advice needed....
 

Ok... my wife and I are taking going out of town next week (booked the trip on short notice because my Great-Uncle was sick.... he's doing better now). So, I'll be travelling (ugh) with a). my left side hurting b). my left foot in a walking cast c). with a baby and all the associated stuff d). the general stress of flying - making connections, delays etc etc. I'm just worried that all this could lead to huge flare. I called my PM doc to ask what I could or should do to help control potential pain and/or stay ahead of it. The nurse told me that I needed to get an appt with him to discuss this stuff. So, I guess i'm asking y'all for advice on the right way to bring this up and get it across clearly. thank you

Dabbo- I think you tell him exactly what you just told us. Keep it simple:

1. Your activities over this shore time period will be unusually difficult.
(the words 'getting through the airport with a baby" strike fear in the heart of anyone these days)
2. Your own personal pain management program generally includes avoiding activities that cause flares...but you will be unable to do that very effectively while on this trip
3. Could he authorize a one time increase in pain meds to help compensate for your unavoidable activities

I think you did a great job of putting it straightforwardly. I think the most important thing is to be reasonably confident and don't ask like it is some sort of special favor. Your activities are going to be different and so will your pain, so you will need to adjust the meds.

I think Johannakat had the perfect wording with......

"Could he authorize a one time increase in pain meds to help compensate for your unavoidable activities ?"

What did I miss. Where did the cast come from? :Scratch-Head:

Arrange for transport at the airport so someone will take you ( and more importantly all that stuff) to and from gates.

PM me and tell me what happened.

It's on the Today I thread - Toe/foot sarcoid... something ??

Dabbo
 

First of all...
After 7 years with TOS
I have learned to ASK for HELP. Thats the first step.
It's all about CHOOSING what to do that increases pain and burning and especially what NOT to do and allow someone else do it for you.

1. have your doc fill out a disability form and get a handicap placard at AAA club if you have a membership

2. Inform the airlines, trains, busses, taxi you need access to a wheel chair to and from gates including help with baggage. The tip you pay will be well worth $$ spent on drugs and peace of mind and body.

3. When on the plane get up and walk, keep the circulation and flexibility going within your body. IMPORTANT, DO YOUR EXERCISES THAT HELP YOU.

4. Take small bits of muscle relaxants (not whole pills) to avoid crashing and being lithless. A little bit of pain meds will keep the flare *fire down. It really helps. Your are consistantly putting out the fire without being drugged up. It's called precautionary. You will find it really does work day in and day out.

5. Ask for blankets, pillows, ice, etc...everyone is accomodating to chronic pain.

6. Breathe, breathe and breathe some more through diaphramatic breathing exercises

7. drink tons of water while traveling.

Thank you guys n gals (again) for your help!! Visit with the doc went very well - we talked about my foot, about how this is affecting my life, overall quality of life, etc before we got down to why i had made the appointment. Before I could even ask for a temporary increase in my meds, he asked how I felt about taking the dose up slightly- i've been on the same pretty low dose for appx. 6mo now. That, and he also stressed that if i found myself up a creek when we get up there, I am to call him immediately to figure out a solution.