Vacation

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:42 pm

My son is a junior in college and I wanted to take him somewhere special this year because I'm not sure what direction he'll be headed next year after he graduates. I first mentioned Florida and then somehow we were looking at all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. The more I read about the all-inclusive resorts the more I realized that I would not be able to eat safely and I didn't want to worry about getting sick. I have always put everyone's needs/wants ahead of my own but for once I declared myself and said that we were going to FL. My son didn't care, it was my husband who for some reason thought we had to go to the Caribbean. As time went on and he looked at the resort online he was okay with it and we're all looking forward to going. I'm proud of myself for standing my ground and putting my health/needs first. It's taken me almost 56 years to do it but I think the LC has empowered me. We're staying in a suite with a kitchenette so I'll be able to eat breakfast and lunch there and I would imagine that St. Petersburg will have more gluten/dairy free options for dinner than I have where I currently live. After having 30 inches of snow last week May can't come soon enough!

Post by **tex** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 9:50 pm

Marcia,

I hope that your trip is totally enjoyable for all of you (just as it should be). I agree with you that while MC can sometimes make us uneasy (to say the least), on the other hand it can give us confidence and assertiveness that we never had before. Early on, it can make us feel alone, hopeless, and powerless, but that just makes our success that much more gratifying after we realize that we are capable of successfully controlling a debilitating disease that routinely stymies even highly rated doctors. That's quite an accomplishment when you think about it and you've clearly earned that feeling of empowerment.

Tex

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 11:36 pm

Congratulations Marcia!

not only empowerment, but big milestone of acceptance of life with MC and making the most of the holiday so you can optimise your enjoyment...

Chemgirl · Post by **Chemgirl** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 2:25 pm

Yey vacation!

My parents winter near Clearwater so close to St. Petersburg. Years ago it was a bit difficult to find gluten free in restaurants (a lot of fried food), but lately most of the major fish restaurants have had the option to order pan fried fish without batter. The oil may still be an issue, but it's a start.

We always rent with kitchen when we travel and it is really the best solution. I actually prefer a small apartment where it's safe to wander into the city for food verses a major resort chain. You get to experience more of your location verses artificial paradise plus beach.

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 7:30 pm

Thanks for the vacation wishes! I am so looking forward to it. Tex, as you mentioned in the early days when we feel so hopeless it's hard to imagine that a few years later I am excited about going on vacation. Gabes, acceptance plays a large part in living with LC. I will never be how/who I was before and I have learned to accept that change and move forward. Chem, from what I understand we will be able to walk from our resort to other restaurants in St. Petersburg so I am looking forward to seeing more of the area. I have only been to Disney World in FL so this is going to be a new experience for all of us. I'll be sure to post about my dining experience after we return.

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 8:27 pm

Marcia,

I'm so excited for you! I hope it all goes well, and it sounds like you have it all under control.

Am looking forward to the day when I'll be able to do that also. I do think traveling by car is less stressful than by plane (but maybe it's just me.). I can take more things with me that way!

Be sure to let us know how it goes!

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 9:32 am

Good luck Marcia! I just got back from Disneyworld and oddly enough I did better there than I do at home. I never ate at restaurants and even drove 12 hours to get there. Its very possible to have an awesome time!

Lots of snacks and protein shakes and planning. We were even at Disneyworld 10 hours a day to boot. It wasn't relaxing either and the stress didn't affect me. Now I'm back at home, lol......starting from square one again.

Hope you have a great time!!

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 7:04 pm

Thanks, Jari. I am 2.5 years post diagnosis so you will get there, too. We're flying but it's only a little over 2 hours and I'll be able to eat breakfast before we leave and I'll carry lunch with me. There is a Publix near where we are staying so I plan to go there on our first day. There isn't a Publix where we live so I'm looking forward to seeing what they have there. Martha, our first trip after I was well enough to go on vacation was Disney World. I did great there, too. We did eat out but I did a lot of research online and I knew that they cater to children with food allergies so I didn't have many worries. When we first start out on our journey with this disease it is hard to imagine that we will get out life back but once we do it's the best feeling in the world!