Barb

As some of you probably know, I've been planning a return trip to Paris, Rome and then on to Montelpuciano and I am flying out of Seattle on Thurs a.m. Well, I was at my high school reunion on Saturday night and dancing my little feet off, having a great old time, when all of a sudden my feet came out from under me and the next thing I knew, I was on the floor and then off the floor - it's like I bounced - my friend thought I was doing the limbo!! I was not. Long story short, I have very badly bruised/fractured my tailbone. The thought of flying for 13 hrs. is all of a sudden not the most pleasurable thought. I've been to the doctor, he assures me I will live, but will be uncomfortable for about 3-4 weeks. I am determined not to let this ruin my vacation, but it will not be quite the same I'm sure. Anyone got any good ideas on how I can be more comfortable on the flight. I do have a rubber doughnut - now won't I look cute carrying that onto the plane and no I will not be taking it into Parisian cafes. It will be grin and bear it there. It could have been worse, I could have twisted or broken an ankle - at least I can walk.

Grasshopper

Oh Barb! I sympathize, having done the same thing before. Just get up and move around as often as you can. Hopefully you can get an aisle seat? Otherwise, a good sleeping pill on the plane? So sorry. But you're right; it's much better than a broken ankle!

hopscotch

Well, Barb, make the best of a bad situation. Get a letter from your doctor and a cane. Have the letter ready when you ask for an exit row seat and extra pillows on the plane. The cane will come in handy in Paris because you'll probably be, or want to be, walking 10 hours a day. It could also help with sooner seating in restaurants.

Lucky me. I only broke my nose this month. Still hurts but I don't have to sit on it. ;-)

cmt

Could you possibly cancel without losing too much money and reschedule for a month or so later when you'll be able to enjoy everything more fully? I really think this type of injury will make flying even more unpleasant than it already is and may make it uncomfortable to walk for many hours, sit at the dinner table, ride in a train or car, etc.

I'm not saying this to be a killjoy, and in fact, this is the decision I am most likely going to make re a trip I have planned for next month, since I don't want to have to limit my activities because of a recent knee injury.

But if canceling is out of the question, find a position that is least uncomfortable. If you're SURE walking will not be affected, then spend most of your time walking--more interesting than sitting anyway. On the plane spoend as much time as possible walking, standing around wherever permitted, doing stretching, etc.

jay

Try walking very gingerly up to the gate agent. You may get a sympathy upgrade. Also try to get an assigned seat now. I would go for a bulkhead or at least an aisle.

wren

Almost 30 years ago, I fell skiing and hurt my tailbone...so I feel your pain! It does hurt like crazy! I hope the excitement of being in Europe masks your pain, and takes your mind off of it! Perhaps several wonderful glasses of French/Italian wine will ease your pain!!! Really, I remember just sitting and going to a standing position being extremely painful! My sympathies!

Barb

And, to make matters worse, the rental co. for our apt. in Paris emailed to tell me that the elevator in the building is broken - our apt. is on the 5th floor. That's 6 flights of stairs!! They did say they would help with the luggage and to pack light. Cancelling this trip is not an option. I will take my Advil, sit on my doughnut, drink wine and dream of Paris. I also have Ambien.

ira

Hi Barb,

My sympathies.

Do not be shy about letting the airline know that you are injured. They will provide a wheel chair and get you on board early.

They will also help you in getting off and give you a wheelchair to get your luggage, etc.

My mother tells me that a major advantage to being old is that people help you, the same is true for the infirm.

>I do have a rubber doughnut ...and no I will not be taking it into Parisian cafes.<

Why not? Tell them you are injured. They will give you better service.

Enjoy your visit (I almost wrote 'trip') as much as you can.

BTW, good cognac is a great anesthetic without headaches in the morning.

Gelato is not an analgesic, but you forget that you hurt.

Patrick

Can you check to see if the agency can provide a different apartment? Surely if the apartment was advertised with an elevator and now there is none, they should do something! Climbing up and down six flights of stairs sounds even worse than the plane ride -- considering the tail bone!

jody

I have only a few words to say! ONLINE CHECK-IN!
I just used it for the first time this week-end. It is available ,24 hours before your flight. I snagged an exit row seat and had both to myself! When I got to my hotel I checked their Business center and checked in for my return flight the next day and again got an exit row. It was so great to have room to stretch out or move around. Even getting to the airport 3 hours ahead of time this was a first!

Sorry you have had to deal with this , but try for a good seat, take anti-infa,,atories, and walk!

enjoy your trip!

hopscotch

I agree with Patrick, firmly.

bettyk

Barb, if you are not opposed to taking pain medication, you should ask your doctor for a prescription. I had to fly to Hawaii from Houston (8+ hrs) 6 weeks after disk surgery on my back. My doctor gave me a prescription for pain medication which I took as soon as I got on the plane. It certainly made the flight easier and helped on those evenings when my back hurt from the day's activities.

Barb

Thanks all for your kind suggestions. My doc just faxed me his report so maybe that will help, I hope.

Ira: After months of planning just the right wardrobe to take, what I would wear out to dinner, what shoes, etc., I will not be walking into any Paris restaurant with my rubber doughnut over my arm. I will very daintly sit on the edge of the chair and smile like I do not have a worry in the world. I will have taken massive amounts of pain killers beforehand of course. And, yes, cognac for sure!!
Patrick: I immediately notified the apt co. of my injury and they assured me they would help in any way possible.

That wheelchair would be good if I had broken my leg - but I do much better walking actually. The hard part will be getting out of my seat - that's the killer. My friend and I do have two seats together so maybe I can sit on the aisle if all else fails and I do not get bumped to first class, ha.

WillTravel

Barb, I'm so sorry this happened. I can sympathize with an injured tailbone. One technique I found helpful was to slowly tighten all relevant muscles in the area just before one stands up. And don't be afraid to lean on something or someone for support as you rise.

maitaitom

"I will very daintly sit on the edge of the chair and smile like I do not have a worry in the world."

Barb, attitude is everything and judging by yours, you will have a great trip. Have a wonderful time.

SeaUrchin

And if you let out a yelp, just say, boy, is that wine great!! eeeeyoooowww!!

Seriously, have a great trip and look at the bright side like you always do!!

Barb

Willtravel: I will clench my cheeks upon rising and smile through the pain. Again, thanks all. This will be quite the adventure.

ecat

Hi Barb!

Bummer about your bum Seriously I?m sorry to hear of your slip slide, I did that once and it is indeed painful.

So hey when will you be in Rome?! I?m there the Oct. 1st to the 9th. We could have smoked salmon vodka pasta in Trastevere...

Ciao Barb

jsmith

I suggest you not go up six flights of stairs to get to the fifth floor unless accompanied by Patrick to carry you down one.

Patrick

Actually, Barb, I think you got a little confused and I followed suit. Although the 5th floor to them is like our 6th floor, that means 5 flights, not 6 to get to it.

You said the agency will do anything to help you. Does that include getting you a new apartment or otherwise staying there to carry you up and down the steps if you need? If it were me, I'd tell them there's only one thing I wanted from them -- an apartment with an elevator!