Thanks so much for buying the book! I’m glad both it and the blog are helping you.

I don’t carry my bed pillow, no–I don’t generally need it. But I see other people carrying them onto planes all the time. And I carry a full-sized neck pillow (filled with silicone beads). A good way to carry a pillow without taking up space–get a nylon strap that attaches to your carry-on, and strap your pillow down to the outside of your bag. I do that with the neck pillow and it works like a charm. With the blanket I cheat. I’ve got a fleece-lined cocoon coat that I wear onto the plane, then take off and use as a blanket in-flight. But you can pack a lightweight blanket into your carry-on, or strap it to your pillow.

Medium to high-end hotels have ice machines, and usually ice buckets to carry it in. I’ve never been to Israel so I’m not sure what they’ll have. I’d say call them or check their web site and ask. If there’s no ice machine, talk to them about your needs and see what’s possible.

Wheelchair service: Request the service from the airline in advance (not necessary but a good idea). Then ask for a wheelchair when you check in, either at the desk where you check your luggage or at the skycap desk. I usually get a chair from check-in to the gate, because I’m good to walk down the jetway and to my seat.

6-hour layover in Newark: Yuck. But I totally get it. If you’ve got the extra cash, I’d strongly suggest getting a hotel room at or adjacent to the airport and laying down for a couple of hours. What with going through security, you’ll only use the room for a couple of hours, but those hours are precious and worth it if you can get on the plane to Israel feeling reasonably comfortable. You can do whatever stretches or PT exercises help your pain in the hotel room as well. Your husband and daughter can shop or sightsee while you rest if they’re feeling energetic.

If you can’t get a hotel, the next best thing is an airline’s frequent-flyer lounge. They have cushy chairs, and you probably won’t have to go back through security to get to your gate. Failing that, Newark Airport has a spa bar. Get a massage and a pedicure (maybe mother-daughter mani-pedis?). It’s not quite as good as a few hours of horizontal time, but the relaxation will help with the pain, and make the transatlantic flight more bearable.

I hope some of this helps! Have a wonderful time in Israel!

I bought your book on Kindle and read it all last night. I think I have read every thing on your blog as well. I am new to living with chronic pain and I am afraid that I will ruin my husband and daughter’s trip to Israel that we are taking in June. We are going to gone for over 2 weeks. Your blog really helped me calm down and see that if I plan, I can do it.

After reading the book, I have some questions:
Do you actually bring your pillow and blanket on the plane? Do you put it in your carry on?

You discussed how to get ice on the airplane, but what about the hotels for night times?

We have a 6 hour layover in Newark (this was the only way we could get more leg room). Do you have suggestions of what to do during that kind of layover? So I’m not already in pain before we even board the plane for the 13 hour tirp. Also how do you use the wheelchair service–just have them take me from the plane to the gate?

Thank you so much for your book and blog. I learned I am not alone and I was able to admit that yes, I am living in Chronic pain.

Mara

Nancy

Thanks for reading! I get myofascial release work done when I can afford it, which is not at all often these days. But when I do get it, it’s quite helpful. I’m also a big fan of the Esalen massage style.

What is unwinding, and how do I get some/learn to do it? I’m always looking for a new way to minimize pain!

Hope you’re having a pain-free day,
Liz