Tips on how to manage a trip from UK to NZ with CFS

[stravinsky1]

Hi, I've had CFS plus other chronic conditions for 24 years. Just had one total knee replacement with another to follow. Needless to say I've crashed. I really want to go to New Zealand next year about October time. My CF is really bad at present but generally is nearer moderate than severe.

I want to prepare for this and wonder if anyone can give me tips on

1. how to prepare between now and then

2. the best way of making the trip

3. What to do on arrival

I've not been away for years so this is a biggy for me but feel if i don't get over to see my friend next year then it won't happen

Thank you for any help you can give me

[murtoz]

That sounds amazing!

1. I got a visible plus subscription and it really makes a difference in how well I can pace, and as a result I crash less and have improved somewhat. Makevisible.com best thing I ever did for managing my illness

2. A proper reclining seat on plane. Business class or better. Eye cover, ear plugs, sleep for ss much of it as possible.

3. Book a hotel at the airport you land at so you can crash if need be

[stravinsky1 in reply to murtoz]

Thank you I'll look onto that

[strongmouse]

Pace yourself between now and then to help yourself recover as well as possible.

Plan ahead in terms of thinking about what you need to do such as checking passport in date, travel insurance any other relevant documents you need, changing money etc. Make a list of what you need to take, clothes, medications, aids, and what you will need to do nearer the trip so that you can do it over a period of time and tick them off as you go. I find this helps with brain fog and is reassuring. Include jobs like emptying fridge or letting neighbours know, whatever is relevant for you.

Think about each stage of the journey such as what time is the flight, how will you get there, will you need airport assistance (especially if queuing is difficult for you), eating during the journey and resting. Remember travelling is tiring so plan what you will do when you arrive and build in rest periods - so easy to do overdo it when out of routine. Make sure your friend knows ahead what to expect in terms of how much you can or can't do and anything you might need. Tell them if you will need frequent rest periods.

Hope you continue to recover from your knee op and manage to have a good time.

[stravinsky1 in reply to strongmouse]

Thank you for your reply. I have a new plan with the help of my therapist to try and stabilise myself after my most recent crash following the op. Once this is achieved I can very gradually start to increase my activity 🤞Yes lists are a major part of my life too

Thank you once again

[peege]

If you haven't left already: I'd also book a hotel for sleep at the stopover. I did the trip pre CFS days, stopover was 5 hours in Tokyo , it was night, lights were dim so I could relax in a comfortable seat. These days I'd rather have a shorter first flight ie halfway. Thanks for post, useful because I'm going to India next January 🙂 👍

[stravinsky1 in reply to peege]

Thank you, yes hotel is excellent idea but I think I'll make the stop a couple of days so I can rest. I hoping to go next year in their springtime. Have a wonderful time in India.