As many of you will already know I've been away this weekend camping in a forest! So much fun and camping is definitely in my blood as I prefer it to staying in hotels! It's was a great weekend....well except for one small issue...a horse fly bite, a foot that is now twice the size and requires crutches for quite some time...oh the joy! Picture bellow sorry it's a bit gross!
So, the reason behind this post is to prove that we can do the things we love when Ill! Especially camping which I know seems silly as you don't really rest! Here is my guide to being outside 24/7 and still being safe!
Get some antihistamines and insect repellant!
I should have known better! I've been camping for years as my main sauce of holidays so it was silly to not have thought ahead. You are going to come into contact with bugs, that's just a fact. Now people with auto immune diseases experience some very awful reactions to bites as it sets off the disease as well as the bite itself!
I currently have 16 midge bites and te giant horsefly bite. All are worse than they should be and it makes for a very unpleasant nights sleep. My survival kit for camping will now including insect repellant, citronella candles for outside the tent obviously and antihistamines if I do get bitten.
If you are experiencing a nasty reaction, clean the area, cover it from further bites and see your gp or go to a and e for attention.
Organise your rest periods in advance!
I knew I was going to be a lot more active this weekend! Hiking through woods and lupus don't mix. So I planned everything in advance. Mornings would be spent resting and reading until around 11am when I would get up and do something. I need to do the same mid afternoon and then evenings would be spent around a campfire....there is nothing better in this world.
This goes for any holiday. Organise what you can in advance and if you are going away for a long time then make sure you have days of rest inbetween....there's no better excuse of a cocktail is there?
Take extra painkillers and medications with you.
I was lucky as I had everything I needed to deal with the pain and swelling in my foot. I had naproxen, a first aid kit and an array of stronger painkillers for nights. You need to be thoroughly prepared for anything; accidents when pitching your tent, trips in the woods, cuts and bruises! They all happen, but with us this can set off an immune respond that we don't need!
Along with medications! Word of advice....if you have raynauds like me, pack a hat, gloves and wooly socks! You're going to get cold!
Most importantly have a great time! It's the one time you can be at peace.....
