How to have a great Zebra vacation

I recently returned from a small vacation. I was able to go to Southern California to see my family. It was a lot of fun. But the icing on the cake was not getting sick while on vacation. Zebras, like me, can get sick from just about anything. So we need to prepare for a vacation unlike most people.

Managing my pain is important for than my mood and but also for my overall health. There are plenty of medical reports stating that pain causes stress on your body which can lower your immune system. Therefore, my managing my pain does not include 'numbing it out' through the use of pain killer medications. My pain management plan includes doing whatever I can to resolve the cause for the pain. There are many things that can't be 'fixed', such as my back, but there are treatment plans that will work- you just have to find them.

I have had horrible back, and sciatic pain. I was even having difficulty walking. I worked through red tape for over six months to be able to get in to see specialists to have my back problems taken care of. I finally was able to see the doctor that changed everything in April this year. It was a wonderful visit with the internist and then the surgeon himself. They explained my back problems to my boyfriend and I in detail, including showing us the problems on the MRI scan of my back. A few days later I saw my pain management specialist of whom I gave a copy of the surgeon's report. The following week I had an epidural that put me back on my feet- literally! My pain level has been so much lower... I am so happy I want to dance! lol.

Now that my pain was under control, it was time to rebuild my strength, endurance and stamina. I began with simple things and moved to harder as I was able. Eventually, I was able to go on a short walks and hike in the woods at my boyfriend’s house with our dogs. Exercise isn't just for fun either. Exercise, such as walking or hiking helps with breathing fully- working the lungs, which helps reduce infection for those who have respiratory problems like me.

Prior to my trip I worked with my doctors and scheduled my appointments. These appointments were to boost me up with medications that would help prevent me getting an infection. A couple of weeks before me trip I had my IVIG. This was scheduled so that I would be at my peak for my trip. Next, I had my Xolair injections to help with any allergens. A few day before my trip I began a course of antibiotics and got a steroid shot, both to help with my asthma and to help prevent an infection.

There was also a daily plan for me to follow while on vacation. I needed to walk each day and try to do my regular exercises. I was to manage my pain levels and endurance each day. I had to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. I even had to stay on my doctor's diet, (with the exception of my one free day being for my mother's party so I could have cake). Following this plan was to help me not only to have a great time on my trip, but for my overall, long-term health.

The result of all this planning let this little zebra have a great vacation! I was able to go to the family reunion and be with my sisters and their husbands, my neices and nephews, friends, and my wonderful mother! I hadn't seen them in years! I was able to play in the waves at the beach. My boyfriend and I went to the Laurel and Hardy Club in LA and watched old films with them. But best of all, I made it home without getting sick!