[QUAD-L] Good for you......keep at it

[Gloria Matthews]

Aaron,  I am glad you are able to go and do what you do.......keep doing it as long as you  can.  I have to help my husband get in and out of bed, get him dressed and undressed, change his urostomy bag (like a colostomy except for urine)....get him on the potty chair and give him an enema...back him over the commode and see if he goes.........get him in the shower........cut up his food,...etc etc...........He requires a lot of equipment to travel......   Been doing this caregiving thing for probably more years than you are old.........my body has worn slam out......  You keep on going and enjoying life........... Sincerely, ----- Original Message ----- From: Aaron Mann To: Gloria Matthews ; quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 10:58 AM Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] Just wondering I'm just catching up with posts and saw yours.  I'm a C4-5 and travel a lot.  Car, plane, train, and boat are ones I've been on multiple times.  I try to get away at least one weekend a month and do one or two "1 to 2 week" vacations a year.  I'm not sure what level your husband is or what equipment you need, but I've been able to get all my traveling needs into one duffel bag.  I do not bring my "sit" chair for weekend getaways, but do on the long trips.  I use a low effort lift that folds up to be pretty compact.  Unless I'm going to a semi "third world" country I don't bring anything else. (Most things can be bought in any major city)   I just toss it all in my mini-van and off we go.   I've found lodging pretty easy.  If my chair will get through the door, it's good for me.  I can do washing and bowel program in bed, then wash my hair over a sink, trash can, or bucket.  So, that eliminates the need for an accessible bathroom.   Also, find a travel buddy.  Someone who'll go with to help.  I've got 2 or 3 people who don't mind going as long as I give them food and a place to sleep.   Any more questions, just ask.  Be creative and determine what is needed to travel.  I found I could cut out a third of what I normally bring. (I'm planning my second skiing trip this week, can't wait!) From: David K. Kelmer [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 9:14 AM To: Gloria Matthews; quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Just wondering Hi Gloria,   I saw your post, both here and on the SCIC Group, but the only traveling I've done was cross country air-flight to a friend or family's home.  I would take my chair and my 'supply bag' but no hoyer.  I've seen some answers that might be helpful on the SCIC Group's posts.  Good luck with your question, and stay strong.   With Love, CtrlAltDel aka Dave C4/5 Complete - 29 Years Post Texas, USA  Gloria Matthews <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I posted a "traveling dilema" concerning the fact that me and my hubby ( quad for 43 years) can not travel anymore due to my inability any longer to load all the stuff we need and ! finding accessible lodging......just wonder if it got posted (as I am new to this) and if anyone has similar concerns or suggestions.............  Thanks you guys, Gloria Matthews caregiver of hubby, 43 years post Swansboro, NC  28584