How I survived my trip to London.
Firstly, I was a very clever girl and contacted the special assistance desk with the airline. That was the smartest thing I did. Other than the joy of jumping queues and having people drive you around the huge airports, I definitely saved myself a lot of pain.
Secondly, I was a very daft girl. I insisted on going to the airport my "usual" way. That is by taking the E train to Jamaica, then to the Airtrain. My work is only a couple of blocks from the E, and then I thought there was not too much walking between the two, oh how memories fade with age.
By the time I reached the airline, I was hurting. Thankfully the nice lady at the end of the queue saw my crutch and had them open a desk for me and get a wheel chair. Then it was straight through security. And did I mention the bulk head seats? Yes, being a gimp does have it's advantages.
Once I was dropped off at the gate, I went straight to the loo to put on my lidocaine patches. Can I say again how much I bloody love these things? They are one of the most important inventions ever, at least to me. I know some people say they don't work for them but I am blessed that they do most of the time for me.
Unfortunately the flight was delayed so my combination of wine and magic pill took effect too soon and I missed that small window of opportunity to pass out. Well, I could've passed out at the gate, but really did want to get on the plane so forced myself to stay awake. After we finally boarded, I had a hard time getting comfortable. I don't know if it's because I had a mild fibro flare up earlier that week or if the pressure on the planes is getting worse for me, but it was not the most enjoyable flight, especially with barely any sleep.
Thankfully when we arrived I had a nice old English man to push me through immigration and get my case, and he even took me up to my friends car in the car park. I definitely could not have done all of that walking after that flight.
So, the trip was brilliant. To sum up, my hips fared fairly well. I didn't do too much walking but definitely more than I have since my surgery (except for my day at Hampton Court - I pretty much saved myself for that day - and was sore the day after, but not as bad as I'd have thought). I wasn't sure how much the injection had helped at first, but it definitely made a difference whilst I was there. Unfortunately I had the worst time sleeping and the weather in London this time is the worst for me, so that kept the flare up going.
The return trip was much the same as the going, and again, so glad I had the assistance. It truly made a huge difference in a positive way.
I was able to get some sleep the last two nights since I've been back, and that definitely helps. Today for some reason though both hips are not happy campers. Not quite sure as I've not done much walking, but I am off to self medicate with my friend so that should help with the pain and getting to sleep later.
