Traveling with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Hilarious Misadventures of a Prednisone-Packed Jetsetter

Ah, traveling for business—the perfect blend of professional opportunity and personal agony, especially when you’re living with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. But hey, who doesn’t love a good adventure? This time, my destination was Seoul, and my journey began at LAX on the luxurious Asiana Airlines A380 in business class. Buckle up, folks; this turned in a sweat soaked ride!

Preparation: The Prednisone Tango

Let’s start with the prep work. When you have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, packing isn’t just about clothes and toiletries. It’s about medications, heating pads, and a healthy dose of courage. My secret weapon? A prednisone taper. Yes, those tiny little pills, some call “the devil’s tic-tacs” that bring the promise of reduced pain and inflammation. The catch? They also bring the promise of weight gain, mood swings, and sweat. Lots of sweat.

Imagine me, standing in front of my mirror, saying goodbye to my pre-trip shorts and jeans and hello to the stretchier alternatives. Prednisone, you fickle friend, I hope you’re worth it. Alongside my prednisone, I packed a Mission Cooling Towel to wipe my bald head, hoping it would save me in the dreaded warm conference rooms used for executive meetings.

The Flight: A Comedy of Errors

LAX to Seoul is no joke—a solid 13-hour flight. Luckily, I was flying business class on the Asiana Airlines A380, which made the journey a bit more bearable. I boarded the plane armed with my travel pillow, compression socks, and an arsenal of snacks. And let’s not forget the prednisone, which I’m convinced makes me more interesting to the TSA – cause I got picked for extra security. I was quite literally a hot mess. I had worn a loose black hoodie so at least everyone couldn’t see how much I was sweating underneath it.

As I settled into my spacious seat, I realized that sitting still for this long is a special kind of torture for someone with fibromyalgia. Every hour, I tried to stretch, resembling something between a confused yoga practitioner and a marionette with tangled strings. My seatmate looked at me with a mix of curiosity and mild terror.

“Just doing my in-flight calisthenics,” I explained with a smile. He nodded slowly and returned to watching his movie.

Arrival: Welcome to Seoul

Touchdown in Seoul! The prednisone kept the worst of the pain at bay, but I now possessed the appetite of a small bear preparing for hibernation. First stop: hotel. Second stop: food.

After a meal that could sustain a football team, I retreated to my room. Sleep is a fickle mistress, and chronic fatigue syndrome ensures that it’s always a bit of a gamble. I popped a melatonin, said a little prayer, and hoped for the best.

Business Meetings: The Juggling Act

Business meetings are where the real fun begins. Picture this: you’re in a high-stakes meeting, trying to look professional while your body feels like it’s run a marathon. The prednisone had me oscillating between bursts of energy and waves of exhaustion. I nodded along enthusiastically, hoping my colleagues attributed my flushed cheeks to excitement rather than the steroid-induced hot flashes.

To keep the energy up, I relied on caffeine and strategic bathroom breaks for mini stretches. At one point, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—looking like a frazzled, over-caffeinated chipmunk. And let’s not forget the sweat. Thank goodness for my Mission Cooling Towel, which was a lifesaver during those meetings.

Exploring Seoul: Fibro-Friendly Adventures

Despite the meetings, I managed to carve out some time to explore Seoul. With a mix of determination and sheer stubbornness, I hit the streets. The vibrant city was a sensory overload, but in the best possible way. I paced myself, knowing that pushing too hard would result in a fibro-flare that even prednisone couldn’t tame.

I visited the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace, indulged in some shopping in Myeongdong, and of course, feasted on delicious Korean BBQ. My taste buds were thrilled, even if my waistband was not.

The Journey Home: A Reflective Return

After six whirlwind days, it was time to head home. As I sat in the airport, munching on a snack that could double as a meal, I reflected on the trip. Despite the challenges, I managed to navigate a different country, attend important meetings, and even have a bit of fun. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome may complicate things, but they don’t define me.

The flight back was another exercise in patience and perseverance. I stretched, I snacked, and I nodded off intermittently. When we finally landed at LAX, I was both exhausted and oddly triumphant.

Conclusion: Laughing Through the Pain

Traveling with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome is no walk in the park. It’s more like a hike up a steep hill with a few surprise obstacles thrown in. But with a sense of humor, a bit of planning, and a lot of prednisone, it’s possible to turn even the most daunting trip into an adventure worth having.

To all my fellow warriors out there, keep laughing, keep traveling, and keep living life on your terms. And always remember: stretchy pants are your best friend.

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Join the Conversation

Have you traveled with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome? Share your funniest travel mishaps and survival tips in the comments below. Let’s support each other with stories, laughter, and a whole lot of understanding.