I broke the neck of my femur 3 years ago and had problems ever since. I eventually had a hip replacement 6 weeks ago. I've continuted to camp throughout this period but had to accept my limitations, we even bought a smaller tent with sig which is much easier for my OH to erect, without my help if necessary and saves crawling around on the floor. I can't wait for our first trip of the season. Personally, I think that if you listen to your body and accept your limitations, finding ways to work around them then you'll more than likely be okay - I personally think that planning is the key when you suffer from ill health. Again make sure that you are not too far from hospitals, you have all the necessary contact numbers for the local services and try to camp near the facilities on site - I find makes life so much easier.
On a number of occasions we camp with a relative who has a number of health issues (including heart problems) - we just help each other and take our time when setting up - the rest does her the world of good.
Good luck for the future - enjoy the fresh air and relaxation x
I have asthma. Had it 40yrs. Hospitalised usually once a year. Going camping lets me breathe almost normally. I use much less medication when out in the tent. Air pollution in our cities is slowly killing all of us.....
------------- *** A lie can run round the world before the truth has got its boots on***
I had a heart attack at 29, due to a blood disorder, been left with Angina and other Health Issues told not to do this and not to do that, I still do it all and then some and that was nearly 11 years ago, if I stopped camping I'd probably go into depression and shrivel up.
My Father is 74. He has advanced rheumatoid arthritis, had a heart attack 2 years ago (followed by surgery), had a hip replacement and has a lung condition related to his arthritis. Yet after visiting us for a day on a local site last year, he plans to come with us this year for a short stay. If you want to, think you can and it won't hurt you, then I say go for it. Others will always worry because they care, but if they care they would want you to be happy. There is plenty of equipment available to get a set up that suits your needs.
I use my fairly stubborn streak to good effect, and don't let it stop us doing what we want. If I couldn't camp and get away from it all, I would go quite mad from the pain. Camping lets me get out of myself, shake off the fug of all the medication and pain.
Naturally it means we have to camp a bit differently. I can't peg out or do the guys, so while OH does all the bending bits I start assembling furniture and pottering jobs. First job is get the table up, get the cooker going for a hot water bottle!!
Look at how you can adapt what you do to make it easier. Take your time. Ask for help. Lighten your kit. Take the home comforts you need!!
Ask on here for ideas of how to adapt, it seems there are a few of us in similar positions
You could have an exabaration of your condition whether you were at home, in the shops or camping, so do what you love for as long as you can.
Just be aware of your own limitations and also take note of the local hospital, emergency doctor, pharmacy or walk in clinic just in case you need it whilst you are there. Along with all your medication, including any just in case med's you keep at home. You can pop the postcode of your campsite into this website and it will give you all the details.
Enjoy.
------------- Forgewood - 29/4/11 - 2/5/11
St Ives 27/5/11 - 30/5/11
South Lytchett - 30/7/11 - 7/8/11