Driving long distance with ET and worried about fatigue and stamina

Posted by elcy @elcy, Sep 13 3:20pm

In the last week I retired, then found out I have ET and I’m moving to Florida at the end of the month. I have to drive by myself (it’s a 12 hour trip). I’m planning on 3 days but I’m worried about the stamina since I get so fatigued.

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I can certainly identify. Retired 2 1/2 years ago, found out two days after I retired that I had cancer, which was later diagnosis multiple myeloma. I do still drive although my endurance is certainly less than it used to be. My daughter lives in Chicago, which is about 10-11 Hours Dr. time for me and I now break it up into two days. That said I will take naps in the car if I think I need to, at a rest stop normally..
I find it important to stay well hydrated, and thus make frequent bathroom stops as well and in case of dire emergency I always keep a urinal in the car.
I hope you're just driving yourself and not a moving truck as that will be more stressful. But I think your plan of three days is solid. Stop frequently just so you can move around a bit. Take a in and the rest area if you need it or any place you think it's safe to do so. And stay well hydrated. God's blessings to you. Hope you enjoy Florida.

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Excellent suggestions, pamsman!

Retirement, ET diagnosis, moving: That's a lot, elcy!

Please take it as easy as you can.

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Once in FL, find and meet with a good specialist as soon as you can so you can get set up for recurring blood draws and monitoring of your meds. Since you’re new to ET, I don’t suggest you ‘wing it’ until you’ve settled in. Other commenters have provided links to specialists or your current doctor may provide a recommendation. Good luck on the drive and enjoy your new home state.

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Thank you. Already have an appointment at Moffitt.

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I’ve had CLL since 2023 and admit it has increased my fatigue a little.
Driving Chicago to Palm Beach for the winters & returning to Chicago in spring since 2012 and
Since my diagnosis I’ve learned when I’m feeling tired I get a hotel adding another day to the trip.
My advice. Take your time & when ya get tired stop & get a hotel………Or……..
Add 1 or 2 days planning your route with reserved hotel stays every 3 to 400 miles.
The only time I spend $4.00 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks is when I'm traveling. It’s worth it.

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I've driven straight through on long trips more than a few times (Nashville to NJ, NJ to Atlanta and NJ to Florida) when I was younger, but I learned to enjoy the stops along the way before I had to start doing so. Whenever possible, the last leg of my drive was a little shorter than the others. My trips became much more enjoyable and I arrived fairly well rested instead of exhausted.

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Instead of driving what about Amtrak auto train. They load your car, you ride as a passenger, and at the end they unload your car, and you drive off......

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Thank you. I looked into the auto train but it’s far from where I live.

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