Fibromyalgia

Last year was my 50th birthday. To celebrate that milestone, my sister & I are going on a road trip. My sister is covering food & accommodation and M&D are covering the flight back & various incidentals.. 

So, this Thursday, we are leaving in the evening, after rush hour to go through Toronto and around Buffalo for our first leg..Leaving first thing (God help me) the next morning, we are trading off driving duties all the way to Berkley WV..  About 450 miles, just over 700 km..   then to Jacksonville FL the next day, another 600 miles,  about 950 km.  On Sunday, we’ll go to our final destination just south of Orlando.

What am I doing to cope? A few things actually, but firstly, ya gotta know, I really enjoy driving.

1. I have pillows, my blanket & Obus Form backrest in the car with me for comfort. We are also in an SUV, so lots of room.
2. I *can* nap in the car. Last mini road trip was to Ottawa and I slept for 3 of the 4 & change hours.
3. Frequent breaks – Every truck stop, even if it’s just to take a quick walk around the parking lot
4. Lots of fluids. Bringing water & Gatorade. Will be bringing Mio & Koolaid to change up the flavours
5. Snacks. Will have a little bit of everything to nibble on..  Honestly, the same stuff I’d have my cub scouts take on a hike. Protein like nuts & seeds, maybe some hard-boiled eggs premade jerky. Carbs like chex mix, pretzels, cheerios. Sugars: slower ones like dried fruits (premade cuz I can’t make it then bring it across the border) like apples, strawberries, mango or banana and faster ones like M&M’s or Smarties (Another kind of Canadian M&M type candy)
6. Rest at the hotels once we check in at the end of the days.
7. Hot Tubs. At least, I hope. I know the first one doesn’t have one, but the second 2 do. But I dunno when they close for the night or what time we will get to each location. If not, hot showers. 
8. Comfy clothing. I have bought a new pain of lightweight cotton leggings to start my trip down & for my trip back.. Also have comfy shorts & clothing to wear. Absolutely nothing constructive. Also throwing in a spare pair of ok pants it case I need something even more relaxed fit!
9. Will be bringing sleep meds with me to take overnight to help me sleep.
10. Extra meds. I’ll be taking Robax down with me. While as I understand that muscle relaxants in the US require a prescription, I don’t give a flying f.  I’ll also take extra T1s & T3s in addition to the prescription Muscle relaxant as well..   I’ll also have a tube of A535.

In reference to concerns about me driving on these medications. I take Tylenol 3s on a regular basis as well as the Rx muscle relaxant. My body is used to these medications. I do not get a high not am I impaired by them. Only time I *ever* got a reaction from T3s was when I also still had anesthesia in my system and no I did not drive then – lol. You also have to realize, I have functioned on 50mcg/h of Fentanyl, a patch with no detriment including driving.

If any of y’all have further suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

More details of the plan in FL coming. Wish me luck!!