September 5, 2013 – Rachel's Musings

So I’m here in Anaheim for my first vacation in 3 years. Yesterday I had a fun day at Disneyland but was pretty exhausted and my feet hurt very badly. My back had also been seizing up on me. Normally in my training I can take a day off to recover after a day on. Walking all day is one of the hardest things for me. I would much rather swim a 5k than stand and walk for hours. Strange I know but its true.

I woke up this morning and knew I was in trouble. I was in a lot of pain and didn’t want to move out of my bed. Even my new shoes weren’t helping much. I honestly thought about getting a scooter but that felt so embarrassing. Plus, I’d worked so hard and was frustrated that nothing seemed to be showing from it. I had gotten the whole inspiration to get in shape from going to Disneyland in 2010 and having so much feet pain. I thought that if I got in shape I would be able to do better but it didn’t work out that way.

I guess I just have bad feet and walking all day isn’t my thing. I’ll swim all day instead!

Anyway, I was at the park until about 2 pm and went to the hotel and honestly felt really discouraged. I was in pain and discouraged about it. I felt like a failure and a little judged, not by family but by the nameless masses at Disneyland (I realize that is ridiculous but sometimes we are ridiculous!)

After a little cry I went for a swim with my Mom and that made me feel much better spiritually and physically. Then I said to myself ‘I wish I could have a massage right now, especially on my feet. Then I said ‘maybe I can?’ I did a quick google and found a service that did door-to-door massages and the price was reasonable. I made the appointment and they came at 5:15. It was an hour long and the best massage I’ve ever had. It was deep and strong but so great. I felt near-comatose after, so relaxed.

Then I ordered thai food and relaxed the rest of the day. I feel like I’ll be ready to go for tomorrow. Wahoo! I realized something about myself. If I’m going to have fun on vacation I need to plan a day on full of busyness, a day off relaxing, repeat. I think that will be true no matter what shape I’m in. When you have chronic pain that’s the way life is.

So I may have wasted a day at Disney but I don’t see it that way. I learned something about myself and had the day I wanted to have. Its my vacation and I have to take responsibility for having a good time. That’s the way it is! Live and learn.

So we had a successful day in Disneyland. I was amazed at how much we go through in 1 day. I honestly did almost every ride I wanted aside from the one’s that were closed (thunder mountain railroad and haunted mansion are closed 😦 ). Its hard for me to stand and walk for hours. I was hoping as I got in better shape that would improve but it really hasn’t. In fact, if anything its gotten worse as my pain sensitivity and fibro has increased.

Tomorrow I plan on taking things more slowly with breaks. I also bought shoes today that should help. I just wish my feet and back weren’t so sensitive. It would make things like this a lot more fun.

It was also super hot today. 99 degrees with high humidity. Made the whole day challenging for me; nevertheless, it is the happiest place on earth and my first vacation in 3 years. Still had a great time and am very blessed. The prices also seemed more reasonable than I remembered them. I don’t know if that is because everything else has gotten more expensive or prices at Disney have gone down. Either way it wasn’t too bad.

Here are some photos of the trip so far.