Chronic Pain flare-up
Despite the fact that weeks before this scheduled trip, I was dealing with a pain flare-up in the right knee; I was going on the annual Mother-Daughter Vacation in Martha’s Vineyard.
I have struggled with chronic pain since 1993 related to diagnosed conditions of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyaglia. Over the years, I developed various self-management tools to control the pain levels. However, my bone-on-bone knee pain needed either an injection or surgery. And, neither was available before this vacation.
Since there was nothing I could do to make the “Pain Go Away”, my only option was to “Grin and Bare It”
Wheelchair Transport Through the Airports
Since Hubby was not going, he ordered a wheelchair to transport me through the Orlando Airport. This is a long walk through one terminal, a short train ride, and a longer walk through a second terminal. Trust me the need for a wheelchair was the topic of more than one discussion in the days leading up to my departure. Finally, I gave in.
My son picked me up at the Milwaukee Airport and we were off to meet-up with the daughters. After the traditional hugs and kisses, they said, “Mama, you are limping.” While the limp was noticeable, I am certain Hubby had telephoned with his concerns.
After discussing the pros and my cons of a wheelchair; I lost and they ordered one for the next leg of my trip.
When I arrived in Milwaukee, I was an “Unhappy Wheelchair Traveler”; but, I left as the “Grumpy Wheelchair Traveler” as my 14-year-old grandson pushed me through the Milwaukee and Boston Airports.
Was it not just a few years ago that he depended on me to push him around in his stroller? I was not ready for this.
Having someone push me around in a wheelchair was not a pleasant experience; and, I felt —
- Stressed
- Powerless
- Depressed
- Angry
- Embarrassed
The Airline Flight
On the airplane and seated comfortably; I closed my eyes, breathed deeply, and let go of the negativity.
Through Self-Talk, Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance; I embraced and accepted the gift of wheelchair transports from my hubby, son, two daughters and grandson.
No longer did I feel —
- Stressed, I enjoyed Relaxing
- Powerless, I gained Power
- Depressed, I discovered Peace
- Angry, I achieved Happiness
- Embarrassed, I reflected Pride
A Few of My Favorite Mother-Daughter Vacation Photos – 2014
SeasonedSistah 
It sounds and looks like you had a wonderful vacation. And I’m glad you shared your process with the wheelchair!
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I allowed unrealistic “pride” get in the way of appreciating the gift of concerned expressed by my family. As I have previously said, “sometimes we just have to sit and be still.” Thank you for your comments.
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Good story of your wheel chair experience. I’m glad it got you to your wonderful vacation with your daughters and grandkids. Beautiful pictures.
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Thank you for your comments. It was a beautiful vacation; and, so happy that I took a quiet moment to appreciate how blessed I am that my family is supportive and giving.
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Cousin, I’m so happy that you had a wonderful time with your daughters, grandkids and friends! Perhaps, it was just what you needed and God provided it! Love you!
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Thank you, cousin. Just getting things back to normal after the vacation as well as the exacerbated knee pain. Thankfully, the orthopedic doctor took pity, and I received a cortisone injection seven days ago. Grateful, that I am pain-free and back in physical therapy. Rejuvenated, re-invigorated, and rejoiced after church service this past week. Luv U.
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A lovely time had by all ~ I am so happy for you Yvonne! ♥
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Yes, I had a beautiful time. Took me a while to recover. But, life is back on track. Thank you for your comments.
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Knowing you to be the strong-willed woman that you are, I expected nothing but a positive report about your experience in the wheelchair at the end. 🙂 So happy for you and your family! Love the tradition! I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but I hope to make it one day. I love crab legs! 😀
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I’m sorry you had knee pain, but it looks like you had a nice time anyway. Your “grumpy wheel chair traveler” line cracked me up.
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