It used to be that when I was going to spend the night someplace, I’d quickly throw some things in a bag and head out the door. Toiletries, change of clothes, a book… I didn’t need much.
Then I started having to add pills. Lots of pills. And a sunlamp. And I still had the clothes, toiletries and book, of course.It 
took longer to pack. And I needed a bigger bag.
When I went gluten-free, I had to bring food with me. Leftovers for lunch and dinner. A container of gluten-free oatmeal for lunch. Snacks. Oh, and all of the pills, clothes, toiletries, and a book. And an extra bag and a cooler
Now I’ll be adding something new to the list: a CPAP machine. If it works it’ll be worth it. But it’s heavy. And in addition to the CPAP I still have to bring the food and the pills and the clothes, toiletries, book. Now in addition to the cooler and bag of food, I’ll need a rolling suitcase. For one night. What happens when I go away for longer.
This isn’t the end of the world, but it illustrates my point. Life is hard for everyone. We all worry about our family, our friends, money, jobs, etc. But having a chronic illness means more thinking, more planning, more effort. It means not being able to just throw clothes in a bag and run out the door. It means thinking everything through very carefully. It means considering every angle, every possible outcome, before making a decision.
It means packing a bigger suitcase.
Chronic Rants 
I know how you feel, i deal with everything you just mentioned. I dread having to overnight or beyond any more. Hang in there!
Thanks Mary, same to you!
But your arms are strong, and you’ll carry that suitcase with determination
I know how you feel, oooh do I ever (today’s post was a particularly whining one…and then I fell down the stairs so go me). I almost feel like I appreciate my outings more, because of the effort it takes.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that you fell down the stairs, but I’m glad you’re well enough to be typing this!
(And by today’s post…I meant mine haha! Yours is definitely not whiny!!)
I understand. When my mother was ill, I decided on the spur of the moment to stay overnight, and of course, I didn’t have my meds with me. After that, I began carrying a day’s worth of meds in the trunk of my car, just in case.
I can’t do spontaneous overnights for the same reason, CM. In this climate, though, I wouldn’t leave them in the car. Winter *might* be ok, but spring, summer, and fall would probably be too warm, unfortunately. I’m glad it’s working for you, though.
Thanks for the advice. Since my mother passed, I no longer take any unplanned trips, so there’s no longer any need to keep meds in the car. Now that I’m on the infusion therapy, it’s not such an urgent matter. I’ll discuss this in my post tomorrow. I’m also discussing health insurance, briefly, if you’re able to join me.
What do you mean by “join me”?
Read me? And maybe comment, if you wish?
Oh, I thought you were talking about an event. Oops 🙂