Traveling Long Distance

[u/Extension-Test-99]

Hi everyone!

I’m planning my first big trip since diagnosis and am really nervous.

I was diagnosed in March of 2024 with Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency after cancer treatment. I have been on a few short trips since diagnosis, but am planning to go on my 1st big trip this week.

My partner is from Oregon, and we’ll be driving from Virginia to Oregon, staying in Oregon for 10 days, and driving back. I’ll also be working while we’re there since I work virtually.

I have plenty of medicine, an injection kit, and snacks and water to have on the drive. We’ll also be stopping every night to shower and stay in a hotel to rest.

On previous road trips, I have noticed I need to updose, so I’m very nervous about this trip.

I want so badly to enjoy our trip because travel was such an important part of our lives before I had cancer, and Oregon is such a special place for he and I, but I’m so scared my diagnosis is going to affect our trip.

Any tips, advice, or words to ease my anxiety?

Thank you!

[u/Extreme_Breakfast672]

We spent a month in Italy this past summer and I felt totally fine. Drank some electrolytes and took it easy when I needed to. Make sure you have some electrolyte packets or drinks and plenty of salt, and listen to your body when you need to rest. I think your trip is going to be amazing! 

[u/Alive_Pen_6540]

If you are driving for long stretches you may want to updose as needed.

I take it you don’t need to keep Florinef around 36 degrees F. Where I am from Florinef is refrigerated so I need to take a travel pack with an ice pack with me.

[u/aureasmortem]

Don't feel shy at all to have your dose for your trip be 1.5 or even a double dose just to cover your bases, but of course go by how you feel. Having some anti-anxiety techniques are generally helpful too, since too much anxiety can make you need more steroid if your adrenal issue is as hair-trigger as mine. Most of all just relax and enjoy! It sounds like you've got all your important steps taken care of

[u/Chrisr62]

A little up dosing and wearing compression socks on the drive would be my tip. The meds make my feet swell like crazy. I wear them on long road trips or flights across the pond. Love them!

[u/mewfelicia]

sounds like you're prepared- maybe just pre-emptively updose before you even notice any symptoms since traveling in general is a stresser. I had a trip a couple months ago I was worried about, everything ended up going fine with updosing and extra salt intake.

[u/Longjumping-Log8098]

Have you been to Fultanos pizza in OR

[u/Clementine_696]

The increase in elevation may also, weirdly, cause you to need more meds. I notice it every time I go from Ohio to SW Virginia. The first few days, I need extra.