Vacation was a lot of fun but a tid too early to go, I think. We ended up walking A LOT (about 3 miles daily) and was too much, what with being in the hot sun. Was relaxing laying on the beach and listening to waves rolling in

I think if I'd had to do it again (reservations were already made long time ago), I'd give myself more time to recuperate as I was only 8 weeks post surgery when I went. I was able to take pain meds. with me, which I reluctantly ended up using. Tried to moderate the lumbar SCS, which is where I had the most difficulty with pain, but was hard to find sweet spot between just right amount of pain coverage and too much, which made things a little sore.

I asked for wheelchair down and back, which was a BIG help. Was whisked through security and customs faster than usual. Got the obligatory pat-down rather than going through the machines. If you go out of country, I'd suggest you get something from security in that country, in their own native language, that you can give to security personnel because the SCS cards didn't help me as much as having a letter in my hand, written in Spanish and signed by head of security. The screeners at Cancun looked at that letter and the rest was a breeze. The only problem was in the USA where we have to take our shoes off. It was a little problematic taking them off and off whilst sitting on wheelchair.

So, while I have many fun memories (and didn't sleep very well while there because of being on pain meds.), it was nice to be with my husband and dad. Now to do tons of laundry and try to get my sleep schedule back to some sense of normalacy.

Welcome back Fiona

Sounds like you had a lovely time, even if you did walk daily. I bet it was lovely though lying in that beautiful sun and heat. I always use a wheelchair whenever I travel through airports. Its absolutely fantastic. And so quick. Its good to know that the cards we are using isnt really enough. I have my identity bracelet too. But as you say if its a 'foreign' country then thats not much good to them in English

Glad you got back ok too ....pity bout the laundry...do take it handy though Im sure there is no rush at all

Jackie

You are SO strong! to be able to do all of this only 8 wks out from surgery!
The time spent with your wonderful men will be memories to last your lifetime....

I can't imagine walking THREE miles a DAY!
You have to be a record-setter my dear friend! TWO IMPLANTS, 8 wks from surgery, traveling abroad.....walking the beaches.....unbelievable! Yet very very inspiring! Makes me realize what a weeny I really am

Thank you for the info regarding the security! These are the things that there would be NO way of knowing (other than actually experiencing them) ... you are our official 'Trailblazer' ! You've given us SO much valuable input and suggestions.
We are indeed blessed to have you!


Good Lord! Take it easy on the laundry!!! As IF you haven't pushed yourself as it is!! Just wear a TOGA for the next week so you can RELAX and recoup from the jetlag.......OH! and BTW, we change our clocks this weekend

Just wonderin how you are feeling Fiona!
Did you get your laundry done and conquer any jetlag?

I hope your pain isn't rearing it's ugly head.......
Are the buzzers keeping up?

Jackie: Finally have most of the laundry done...why, oh why, do I overpack?? My sleep schedule is getting back to normal and my pain is getting more manageable. Came back to no leaves on the trees and Fall setting in...wish I were back on the beach

By the way, have some friends in Ireland right now, waiting in line, to kiss the blarney stone. Not sure I want to kiss what many others have already kissed

Yes Fiona I totally agree, Ive never kissed the Blarney stone.....but then lots of people do hence the ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Im so glad to hear that you have the laundry done, its a pity I didnt know sooner I could have sent you some of mine too

Yes Winter is coming with a vengeance here in Ireland, well it doesnt have to be Nov/Dec for that to happen it could happen any month of the year
I can only imagine what it was like to be lying on the beach in November soaking up all that heat and sunshine. Wonderful!

I hope that you are feeling relaxed now and that those 'twins' are behaving themselves

OK enuf of the recycled threads!

Everyone, and I do mean everyone, who has kissed the Blarney Stone has died?


Mark56

Is that true or a load of malarkey???