LymeNet Flash: Will cruise help or hurt symptoms?

This is topic Will cruise help or hurt symptoms? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by lhm312 on :

I am tired of being sick, tired of hurting, just plain tired of not having a life.

We are considering a cruise in the Fall, thought it could be relaxing and uplifting. If I can't do the excursions, I can stay on the ship.

I am scared about doing this, but excited at the same time. I don't currently have the head neuro. symptoms, am dealing mostly with severe generalized pain and fatigue.

Let's face it, if in 5 months I am not ready for a trip, I may as well jump overboard.

Is a cruise a good idea? Please say yes, I need encouragement to move on.

Posted by achey (Member # 6284) on :

sounds great to me.....can I come too?!
really though, if you can work with your meds and diet, I say get away, and relax!

Posted by Jellybelly (Member # 7142) on :

I just got back from one a month ago, it was very relaxing.

Posted by kaos (Member # 4144) on :

I'm going on one next week. Do it for yourself.

Posted by hwlatin (Member # 4123) on :

I think a vacation is a great idea. I would be concerned however taking a cruise. From what I have seen and studies I have read, there are to many opportunities to pick up bacteria and viruses on a cruise.

This is just my opinion, but since I have found out that my entire family is immune compromised, we have not taken a cruise. I know the same thing can be said for flying, but we seem to make it through a 4 or 5 hour flight alright.

But then again others hve done with no problems, so just take what I say with a grain of salt.

[This message has been edited by hwlatin (edited 02 May 2005).]

Posted by burnbitter (Member # 7088) on :

I went on a cruise a few years back and my symptoms improved greatly. The theory was that it was related to not being exposed to my allergens. (no trees! fresh sea air)
I would be careful about the food though. Food should be cooked to 160, and hot trays should be hot, er I forget how hot but if it's not steaming...be skeptical. Purell is your friend.
I went on princess cruise line to the caribbean and had a surprisingly good experience. Also I think I ate better as there was timed meals and no worries about having to cook or clean up.

Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :

SW Florida...cruise, fall...hummmmmmm

Hurricane season.

Go now...or soon. So much to do on the ships that you don't need to go on excursions! It will be WONDERFUL.

Or...

Atlantis via plane? That lazy river sure looks good to me!

Now that you brought it up... I am leaving too...in a week for the Mediterranean. I will be saying a special prayer for you all when I go to the Sistine Chapel and a wish for you all on coin #2 in the Trevi Fountain. (The first coin is to guarantee a return to Rome, the second for a wish.)

Posted by HEATHERKISS (Member # 6789) on :

312,

A vacation was really good for me. I got a lot of rest. Take xanax on the airplane and dramamine for the cruse with you so you can sleep instead of feeling nauseated.

Go for it. then you don't have to cook!! Yipee!

Honestly I had a lot less symptoms on vaca because of the relaxed environment.

Heather

Posted by hatsnscarfs (Member # 6562) on :

Go for it. I took my first vacation when my energy level was still low to varaiable.

I had no trouble on the plane, I wore sunglasses in the airport to make the bright lights more bearable.

I caught up on sleep, soaked in the tub every day, relaxed and went for short walks.

The trip helped my recovery.

Remember to bring extra medication in case there are travel delays.

Bon Voyage
hats

Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :

If you can go at the "drop of a hat"...there are some REALLY GOOD deals on cruises. Tremendous savings. Research last minute cruises.

BTW...try to get a cabin a few grades up. The location of your cabin is very important. Want to stay as far away from the very, very noisy engines as possible.

Do you already have a passport? It takes awhile to get one.

Posted by lhm312 on :

Ok, I am still nervous but I am calling today to confirm a cruise to the Southern Caribbean for October. I worked out which floor and room location would be the most stable.

My husband can't take his vacation until the end of July, and with hurricane season here through Sept., we thought it wise to wait for an Oct. trip to make sure we can get there.

Fortunately, we don't have to fly to the ship, found out that we can even take the ship's bus to Ft. Lauderdale instead of driving.

I was surprised to see how many of you are travelling, and give you credit for working through the illness.

Marnie, have a fantastic trip to the Mediterranean, you deserve to have a great time.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Godbless.

Linda

Posted by Jewlbug (Member # 4554) on :

Linda,

I just had to reiterate....

Yes, yes, yes....go on vacation! Whenever we planned a vacation, I've had the same reservations. However, the last vacation we went on in December, I never felt better! I actually felt perfectly normal for 5 days, and believe it or not, I forgot (yes, I really did forget) to take all my ABX and supplements, and I still felt wonderful!

I've hit a plateau lately, but I'm hoping I'll get some relief as I head off to Maui next week. I'm certain that the change of pace (no work/life stress) and sun will help level off some of the symptoms while I'm there. Warmer weather always tends to make me feel better!

Enjoy!
Jewl

Posted by snowboarder (Member # 6346) on :

Linda,

Go relax and have fun. I took a Caribbean cruise which docked from Ft. Lauderdale and it was fabulous. Food was good and I was so relaxed it was exactly what I needed.