I just found out that my sister is dying of cancer. I want to be with her so I am driving to see her (15 hour trip). When I have my most pain is when I sit for long perionds of time(like in the car). I am going to make this a two day trip because of my pain. My question is there something I can do, sit on, take that will help me with my pain on this very long trip.
Hi Maggiemay,
So sorry to hear about your sister. Traveling IS difficult with fibromyalgia. I think a memory foam pillow to sit on Is a good idea and I would say stop every 60 to 90 minutes for 5 to 10 min. To stretch your legs. Be sure to stay hydrated, that will help also. Keep us posted on how you do.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jackie S.
So so sorry for your sister and for you. This trip will be hard for you especially with the added stress and sadness. I hope you will have someone travel with you. I made a 14 hour trip and spent my time mostly in bed when I got there. Splitting it up into to days will help a lot. I used one of those neck pillows to support my neck and it really did help. I also put biofreeze on all my painful areas. Hope this will help. I will be praying for you and your sister.
Hi Maggiemay,
First let me tell you how utterly sorry I am about your sister. I can't imagine what you're going through right now. But you've come to the right place, as people will have a lot of good suggestions for you and your car trip.
First off, please make sure you have enough to nibble on, as it's easy to feel tired suddenly, but snacks can perk you back up. Don't bring things that go bad unless you have a car fridge that plugs into your cigarette lighter or whatever is in today's car. Cookies in snack sized bags, pretzels, cheese spread and crackers (pre-made, in the cookie aisle,) etc. are good for nibbling on. If you don't have a car fridge, you can bring a bag that you put ice in and it stays cool, and bring enough drinks to stay hydrated and maybe a sandwich or two (too hot outside to carry a sandwich around for long.)
Hand wipes or baby wipes. Good for wiping off your hands in the car.
I'm wondering if one of those ring-cushion donuts would be useful for you to sit on while driving: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kabooti-Comfort-Ring-Cushion-DONUT-TAILBONE...
I like to slap on a lot of SalonPas pain patches: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Salonpas-Patches-Regular-40-Each-/330924849.... They are available over-the-counter, at your local drug store or supermarket or Walmart, and are cheap ($4-7.) I tend to stick on more than is advised, but they help! If you don't use them, Tiger Balm is another good product for pain, at least if it's pain from inflammation, as opposed to fibro pain.
A small, slim, rectangular pillow: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Memory-Foam-Lumbar-Back-Support-Cushion-Pillow-for-Office-Home-Chair-Car-Seat-/141299356204?pt=Decorative_Pillows&var=&hash=item20e619122c ; or http://www.ebay.com/itm/Handmade-Rectangular-Boudoir-Pillow-Velvet-... to tuck behind your back is also a good idea. I don't like it to be too fat because then it tends to push into my back and cause pain. The lumbar pillow can probably be found in any medical goods store.
My sister has a massager that is long, slender, and tubular: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flexassage-Tube-Battery-Operated-Massager-3.... It's flexible and she can wrap it around her neck. I don't particularly like it, but it might be something you could use when on a break from driving. I'm not sure where she got it from - maybe a place like Bed, Bath and Beyond would carry it.
Music - if you have a music player in your car, make sure to bring CDs or whatever you use. Music helps me to stay awake and focused.
If your wrists hurt, buy some of those wrist wraps and wear them while driving. Same thing for ankle or knee wraps.
If you have a handicapped placard, remember to bring it with you. Sunglasses - SUPER important during this time of the year, especially in the South. If your eyes tire too quickly, you'll have to pull over more often.
A friend to help you drive, if possible. SO extremely helpful!
I know that you were just looking for info on something to sit on, but I thought these were all important things to cover. I wish I could think of more! You will need plenty of rest.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister. You're giving her the greatest gift of all: comfort during her terrible illness. May God be with you both and bring you both comfort.
Hugs and prayers,
Petunia