Hi Cindi,

Do you have a day or 2 to CHILL before you leave on your long trip? Sounds like you could use some peace and quiet and rest...There is a wonderful book called the "Mindfulness Solution to Pain" by Jackie Gardner-Nix. It has helped me learn how to relax much better than I was able to before. My therapist advised me to order it and we talked a lot about meditation while I was seeing her (WC only allowed me 10 sessions with a shrink, which have expired).

I also take a muscle relaxer - Skelaxin, and a sleeping aid before I go to bed to ensure that I sleep. They usually work well, (they knock me right out!)even though I still wake often from pain (when I move around). I will deal later in life with any addiction issues, right now I am concerned about keeping my flares and pain levels to a minimum and sleeping and relaxation are CRITICAL. I so don't want to get any sicker than I already am.

Please try to take it easy. XOXOX Sandy