Tuesday 24 January 2012
Crazy adventures
Ok so maybe I'm crazy, but my friend and I are in the process of booking a trip to Peru in April. Basically I came into a little bit of money last year and I've always wanted to climb Machu Picchu so I figured I now have the opportunity to do it. There are plenty of places in the world I plan on travelling to, but since I developed RA I thought I'd better go and do this one quickly. Who knows if I'll be in any state to hike up a mountain 5, 10 years from now. Depressing thought, but you never know with this crappy disease.
Plus this year at work I've got an extra week holiday allowance as I've been there for 3 years, which allows me to comfortably take 3 weeks off work and then have plenty of holidays left for the rest of the year (yeah, sorry North American friends, we get a lot more holidays!). So everything seems to be falling into place but along with the excitement I'm getting really worried!! Am I mad?? Going to a developing country for 3 weeks and trying to hike up a really big mountain when I have a pretty serious disease on the go here. I mean, I've been feeling well for over a year now with only wee problems here and there but maybe this is pushing my luck! Then again I can't not do this just because I'm scared of what may or may not happen, right?? I am worried about the hiking, as my feet are one of my biggest problems (although much less so now). I'm also worried about the radical change in climate, and the GAZILLION vaccines I have to get before I go. I think I need: Hep A, Hep B, tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and malaria tablets. Another reason I think I should go and do this now is because currently my only medication is hydroxychloroquine and that doesn't suppress my immune system therefore I can safely have live vaccines. Who knows if in a few years time I might have to be on MTX and it would be good to have been vaccinated for travel in developing countries before that. Despite all this I am very worried!! I'm sure it'll be amazing and I'm also very excited. Has anyone ever been on an epic adventure with RA in tow?? Any advice?
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Oh Squirrel, I am so excited for you!!!! My daughter has encouraged me to start a "bucket list" and hiking mountains in South America is at the top of my list. Lucky, lucky you. Please take tons of photos for me.
ReplyDeleteAmazing!! My RA buddy here in Los Angeles just returned from Machu Picchu. She went over the holidays and from the FB pics had an incredible time.
ReplyDeleteCathy-this is definitely on my Bucket List too!
You can do it!
Wow, Squirrel, what a fantastic place to visit! Do it, don't worry, just go as prepared as you reasonably can and have an extraordinary time. It's something you'll never, ever forget, so do it now while you can.
ReplyDeleteI traveled all over Germany, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria with severe, active RA. I even skied the Austrian Alps, twice. It might not seem like an epic adventure to some folks, but it sure was to me. And those years are the part of my life that I feel was most successful and fulfilling. I was living my dream. RA was the price.
I expect to see photos of Machu Piccu and Peruvian llamas and and and upon your return...
OHMIGOD, this is my dream. I love that you're doing it! I hope that you have SOOO much fun!
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Squirrel!! What a fabulous adventure to undertake! I can't wait to hear all about it. It will be amazing whatever happens, however it goes because you'll be somewhere glorious. At least that's my take on things...
ReplyDeleteHave a great time, and we'll expect a full report when you get back!
:) L
GO! GO! Those of us who can't do this live vicariously through those who can. What I'm trying to say is our happiness is resting on your shoulders. No pressure there. lol Enjoy and post lots of photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys, the plan is really coming together now. Got time off work, we're booking flights tomorrow and I've got my vaccinations prep appointment on Thursday. ARGH ;) exciting!!
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