The Travel Thread

[horrie hastings]

Hope you can work it all out soon Horrie. There comes a point when all the planning gets frustrating and you just want to lock it in so you can look forward to the trip and start counting down the days.

I’ve been through similar procrastinating with our itinerary but not the length as that’s locked in. We arrive early in Heathrow and then have a domestic flight booked for Scotland the next morning and so will be staying overnight at the airport. So what to do for that day while jet lagged. Taxi to Windsor or into London for the day? Then there’s whether to reduce our time in York to 3 nights from 4 because I’m worried now about trains having reduced services on Sundays when we’re due to leave York. Still trying to prioritise London activities too as there’s so many possibilities. My biggest concern of all though is I’ve been seeing a podiatrist for the past 2 months for an injured foot which may take months to a year to heel!

Like you, an old medical problem which mostly in my head is holding me back from actually enjoying this holiday, i am still worried about my previous blood clot , although i know the precautions i have to take for the flight, i was given the all clear from my specialist last September but something still hasn't felt a 100% about my leg, the week between Christmas New Year my leg really swelled up again and was very uncomfortable, it has since gone down but it just doesn't feel right, went for another ultrasound last week so waiting on the report to my doctor to see. This is has been in the back of my mind whether something might happen before the trip or while i'm away, hopefully i will have it sorted before i go.

I'm so looking forward to Brighton and spending time there so have to work out prioritising how many nights in London. Scotland and Italy are set in stone but thinking maybe heading back home after Italy depending if there are major penalties about changing the airfares. Nothing has been booked for Greece apart from a flight from Italy to Greece but it was so cheap it wouldn't worry me if we lost it.

Probably wont change the length but yesterday was the first time i had heard the better half was actually worried about the length of the trip ( which was always a bit of concern for me ), anyway we will work it out.

[mightyrooster]

Like you, an old medical problem which mostly in my head is holding me back from actually enjoying this holiday, i am still worried about my previous blood clot , although i know the precautions i have to take for the flight, i was given the all clear from my specialist last September but something still hasn't felt a 100% about my leg, the week between Christmas New Year my leg really swelled up again and was very uncomfortable, it has since gone down but it just doesn't feel right, went for another ultrasound last week so waiting on the report to my doctor to see. This is has been in the back of my mind whether something might happen before the trip or while i'm away, hopefully i will have it sorted before i go.

I'm so looking forward to Brighton and spending time there so have to work out prioritising how many nights in London. Scotland and Italy are set in stone but thinking maybe heading back home after Italy depending if there are major penalties about changing the airfares. Nothing has been booked for Greece apart from a flight from Italy to Greece but it was so cheap it wouldn't worry me if we lost it.

Probably wont change the length but yesterday was the first time i had heard the better half was actually worried about the length of the trip ( which was always a bit of concern for me ), anyway we will work it out.

That’s not good about your leg and I can understand why you would be concerned especially with a long haul flight. I hope the results come back all good. For the past 2 months I’ve had my foot strapped, been doing stretches, exercises, icing it and wearing orthotic insoles, but I’ve still got terrible pain in the heel when I get up in the morning and after lots of standing or walking. Not great when there’s a lot of walking involved in the UK. It just came on out of nowhere and apparently can hit you when you get older lol so great. You will have the same problem with all the walking if your leg starts swelling. With your flights, it’s hard when you’ve spent that much money on the airfares not wanting to pay cancellation or amendment fees. It’s hard to know what to do but 7 weeks is a long time. Not sure I could go that long but then if you don’t think you’ll get back it makes the decision even harder.

[Andrew Walker]

That’s not good about your leg and I can understand why you would be concerned especially with a long haul flight. I hope the results come back all good. For the past 2 months I’ve had my foot strapped, been doing stretches, exercises, icing it and wearing orthotic insoles, but I’ve still got terrible pain in the heel when I get up in the morning and after lots of standing or walking. Not great when there’s a lot of walking involved in the UK. It just came on out of nowhere and apparently can hit you when you get older lol so great. You will have the same problem with all the walking if your leg starts swelling. With your flights, it’s hard when you’ve spent that much money on the airfares not wanting to pay cancellation or amendment fees. It’s hard to know what to do but 7 weeks is a long time. Not sure I could go that long but then if you don’t think you’ll get back it makes the decision even harder.

OH MR It sounds like you have plantar fasciitis I’ve had this in both my feet at different stages over the last three years It appears I’ve got over it but for now but I’m still strapping one of my heels when I run, not sure if it’s necessary but will do so for a little while longer yet You are pretty much doing all you can. Nuromol helps which is paracetamol and ibuprofen really helps with the pain and inflammation

[mightyrooster]

OH MR It sounds like you have plantar fasciitis I’ve had this in both my feet at different stages over the last three years It appears I’ve got over it but for now but I’m still strapping one of my heels when I run, not sure if it’s necessary but will do so for a little while longer yet You are pretty much doing all you can. Nuromol helps which is paracetamol and ibuprofen really helps with the pain and inflammation

That’s exactly what I’ve got! It’s the pits. It can be bearable for a few days and you think it’s getting better and then it just flares the next day and it hurts like hell again. I’ve done some reading up on it and read some stories of people having it for up to 12 months.

[Andrew Walker]

That’s exactly what I’ve got! It’s the pits. It can be bearable for a few days and you think it’s getting better and then it just flares the next day and it hurts like hell again. I’ve done some reading up on it and read some stories of people having it for up to 12 months.

Yes my latest bout lasted a little over I recommend you keep taping your foot If you don’t know how to do it yourself here’s a video

[Andrew Walker]

That’s exactly what I’ve got! It’s the pits. It can be bearable for a few days and you think it’s getting better and then it just flares the next day and it hurts like hell again. I’ve done some reading up on it and read some stories of people having it for up to 12 months.

Shame your not in Sydney I r I know a Thai girl who will fix it She will get right in to your calf’s and feet Massage of your calves and feet help and if you find the right person they can get rid of it Took me ages to find the right person the second time around The first time I found someone very quick but that shop shut and I lost contact. This time I’ve told the girl if she leaves she has to let me know

PS also take turmeric tablets and sprinkle it on your food it’s really good for inflammation

[mightyrooster]

Yes my latest bout lasted a little over I recommend you keep taping your foot If you don’t know how to do it yourself here’s a video

Thanks for the tips. I’ve been told to use a golf ball under the foot and do calf stretches and whole foot stretches before getting out of bed and after sitting down for long periods. The turmeric tip is a different one though.

[horrie hastings]

That’s not good about your leg and I can understand why you would be concerned especially with a long haul flight. I hope the results come back all good. For the past 2 months I’ve had my foot strapped, been doing stretches, exercises, icing it and wearing orthotic insoles, but I’ve still got terrible pain in the heel when I get up in the morning and after lots of standing or walking. Not great when there’s a lot of walking involved in the UK. It just came on out of nowhere and apparently can hit you when you get older lol so great. You will have the same problem with all the walking if your leg starts swelling. With your flights, it’s hard when you’ve spent that much money on the airfares not wanting to pay cancellation or amendment fees. It’s hard to know what to do but 7 weeks is a long time. Not sure I could go that long but then if you don’t think you’ll get back it makes the decision even harder.

Thanks MR and that is not good about your plantar fasciitis, being on your feet all day you cannot avoid it, i hope it is sorted before you go away, as you said there is so much walking with the trip coming up.
Yesterday we drove and parked the car at the stadium and walked to the Kings Cross markets, i was fine walking there but by the time i slowed up a bit and walked around the market by the time i left it felt like i was hobbled and actually limped back towards the stadium. got in the pool for a while at the stadium which seemed to help a bit but still was uncomfortable last night, i ended up taking pain killers about half and hour after i went to bed. Doesn't feel to bad today and ended up doing a very short walk down at the Cooks River, i will see how it is when i go to bed. Hope your and my holidays aren't ruined because we can't move around freely.

[mightyrooster]

Thanks MR and that is not good about your plantar fasciitis, being on your feet all day you cannot avoid it, i hope it is sorted before you go away, as you said there is so much walking with the trip coming up.
Yesterday we drove and parked the car at the stadium and walked to the Kings Cross markets, i was fine walking there but by the time i slowed up a bit and walked around the market by the time i left it felt like i was hobbled and actually limped back towards the stadium. got in the pool for a while at the stadium which seemed to help a bit but still was uncomfortable last night, i ended up taking pain killers about half and hour after i went to bed. Doesn't feel to bad today and ended up doing a very short walk down at the Cooks River, i will see how it is when i go to bed. Hope your and my holidays aren't ruined because we can't move around freely.

Sounds like we’re both a pair of crocks at the moment. Here’s hoping we can both be fit and ready for our holidays. I’ve actually told the other half in my worst days of frustrating pain if things aren’t improved closer to the date we might have to postpone till 2025. I would really like to avoid that though as I put so much work into booking everything and it’s getting closer now.

[horrie hastings]

Sounds like we’re both a pair of crocks at the moment. Here’s hoping we can both be fit and ready for our holidays. I’ve actually told the other half in my worst days of frustrating pain if things aren’t improved closer to the date we might have to postpone till 2025. I would really like to avoid that though as I put so much work into booking everything and it’s getting closer now.

I know exactly what you mean MR, i am thinking i would like to postpone this trip until i have everything sorted health wise, trouble is the point of this trip is doing the one that was cancelled in 2020 because of Covid and if it doesn't happen this time when will it happen ?. I did think i was rushed by the better half to going this year as i really wanted to work my finances out as in to when i could really retire, as of March i will be cutting to 20 hrs at work as the first big step to retirement so will have to make a few adjustments financially and would have liked to have that in place before planning the trip but it is what it is.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

MR I've had experience with Plantar Fas a couple of times. It can be very debilitating I know. I'm normally an active cat with a pretty high pain threshold. But the second time I was hobbling around like a bluddy cripple! I was forced into going to a specialist and both times ended up with custom orthotics. And guess what...they worked! You need to push through the initial discomfort and weird feelings and no initial pain relief. If anything it may be worse even initially. But...if you persist you get back to normal. And thats what counts. May need to spend a few bucks but it could be worth it. Worked for me anyway. Yes I try the golf ball thing too, which can help but may not 'cure'.

[Andrew Walker]

Thanks for the tips. I’ve been told to use a golf ball under the foot and do calf stretches and whole foot stretches before getting out of bed and after sitting down for long periods. The turmeric tip is a different one though.

It can be a combination of all things that gets rid Orrhotics are good I began to turn to turn the corner after nine weeks no running then began to use $50 orthotics when I returned to sport along with all the other things I mentioned but it still niggled me for another six months after running The Thai girl was the last piece of the puzzle in getting rid Mine probably lasted so long the second time around as apart from that nine week break ( where I should have taken another 6 ) I kept playing and refereeing sport throughout it Do the right thing snd it should go and always wear proper footwear I’m now able to walk around bare feet again and there was a time I didn’t think that would be possible

[milanja]

4 things seemed to work for me

1. pointing your toes towards your head while lying down and slowly increasing the stretch for about 2-3 min in the morning.

2. calf raises, on a small step so your heel goes below the front of your foot. I would do about 20-40 everyday.

3. athletes foot, do their computer analysis, and they come up with shoes that are suited to your walk, ASICS kayano were like pillows for me.

4. the “oofos” recovery thongs(best things I have put on my feet), I use them around the house and whenever I’m doing casual walking(shopping or just cruising around.)

i took voltaren 25(over the counter tablets), but only when It really annoyed me.

the greatest feeling is waking up one morning and the pain has disappeared.

good luck to all.

[mightyrooster]

Wow it’s amazing how many have had this, though admittedly I have read something like 1 in 10 people.

Jack, yes 7 weeks ago the podiatrist offered the off the shelf orthotics for $180 or custom orthotics for $750 plus. Being the cheapskate I am I decided to try the off the shelf first. I started wearing them just before Christmas and they were VERY hard to get used to - like big stones under the feet. I’m still not 100% certain they fit right and so at my check up last week she suggested waiting another 6 weeks and if still no good paying the extra $$$ for the custom ones. It’s now a lot easier walking in them on soft surfaces like carpet but when I get outside I can only last so long before it starts to get uncomfortable.

Milanja I do the toe pointing thing first thing in the morning but will also look at those other exercises on the step. She has me doing calf stretches against the wall at the moment. I would love to wear a nice soft pair of shoes at night too with arch support. The podiatrist has me wearing the orthotics in my ASICS shoes all day when up and about. It’s a pain in summer when it’s been hot. It would be nice to be able to walk barefoot in the house again occasionally too.

Also, Andy yep it’s going to drag out longer the less I rest. I’ve had to give up walking the dog for a while now which is annoying and the fur baby is also not impressed. It’s a catch 22 though as I need to rest it but at the same time I need to build up fitness for all the walking I’ll need to do on our trip.

Thanks everyone for your tips.

[horrie hastings]

Wow it’s amazing how many have had this, though admittedly I have read something like 1 in 10 people.

Jack, yes 7 weeks ago the podiatrist offered the off the shelf orthotics for $180 or custom orthotics for $750 plus. Being the cheapskate I am I decided to try the off the shelf first. I started wearing them just before Christmas and they were VERY hard to get used to - like big stones under the feet. I’m still not 100% certain they fit right and so at my check up last week she suggested waiting another 6 weeks and if still no good paying the extra $$$ for the custom ones. It’s now a lot easier walking in them on soft surfaces like carpet but when I get outside I can only last so long before it starts to get uncomfortable.

Milanja I do the toe pointing thing first thing in the morning but will also look at those other exercises on the step. She has me doing calf stretches against the wall at the moment. I would love to wear a nice soft pair of shoes at night too with arch support. The podiatrist has me wearing the orthotics in my ASICS shoes all day when up and about. It’s a pain in summer when it’s been hot. It would be nice to be able to walk barefoot in the house again occasionally too.

Also, Andy yep it’s going to drag out longer the less I rest. I’ve had to give up walking the dog for a while now which is annoying and the fur baby is also not impressed. It’s a catch 22 though as I need to rest it but at the same time I need to build up fitness for all the walking I’ll need to do on our trip.

Thanks everyone for your tips.

Its funny the other day before i had my ultra sound i had a podiatrist appointment as i had troublesome corns affecting the way i walked, i'm sure these were at least half the problem i was having leg wise as it was uncomfortable being on it all day at work. The podiatrist said i had very good feet and the blood flow looks excellent to them so i know i don't have problems there ( apart from corns ) . Still have not heard back from doctor yet in regards to the ultra sound report. Didn't have any pain with my leg last night so slept like a log, went for a fairly long walk along some rocky and uneven paths today at La Peouse and leg held up fine, will see if i have any pain tonight in bed and also after being on it all day at work tomorrow.