| Travel I have always loved travelling but travelling with FMS is a challenge. Changing air pressure in planes can be uncomfortable to the entire body and car travel results in major fatigue.However, once you've accepted that there are going to be some inconveniences, travel can still be part of your life. Clothing: This is probably the most important consideration. Find clothes that are comfortable and that can be layered. I like cottons and cotton blends best. A good wardrobe gets built over time not all at once. I find that my body swells as the day goes on and clothes that were comfortable in the morning can be downright painful by day's end so I lean towards elastic waistbands and adjustable belts. Even my watch can cause great discomfort so it's adjustable also. For me heat is usually comfortable but cold is very painful so I need to be able to add more layers. I have a tendency to love high heels but experience has taught me to have a more comfortable pair of shoes along. Always carry an umbrella, plus the fact it makes me feel a little more secure cold rain is not good for the muscles. Movement: Whatever your mode of transportation give yourself plenty of opportunities to get up and move around. This is harder to arrange on the bus or plane but trips to the washroom will at least get you on your feet and changing position. Medication: Make sure you have sufficient of any medication you regularly take but also carry benadryl, painkillers and bandaids. I've discovered if you're going to have an allergic reaction it will be in a new environment and travelling does cause fatigue and pain which can lead to extra clumsiness so hence the bandaids. Reservations: In as much as you can, make reservations ahead of time and if you're driving plan to be stopping by late afternoon or early, early evening. There is nothing worse than driving late at night,tired and hungry and no motel in sight. And that's when you don't have FMS!! Motels and Hotels: If you've made reservations ahead of time you can ask for smoking or non smoking, rooms that are in quieter areas, etc. etc. Even if it's a last minute booking you can still ask but it may be more difficult for the management to oblige you. Ask for extra blankets and pillows if you need them, most places are happy to oblige. Restaurants: I find this one of the more difficult areas when I'm travelling. For the most part fast foods are high in fats and salt which seem to cause me to feel more discomfort when travelling. I look for places that cook the meal from as close to scratch as possible, stay away from fried foods, heavy sauces and gravies. Plain food is a lot easier on the system and you have a better idea of what you're getting. copyright© 2000, Mitsou. All Rights Reserved. |