Arthritis and cruising - is it OK?

[Conniepo]

Dear CC'ers - I need your advice!

I was recently diagnosed with arthritis in my right hip. It's quite painful but I will have surgery (total hip replacement) in February. My dilemma is this - we are booked on a cruise in January on the Westerdam. Have any of you cruised with arthritis? Did you enjoy the cruise? :confused:

Our final payment is due in a few days; airfare is already paid in full; hotel in FLL is paid; we booked a few excursions too.

Thanks for your input,
Connie

[cb at sea]

As long as you can manage your pain, you should be fine. There is alot of walking on a ship (and ports), but perhaps you could rent/bring a wheelchair for those longer jaunts.

Listen, you're going to have discomfort, whether you're home or away...wouldn't you rather be cruising, than sitting at home, waiting for the surgery?

[comcox]

Hi Connie,

I have severe arthritis in both knees and I'm still going (too young for replacement surgery yet). As the other poster suggested you might look into a wheel chair rental (or one of those walkers with seats) for the cruise if walking is difficult at times. You should have your travel agent contact cruiseline's medical dept. ASAP to explain problem and see what accommodations can be made for you. I've seen several people use wheelchairs on ships and even seen them being lifted into tenders to go into port!

The trick is to read shore excursion descriptions carefully to judge what you can do. And then be honest with yourself as to what you are up to doing. If you are unsure, call HAL's shore excursion department and ask for additional information. My husband and I often do different excursions because he can handle the more athletic stuff (climbing lots of steps, etc.). And don't feel bad about just staying on board in some ports; the ship's staff usually has activities on board even in ports. Just pace yourself and enjoy.

[Pokeynose]

Hi Connie, I have servere arthritis from my neck down, nueropathy and spinal stenosis. I take 3 vicodin a day to control the pain which sometimes doesn't work. Before our cruise to Alaska in Sept., my pain management doctor gave me an Epidural Steroid injection into my right lumbar, longer name but this will do. I can only get this twice a year. While on the cruise I felt better than I have in months. Hardly took the vicodin and walked without hardly any pain. DH said it was due to the low pressure in Alaska. I know you were asking about arthritis and I don't remember where you said you were going but this was my experience. I am awaiting back surgery after our Jan. Caribbean cruise. I'm 73 so lots of decisions to be made about the surgery.

We didn't book any excursions because many of them required too much walking.

You might want to get a wheelchair if you have to walk through the airport, I did. And if you find it hard to walk to the ship get one also. It's not fun living with pain but if you can get some meds to help you through this that is what I would do. I wish you well and enjoy your cruise. As another said you will be in pain whether on the cruise or at home. I feel for you. Barb

[sail7seas]

Seeing as there are some number of senior folks on all cruises, it is impossible to think that there aren't many suffering arthritis pain.

You will know your limits and what is possible/impossible or uncomfortable for you to do and act accordingly.

If you are particularly uncomfortable one day, go to Promenade Deck, find a fabulous teak deck chair and relax. Bring a book or magazine or simply enjoy the view. Glorious.

Assuming your doctors give you the okay to travel, why sit home?

[jtl513]

I like the idea of just taking it easy when it starts bothering you and rest. you can always order room service. Some of the excursions that have the code of 2 or more people walking might be a little too much. But a bus ride tour would be fine.

[CowPrincess]

I'm sure my knee "issues" are nothing compared to the pain you are suffering, but once in a while I get a flare-up, and DANG it hurts! One thing that worked for me was acupuncture for pain management (back when the problem first arose). I'd exhausted all the conventional treatments and any drugs that actually worked had so many side effects I'd stop taking them. So you might want to investigate acupuncture as a short-term pain management aid.

There are hot tubs on the ships -- many people get relief from time in a hot tub.

As much as the diagnosis and upcoming surgery have probably rocked you, there's no reason to stay home, IMHO. And no cooking, cleaning, "should do's" on a ship -- what better way to relax and restore?

[Conniepo]

Hi Connie,

I have severe arthritis in both knees and I'm still going (too young for replacement surgery yet). As the other poster suggested you might look into a wheel chair rental (or one of those walkers with seats) for the cruise if walking is difficult at times. You should have your travel agent contact cruiseline's medical dept. ASAP to explain problem and see what accommodations can be made for you. I've seen several people use wheelchairs on ships and even seen them being lifted into tenders to go into port!

The trick is to read shore excursion descriptions carefully to judge what you can do. And then be honest with yourself as to what you are up to doing. If you are unsure, call HAL's shore excursion department and ask for additional information. My husband and I often do different excursions because he can handle the more athletic stuff (climbing lots of steps, etc.). And don't feel bad about just staying on board in some ports; the ship's staff usually has activities on board even in ports. Just pace yourself and enjoy.

Tamara,

Thanks for the encouraging words .. I'll talk to my travel agent today re the wheelchair.

Connie

[the2ofus]

Connie, the relaxation afforded on a cruise may be just what you need at a time like this. One suggestion I have not seen yet on this thread is to take advantage of the spa offerings. I'd start with a week's reservation for the thermal suite and a couple of hot stone massages. The heated lounges in the thermal suite may be just the thing for easing the hip pain. Then the massage staff will work with you to provide the appropriate therapy to ease those sore areas. Just be sure to let them know up front that you do not want a sales pitch at anytime during your treatments or after.

[ziggypup]

Dear CC'ers - I need your advice!

I was recently diagnosed with arthritis in my right hip. It's quite painful but I will have surgery (total hip replacement) in February. My dilemma is this - we are booked on a cruise in January on the Westerdam. Have any of you cruised with arthritis? Did you enjoy the cruise? :confused:

Our final payment is due in a few days; airfare is already paid in full; hotel in FLL is paid; we booked a few excursions too.

Thanks for your input,
Connie

I am a little arthritic myself. But the bottom line for me is that I will be a little arthritic wherever I go. So why not be arthritic on a cruise ship? If you think that you might have a hard time walking around, think about renting a scooter to bring on the cruise. One of my brothers has MS, and he brings his scooter on the ship all the time.

[cpinstein]

Sure, I cruise with rheumatoid arthritis as often as I can. Just take plenty of drugs. I also get a prednisone shot before I go, and it helps.

Have fun.

[Conniepo]

Seeing as there are some number of senior folks on all cruises, it is impossible to think that there aren't many suffering arthritis pain.

You will know your limits and what is possible/impossible or uncomfortable for you to do and act accordingly.

If you are particularly uncomfortable one day, go to Promenade Deck, find a fabulous teak deck chair and relax. Bring a book or magazine or simply enjoy the view. Glorious.

Assuming your doctors give you the okay to travel, why sit home?



"fabulous teak deck char" .. "relax" .. "enjoy the view"

I CAN DO THAT!!! :D

Thanks,
Connie

[baggal]

Dear CC'ers - I need your advice!

I was recently diagnosed with arthritis in my right hip. It's quite painful but I will have surgery (total hip replacement) in February. My dilemma is this - we are booked on a cruise in January on the Westerdam. Have any of you cruised with arthritis? Did you enjoy the cruise? :confused:

Our final payment is due in a few days; airfare is already paid in full; hotel in FLL is paid; we booked a few excursions too.

Thanks for your input,
Connie

Connie,

I see you live in NJ. If I had bad arthritis in my hip, I would much rather be on a Carribbean cruise in January, than home in NJ with potentially bad weather. As long as you can make the flight to FLL without too much difficulty (call your airline to get wheelchair curbside pick-up at Newark as well as meeting you in FLL), then you should be good to go.

You'll have wonderful memories of your cruise while you're doing your rehab in February and March.

[matj2000]

This is new to me, I did not think they allowed people with arthritis on the ship..

[Taxguy77]

I was told by my Dr. "Anytime in the next 6 months." I waited and wished I hadn't!:eek: I have a small boat and had to wait for calm days to use it. Take your cruiise before the surgery. It takes a while to recuperate and be very active.
Definately use the airlines wheelchairs, you will feel MUCH better when you board the ship.

[rmmm]

I am 46 and have had rheumatoid arthritis for 11 years. I second the idea of booking the thermal spa - it was very relaxing and helped my joints tremendously. I also make it a point to make it "my" vacation and make it as stress free and relaxing as possible. If my arthritis is bothering me I just order from room service and enjoy sitting and watching the ocean go by on the balcony or getting a movie from the library and watching it in my cabin while I take it easy. On my last cruise I skipped formal night because my joints were a little sore and just stayed in and took it easy and ordered from room service. That said, I had a blast and was even able to do the zipline in Ketchikan a few days later, even with my RA. Just listen to your body - it will tell you when to relax and when to go full speed ahead.

[mamaofami]

I just had 2 total hip replacements; one in May and one in September. You are the best judge of how much pain you'll be in. Getting a wheelchair is a great idea. I had trouble walking down the length of the pier on the last cruise I was on 2 years ago. If you can go and relax, do it. Rehab does take a long time and it's going to be a while before I believe I will have my sea legs again. Go for it if you can.

[mudscraper]

This is new to me, I did not think they allowed people with arthritis on the ship..
Could you explain to us why you think this is true?


Rich

[drtee]

A little over a year ago I could hardly walk sometimes because of hip pain. I had had the pain for years, but it had gotten a lot worse. I thought I was going to have to have hip replacement (and not just older people have joint replacements--serious athletes often do too).

Anyway, my doctor referred me to a pain management specialist and I had a couple of prolotherapy injections. Now the word injection makes it sound like it's just a shot, but it's very, very deep, into the bursa, and it hurts a lot. But within a couple of weeks I was pain free (or relatively so), and able to do a 24-day transatlantic cruise plus a week in London with quite a bit of walking (though I often took my cane for balance and just in case). I have only recently started to feel the twinges again, so I think I may be going back in for treatment within the next few months.

I'm not saying it will work for you, but for me it was a miracle of science.

But also I'm with the others, even if I couldn't get out of my cabin, I'd rather be on a ship than at home any day.

[drtee]

Could you explain to us why you think this is true?


Rich

I'm pretty sure that was a joke.

[mamaofami]

In May, when I had the first hip surgery and while I was still in the hiospital, I had one of those cortisone shots(actually a series of shots) with a radiologist under guided imagery. It took away the pain in the unoperated leg and it lasted well over 6 weeks; just long enough to rehab the operated leg with one good one that was pain free. When it wore off, I knew I needed to do the other one. It takes several months for the cortisone to leave your body and most surgeons want it gone before the surgery, so I wonder if it's an option for the OP.

[Conniepo]

Connie, the relaxation afforded on a cruise may be just what you need at a time like this. One suggestion I have not seen yet on this thread is to take advantage of the spa offerings. I'd start with a week's reservation for the thermal suite and a couple of hot stone massages. The heated lounges in the thermal suite may be just the thing for easing the hip pain. Then the massage staff will work with you to provide the appropriate therapy to ease those sore areas. Just be sure to let them know up front that you do not want a sales pitch at anytime during your treatments or after.

Another great idea! I knew I could count on you guys.;)

Thanks so much,
Connie

[mafig]

I have arthritis in my hip also and last year my doctor suggested a cortisone shot before I left for a cruise. I felt great. I need a hip replacement too, but because I'm a big baby I'll put it off until I can't stand it. My doctor says only I can decide when the time is right.

[Cruisin'Lady]

Rheumitoid arthritis, spinal arthritis, deformed feet from arthritis, a broken left hip and a degenerative muscular disease....all before age 50! I decided long time ago not to let pain interfear with trying to enjoy myself. Shots in the spine, feet and muscle relaxers make cruising enjoyable and 60% less pain than usual. Although those shots are expensive and my insurance doesn't cover but one shot a year ($1800 per shot and I get two at a time).

Great advice about getting wheel chairs at the airport ahead of time (have done that for several years now) and using the hottubs and therapy spa treatments. HAL beds are pretty comfortable compared to other beds that make my pain worse. I have been thinking on getting a wheelchair for our next cruise...but I am just not sure if I am ready to do that. We like to go to the beaches and snorkel/swim. Caribbean ocean water is about the only place my pain can be cut down to a very low amount. You wont see me on the dancefloor except for maybe one slow dance the whole cruise...but I do enjoy myself and know when its time to pack it in for the day and go to my cabin to sit on the veranda and chill for a while when the grumpiness hits from a bad pain.:D

[the2ofus]

I have arthritis in my hip also and last year my doctor suggested a cortisone shot before I left for a cruise. I felt great. I need a hip replacement too, but because I'm a big baby I'll put it off until I can't stand it. My doctor says only I can decide when the time is right.

Don't know how I'd feel if I was facing a hip replacement, but I remember trying to dance through the bunion pain for many years before I gave in and had the surgery on one foot. Could hardly believe the relief and had surgery on the other foot three months later. My feet have never felt better, I have ballroom danced for hours and walked miles without pain for six years now. I regret all the years I endured pain because I was a coward. When I was younger and could have been even more active, my fear of the surgery held me back.

[matj2000]

I'm pretty sure that was a joke.

Thanks drtee!!!!!!!

[billroddy]

I had my hip replacement 13 years ago, and there is still some pain while walking, which my doctor attributes to arthritis.
But at 87 I still took a cruise to Alaska this September. As others have said might as well have a little pain on a cruise than at home.
I did use a cane because even in moderate seas you are much more stable and less likely to fall.
Bill
Ancient Mariner.

[mamaofami]

Bill, I'm glad you wrote that you used a cane. It reminds me of how hard it is to stay balanced on a ship under general conditions so now I know I will bring along a cane on my next cruise. Sorry to hear you still hae hip pain after having had surgery. My doctor tells me my new hips will last my lifetime. I'm wondering how long he expects me to live.:D

[Gater Girl]

I am 63 and I have RA. It is in remission right now, due to 11 meds a day, but when it is not..the pain is unbearable almost. I find that if I take all of my meds on schedule, every day, every scheduled time, if I go to my cabin after lunch and nap or rest for a few hours, If I don't eat a lot of rich foods..so far..knock on wood...I have not had a flare at sea. I also know there is a doctor on board. We take the internet Med. insurance, plus I have a private policy. The rates are relatively low, and if I found myself in great pain, I would not hesitate to go to the clinic. I had an inflamed boil on a Carnival ship and the Doctor was both excellent and not expensive. Not like in the USA. ( the Doctor was an Aussie..great lady). They prescribe meds. She gave me the antibiotics I took for the boil.

I also go to bed before midnight. My DH is an early to bed and early to rise, and I try to follow his example on the trip.

On shore excursions, I always take the ones that are rated low in difficulty. I always go to the shore desk and ask the Staff there about how long is the walk to the buses, is it really an easy walk or more difficult. I have found them to be very honest and helpful.

The one time my ankle did begin to swell, I asked for a wheelchair to disembark. They had it there almost immediately and I was whisked off the ship in record time. That is the only, and I hope the last, time I had to ask for special assistance.

Another tip...we board the ship as late as we can and still stay in the safe guidelines for boarding. Usually we get a sandwich for lunch and do not even go to the Lido deck after boarding. We board..between 2-3. We have never..never...had to wait in line or wait more than a few minutes when we go at that time. Standing in the long lines..not good. Breaking line and whining in front of passengers who have stood in those lines..not classy. So...we either board late...or sit on a bench and wait for the lines to go down. Either way....we are happy to be going on a cruise, we like to people watch..and the time goes quickly.

And..since an operation is pending..ask your doctor if pain medication suitable for a trip could be given to you.
If all else fails..take a book..sit on a sofa by the window ..order room service..only go to the shows..or watch them on TV...the rest you will get will do you a world of good. I hope you go. Arthritis can be so depressing. It is a mood elevator to get out, see lovely places, meet lovely people. I wish you all the best in the world.

[Gater Girl]

I had to have one in my foot before one cruise. I had plantar facisis (sp). The kind that is common in people with RA. The podiatrist, whom I still see, taught me how to stretch my foot and then gave me the shot in my foot two weeks before the cruise. That was two years ago. I have, knock on wood, had no pain in that foot since. It was..and is..like a miracle.

[sillysailor 1955]

This past year or so I have developed RA and some days I feel like I have shoved into a big blender LOL:p my new motto is - do it (travel) while you are still able to get on and off the tour bus. Enjoy every single moment and live every day as if it is your last (cause one day it will be);)

[Nghthawke]

I find the long walks in the airport can be difficult you may want to consider using a wheelchair right from the beginning of your vacation. I find the dry sauna and hot tub/hydrotherapy pool very helpful so much so I purchased a personal sauna for my home and use it almost every night. If you're not familiar with a sauna discuss the use of it with the spa assistants on board.

[jbhcw]

So much good info here:) I also have arthritis in hip, knees and shoulders...I need hip surgery but am putting it off:eek:

I actually tend to feel better when I am on the ocean...I use the thermal spa...have had to go to the elevators as I just cannot get down the stairs without a lot of pain and a huge fear of falling.

As another poster said, being out and about and on a ship is a mood elevator...it certainly helps me to get "out from myself and my pain".

My worst day is embarcation day...I still try to do too much and perhaps walk too much and that night I usually pay for it by being so uncomfortable I cannot sleep...but I also try to take my prescription arthitis medicine on days I know I will be more active...shore excursions...I keep the level of activity to a minimum as I just cannot do it any more.

But in the end...I would be hurting at home and I don't know how many more years our health will actually be good enough to cruise...so I go and enjoy with some help from meds, pain patches and dh to hold on to me:D

[sillysailor 1955]

I know how it feels to have aching feet and legs. Can I suggest that you all try Crocs, Yes they are ugly but oh so comfortable - I bought my first pair in the Seattle airport when we did our Alaskan cruise this past July. On the plane they were easy to slip on and off and great for walking around the ship (particularly on the pool decks where sometimes it can be slippery). They are worth a try, I know they have really helped me.:p

[Conniepo]

Hi Connie, I have servere arthritis from my neck down, nueropathy and spinal stenosis. I take 3 vicodin a day to control the pain which sometimes doesn't work. Before our cruise to Alaska in Sept., my pain management doctor gave me an Epidural Steroid injection into my right lumbar, longer name but this will do. I can only get this twice a year. While on the cruise I felt better than I have in months. Hardly took the vicodin and walked without hardly any pain. DH said it was due to the low pressure in Alaska. I know you were asking about arthritis and I don't remember where you said you were going but this was my experience. I am awaiting back surgery after our Jan. Caribbean cruise. I'm 73 so lots of decisions to be made about the surgery.

We didn't book any excursions because many of them required too much walking.

You might want to get a wheelchair if you have to walk through the airport, I did. And if you find it hard to walk to the ship get one also. It's not fun living with pain but if you can get some meds to help you through this that is what I would do. I wish you well and enjoy your cruise. As another said you will be in pain whether on the cruise or at home. I feel for you. Barb

Barb,
Thanks for sharing your story with me. We'll be making our final payment tomorrow and I will inquire about a wheelchair (good idea). I'll also talk to my doctor re pain medication. Thanks for your good wishes for me! ... and good luck with your surgery.
Connie

[Conniepo]

I want to thank all of you who contributed to this thread. My questions and concerns were answered very well. :)

We made our final payment yesterday, my TA ordered a wheelchair for the airport and also rented one for the duration of the cruise. FYI, HAL only supplies a wheelchair for embarkation/debarkation. They do not lend you one for use on-board :eek: but directed me and my travel agent to a company that handles it. My rental fee for the 7 days will be $75 (not bad IMHO).

You folks really helped me make the decision to go ahead with the cruise. I now have lots to do before January 10th!!! :D:D:D

Connie

[Pokeynose]

Connie, glad you got everything worked out. I thought HAL would provide a wheelchair for you to use during the cruise but $75. isn't bad. You'll be cruising a couple of weeks ahead of us. Enjoy your cruise to the fullest. Barb:)

[mamaofami]

Connie, I'm glad you decided to go. You'll feel so much better after the surgery. If you have any questions about the surgery, I'll be glad to answer them. Just give me your email.

[cusyl]

I have cruised with arthritis for many years. My suggestion is, rent or purchase a travel scooter for the ship. It will make all the difference in the world in your enjoyment of the cruise.

They say the 19 inch scooters will fit through a regular cabin door. Otherwise, you would need a HC cabin.

[Conniepo]

Connie, I'm glad you decided to go. You'll feel so much better after the surgery. If you have any questions about the surgery, I'll be glad to answer them. Just give me your email.

Yes, many questions! How long did the surgery take? How was the rehab?

My e-mail address is conniepo@mac.com

Connie