I've been on leave from work for almost a month, resting all day M-F and a bit more active evenings/weekends with kids and husband home. By Mondays I'm pretty well worn down from the weekends.

Today my son and I are traveling to be with extended family for an annual vacation. We are traveling with my brother (I couldn't have done the drive) and my other siblings, parents, nieces and nephews will be around to give a hand with my son (3). While I had doubts about going, I think it'll be a boost for my mental health, even if it sets me back a bit physically. There's no real agenda for this trip, lots of just hanging out together, I will nap when he naps, go to bed early, etc.

My parents tried to give me the "out" to stay home and not jeopardize my recovery, but honestly, I needed this to look forward to. Wish me luck!

Has anyone else traveled while trying to get well? Would love to hear your stories.

I traveled four times over the summer and I am planning another trip soon.  It was tough and took me about a week to recover from the first two trips.  However, it was worth it to me and I would do it again.  I learned a little more each trip and now I'm pretty confident with the modifications I need to make to have successful travel while recovering. With the modifications, I was able to recover in only a few days from the last two trips.

First, I must have another adult with me who can drive and be a backup for helping with my children (as you have planned).  Second, I must not try to do too much.  This is hard for me!  Third, I will only travel with people who are understanding of my disease and current limitations.  Next, I must carefully pack my medications and most of my food so those parts are not stressful to me.  Also, I will not travel when adding new medications.  Additionally, I have learned that I need to pack two days prior to leaving so that I can rest the day before we leave.

Yes, it was tough to travel but it was absolutely worth it to me.  I've always found travel to be an uplifting experience.  If I get to a place where it is more stressful than helpful during recovery, I will stop.  But, for now, I still find that the benefits outweigh the negative parts for me with travel. 

Lisa

Hope you enjoy your trip and time with family. It sounds like you have quite the support network.

The hardest part for me traveling is staying schedule with medications, and staying with the diet. I too bring certain foods with me to snack on if nothing I can eat is available.

I just got back from a trip and shipped out food ahead of time. That made things so much easier on me! I did not have to scouting for anything.

I did take a day to adjust to the altitude. I affected my breathing and I was super tired. But I did drive across the state 6 hours- longest drive for me in 2 years.

Utilize your family so you can rest when needed. Enjoy!