[marion06095]

Hubby and I are on vacation. We have driven cross-country (from Connecticut to Washington state, and we’ll be catching a cruise ship in Seattle on the eleventh of August. Meanwhile we are doing the usual tourist stuff until it is time for the cruise.

So, wouldn’t you know it, I decided to be brave and take a motel room on the second floor of a place that has no elevator. “I can do this,” I figured. “Don’t be such a wussy,” I said.

The next morning, while descending the stairs, I fell. I didn’t fall DOWN the stairs, but managed to go down on my bum while still holding on to the handrail for dear life.

This really bummed me out. I’ve never had a leg just go out from under me like that! I took it easy the rest of the day, but I was able to get around. I did have pain in my knees (no surprise) because my legs just sort of crumbled beneath me. But I was able to gimp around with the walker.

Today? I can barely hobble! My legs hurt so much I can’t believe it.

That’s about the long and short of it. I am worried that I’ll be in too much pain to do all those excursions we booked during the cruise. I tell myself that I’ll feel better in a few days. I guess that’s the best thing to do.

Sigh,

[SallyC]

Well doesn't that just suck canal water.

Could you reschedule?

[marion06095]

I suppose we could. I did buy that travel insurance in case of emergencies, and suppose we could spin it that way. But then we'd just have to drive cross country again, which is the least favorite part of the vacation. Flying would be worse, though. I figure even if all I do is stay on the ship, I'll have a good time. I sure am glad I convinced hubby to take the more expensive room on the ship. I may be seeing a lot of it.

[kicker]

Some cruise shipsw have wheelchairs you can borrow in port if you go.

[jprinz99]

my advise: whip out the yellow pages in the hotel nightstand drawer.
look up Durable Medical Equipment. Pick one that seems like it might be a good one (or call a hospital's PT dept and ask which DME company they use for patients). Get your doc to write a script and fax to DME company for a "folding, lightweight wheelchair". They will size you up and deliver (or you pick up). This should all happen in less than 48 hours in Seattle area.

If insurance pays a gooodly amount- great! If you have to shell out cash, so be it. It will enable you to really enjoy your trip and not be stuck in a expensive floating hotel room.

OR--- call local NMSS chapter and ask if they can let you borrow a wheelchair (explain why you may need it due to accident).

When life hands you lemons - make lemonaid with a cute paper umbrella!

Have a great time, heal quickly and have fun!!

[marion06095]

I have my push wheelchair with us on the trip. The last time we took a cruise I was very glad to have it with us at the end of the day. Also, if you bring your own wheelchair, the cruise line doesn't make you prove that you need one of the larger handicap rooms.

[doydie]

Oh, so sorry. We have always wanted to take one of those cruises but I know I couldn't drive cross country before the cruise. Are you going to Alaska?

[azoyizes]

So sorry about your fall. I hope your pains go away and that you're able to enjoy the rest of your vacation.

[marion06095]

Doydie, Alaska it is.

Thank you all for being such great friends. I am feeling a little better this morning, but not a whole bunch. I still feel very wobbly – like a Weeble.

My hubby has been planning this trip for years. As some of you know, I wasn’t all that crazy about the trip because I don’t really do well with day-after-day sitting in the car. But I just couldn’t bring myself to be such a party pooper.

I am determined not to let MS spoil my good time. I don’t know if I’ll be up for all the cruise excursions we booked, but even if I have to miss one or two of them I will make the best of my situation.

And if all else fails, I can just come here to NeuroTalk where I have wonderful friends who will “poor baby” me back to my usual happy self.

You guys rock!

[Twinkletoes]

You are very brave ... maybe a bit TOO brave!!! (2nd floor!)

Anyway, feel better and I hope you have a fabulous cruise!!!