As it was :-
Invite to stay with sister. Is it during school holiday (I worked in a school) ? Yes.
Get on line - cheapest ticket - okay if I change trains 3/4 times I save enough for a meal or two out for both of us - book tickets.
Day before journey - collect tickets - throw clothes and toiletries into case.
Day of journey - tow case to bus stop - catch bus - get off near train station - nip up steps into station - on train - chuck other passenger out of my reserved seat.
Do all the changes - get to destination station - met by sister- great to see her.
After dumping luggage at her house and freshening up - out for a walk.
As it is :-
Invitation from sister. Is it when I'm free of appointments; lung function test, x-ray, CT scan, dexa scan, consultant, respiratory nurse... Yes.
Get on line - easiest journey - no too many changes - yes that has one change - £40 quid extra though- book tickets.
Send husband to collect tickets. Book Passenger assist. (Lovely people)
10 days before journey - check medication is enough to last until at least a week after I'm home - order if needed
Each day do a bit towards journey including :-
Make up travel pack of meds - enough tablets in dose boxes for whole of stay plus two days in case of delay. All 3 inhalers, rescue medication including antibiotics and betnovate cream in case skin breaks out.
Make sure I have document wallet with copy of lung function test and letter saying what lung diseases I have (My local A&E can't access my notes so I'm not risking the need to explain it all to other doctors)
Husband helps to gather clothes I want, no, NEED to pack. All weathers must be considered.
He launders, irons.
We pack.
In my hand luggage I have tablets for the day, drink, antibacterial hand gel, baby wipes, tissues, a nappy sack for used tissues and my ventolin inhaler.
Day before journey a taxi is ordered.
Day of the journey - before leaving house I wipe cold and flu stop round nose and upper lip.
Taxi takes me to station door -puts case on my granny walker - as I enter station passenger assist take over.
I'm helped all the way.
I arrive at my destination - met by sister - great to see her.
At her house she takes my luggage to the bedroom. I'm near to collapse. We have a quiet evening. Most of the next day I just rest.
Without all the help I could not do the journey.
I bet this sounds familiar to you all.
However, at least I can still visit my sister so I'm happy!