Camping with chronic pain?

[twinklz]

Hi all,

Has anyone been camping with chronic pain?

I went recently for 2 nights with my DC. Used a blow up bed and but i was in absolute agony.

The effort and pain of the amount of things to take and to put up and take down the tent really took it out of me. ☹️

I’m gutted because we really enjoyed the freedom it was so nice but my body is letting me down.

Anyone have any tips? Or should I just forget the idea completely

Thanks

(Forgot to put I suffer with chronic pain and fatigue everyday. Not just camping)

Watching with interest! We’ve missed our usual family camping holiday this year as I also have chronic pain and just didn’t think I would be able to cope. I’m most worried about the bed and like you say, the sheer bloody effort of everything. I did wonder about those little wooden hut things as a compromise then we wouldn’t have to put a tent up? Doesn’t solve the bed problem though. Complete nightmare really, we don’t have funds for a different type of holiday - not sure if you’re in the same boat but chronic pain is just awful.

At 32 weeks pregnant and sciatica I used a TENS machine. Managed a week on an air bed and walking /wandering round zoo all day etc no problem!
Dc were hysterical as a goat tried to nibble the wire and they thought I would be electrocuted!!
Lots to choose from, Boots are good for advice - at the pharmacy counter.

Badger- sorry your suffering too. It limits you so much doesn’t it? Are the beds any better in pods?

April-could try a tens machine

I have CRPS and bone pain, DH has bone/joint pain. We have a trailer tent which means we sleep on nice beds, warmly wrapped up, and off the floor. I have cosy coats and stuff for the evening so I never get cold which is really important to me

Thanks April unfortunately a TENS machine does nothing for me but I know it does help some people. I don’t know if the beds are any better in pods but I thought just being off the floor might help. I also quite fancy glamping as that looks a bit more comfortable but I’m so so cautious about beds. I stayed at a friends once and couldn’t bear it so ended up pacing the lounge from 3am. Also had a bad hotel bed a few weeks ago that saw me on the floor after a hospital procedure. I just find it so bloody hard to do anything and it really frustrates me.

Anyway. Me moaning is not what Twinklz was after I’m sure. My PIL swear by camp beds, they’re almost 70 and still camping. I have also heard good things about SIMS.

My other suggestion is if you own your house have you looked into house swapping? SILs mum does it every summer and has just stayed in a fabulous apartment in the South of France and only us to pay for flights and spends. Might be worth looking at!

Sturdy camp bed with a soft duvet as mattress. Really helps I don't have to get up and down off the floor. I use a proper pillow.
A decent chair that I find comfy with a cushion. Electric hook up so I can have a heater helps too but when we camp at an event where hook up not available then hot water bottle for the aches. I don't have to put the tent up myself but if I did I'd look seriously at an smallish inflatable tent. A hot shower helps. Organising the stuff together at home helps so packing is easier.

I wouldn't even attempt it and stick to hotels and b & b's. I'm bad enough sleeping in a normal bed let alone on a camp bed. You are braver than I OP.

We find a camp bed rather than air beds more comfortable. We buy ex army ones from army surplus, pad with thick wool blankets ( not artificial fibres) and have invested in thick sleeping bags. My dh has had back surgery and has chronic pain but can do a week camping now.

Thanks everyone. Haven’t tried a camped though.

Think maybe I need to look into a trailer tent or Caravan .

Campbed that should say.

Badger- don’t think I fancy houseswopping. Thanks for the suggestion though

Campbed every time.

You’re off the floor, so it’s easier to get on/off and it’s warmer. You’re not lying on a cushion of cold air. Blanket underneath and you’ll be toasty.

We have a trailer tent, and take a mattress as well as the foam pads for the bed. Our trailer tent is big and hard work to put up, and I would struggle do it without either my DH or my large teenagers.