Successful camping trips for fellow chronic pain masters

Went on a 4 day camping trip. I was very excited to go, and very apprehensive as to how I would be able to make the most of my time there, and not have my pain get out of control. I have not done any real camping since before my RSD spread & became Fibromyalgia, and I haven't even dared to any long trips in nature since my immune system has been compromised.

So, I planned for success. 


My successful camping trips for fellow RSD/FM sufferers:

• Extra pillows to make up for sleeping on an air mattress in the tent, as well as making the drive more comfortable.
• Snack foods high in protein (mostly nuts) to give me more energy. I ate them even when I wasn't hungry to make sure my energy didn't dip between meals.
• Healthy meals instead of just eating "bush tucker" which is the Ozzie equivalent to junk food
• Made drinking water my #1 priority, as temperatures were between 32-40 degrees every day, with the low at night only 24 degrees
• Lots of rest times, even if they were short, and even if I didn't fall asleep
• Good camping chair with the adjustable foot rest to keep my feet elevated
• Used the pool to do simple stretches, and I did small reps often
• Limited my activities without deleting any of them.  After hanging out at the pool for half an hour, I went and rested/napped under a palm tree in a quiet shady part of the park. (I am surprised by how much noise wears me out without me even realising it, and how refreshed I feel after being somewhere quieter, even if only for 15 minutes)
• A positive attitude. Instead of getting frustrated about the heat keeping me awake (therefore adding to stress, which adds to tension, which adds to pain), I thought about how this is the only time in my life I will be complaining about January being too hot.
• Distraction by trying new activities, even when I really wanted to just mope.  In almost every case they got my mind off me, even if just for a little while. (Goes hand in hand with the positive attitude)
• Communicated with my fellow campers ahead of time, so I didn't feel guilty about not helping out with meals, carrying heavy things, setting up, etc etc.
• Planned a low day after a full day of sight seeing, and planned two rest days after the trip so I can completely recover stress free, if need be. We also changed our destination after checking the weather forecast ... 40 degree heat in a campground without a pool?? I don't think so....
• Limit extra walking - made a backpack of supplies - everything I could ever possibly need for the washroom/change room/pool - morning & night stuff, contact solution, extra towel, hat, sunscreen, snack, meds, pjs, charger for the iPhone, etc.  I was surprised how many trips to the 'loo this cut down.  
• Stayed ahead of the pain - didn't try to be a hero. When things started to hurt, I took my meds sooner rather than later.

Next time:

• earplugs and a sleeping mask, so I can fall asleep or nap in a busy caravan park with lots of children playing
• portable fan - either battery powered, or the cool new kind that are self propelling 

As a result, I am happy to say that my pain levels were fantastically low. Despite an air mattress that lost its air after twelve minutes (I kidd you not) and blistering heat, I feel great. So many obstacles that could have ruined the trip and left me in frightful shape, and instead I am so encouraged, I would be willing to go on another camping trip! Just not anytime soon.... :)

Thank you, Lord, your promise of healing is true. And it is happening!