Chronic pain and traveling
Right, then, I’ve gone and had my little emotional meltdown, and now I’m feeling a little better.
I just remembered something I talked about with my husband yesterday while we were in Mendocino - I was very angry with my body for deciding to let the menses loose two days early, on our one-year anniversary no less.
I started to go on about all the things that I’d neglected to bring, if only I’d known that I’d be needing these things so soon.
I’d made some accommodation for myself with regards to the multiple chemical sensitivity issues I’ve been having since September, but I’d made no accommodation, outside of my pain medication, towards the endometriosis issue.
I simply did not expect to be two days early, because I was not exhibiting the usual round of pre-menstrual symptoms. I was taken by surprise. I had to use a sock as a pad, that’s how unprepared I was. I haven’t had to use socks as pads since I was in high school (we were too poor to buy maxi pads).
So my discussion with my husband was that from now on, I need to be prepared, in the event that george sneaks up on me.
On the way home last night, as I was tossed about on the rough seas of endometriosis pain, combined with too much Vicodin, I clung to what sanity I could. I made a list of things I need to have at the ready whenever I am away from home 5 days before menses begins:
- Back support cushion
- Medication - enough to last an entire month, because that’s what makes me feel at ease
- Travel heating pads (I have rice pads and corn pads.)
- Maxi pads (Always have fabric pads and disposable pads on hand).
- Portable toilet (I have a female urinal in with my camping gear, but it’s incredibly uncomfortable. Last night I began fantasizing about lugging around an actual toilet, instead).
- A change of clothes, such as pajamas or something loose and comfy.
- A blanket or sleeping bag.
- A favourite pillow (hugging a large pillow close to yourself makes being stuck in a moving car when experiencing a lot of pelvic pain a little more bearable. The pillow gives the feeling of support).
- Large elasticised bandage (again, for pelvic support when stuck in a moving vehicle) - Some people need the feeling of confinement when in that much pain, while others need to be in as loose-fitting clothing as possible. I could go either way - it just depends on the situation and the type of pain I’m in.
- Barf bags (Who here besides me has vomited from the pain and/or from the side effects of pain medication?)
- Respirator masks (unrelated to endometriosis; I also have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS))
- My wheelchair (either the pain or the pain meds, or both, can sometimes make it too difficult for me to even stand or walk. If I’m driving distance away from home but have the wheelchair in the trunk of our car, it makes my life SO much easier).
- Unscented travel soap (again related to MCS issues)
- Slippers or slipper socks.
I know there has to be more for my travel kit. I’ll think on it and check back on this post, later. The latest round of meds have kicked in and I need to go pass out.
Once I’ve refined my list, I’ll post it up on the main site. I need to also scour the Travels With Pain website again.