I became more than a little bit obsessed with traveling shortly after we moved to Germany. Unfortunately, the arrival of my sudden wanderlust coincided with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. I had already been dealing with various health issues due to early onset osteoarthritis, but figuring out how to deal with a lot of pain while living in a foreign country was a much bigger challenge. I was discouraged by the pain ravaging my body but determined to travel despite it.
Although I write about travel and chronic pain, I’ve so far segregated my writing on the two topics for few reasons. I don’t want to focus on my issues with pain during a trip when I’m trying to to write a guide, and I also don’t want a post that is focused on the beauty of a place to be littered with complaints about how much pain I was in. While chronic pain and traveling are often two very different subjects, I hope to integrate them more in my writing.
I don’t want the negative aspects of chronic pain in my posts to severely dampen the joy I have when I can get out and see some of the world, but I also think it’s important to be honest and forthcoming about the realities of traveling when it’s hard. I think the world needs more people that share the non-sugarcoated parts of their life instead of just Instagram worthy moments. People need to hear that your life, your body, and even your travels aren’t always picture perfect. They need to hear about struggles that resonate with their lives instead of repeatedly reading top ten lists that make them feel like they haven’t accomplished enough.
People need to hear that your life, your body, and even your travels aren’t always picture perfect. Share on XI’m determined to share the best and the worst of my travels – and everything in between. So today I’m taking a break from talking about lovely travel experiences and instead looking at the some of my worst moments.
What You Don’t See in My Travel Photos:
How I was nearly stranded while hiking in the Austrian Alps.
I foolishly went off on a hike by myself after a fight with Mr. Meena on Christmas. I burned off my anger by walking five miles uphill to see a waterfall, and found my knee pain increasing at an alarming rate as I started walking back. Not only was I alone in a semi-abandoned area, but it was icy, the sun was setting, and I didn’t have cell phone service. I barely managed to limp back to our rental house in pain and spent a bitter evening recovering.
When I collapsed in Karlsruhe.
We spent a long day traveling to and visiting Mannheim before we arrived at our hotel for the night in Karlsruhe. I actually felt okay so I sat down to rest and ended up taking a little nap. Over the next hour my knees became stiff and painful but I didn’t fully realize it. When I tried to stand up to go to the bathroom I fell on my face and had to crawl across the room.
When I got sick in Amsterdam.
Half of the reason for our trip to Amsterdam was to (legally) find out if cannabis would help me. I was in terrible, constant pain at that point and rather desperate – thanks in part to the German healthcare system that forced me to wait six months before getting help. So I went to Amsterdam, tried an edible, got sick (and really paranoid), and was still in pain.
How I missed out in Spain.
Our hotel was only a few blocks from the beach, but I never got to walk on it. We spent nearly four days in Tarragona, Spain, but I overdid it our first day and I wasn’t able to join Mr. Meena for his stroll on the beach at sunset. Instead I stayed in our hotel room and cried.
The time I couldn’t walk in Berlin.
This was the first time that I truly pushed myself past my limits. We only had a weekend in Berlin and I wanted to see as much as possible. But after walking 13 miles I was in so much pain that I could not walk. Mr. Meena had to half-carry me back to the hotel (if I had been thinking clearly we would have called a cab) and I wasn’t able to sleep or do much the next day because of the pain.
How I was extremely dizzy in Vienna.
Earlier that week I started new medication for my chronic pain and I was dealing with nausea, tremors, and excessive dizziness as a result. I was so unbalanced that Mr. Meena had to steady me just so I could walk down the street. This was particularly difficult since part of our trip was dedicated to visiting an amusement park – not a venue you’ll enjoy if you’re too dizzy.
When I injured my back in Marktbreit.
I have an old compression fracture in my back that may or may not be the cause of my chronic back pain. During our recent day trip to various Bavarian towns, including Marktbreit, I over corrected my posture (without realizing I was doing so) in my attempts to keep the pain at bay. By the end of the day my muscles felt severely bruised, which is a common side effect of fibromyalgia, and I was unable to use them without a lot of pain. I spent the next day in bed and it took nearly a week to recover.
When I had debilitating shoulder pain on my way to Frankfurt.
I have pain in my neck and shoulders almost all the time. Eight out of 18 designated possible tender points of fibromyalgia are located in that area. This pain is often a limiting factor in our travels and it was especially bad when we visited Frankfurt because I had recently switched to a less effective pain medication (which I am no longer using). I wasn’t even able to turn my head to look at the window because of it. I tried every position I could think of in my attempts to lessen the pain and was miserable for hours.
There’s always another story or example that I could share about what you aren’t seeing in my photos. Such as how you don’t see me constantly refilling my travel medication case and setting alarms so I don’t miss doses. Or how you may not see that I can’t wear my cute dresses anymore while traveling because they clash with my arthritis friendly sneakers. I miss the days when I wore flats nearly everywhere.
I realize that my chronic pain may be hugely different from someone else’s. Maybe travel would be much harder for you than it currently is for me. Perhaps your health issues have left you disabled (in which case, I’d like to point you towards this man who blogs about traveling in a wheelchair). Even if your challenges don’t look like mine I want to encourage you to keep trying and know that it is possible to travel despite having health problems. I hope I can inspire you to do just a little bit more, go a little bit farther, and be a little bit happier as a result.
For me, traveling is worth the pain 90% of the time. I’m usually going to be in pain even if I do nothing, so I’d rather trade a little bit more pain for an incredible experience. Of course, sometimes I plan for a small amount of pain and end up with way more than I bargained for. The worst part about being in pain while you’re traveling is the lack of control. Sometimes I need to lie down immediately but I can’t because I’m two hours away from home. I might have to force myself to function when I have nothing left to give. Still, I continue to sacrifice my comfort in order to travel as well as find ways to make it easier. For the past few months I’ve been trying out different combinations of medications (with my doctor, of course) that have done everything from making travel impossible to making it nearly effortless. There’s no easy solution when you live with chronic pain and wanderlust.
Have you traveled when dealing with health problems?
This post is linked up with Wanderful Wednesday and Fly Away Friday:
sorry to hear about your health problems. I've been sick a few times on my trips but nothing more serious
Thanks for this candid and genuine post, Ava. I'm glad you try to travel despite the times when the going gets rough. I think the message that travel isn't always perfect is an important one for people to hear.
Thanks. 🙂
I find your posts about your pain so interesting and I wish there was some way to take away your pain! But you certainly sound like a trooper! Hopefully one day there will be a cure which would give you move comfort! #WanderfulWednesday
Thanks so much! I would also love a cure, so I could travel more easily. 🙂
Having battled the NHS for four years to sort out health issues, I have the utmost respect and compassion for your struggle. My mum has fibromyalgia and severe mobility problems and speaking for myself, I often Google 'destination+mobility issues'. Perhaps you're right that people don't come to your blog to hear about these issues, but a small paragraph at the end of a post with tips and advice for those with similar pain issues would be super helpful.
Thank you, that’s a great idea that I’ll keep in mind for future posts.
Sorry to hear about the pain. I can't imagine the stress it causes you. But thank you for such an honest and authentic post. Whether its pain or anything else, the photos bloggers decide to share never tell the whole story. I've had a few stomach bugs and food poisoning and sore feet from walking too much that caused me to miss out on a few things. It's a bummer but you have to focus on the positive, the things you do get to see and experience. And you do that well. Many people would let their pain prevent them from traveling and you've shown you can still do it despite of it. #wanderfulwednesday
Thank you. Fortunately there are so many positive things about travel that is isn’t hard to find the inspiration. 🙂
I have a friend with fibromyalgia: I can appreciate how hard it must be to travel with chronic pain. It's interesting to hear these realistic, background stories that people don't usually consider! Fortunately I don't have any long-term conditions that make travelling difficult – the usual sickness episodes and sore feet etc. I hope your med combos pan out OK for you and you find something that works consistently for you!
Thanks so much. That’s why I wanted to share, because how would people know if I (or someone) didn’t tell them?
I'm so impressed with anyone who continues to enjoy their life and love life as much as possible despite huge difficulties. So sorry to hear about the awful pain you deal with on a daily basis but inspired that you're still able to travel as much as you do. #wanderfulwednesday
Thank you, Clare. I appreciate it. 🙂
"I think the world needs more people that share the non-sugarcoated parts of their life instead of just Instagram worthy moments. " —-> Right? Every day life is not perfect or rosy and that's the reality of it all.
Your pictures of Austria are just incredible. Looks beautiful. You take really nice photographs.
Lindsay 🙂
Thank you SO much! I’ve been working hard to improve my photography skills, but the photos from Austria are some of the first ones I ever took – so that compliment means a great deal! Of course, being in beautiful locations makes it easier.
Such an honest and insightful post. I love that you still do lots and lots of travelling 🙂 I think we all have lots to hide in our travel photos, ha as I agree, it´s all about focusing on the positive! 🙂
True!
I totally get this! I struggle with anxiety and travel, as much as I love it, just makes it worse. So many trips I look back to in shame just because I got yet another panic attack. It can be so frustrating but it doesn't keep me from going anyway!
I have anxiety as well, though often it’s health-related, but the fact that you are taking trips with anxiety is huge. Remember that when you feel down. 🙂
So sorry to hear about the pain you have to live with. I can't even imagine how it must be feeling not being able to walk to the beach and crying in your hotel room. It sparks this instinct in me like I just want to be there and cuddle you! And I don't even know you! Ha! Thank you for sharing this with us and don't ever stop travelling! I believe the positives weigh up the negatives and I think you know that too! #WanderfulWednesday
Thanks so much. And yes, the positives make it worth it.
Thanks for this. I think it is so important to tell stories pictures can't!
The pictures are lovely tho!
You are so brave for writing this. I am so happy this has not stopped you from traveling though! I don't have a chronic disease but often had to deal with my parents or family member's illness. This past month my aunt came to Europe, and she has a mild heart condition. But since she didn't walk while flying all those 9 hours and was wearing regular underwear, her circulatory system didn't do so well. They had to have an emergency landing in London (they were supposed to arrive in Paris) where they discovered she had 4 blood cloths around her chest. Luckily, she got to the hospital on time. After being stabilized in the next four days, she was better. The doctor gave her some special medications and prohibited to fly for a month. Fortunately, her trip was a month and a half long so she could make it back to Mexico in good health. And even though she lost all her flights, she could still travel by train and all the walking around Europe helped her. While she was with us we made sure we took it slow, and even though we got to see like half of the things we wanted to, it was still a great trip and I was so happy to have her here. She had to buy this special underwear like the ones diabetics used and she arrived home safe and sound. Like my aunt, you have an amazing, unstoppable attitude. And I am so happy that you remain strong through this.
Wow, that sounds like a very scary experience for your aunt and the rest of your family. I’m so glad to hear that she made it through and was able to enjoy her trip regardless. She sounds like a very brave woman to do all that despite her condition. Thanks for sharing and thank you for the encouragement!
Glad that you have not let chronic pain ruin your love of travel, and that together with the pain and its associated painful memories, you do experience the wonderful moments of travel. Continue traveling, Ava!
Thanks so much Ahila. 🙂
It's so easy to show the "pretty" side of travel, so thank you for sharing your story! So happy to read that despite the pain and discomfort you have managed to see the world <3
Thank you!
Thank you!
I'm sorry to hear about the pain you are in all the time. But I admire that you don't let it stop you from getting out and doing what you want to do. #FlyAwayFriday
Thanks!
Thank you SO MUCH for this post. It's honest and inspiring. Travel is not always glamorous and for some people there are major things going on behind the scenes, such as in your case and certain things behind the scenes of my blog too. Keep up the amazing work – and don't go too hard on yourself! #FlyAwayFriday
Thanks for the encouraging words, Juliette!
I admire the courage you have to discuss your health issues and your not necessarily nice travel experiences. But, the truth is that we all experience bad things when we travel. Things happen went you get out of your comfort zone and when you are in a place strange to you. I got back from a two weeks trip to Europe about a week ago. The trip was great, more than what I expected. But, I cannot forget about swollen feet and ankles, an allergy all over my legs and a bicycle fall that busted open my knees. I wish you the best and hope you continue travel within your posibilities.
Thank you, Ruth. You’re absolutely right; there’s no such thing as a perfect trip. The only thing we have control over is our reactions and attitude. Hope your knees are healing quickly!
sorry to hear about the health. I loved reading your post because it was a very different prospective. We all trying to put out there the best version of us, of our travels but sometimes it turned out fake. Thank you for this post of honesty.
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is important to share the truth about traveling, even if it seems "negative". I think by being honest about the pain you have to deal with, you're showing everyone that travel is still possible. I'm happy to see that you haven't stopped traveling! #FlyAwayFriday
Thanks! Yes, travel is still possible and most certainly worth it!
This is a really awesome post, and I honestly wish I saw more like it. There are so many blogs that only show the good about traveling, which is awesome, and inspiring. But when something bad happens, like you get sick or hurt on the road it can be really lonely, because nobody ever talks about it when it happens to them. I also think its really inspiring that you continue to travel even with health problems, when many people would give up and stay home. Rock on lady!
Thank you Natalie!
Thanks for sharing your story! So true: we all should be less "perfect" and more "honest" with our social media content. You manage it perfectly and your message is so inspiring! Keep these amazing posts coming and showing the world there is nothing impossible!
Thank you for your kind words, Anna.
Wow! thank you for sharing. I’ve got a chronic illness which sometimes keeps me from joining my family doing stuff but overall I don’t let it stop me. I can see that you are also into perseverance and not into wallowing in self-pity. Good luck to you!
Thank you, good luck to you as well!
Sorry to hear about your health troubles but I'm glad you shared! This post is really inspiring and it's so important to let everyone know that travelling isn't always as glamourous as it looks in most of the blogs and photos.
Thank you, I definitely agree!
I am so sorry about your diagnosis with fibromyalgia, chronic pain is a horrible thing to have to deal with. I loved this post though and how honest you are. You're truly an inspiration for still traveling and living life to the fullest, even though the pain can be unbearable at times. Thank you for sharing your story. <3 #flyawayfriday
Thanks so much Mimi, that means a lot! 🙂
Whoa, that's a lot of travel trouble! But it happens behind the scenes. I can think of places I went to and almost all I saw was my hotel room because I got sick. This is a side, albeit often memorable, side of travel as well. #flyawayfriday
It can be memorable, especially if you handle the inevitable downtime well. Thanks for commenting!
I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and loved how honest and open are you about sharing it with your readers. It's nice to see a different angel about travel blogging and how there can be the misconception of how "perfect" it can be. Thank you for sharing your story and for sharing it on #FlyAwayFriday!! Can't wait to read your next post!
Thanks, Chloe. 🙂
I love the genuine and honest post! I'm sorry to hear about your health troubles, I'm sure it makes traveling difficult at times. Such an inspiration, though! I can't wait to share this post with others! Thanks for sharing and joining #FlyAwayFriday!
Thank you, Kana. 🙂
Thanks for your honesty. I travel a lot with chronic illness, and it's been rough at times. I had gallbladder problems on my last beach trip, I got violently ill in the Smokies and wound up in the hospital, I almost got admitted to a hospital in the Dominican Republic….it's been an adventure trying to figure out traveling and my health. I think that the experiences are worth it, but it's hard sometimes.
I’m sorry to hear about your similar issues while traveling. I think it definitely makes me want to pick nicer vacations and trips, to be sure that the experience is worth it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I'm so sorry to hear that traveling was so difficult for you. I too am an avid traveler and usually, when I travel I can expect my illness(es) to flare causing ER visits and whatnot. I agree with you. It is so important to share everything to good, happy, bad, and ugly. All of it needs to be shown, all of it needs to acknowledged, all of it needs to be validated. We are all entitled to that at the very least. Xo, Faith via XoFaith.com 🙂
Thanks so much, Danielle.
Just love how amazingly inspirational this blog post is and your amazing attitude and courage in travelling despite your chronic illness and its constant and often unrelenting symptoms. And your honesty about the problems that your symptoms cause during your travels. Travelling is never something I saw for myself after the symptoms of my neurological condition worsened, especially giving that due to dizziness and vertigo I cannot tolerate big buildings with high ceilings, ruling out most airports!! But as I have written about in the past in my own blogs and am sure you have shown that our conditions don't have to dictate to us on what we can and cannot do, but instead it's about finding ways to go round the problem. For me, I have discovered a love for going on cruises taking out the need for going to huge airports (just need to tolerate a short trip through the cruise terminals!).
I really enjoyed reading your blog post and can't wait to read more about your many travels
Thank you so much! I’m glad that being honest about traveling with chronic illnesses can be so inspirational. And I’m also so happy to hear that you can still travel via cruises despite your illness – it’s all about the wins! Thanks again. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this fantastic post. I too have had a few scary moments when travelling with a chronic illness, like nearly passing out in New York and struggling to walk in the south of England and the everyday struggles of travelling with fatigue and chronic pain. Like you, I feel it is hard but still worth it for the amazing experiences I've had. It's so refreshing to see a non-sugar coated travel article and it makes me feel less alone in my experiences!
I’m so glad that you liked my post, Natalie. It’s a shame that chronic illness impacts so much of our lives – especially the fun parts like travel! I wish you safe and fun travels. 🙂
Thank you so much for participating in our chronic pain & chronic illness link up party at The Unbroken Smile. I'm sure our community will love your article, thanks so much for sharing and I'm so sorry to hear about all your health issues! Keep fighting! Please join us again next week. ((Gentle Hugs))
Thanks, Elizabeth. 🙂
It was good to read this again. Totally know what it feels like to be sick 'behind the scenes'. Keep writing and travelling!
Thanks Sheryl! 🙂
I just stumbled on your site through Pinterest and am so glad I did. Thank you for writing this particular post. I have always loved traveling but have had chronic foot pain for about a year now, and most days cannot walk for more than a couple of blocks at a time. I have a wonderful husband who doesn't want to let that stop us, but I just feel guilty about all the money we're spending to see a fraction of what I used to be able to see.
You are absolutely right that we need to not sugar coat things. Thank you for taking a stand on that. I appreciate your courage in sharing your journey with chronic illness. Please continue, as I will be reading them! 🙂
Hi Jen! I’m so glad that you found my site! Thank you for your kind comment. I’m sorry to hear about your foot pain. 🙁 Have you considered using an assistive device to help you see more during your travels? I’m just asking because that is probably what I would do in your case. I definitely know how you feel about only seeing a fraction of a destination and feeling unsatisfied about how the pain interferes with your travels. I’m glad to hear you have the courage to keep traveling, too! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I understand the travel woes. We decided to change our travel style and while it does eliminate certain destinations, overall it allows us more experiences. We bought a motorhome. If we flew somewhere…or worse, drove…I would have so much down time recovering that I / we would miss most of the trip. Now, I have my bed and a comfy recliner that I can use wherever we are. If it’s a down day for me, hubby can still go hiking while I rest in bed or spend the day knitting. We also bought a policy from SkyMed which will transport me and hubby from anywhere even in the desert to my home medical facility and back again. Photography of your adventures can surely mislead anyone who is trying to doubt you but what those photos really show is your resilience and the determination to live the life you have to it’s fullest. Lupies are definitely warriors !!!
Sally I’m so happy to hear about how you’ve been able to overcome so many travel woes! Having a motorhome does come with some great advantages! That also sounds like a great policy, perhaps I should look into SkyMed for our future travels. Thanks for sharing your experiences here 🙂
I think it’s fabulous that you are not allowing physical limitations affect your life. What the photos are saying is really that you have not let fibromyalgia dictate your life and keep you from enjoying life. Yes, a chronic illness does effect you some days but mostly it does not! That you have fibromyalgia and manage to be a positive role model is in itself is an achievement and something to be proud of EVERY DAY.
I have Multiple Sclerosis and refuse to let a demonic disease control me. Yes, there are days that I feel like s@#t and cannnot do some things. However, I make up for my down time by pushing myself harder than most people.
Keep up the good work. You are setting a great example and making the world a better place.
To the best of my ability, I don\’t let it affect my life. Sometimes there isn\’t anything I can do, but I keep trying. I\’m glad that you have the same attitude. Thank you so much for commenting.