Vacations

Just thought I'd throw this out there and see the responses.
How do you, who need assistive devises to walk, whether its a cane, walker or w/c, handle vacations.

Heres the thing, my husband wants to take me on vacation because of all the stress from my last flare has left me barely able to walk, and he feels I need to get away and 'forget' things for awhile.

I use a walker but can't walk far. He's wanting to take me on a cruise, which for someone with balance problems, would make quite an interesting venture. He would settle for taking me to Vegas, but again, all the walking, I can't do it.

I love his point and enthusiasm for wanting to get me out and away. I cant get a scooter now, which would do great for the Vegas thing. I guess Im asking, how do you handle vacations with limitations?

Im just having a hard time seeing me enjoying myself, or my husband for that matter. Having to slow down for me and all.

[jbell2435]

How very sweet of your husband!

I am very similar to you in that I can't walk too far or too long.

We ended up getting a transport chair from the pharmacy for $79 and use that when going to malls, casino, etc. where he can push me.

If you go to Vegas, the casinos have chairs everywhere, so I can walk a few yards, sit down, etc.

I wouldn't worry too much about slowing your husband down, as it seems he is very accomodating of your condition to even suggest the vacation!

As for the cruise...I am planning one now for the end of May, in Europe. Should be interesting. I plan to get a rollator for shore excursions and maybe even on board if it gets rocky. We went on a short (4 day) cruise last March before I had dx, but still had sx and I did fine, just held on to the walls and rails a lot, and again, lots of places to stop and sit when needed.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[techie]

cruise

Those ships are humongous longer than football fields. With all those decks I am sure they have elevators too I bet right about now they a the safest type of vacation to take!
techie

[Mynamegoeshere1]

Dr

Talk to your dr. Due to my spasticity, my doc wrote me an Rex for a wheelchair for long walks, but made me promise to not use it when I don't need to because once you lose that muscle tone, it's hard to get back. He will understand your need to want to enjoy your life and by George, I don't think you should let anything stand in your way. My big problem is I'm too sleepy to do anything!

[Just MS me]

me to

Walks are my problem also the neuro rx me a wheel chair, with insurance the way it is I still haven't. Got it yet, but we went to Gatlinburg TN and sure could of used it, would of made vacation much more enjoyable.

[DianeD]

Balance, Walking and vacations

We went on a long vacation at Christmas; a family thing. It was about 2 weeks. This was a special family thing so it was very special.

The most difficult part of the trip was the flights to and from San Franciso, but anything that tires me out takes a lot of the fun out of it.

My family does a lot to accomodate me, but I always feel like I'm a drag on things. I just do what I can and they are understanding.

Our trip was at Christmas; the flights were absolutely packed and moving about (as to the bathroom) was hard.

An airplane makes one of the worst places for anyone with balance issues.

A cruise might be fun as they offer a lot of ways to entertain you. The rooms, unless you get a suite ($$$$) are cramped. However the various shipping lines are accustomed to handicapped persons, so no big deal.

Vegas actually seems like a lot more walking unless you plan to do most things in one place.

Let us know what you decide.

Diane

[1042xx]

Vacations

A few tips for planning and enjoying a vacation. When I was working I could afford to take a vacation... not so much any longer, but when I did, I used a travel agent. In addition to having an understanding of my issues, she could recommend the best places for me to stay. She would also call the resort to ensure that I had a disability room and not far from the main attractions. Regarding air travel, when making reservations, I ensure I have an aisle seat, and set up wheel chair services. Lastly, every vacation I have taken in the last 10 years, I have ended up with a relapse right before I leave. This is when I discovered the spa vacation to be the best one for me. I hope to take one of these again someday. With the various body treatments and massages, my relapse melted away within a day or two. I do not take vacations where I need to walk a lot.

[maitrimama]

As it has already been mentioned, the cruise ships are enormous. Much more a floating city than a boat. Cruise lines, especially during the current economic situation, are competing for passangers which would make them even more accommodating. It couldn't hurt to call a couple cruise lines and see what they have to offer, I wouldn't be surprised if the have have wheelchairs/scooters available on board.

My own experience with a cruise was yrs ago but very positive. I went with 12 family members ranging from my parents in their 60s to me with 2 young daughters (aged 3&6) and we all had fun. You can do as much or as little as you like. Go one, you dedrve it.