randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
well this is october and we're off to wyoming for 3 weeks.
i know it's higher altitude so i try to stay calm, drink lots of water.
the thing that's bothering me is that when i get too far away from my doc, i sort of, well, start panicking...what if something happens, no hospital, etc.
i've got ambien to help me sleep, plus my diflucan. i'm not back on any meds as problems with my liver.
what do you do when you're going long periods of time?
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
I was in the same boat as you this past July.
And that was before I knew I had LYME !
We had been planning this family reunion - camping trip in Rhode Island (via NY) for almost a year.
I was sick of being sick and missing everything and determined not to ruin this opportunity for my little ones.
So, I was discharged from the hospital to go.
I was so nervous because I had a T.I.A. in early April, was having a lot of cardiological symptoms and much chest pain but STILL no diagnosis.
To be so ill and in the woods, miles away from home, was intimidating, to say the least.
I found comfort in googling the closest hospitals and familiarizing myself with their facilities, printed out directions, routes and telephone numbers, etc.
Going was the best decision that I could have made!
Not only was it wonderful to have a break from all the hospitals and doctors appointments - just the distraction was so great for my psyche - the cleaner air that I was breathing ( I live in Pittsburgh) was so beneficial, as well.
But the best part is ... that is where/when I finally received my diagnosis!
I stopped taking some meds so that I could travel (and felt better without them) and I began to take a few others that I had been fighting NOT to take (narcotics & benzodiazepines.) I figured what the heck - I'm suffering and have fought long enough, I may as well try to be as comfortable as possible, if I'm going to have a lethal thrombic event in the middle of the woods!
I will always be so grateful that I took the trip.
Go for it ! Ease your worries by "preparing" and then Take a Break and Relax !
ENJOY !
Posts: 68 | From Pittsburgh | Registered: Aug 2008
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Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
I hear ya, We are driving back from CA to OH in 3 days and I'm a nervous wreck, terrified I will have a panic attack in the middle of the Nevada desert or WY where there is nothing and no one to 'help' me. But I just had a bad panic attack yesterday and I lived through it. While I've actually gone into an ER, I never went to the front desk, I just intructed my husband to tell someone if I passed out and they could help me, lol, as I furiously paced the floors filled with impending doom and adrenaline, lol!
Sameetra, I'm so glad that you went on your trip. How are you feeling now with your Lyme? Any progress?
posted
Id suggest you start practicing your deep breathing, meditation, yoga, etc...now, before you go on your trip.
Relaxation methods to curb anxiety must be practiced all the time, every day, in order for you to get good at bringing your body down during peak times.
The thing to remember about anxiety...nobody is going to die from it. It may be terrifying, but the more you face it, breathe through it, and adapt to it, the less panic attacks you'll have, and you'll be able to recognize them easier. Its hard to relax when in full tilt triggered anxiety, but, with practice, you can observe (mindfulness), and breath away your anxiety.
As Ive heard many times before....dont worry about something till it happens. Stay in the present, dont worry about things that may never happen, or that you cant control... and if anxiety strikes, ... just breathe...
Posts: 514 | From . | Registered: Apr 2008
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canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
Hi,
1. Do you have to go to Wyoming? Maybe you're anxious for a reason. You will be increasing in health over time, if you're seeing a LLMD. I have found as my health increases, there is an increase in my comfort level being away from my LLMD.
2. ITO travel, I always choose the method that will least impact me physically. Even if others are driving, I fly. If it's a shorter distance, I take the train. If I can't afford to travel in a way that is least likely going to cause me to be sick, I don't go.
3. Find the nearest LLMD to where you are going and introduce yourself by phone. Let them know what you're planning, and ask them whether they will be your pinch hitter, if necessary.
4. Get a Medic Alert bracelet, and list your LLMD as your first medical contact. I have a medical power of attorney so that the person(s) I designate, who are aware of my medical situation, are making decisions if I am not able to.
Best wishes,
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Wyoming might be difficult. I drove my grandmother to NC and as soon as I drove up the mountains in Knoxville, my Lyme started to flare. You might want to increase herbs, etc. since you're not on abx.
Otherwise, I have no trouble with travel.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
Wyoming is great. I live here and love it. The air is clean, the people are wonderful, and there is more here than would first meet the eye.
I relate to you with the terrifying experience of travel. This summer I went to Canada - scared to death - but it turned out great! We are living people, not married to our sickness. Travel is difficult, but the best thing to do what is right and not give in to fear.
Take along whatever things you might need - meds, phone numbers, or epsom salt bath materials. Then, once you get to Wyoming, remember there are Lyme people who live here (in the middle of nowhere) and are doing quite fine. I go to school full time, I teach piano lessons, and even though I'm not 100% healthy, I'm doing quite well.
You might just be surprised about how great it is here. The sunrises and sunsets are outstanding - better than anywhere else in the world - the mountains are beautiful, and even the desolate countryside is great. We lived on a ranch in the absolute middle of nowhere for a year, and I survived.
If you have any questions about doctors, doctors who treat Lyme here, or even if you need someone to call for moral support, let me know. I'm willing to help, so just pop me a message.
Have fun!
Posts: 204 | From Wyoming | Registered: Feb 2003
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
It is beautiful! As is my grandmother's place in the mountains of NC. It's just not being used to the altitude and having Lyme is difficult.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
we're going to stay with friends outside of douglas. they have 15,000 acres and i'm just dumbing down...doin absolutely nothing while he hunts.
i love wyoming and would like to move there but can't afford it.
so we leave for a month and he gets rejuvenated. it's a full two day drive from fort worth, we stop in raton, and then head straight up 25 all the way to douglas.
yep, sure is pretty.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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It's just not being used to the altitude and having Lyme is difficult.
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