dcsam

My 80 year old mother and I just returned from Costa Rica two days ago. Although we had a lovely time, it was VERY difficult for both of us, because of all the walking and uneven-ness of the area. She even took a bad fall, but didn't injure herself. She used a cane quite a lot. So, in about 8 more days, we're booked for Ireland and I'm wondering if we should cancel. She does have Vertigo and was diagnosed with that about a month ago. We do have Travel Guard insurance, so I don't think we'd have a problem cancelling. I'm just wondering if we should. My mom thinks we should, but probably because of all the extra care I had to give her during our Costa Rica trip. We would be traveling by car. I'm even thinking of buying one of those compact, foldable wheelchairs for those times she gets really dizzy.
Is Ireland doable and enjoyable without alot of walking?
Thanks so much
Carrie

ira

Hi dc,

Are you saying that Mom thinks you should cancel?

You just got back from Costa Rica and your going to Ireland in 8 days?

Maybe she is just tired.

dcsam

I think she wants to cancel because of all the work I have to do to help her. I also think she's afraid of me having to drive in Ireland. BUT the main concern is her Vertigo and how it's gotten worse. As long as she took her time (in Costa Rica), she was able to get around to most places, but it wasn't easy.
Thank you for the suggestions. At this point, either way is fine with me. I just don't want to look back and think we should have gone.

CAPH52

This past March I was also in the position of having to decide whether to cancel a trip to Ireland. So I have some idea of what you're feeling right now.

I don't know what airline you're flying. But AA told me that we had up until the time the flight left the ground to cancel due to medical reasons. If you have that option, maybe you should wait a couple of days to see how both you and your mother feel.

CAPH52

Carrie, since no one else has replied, I'm going to put in my two cents again!

I somehow missed the mention of the insurance the first time I read your post. So, as you said, it doesn't look like canceling would be a problem.

The more I've thought about this, the more I'm inclined to say that my advice would be to cancel. No matter where you go, traveling does take some amount of endurance. And it sounds like you both may be exhausted right now. Is rescheduling the trip an option?

This is certainly none of my business, but I'm very curious as to why you scheduled these two trips so close together.

Best of luck, whatever you decide to do.

Neopolitan

Here's another thought. If she stays home will she NOT have vertigo?

If the issue is that she is somehow in greater "danger" there than at home that's another matter. But the bottom line is, does she want to go and will she be glad she did?

I'd go and take it easy and take some extra precautions. Maybe simplify the plans and be prepared to do less than you might do otherwise.

It sounds like mom wants to cancel just because she doesn't want you to do a lot of extra work or care. If I were you, I'd go and enjoy the time you have together -- just make sure you don't whine about the problems.

dcsam

There were a couple reasons why we decided to do two trips this summer. One is that she has macular degenerative eye problems. She's wanted to go back to both Costa Rica and Ireland. So why wait to 'see' these places again? Her health in general is not what is was when we first planned these trips. She was much more mobile then. The Vertigo has really gotten worse. Yes, she has spells here at home, but things are familiar here and walking is easy within the comforts of her own home.
We just thought this may be the summer to do those trips. I don't think we'd be able to manage them next summer.
Thanks for all your suggestions. We're still debating what to do.
Carrie

Worktowander

If it were my decision, I'd consider which each of you would regret more: going in less-than-perfect health, or not going.

Only you can answer the question, but once you have, there's your decision.

Best of luck.

LeoraO

I like the poster's idea to wait a couple days & decide! That being said:
My advice is go, I'm 9 year's now since my Mom passed away, this is a precious moment in time; what I wouldn't give for the opportunity!
Enjoy and "Seize the moment"
Regards, L.O.

irishiningo

>>Is Ireland doable and enjoyable without alot of walking?<<

The answer to your question is "yes". But only you can define "a lot of walking" for yourselves. Ireland has breathtaking scenery, and if you base yourself in a nice-sized town you can make short day trips. Some sights will be a challenge, like the Cliffs of Moher, but others, like the Dingle Peninsula, can be enjoyed just by driving around the coast and making frequent stops to take pictures or stretch your legs. If you and your mom will be content to see the emerald fields of Eire and hear the Irish speak, a leisurely tour would be wonderful. Perhaps your mom can rest while you occasionally go on a more physically challenging excursion.

That said, one of the things that would impact my decision would be a discussion between my mother, me, and her doctor.

All I know is I hope I'm touring Ireland when I'm 80.

It's a tough decision. If you decide to go, have a safe trip and enjoy yourselves.

NEDSIRELAND

I have posted several times in the past that Ireland is not particularly 'Handicapped Friendly!' Few towns have 'curb cuts' and only the newer Hotels have handicapped facilities; so a wheelchair might not be the answer to your problems. As for whether to cancel: that's a decision you and your mother have to agree on.

Dukey

I suppose what I'm about to say isn't really objective but re-read your own post. It is all about the difficulties of the trip.

Did you honestly find this to be a relaxing trip? Did either of you really enjoy it?

If you do go to Ireland is your Mohter going to be more focused on all that work you are doing as well as her own problems as opposed to the sights, etc.?

I think this is a much more important decision than you might realize and frankly, YOU are the one who sounds just as tired as Ira thought your Mother is.

Going on trips is not going to wipe out the fact that circumstances have changed when it comes to your Mother's health and general state (at least right now).

I'd stronlgy reconsider traveling so quickly or perhaps think about traveling later to somewhere different.

BTW..whose idea was Ireland anyway?

ira

Hi dc,

I also suggest waiting a few days.

If your mother's vertigo and macular degeneration don't improve, it is a good basis for cancelling for medical reasons.

You might want to consider rescheduling for the Fall.

sullivan1212

Vertigo should always have a diagnosis from a doctor!! Vertigo is a sympton. The cause is what you want to know.

SeaUrchin

How can people on a travel board answer your question? You have some helpful people giving nice advice but how can that help you? It seems like a very personal matter to me.

Nina66

dcsam, As a vertigo sufferer - I had (so far) one THREE WEEK long attack a few years ago. It started within hours of returning from Costa Rica. My doctor said that it could have been a virus that I picked up on the plane. They really don't know much about the cause or treatment of Vertigo.

I know what it feels like and how sick and totally disoriented you get.

Many people have re-occuring attacks that last for days or weeks and they continue on throughout the lives. .

Many sufferers are given motion sickness remedies - which do little or no good.

The attacks come on suddenly and without warning and the slightest movement makes them worse.

That one three week long attack, was enough to scare me for quite awhile - I felt like one of those Bozo the Clown large plastic floor toys that you hit/push and they go backwards and forward. It is no joke and during an attack, the quality of your life is ZERO.

It doesn't sound as if her doctor has been able to find a cure as you say that they are re-occuring attacks.

You paid for your Travel Guard for this kind of protection, I would use it.

You are obviously close with your mom and love being together - spend her 'feeling good' time with her here and let her be a more comfortable and secure in her own home, than on the road.

If I didn't know what she is dealing with, I would never never suggest cancelling a trip, but the sudden, intense, overwhelming dizziness and nausea of a Vertigo attack really knocks you for a loop. There is no telling how long an attack will last.

I have a cousin who started getting the attacks at forty, so age is probably not a factor. Twenty years later, he still gets them every few months. He has to lay on the floor of his business, and call his wife to come close up and take him home.

You can love mom as much at home as in Ireland - and she won't feel like she is being a burden to you.

Nina

Raydotman

You say you had a lovely time in Costa Rica despite Mom's problems. I think you will have a lovely time as well. I have a close relative with macular degeneration and he wishes he could travel. If at all possible I would go and just take it easy. Maybe you could do bus tours rather than drive and leave Mom on the bus when it looks as though walking might be a bit arduous. A folding wheelchair might be of great benefit. I think your mother would really like to go but does not wish to burden you.

SeaUrchin

"OK Mom, get up, we are going on the trip. Weezer and Eggplant say we should go."
"Oh those are my new doctors?"
"Well, no, they are people on a travel board. some of them think you just don't want to burden me, so stand up"
"I hope they know what they are talking about, dear"
"Oh they know where every ATM is...and oh, we shouldn't wear white tennis shoes".................



sorry if it seems like I am poking fun but I have traveled with a person who got a two day vertigo attack and Nina66 describes it exactly.

ma23peas

Oh dear, you are in a tough spot...but I'm 70% for cancelling, unless she much improves over the next 5 days.

The main reason I'd cancel...

1. You just returned from Costa Rica, not sure where you live but it's likely longer than a 3 hour flight from where you started. It's dehydrating to fly and very bad for the circulation..not to mention an 80 year old's circulation.
Flying to Ireland would be another looooong flight in under a 2 week window...this would give me concern...if it were just a 2 hour flight somewhere I'd say go. But a long transatlantic flight?

If it were me, I'd cancel and plan something special for her with Ireland in mind...drive to an Irish Pub and buy her a nice Celtic CD...and reschedule for later on. You might get good deals waiting just a month or two.

Good luck...wish your mom the best!
Tara
2.

dcsam

I left the decision up to my mom. She wants to go. She said she'd regret NOT going, so we're packing again. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I know it was our decision, but all your advice was taken into account. We discussed it, and decided there's no better time than NOW to go. She said, "We have all eternity to rest, so let's go for it!"
Thanks again.
Carrie