Being on the road in October has brought new challenges for my medical care and treatment. Soon after departing I needed methotrexate, syringes, and folic acid. The Salt Lake City Walgreens had only the folic acid in stock. In Cheyenne, they had half of the methotrexate. In Denver, they had syringes. Finally, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, I got the rest of the methotrexate. Thanks, Walgreens.
By the time I was scheduled to arrive in Shawnee, it would also be time for blood work to check if the poison I’m taking is TOO poisonous. While still in Denver, I phoned my medical insurance company, Regence, and asked for the name of a preferred provider for blood work in Shawnee. I then phoned the lab in Shawnee for instructions, then phoned my doctor to request that orders be sent to the lab.
On my first day in Shawnee, I drove to the lab for the blood draw. Pretty easy peasy. That was quite a relief, as I was concerned before I left Seattle that getting labs would be onerous.
Yesterday a group of us were scheduled to tour Oklahoma City in a coach, and I awoke with my Crohn’s disease in full force. I have prescription Lomotil to curb the symptoms, which I use sparingly because it makes me so nauseated. But on days when I won’t have perpetual use of a restroom, it is a necessary evil.
Here’s the irony: I took two Lomotil tabs to make it through the tour, but I ended up in bathrooms anyway because the medication caused me to throw up, twice. Thank goodness the coach had a bathroom, and I felt better as we toured the National Cowboy Museum. The tour included lunch, which I was not able to keep down – another bathroom trip.
If you are following my journey, you wouldn’t know about all these issues behind the scenes. You may have seen the photos I posted on social media of the Cowboy Museum and the memorial to the Murrah Federal Building, thinking that I am having the time of my life. Well, I AM having the time of my life. But I am also sick. And that is why I’m telling you. I am especially telling those of you who suffer from chronic disease. You.Can.Do.It.
This Post Has 14 Comments
Aloha Tammy
I’m so glad to hear you are having the time of your life. I’m sorry to hear that your autoimmune is giving you problems. It is a bitch for sure when flares arise. I had one this weekend but like you.. I refused to let it hold me back. It sucks but it is what it is.. I hope you have an easier time getting the meds and supplies you need as time goes on. Im guessing once you get settled into a spot for awhile that you will be able to have more access for those items.
I’m enjoying your travel letter.. Be good to yourself and do rest when your body is having a war on you.
Safe travels and take care
Hugs .. Judi/Ivan
Glad you are having fun through it all!
I read an article about a new drug called “Stelara”, have you come across any information about how well in may work with Chron’s?
How are the “kids” doing?
I haven’t heard of that drug, but I’ll look into it! Boss Tweed still won’t sit on the dashboard while we’re moving, but he has stopped crying and generally just sits next to me on the floor when we are driving down the road. Olive is doing just great!
Well, if you can’t be real on your own personal blog, where can you? I know a man with Crohnes, and over time he’s gotten much better. I’ll hold out hope for you, too. 🙂
Parker
Attitude, I’m told, is everything and yours is amazing. Kudos
Thank you!
I am delighted to find your blog,and as a nurse I want to share with you Jini Patel-thompson’s website: Listen to your Gut. She has helped so many people with Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis and other GI issues! Check it out! And enjoy your journeys!
Mona, thank you so much for the info!
Love the positivity, strength and resolve of this post! It speaks to So Many People living with chronic diseases. Thank you, RoadTripTammy, for encouraging and empowering others!
Thank you for your kind words, Nikki!
Found the link so I could start at the beginning of this journey of yours. Read every post and every comment now.
I’m going into my 6th year fulltiming now and I have enjoyed every second of it. Like you, I have many health issues so this year might be the last one. We’ll see. One Day At A Time !!
Tammy, It is so great to “meet” you and follow your journey. I found your blog via the Wynns link and have read every post like a good book I can’t put down. Sending you the best of vibes for your travels and your health. I’ll be reading along!
What a compliment, Shauna! Thank you!