Hoping I don't have to cancel Alaska/Ryndam

[fann1sh]

Compared to the very important issues on this board lately, this is a pretty small thing. However, I may have to cancel my 2 week July 31 cruise due to injury. After battling my rheumatoid arthritis into near remission, I kicked the pool wall HARD in water aerobics class yesterday. The knee affected is due for replacement in November. Nothing broken, but the RA has "woken up" and pain is a big issue.

Next Wednesday is the go/no go day. I'm insured, but a friend is cruising for the first time with her Mom on my sailing, and don't want to bail out on her.

I'm one of those people who find it hard to ask for help, but your prayers and positive energy would be much appreciated. ---Patricia

[CowPrincess]

Oooohhhhhh, I'm so sorry! I'm not a doctor (nor do I play one on TV) but I've suffered with knee pain/issues that have at times been debilitating (not RA). Any chance you'd try acupuncture for pain relief? I'm sure you have a specialist, not trying to undermine the professional advice I'm sure you'll get, but for me, acupuncture was a sanity-saver to get the pain manageable.

[Assateague Island Princes]

Thoughts and good wishes for you, Patricia. My Mom suffers from the same affliction, so I know the pain you are going thru. Think positive thoughts and hope for the best. If you can at all swing it, even if you have to be wheel chair bound for part of the trip, perhaps it would lift your spirits and make the pain not so excruciating if you could be concentrating on going on your much anticipated cruise. I will keep you in my prayers and hope you get to head north to beautiful Alaska - I can't think of any better "medicine!":D

[Debbie&Chaz]

Our prayers are with you - we went to Alaska on the Ryndam in June. Please let us know what you learn next Wednesday.

[Kween Karen]

My best wishes and hopes for you...........certainly do hope you heal quickly and the decision can be a GO!! Tuff spot to be in.

[RuthC]

I'm so sorry to read this. I know what it feels like to have a knee that needs replacing, and an injury on top of that. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

If you go, use a wheelchair as much as possible. Even if you think you don't need one, use it. The cumulative use of the knee will thank you. Use a wheelchair for boarding/deboarding the plane, in the airports, and boarding the ship.

Best wishes.

[sail7seas]

Sorry to hear there is question you may not be up to going on your cruise. Sending my very best wishes you find relief and will be able to go. I'm sure you are staying off your leg as much as possible. Good luck.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Patricia, I am so sorry to hear this. I am sending prayers and psoitive energy your way :) I hope that the pain goes away and you can go on this cruise.

[Cruisin'Lady]

I know exactly what your going through. I have not only suffered with RA and severe back problems, I also suffer with a muscle disorder Myotonic MD. If I had let these diseases dictate on going on a cruise or not I would never had gone on my cruise last November. But even though I was not yet 50 at the time I had to ask for help in order for me to enjoy myself. I had to realize my limitations...like getting through 3 airports each direction and then getting through the port. I requested a wheel chair at the time of booking my ticket for airlines and they had one for me at each airport. I had to admit that I needed help with my baggage and when I went on tours I had to miss out on the ones that required too much physical excursion (zipline and hiking comes to mind). But I could do the small walks through towns as long as I could sit everyso often. And of course I had my pain meds strapped to my waist and never left the stateroom without them.

You know what? I had a really wonderful cruise. Well worth the pain my body screamed at me every night! But I saw the carribean for the first time (I live in Alaska) and am looking forward to planning my next cruise.

I do hope you heal quickly and that your RA settles back down and can still get to your cruise. Even if you have to limit some of your activity...there is so much you can do from just sitting on a chair. And the country is so beautiful! I hope in sharing my experience with dealing with pain issues on a cruise is helpful to you or anyone else who thinks their limitations will keep them from enjoying themselves. I know it sometimes feels impossible when we are in so much pain...but if we wait for the 'remissions' we may never get a chance to squeeze in the good times!

Also one more note...most people didn't know I suffered from these diseases and I know they might read this and be shocked. But its amazing what good positive thought and outlook on life as well as a few well placed pain meds can do for one who suffers like I do. But those who went on tours with me maybe now can understand why I was always the last one on the bus!

[Sunshine91]

We're doing the cruisetour, SB from Fairbanks then cruising on Ryndam, too, in Sept. Are you just cruising, or also doing the land-tour?

If also taking the train trip, if it was me, I'd think really long & hard about being in the wilds of AK w/verrrrry limited access to anything. Manuevering about & negotiating the train, Denali, etc - very difficult if in a lot of pain. And likely not lots of staff to assist w/things like luggage & meals.

If only cruising, I'd re-evaluate my shorex, maybe shuffle some around so that I'm only doing things w/limited mobility. I'd make sure my doc is OK w/me doing this, too. Take enough meds along for the trip & a bit extra, cause you just never know. :rolleyes: Research wheelchair availability. Is a HC cabin available - you might want that - give HAL or your TA a ring? But I think I'd want to go.

Just a few things I'd think about. Especially since a friend is going, too. Hope it works out for you. :)

[ore-ee-gun]

Hi Patricia,
I'm so sorry for your setback, and hope that the pain is soon under control and you'll be able to move forward with your cruise plans.

Marie

[Krazy Kruizers]

I know exactly how you feel -- was just at my orthopedic surgeon yesterday as my right knee has really flared up again.

Back onto the pills and start physical therapy again next week.

Hang in there -- maybe your doctor can give you something to relieve the pain and get you to Alaska!!

Praying for you.

[catl331]

I hope the pain and swelling subsides. Those darn pools. I just hit my knee this week on a stair in my pool and it seems to hurt only at night!! No swelling tho. If you can get the swelling and pain down, go on that cruise. Ask for help. It seems to me that the employees of HAL enjoy helping people in need. They are kind souls. Good thing you are not a single traveler. I sure hope you can go asailing!:)

[Cruising-along]

Patricia, prayers and positive energy coming your way that you WILL be on that cruise, and that the pain and swelling has subsided. :)

(with all this positive energy from CC, how can you not?!) :)

[jhannah]

You'll be able to go. I can feel it! ;)

[COLLEYBERRY]

So very glad to send you my good thoughts and prayers.:)

I sincerely you hope will be able to take your cruise. I know first hand how supportive the wonderful people on this board can be and how much comfort they bring.

Daily I see ( xray technologist ) the affect arthritis ,in all its forms, has on peoples lives.

I work closely with a specialist in our community doing the radiograhy for drug studies he is conducting. There is hope on the horizon:)

Most of us will be affected by this condition to some degree or other.
The pain can be exhausting and the lack of mobility frustrating.

Lets hope "Arthur" ( he can be such a 'poopey head') decides to get lost so you can enjoy your cruise . Alaska is so wonderful it's certainly no place for the pesky Arthur.:)

Best Wishes Colleen.

[cruisinjudy]

So sorry this happened. I know how conflicted you feel. If the pain is great at all times then you wouldn't want to rain on your friend's parade, but you don't want to disappoint her by not going.

The wheel chair sounds like a good idea. Ask your doctor about whether you would do further damage by using the knee. A cruise is a great place to relax and not do much. I have been on a cruise three times while recovering from surgery or injury.

[fann1sh]

Thanks to everyone for their support, kind thoughts and prayers.

I left the house for the first time today since the accident. (I needed things at the drug store.) There's still a great deal of pain, but there's improvement as well.

I'd already booked a wheelchair for the airport, but had planned on bringing my rolling walker with seat for the cruise itself. Will be talking to Care Vacations today about a wheelchair rental as well.

Thanks again to one and all in this very helpful community! I'm still going to make the "go/no go" call on Wednesday, but I'm leaning to "GO"!

[sail7seas]

Good to hear you have had some improvement. Let's hope you continue to get
"Arthur" to quiet down even more by Wednesday. Sending all good wishes.

[RuthC]

Sounds like the word of the day is "improvement". That's a good word! :) Let's hope it's "the word" for the next few days.
Getting in touch with Care Vacations was smart. It will be nice having the wheelchair handy, even if you don't need it all the time.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Still saying prayers for you -- YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE THIS CRUISE!!

[luvcruisn']

Patricia: I do hope you can go on the cruise, and that the pain speedily subsides. Knees that hurt are no fun at all. I went on a cruise once with a fracture just above the ankle that I had done by slipping on ice just a week and a half before I was to go on the cruise. Everyone said go, and I did. I had a great time on the cruise, and was helped a lot by the crew who would carry my tray for me in the Lido.

[cdkempton]

Pain go away..... Pain go away..... All my good wishes are coming your way. Sounds like you're getting it together. If hot/cold remedies help at all, they pack well. I use Biofreeze and it eases a lot of pain but mine aren't as severe as yours. Good wishes are all I can offer. Enjoy your cruise and be pain free, please. :)

[fann1sh]

I said Wednesday was my "go/no go" deadline, but I've been improving so much, it's now official:

The cruise is a "go"! I'm headed to Alaska on Ryndam!


A shot of Durolane, and lots of RICE (rest, ice, compression elevation) are the medical explanation. But the community support here has bolstered my confidence, and I've bounced back much faster than expected. I'm not pain free (that knee still needs to be replaced) but the swelling is gone, and the Rheumatoid Arthritis seems to be sleeping again. This is where I was before the injury.

I'll be met with a wheelchair at the airport and pier, and have a wheelchair rented from Care Vacations for aboard Ryndam, to make sure this doesn't flare up again.

Thanks to all who posted, as well as all those who read and silently wished me well. ---Patricia

[operafan]

Have a wonderful cruise!!!!

[COLLEYBERRY]

What great news..... so glad Arthur decided to take a nap:)

Have a wonderful cruise.H:)ppy Sailings.

[Cruising-along]

Patricia, I just had a feeling things would work out well for you. SO happy for you! :)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I said Wednesday was my "go/no go" deadline, but I've been improving so much, it's now official:

The cruise is a "go"! I'm headed to Alaska on Ryndam!


A shot of Durolane, and lots of RICE (rest, ice, compression elevation) are the medical explanation. But the community support here has bolstered my confidence, and I've bounced back much faster than expected. I'm not pain free (that knee still needs to be replaced) but the swelling is gone, and the Rheumatoid Arthritis seems to be sleeping again. This is where I was before the injury.

I'll be met with a wheelchair at the airport and pier, and have a wheelchair rented from Care Vacations for aboard Ryndam, to make sure this doesn't flare up again.

Thanks to all who posted, as well as all those who read and silently wished me well. ---Patricia
YEAH!!!!!! Patricia, that is fantastic:) Plus once you get on board you will feel great, the relaxation you will have in Alaska will definitely help ease the pain of that knee.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I said Wednesday was my "go/no go" deadline, but I've been improving so much, it's now official:

The cruise is a "go"! I'm headed to Alaska on Ryndam!


A shot of Durolane, and lots of RICE (rest, ice, compression elevation) are the medical explanation. But the community support here has bolstered my confidence, and I've bounced back much faster than expected. I'm not pain free (that knee still needs to be replaced) but the swelling is gone, and the Rheumatoid Arthritis seems to be sleeping again. This is where I was before the injury.

I'll be met with a wheelchair at the airport and pier, and have a wheelchair rented from Care Vacations for aboard Ryndam, to make sure this doesn't flare up again.

Thanks to all who posted, as well as all those who read and silently wished me well. ---Patricia

That is great news!!!

Keep up the RICE!!

Enjoy your 14 days on the Ryndam!!

[May4]

I am so glad you are on the mend, Patricia. Your positive attitude can only help. Give Alaska our best regards.

[CowPrincess]

Hooray! Enjoy your trip -- so very happy for you :D

[mamaofami]

I hope you have a wonderful pain free cruise.

[RuthC]

That's wonderful news! I'm so glad to hear it. :)
So much of Alaska can be enjoyed from am aft deck chair. Once you get seated, there's not much need to move---the knee can rest while you have a good time!

[Sunshine91]

So glad it's good news!

This might be a goofy idea. If you were going to the Caribbean or S.Pac, I wouldn't even mention it, but since you are headed to the cold..............here goes.

What about packing a heating pad? I realize that ice helps w/the swelling, but wouldn't heat help the creaky joints in the colder air near the glaciers, especially since you won't have PT for a couple of weeks? :confused:

Enjoy. We're headed to AK in Sept, taking Ryndam's last SB voyage. :)

[fann1sh]

Yup...heating pad is packed. So is an old fashioned ice bag.

Ice works when my knee is injured, but heat can loosen the bad joint when things are "normal".

Two years ago I wouldn't have dreamed I'd need either. At 51, I'd never had a twinge of joint pain! Damage happened very fast, before diagnosis.

Now, life is good again. :)

I won't be doing a "live" thread, but will keep a journal, and plan on posting a review after I get home.

[RuthC]

Ice works when my knee is injured, but heat can loosen the bad joint when things are "normal".
Even though it's Alaska you're going to, don't forget your swimsuit. The hot tubs will feel very good, and might help, too.