Hi Folk,

I'm going on vacation next week, and will be on plane, van, car, and maybe jeep. Sitting is still painful to my left buttock. There are things to do on the trip which I can only do if I can make it through a car trip of about 2 hours on unpaved road. So, reluctantly, I'm passing on these activities. But I'd really like to have the adventures I'd imagined and be comfortable.

I'm soliciting your ideas.

Today I ordered a donut pillow. I don't know if it will work, but my physical therapist thought it was worth buying.

http://medicalproductsdirect.stores....pospilpos.html

Any other ideas? Remember, the big problem is absorbing shock when I'm vertical or sitting. Walking is usually okay; lying down is fine.

Well, the only things I can think of that have ever helped with a pain in the butt were two things: a divorce, and then an ice pack for PN pain...

I seem to recall that you can't tolerate cold, but maybe this is not right. Anyway, if you can, frozen ColPak ice packs wrapped in a hand towel are great for PN pain. I could not stand to ride in the car without these when I was first diagnosed. Sitting on one numbs the pain a great deal.

Cathie

What about one of those elastic belts for around your waist? You know the kind that is designed for bad backs and sold at chemists? If you wear it while you sit in the jeep, I assume it would keep your upper body from swinging around alot, thus limiting the possibility of strain or injury. It would just keep your midrif area contained and cosy inside the elastic limiting motion.

One of the most painful parts of a car ride for me is the swaying back and forth that the torso does. You are tensing the body in order to hold it upright. It makes me incredibly sore. So I tend to agree with Aussie that an elastic brace might be a good idea. Something like maybe one of these? http://store.orthoathletic.com/merch...ct_Code=31-560 This is just an example and may not be the right one for you.

Billye

My grandma and mom used to wear a torso brace all the time- they called it a 'girdle' and no self respecting female (of any size) would've been caught without one (or more) in the '40's & '50's.
I don't see them around much any more, except for medical or overweight problems.
But it used to be that many women considered them a vital part of the wardrobe- a 'foundation' item, & one of the polite 'unmentionables' All of 'em wore 'em!

I do have a brace and have worn it rarely since the surgery, but with comfort. So you're right, Folk, I should resurrect it (I'd not thought of that) and try it out for car rides. Anything else? The issues are: plane, incredibly bumpy car rides and jeep rides, and maybe canoeing if I can figure this out enough. I have zero endurance, so I can't do anything with too much walking (this is all deconditioning from NOT EXERCISING in 2 years), but I'd like to see the sights.

Please, keep sending ideas.

Seriously, I think that you will need a support pillow on the plane. I wonder if your back is going to be able to handle bumpy rides, especially if you are in a Jeep. Could this bumping bother your fusion?

The last time I canoed, I had a good back and was not sick. The only thing I can remember is paddling made my back and especially shoulders tired...

Cathie

P.S. Have you mentioned this trip to your back doc?

Hi LizaJane - I've bought other "comfort" products from this company - can't attest to this product but its called a "Memoflex Gel Comfort Seat" - folds in half so easy to carry and looks like it could cushion your rides......




http://www.firststreetonline.com/pro...archresult.jsp

How about one of those Temper Pedic Pillows.

Alan and I have been sleeping on these for years., Wouldn't be without them. Very very comfortable.

And to the person who called a girdle a torso brace, well, I never laughed so hard in all my life.

All my life, up until I marred, I had to wear those awful things to work every day. I was conditioned by my mother who wore a playtex girdle all her life. Took 10 lbs off of her body instantly. Everything was pushed inside the body and all the clothes just glided on and gave you a nice fit. Yeah, but you couldn't breath all day long. I was never so uncomfortable in those things. Thankfully I stopped wearing them after I got married.

I told my husband, he married me, not my girdle.

Now I know it's called a Torso Brace. Thats good one!!!

mel

I've collected some opinions now, and made two orders, with at least one strange result.

My phys therapist recommended a foam donut. I ordered one, and it was ridiculous---an itsy bitsy piece of nothing that couldn't possibly absorb any shock. I've sent it back. A doctor recommended gel, and I found a gel seat that looks like it has some support, so I've ordered it:

http://www.autobarn.net/gel-seat-cushion.html

It hasn't arrived yet, so I don't know.

Today I saw my feldenkrais person. She thought the gel was all wrong, as it absorbs vibration but not shocks (who knew?) and suggests hard foam. Too late. Also, she says stay away from tempurpedic, as I dont' want something that will collapse, but rather something that will retain its shape.

I've looked at kmeb's idea, and it looks good, but late. I need to have whatever I'm committed to by Tuesday.

I ordered the magnets, but they haven't arrived yet.

Today I bought lots of blister products, just in case; had feldenkrais, as not only is my neck hurting, there's a suspicous feeling at the bottom of a foot, and still, the butt. She did help the foot.

I'm packing light on clothes and heavy on health aides!