hello all
My husband has just booked us for a few days into a fab hotel in the thermal bath area in leukerbad, switzerland this weekend where there are heaps of massages, steam baths, mineral waters etc which he thought would be lovely for me because of the rubbish time I've been having. I am so grateful at his thoughfulness but am really worried about travelling and pacing myself that I am getting into a bit of a state. The journey from here, we are currently in zeeland in holland, driving will be about nine hours and we plan to do a halfway stop. I have been so used to be "safe" indoors and am probably feeling a bit agoraphobic about it all. It is good to read that many of you take holidays and wonder if there are any tips that you could share with me.
.....eve

Hi Eve, like you i get into a bit of a tiz at the thought of going on holiday, although i usually enjoy myself when i get there.

My advice would be to rest as much as you can before you go and rest in the car on the way. I try to do something either during the day or in the evening when i'm away, it's too much to do both i find. As with everything else with ra it's the usual thing of pacing yourself and needing a rest when you get home. I usually need a week of doing nothing except washing when i come home. I have to admit sometimes this pacing myself does get on my family's nerves at times, but i try to stick to it although it's not always easy when others are involved.

Hope you enjoy the spa, we went to Bath spa last year and it did me alot of good, very relaxing.

Good luck and enjoy yourself.

Bevxx

hi Eve,

can understand your anxiety .. i'm away next week going on a mini break with Hubby but only about an hour and a half away.

i feel safe in the confines of my home as well, and wondering how i will get on as i can't stop Hubby doing swimming and stuff it's just not fair as he works hard. and i can't walk any distance on my own, i have to have a wheelchair. i'm hoping i can enjoy a wander round with my walking stick.

i think you are going to have plenty of stops which i know will add to the journey, but hopefully you'll be able to move when you arrive. try and focus on the lovely time you'll have when you get there.

i have visions of beautiful scenery and fresh air when i think of Switzerland, and you can enjoy all the facilities as well.

we have to somehow make changes to our lives with this dreaded RA, and i think it's a learning game as to how much we can tolerate. your body certainly let's you know.

hoping you get on better than you think you will,

look forward to hearing about your lovely trip when you get back,

Suzanne x

Hi Eve
I know exactly how you feel. My husband has booked a couple of nights in Cornwall for our anniversary next weekend. Its about a 5 hour drive from here and im already worrying about it especially as I am having a bad flare at the moment and suffering with bad lower back pain. He thinks it will be good for me though to have a break but he really doesnt realise what an effort everything is, Ive been off work for a month and feel better just pottering around the house.
Switzerland sounds lovely and all those nice thermal baths will do you the world of good.
I hope you have a lovely time, have plenty of rest breaks on the way.
Take care love Ceri xx

Hi Eve,

Take your time and love every minute of your holiday, Although driving will be long, think of the views and you can stop as often as you wish. I have been to Switzerland, it is absolutely wonderful. The air will do you the power of good and the spa baths even more. As Jenni says remember the painkillers, and pace yourself. Positive thinking, I'm sure you will really enjoy yourself if you stop worrying. It's a thought if you don't go out much but think of the achievement, go for it and love every minute of it.

Take care

Lorna xx

go on gal go you be fine chris

hi Eve,

great news

now relax and enjoy,

hope to hear more of your adventure's when you can.

Suzanne x

Hi Eve

Glad the journey so far went well. Hope you have a lovely time

Lyn x

Hi Eve

Make sure you make the most of it , sounds fantastic
Lyn x