I really want to go an visit my friend.

I have a friend who lives 250 miles north from me. She has Parkinsons with dementia.
I don't know if the day will come when she doesn't remember me, and if so, when that might be.

We used to visit her every year, until 2007 when my migraines worsened and I couldn't make the trip.
Now I am worse again and desperate to try to go an see her.

I wondered if anyone could suggest how I might do this please?
I only have Triptans to help me. I wondered if anyone had tried taking them, say everyday for a few days to try to ward of the beast?

I have enough. I could do it. But would it work? Anyone tried?
And as 9/10 of mine come on in the night, should I take it at bedtime?

I would appreciate any suggestions please.
I have another problem in that our car is not very good on bumpy roads, it seems to upset whatever is wrong with my neck.
I can try wearing an old soft collar I have, that might help, but the journey is 5 hours.
I haven't managed more than 2 hours on the road for 3 years. One is usually my limit before my head is really bad.
But it has to be in the car.

So....I would like to do this in June. She is free and it would be good to go before school is out and the roads get busier.

Thanks for reading.
Pen

Pen,

Seems to be 2 issues - the M and the car ride.

I don't know that preemptively taking a triptan will keep it at bay but you could for a night or two before you leave and then every night while you are visiting and during the day if necessary. It might keep things at a manageable level.

The car ride. I would do what I could to support your neck. The collar isn't a bad idea and perhaps having a small cooler with you that held ice packs so you could alternate if your neck started to get sore. I would also see if you could get a sedative or muscle relaxant just to help you travel. Or possibly both. One to help keep your neck from getting tight and the other to perhaps try to sleep while in the car (I'm assuming DH is driving).

Just my thoughts - don't know that it would work. But you could take a shorter trip - say an hour or so and see what happens with the collar before you try to go 5 hours. It could even be shorter - just to see how you respond to things.

Becky

Thanks Becky. Yes I should have said He will drive. I dont like driving, but these days its not much of an option over any distance even with my auto RAV 4. Mind you its so old, not sure it would make the trip.

Thanks for the ice pack suggestion. Hadnt thought of that, and we have one of those little car refrigerator things.

Did use the collar on the drive to see the neuro. I think it helped. Should have been about 90 minutes, but "someone" took a wrong turn, and I had to navigate us back to the right road....So was 2 hours in all return trip....




Its funny you put DH is driving. In this house that stand for Desperate Houswives....
I should be glad its not one of them..

I wouldn't take a triptan as preventive - I doubt it will work. It's like taking an antibiotic in case you might get an infection - it simply won't do. You either need it or not.

Be prepared Pen, but don't worry too much.
Consider any possibility that may happen and have something ready should the situation arise,
but, again don't worry about something that didn't happened YET :]


I would take maximum dose of triptans per day, the trip both ways including.
A bucket lined with disposable plastic bags (a kitchen can ones will do) in case of ralphs,
a cooler with ice packs, a six pack of bottled water, motion sickness meds, sunglasses,
and maybe those soft earplugs to soften the sound as well - at least for the while.

Have a great time with your friend.

Risa

Thank you for your advice and suggestions. Good ones.

I confess, with shame that this last 10 days has put me off even trying....
I got 8 better days and boy am I paying for it now.

My mind plays horrible yo yo tricks with my emotions.

I DO want to go, but right now cant see how I can do it.

Still appreciate the suggestions though, cos Im not giving up.

P

Pen,

I have problems traveling too because of my neck, shoulders and cervical spine. However, I've found that neck support doesn't really help. It's the vibration, starting/stopping and movement that aggravate the pain.

Some things that help some for me are to recline the passenger seat you're riding in so that you're not upright, have pillows to support your arms to take the weight off your shoulders/neck, sometimes pillows to soften the movement of your head/neck. I've also tried OTC patches: Icy Hot, Thermacare and Salonpas; and prescription 5% lidoderm patches. These have been very little help, but I still use them for whatever minor relief they offer.

Frequent stops to get out of the vehicle and move around are helpful.

I don't receive much relief from muscle relaxants, but they might help you.

However, despite all this, I think it is worth it for your mental and emotional peace and health to see your friend. Even if you end up paying for it for a week or two afterward, the peace it will give your mind and soul will be worth it.

Hope you can work it out to go, Pen. Please go and enjoy yourself. Risa and Becky's suggestions will be helpful for any migraine discomfort and so you'll be prepared for anything.

i know it will cost, but could you throw in an overnight stay half way through the journey in a travel inn or similar? you could take your own pillow if thats a prob for you have a good breakfast and be refreshed for when you arrived at your friends. A long car journey gets me everytime.

Thank you all. I just spoke with my friend, I do long to see her.
My situation is so bad at the moment, I dont know how I can do it, but am not giving up.

I cant shake this constant pain and spend most of my time on this couch.
It seems an unreachable at the moment, but I will keep hoping.

Thanks.
P

Pen,

Just do it. I know you are miserable right now but getting out might be just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes if you want to do something bad enough the body will knock down the pain and allow you to do it. You might pay for it when you come home but those days will be wonderful.

I know how hard it is. I play softball on Thursday nights and even if I'm not feeling real well when I get there, while I'm out playing, I feel just fine.

Becky

Becky, I appreciate your thoughts. Thing is I am a lot older and my body doesnt respond to the better days like yours does. It used to, but I am twice your age, it gets harder...

Also I hurt so bad that I couldnt even go out the door. My head hurts so much, I even put off going to the loo. Moving hurts.
Even sitting it hurts constantly. Not my sometimes 3 or 4, this has been at an 8 almost constantly for 2 weeks.

I cant even go to walk the dog right now. I hope it will pass. I am tough, but right now, my husband wouldnt even consider us going. Its bad for him too. He is cooking dinner right now. My girls came to walk the dog, she is 13 today.

BUT. I will never give up. I am just out of ideas right now. But thank you.

Pen

I do understand. I've got another bad streak starting for me too. I hate this but getting out is sometimes just worth it.

Can you start by sitting outside? Sometimes just leaving the couch is enough. I went and sat on my balcony on Friday and let the dogs out with me. It was nice to just be outside.

Well Miss Saffy and Mr. Ditto share a birthday. He's only 2 and I know Saffy has a few more years on him.

Just a thought. Sending you a virtual hug and hoping your days get better.

Thank you Becky, hugs back. Happy Birthday Mr Ditto, and yes it is a long time since our Saf was 2.

I sat in the garden Friday, but yesterday it was cold and raining.
Today sunnier but chilly, but I always get out there if I can.
I like to be outdoors.

I hope you dont get as bad as you were.
Seems to be a lot of it about