I’m taking a break from the monthly video series to bring you this Fibro Travel Tip. You see, over the Christmas holiday, I had to travel to my Sister-in-Law’s house to visit my Mother-in-Law who is 93. She used to travel to us, but she can no longer handle the plane trip and being in a home that isn’t suited to an elderly woman who needs help with showers and such.
While it was a lovely time being with my husband’s family and getting caught up with their lives, it took quite a toll on my body. Here’s why:
To get to the airport, I first had to travel a half hour by car with a stiff ride on Indiapotholedled streets. Next, I had to wait in line to drop off the baggage and then in the TSA line. The plane seemed exceptionally tight, even to my husband and son. I’m only 5′ tall and it was so cramped on the plane that even I couldn’t cross my legs!
After the 5-hour plane flight, unable to change positions, I found myself just about crying almost to the point of being sick from the pain. Head in hand, I tried, unsuccessfully, to alleviate my neck pain which had traveled into my arm, back, jaw, and my left eye.
Arriving at the San Fransisco airport meant that I had to walk all over the airport. First was a stop to retrieve our luggage. Next, we had to take an elevator up, then walk a bit, then an elevator down, then walk some more, then take an airbus on a rail to another part of the airport where we could get to the rental car area. I think we took all possible modes of transportation that day except a boat!
After getting the rental, we still had to travel three hours plus by car to get to Sacramento where my in-laws live. So, by that time the only part of my body that didn’t ache was my left pinky toe!
On the trip back, I had a bizarre encounter with the SF TSA. You can read that hilarious story by clicking here. Just before getting on the plane, my back was killing me so I took some ibuprofen. And just like that, I wasn’t in nearly the pain I had been on the trip out!
I will NEVER again fly without first taking some ibuprofen! Even if I still have more pain, at least it will be MUCH less! In fact, I’m going to be doing this even on our 1.5-hour car rides to and from my son’s college.
If you think this might work for you, I’m glad to have been of service!