like "Madge" on Benedorm!!!!!(t.v. series)... Much love...ninja..xx

[Hidden in reply to ninjananna]

hahahahah Thanks, I now have a mental image of that in my head to make me chuckle

Oh! it's such a shame about the water thing but I do like your idea about the scooter xx sian

[Fibrofoggy14]

Hi Ninjananna

Like you I hit the big 50 in March this year. I would definitely say go on holiday. I flew to Turkey last year (4hr flight from Gatwick) and these are some of the things I learned which may help you. I have since attended Pilates for the breathing exercises which definitely help with keeping calm and de-stressing. I would also recommend that you walk around as much as you are able while up in the air as this really helps. Whilest travelling, support tights (firm support) are really helpful. If you can, try and get the seats with extra leg room so that you can stretch your legs out. Also, if you need assistance getting to the gate (and they can be miles away) then dont hesitate booking assisted travel with the airport - they are really helpful, you arrive to the gate in style and in a little less pain than you would have if you'd have walked. I also double checked with the resort regarding steps, and making sure that I had ground floor accomodation - alot of these resorts can be 3 storeys high with no lifts! Have fun and have a great birthday. Kind regards Fibrofoggy14.

[Cookie72]

Hi ninja, like you me and water don't mix, I also claustrophobic, but the sound a week or so away in the sunshine with nothing to worry about but my self appeals to me, and yes like Sian I can just see you going round the complex where you may be staying in a scooter like her from Benidorm, when you do go have a really great time, and do come on line to tell us all about it...gentle hugs...Dee xx

[bluebell10]

GO!GO!GO! :D, You are so lucky! it's half the battle that you have a supportive family, you might even be better in the warmer climate, i understand what you mean by being worried about the travelling, but sorry i can't give you any advice on it as i don't know, if it was me i would do my packing a bit at a time & then when the day comes to go make sure you have enough time to get to airport & check in etc, oh yes! very important..make sure you take enough medication with you! now start planning. you only live once so go & i hope you have a great time! xxxx

[fenbadger]

Yup to all that. And check travel insurance. There should not be a bar but you will need to have it sorted well in advance and check what you can take out. It will only take one officious check in to ruin things for you. While you're entitled there are rules about exporting drugs!

Gran Canaria is a Spanish territory so I expect it comes under EU law which should make things easier. Plan all the details and check with the airline too. They're usually helpful despite the silly tv shows. ~I'm making you sound like an invalid which wasn't my intention. please forgive me. x

[TheAuthor]

Hi ninjananna

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? It is a real dilemma? Unfortunately I can only say what I would do, and I say, sunshine here I come!

Whatever you decide, please have a fantastic birthday, you are a wonderful and brilliant person who deserves a great time.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[denvajade]

Hi there I agree with what everyone has said, go for it! I have Fibro and RA and a stomach issue but my son has invited my husband and I to travel from NZ to Europe and America later this year and says do it while you can mum, he will only do 1/2 days of sightseeing etc and have me rest in the afternoon, it scares me abit but its true you have to have some joy. wishing you well

[ninjananna]

Aahh! Thank you to everyone!! Some really good advise there! Especially about the drugs and insurance! You have all made my mind up for me( didn't take much, did it!!!) And Bluebell, I will be writing a list of what I'm taking and do as you suggest! Hope you're all having a fab day, I'm just back from a little wander around the shops and a bit pooped now!!! Time for a cuppa and a sit down me thinks!!... Much love!......ninja..xx

[TheAuthor in reply to ninjananna]

Hi ninjananna

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I just wanted to say that I am absolutely thrilled that you have decided to go! I sincerely hope that you have a wonderful time.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[bluebell99]

Do ring the airline and state you need assistance. It is a big step to go in an airport wheelchair when you think you don't really need it but it will help you. Even if you decide to go with sticks or crutches, go to the special assistance desk and they will give you and your husband priority check in and boarding.

If you have your own wheelchair, the airline will carry it free.

Keep your meds in a clear bag in your hand luggage with your repeat prescription so security can see. I didn't declare a bottle of oramorph and panicked when I thought they would confiscate it. They checked I had the pharmacists name on it and against my prescription, and eventually they let me through.

Sometimes with assistance the person will take your passports to get through more quickly. This happened to me at Alicante. Unfortunately she gave me back the wrong passport, which I didn't discover until we were leaving the airport. We tried in vain to look for the man whose passport I had, and had to spend the next hour in the airport police station. We hoped the man would hand it in to a police station or the British Consulate, but he didn't.

A day of our holiday was spent in Alicante getting new photos and paying out 115 euros for a temporary, one use passport. A hard and expensive lesson learned

Don't let fibro cramp your style. I have seen very poorly people travelling and they manage fine.

Nancy Xx

[Hidden in reply to bluebell99]

!00% agree it takes away so much of the travel stress even though it does feel a bit weird. I couldn't stand about for any length of time or run any where if needed to so I used the service and will again next time too xx

[sue32]

Hi ninja!! In my opinion and at our age, I think we have to take the bull by the horns and go for it!! Life is short and should be lived and enjoyed. Grow old disgracefully chuck....think of how wonderful it will be once you get there, despite your pains and apprehension!! In fact, I think we should all go with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ninjananna in reply to sue32]

Hi sue32! I did laugh at your reply about growing old disgracefully!! I know I'll have a fab time, and wouldn't it be great to all meet up and holiday together!! Thanks for the reply!..;-)...much love...ninja..xx