[Marina22]

We are going on a cruise in three weeks. To Alaska. I'm very scared. I still get dizzy from time to time, headaches, nausea sometimes when I overdo something, head pressure, pins and needles and/or electrical current sensation through my head, some vision problems, etc. These are only physical symptoms. I don't even wanna get into cognitive ones.

I also have balance issues, but mostly because of my ankle (I'm limping on my right foot). But this is a vacation the whole family is looking forward to. I don't wanna ruin everybody's fun. Any thoughts?

This is my first cruise ever.

[Mark in Idaho]

Talk to your doctor about having meds for different situations. You may be very sensitive to the motion of the ship. Even stabilized ships have some movement. Remember that the brain shuts down motion sensory systems when you are asleep. Sleeping is the easiest way to deal with sea sickness if you have a problem.

Have a good time for me. My wife and I have always wanted to take the Alaska inland passage.

[Hockey]

It's a good suggestion to discuss the trip with your doctor.

As far as vacations go, the good thing about a cruise is that you don't have to rush from place to place to see sites, get meals, etc... Set your own pace.

If it were me, I think I'd find a quiet corner, sit in a deck chair and alternate between snoozing and drinking in the beautiful scenery and fresh air. The ship will have plenty of activities for your family members, so there is no pressure on you to play social coordinator.

I hope you have a relaxing time.

[anon1028]

I think a cruise is probably a better idea than a vacation where you would ber running around and not have close access to your room. my girlfriend and I were discussing a cruise but she likes the south and I like the north. the only thing we have in common lately is we both take lots of pills. go and have a good time and rest as often as necessary. but like hockey said, seeing the doctor couldn't hurt

[Marina22]

I have an appointment set up with my PCP a week prior to departure.

We are leaving on the 24th. I'll take lots of pictures and will create an album here after, so you can all share my experience I only hope that this is gonna be a good and relaxing experience

We chose to cruise this year because of my injury for the reasons you all wrote. We don't have to fly anywhere since we live in the port of departure/arrival (crowded airports or any places is a torture to me) + my fear of flying is almost uncontrollable now. If I feel off, I can always excuse myself to our room. Hubby and kids are going on some shore excursions. I can only do the easy ones like the lumberjack show, where not much walking involved. Anyway, I hope my family including myself will have a great time.

[kayley]

Originally Posted by Marina22

We are going on a cruise in three weeks. To Alaska. I'm very scared. I still get dizzy from time to time, headaches, nausea sometimes when I overdo something, head pressure, pins and needles and/or electrical current sensation through my head, some vision problems, etc. These are only physical symptoms. I don't even wanna get into cognitive ones.

I also have balance issues, but mostly because of my ankle (I'm limping on my right foot). But this is a vacation the whole family is looking forward to. I don't wanna ruin everybody's fun. Any thoughts?

This is my first cruise ever.

Sounds like fun! I went to Europe for a little over two weeks while I was very much symptomatic (paid for it already before all of this). I also had to fly 8 hours, and we ran from place to place taking bus and train and walking a LOT. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it could be for my symptoms. Focusing on the experience also helps take your mind off your pain as well.

Also, if you feel like you are reaching your limit for stimulation/energy is depleting, it is important to not push it. Many times I learned the lesson that a good day overdone, means a bad next day.

My must haves:
Melatonin (herbal supplement to help me sleep). Good rest at night is crucial to have a decent day the next day

Travel Pillow: I had whiplash from my last concussion, so having something to keep my neck in the right position helped with headaches and neck pain

Gravol/Advil: Gravol to prevent nausea (ginger gravol is a favourite,it's non-drowsy!), advil for the headache that was excruciating to take the pain down a bit, although you shouldn't take it all the time

Enjoy your trip!