Now my husband's inviting me on a trip to Maui in October

[sccrm08]

I have 1in memory foam about 12 inches wide and 18 inch length that I covered and take with me every where to sit against. I also have one about 12 by 30 that I take if we're going places I will need to sit on the ground at and as a bonus if I need to lay down my whole back and head fits on it.

[loves to skate]

Though things may change with my altered wardrobe (no jeans or other zip-up pants for me now), in general I barely have enough room left over in a suitcase to even be able to close it without a lot of elbow grease. I always put my pillow in my suitcase; I would never rely on the pillows available in hotel rooms. And my pillow takes up quite a bit of room all by itself....

Buy a new pillow as soon as you get there and pack elastic waisted shorts and tops or buy a MuMu when you get there. You certainly won't need jeans in Hawaii.
I think we stopped briefly in Chicago and then changed planes in San Francisco. I doubt there are any direct flights even from New York, but I could be wrong. By the way, take an aspirin before you get on a plane to also help prevent blood clots. I have never been uncomfortable in an airplane seat even when I couldn't sit on a sofa for long. Go figure.
Sally

[titaniumed]

I cannot fly without a pillow behind my lower back....and carry a very soft down pillow in a carry on for every flight.

I could go to Hawaii with no clothes. It just seems that on every trip, I go clothes shopping right away....You have to have new Hawaiian gear right? Shorts, t-shirt, and sandals will cover 99% of what you will need out there.

One of the things I used to do was ship my dive gear out UPS. I would track and insure this package and save all the heartburn of security issues that divers go through with extensive gear. Computers and hoses make them jumpy....

UPS charges have risen quite a bit in the last few years so if you do this method, keep it light.

Just going to Hawaii for the mental break and relaxation is totally worth it. I have flown out there standing up in the back of the plane many times in the past.....On many of my trips I was in MAJOR pain out there before my surgeries, and on the Big Island which doesn’t have much of a hospital at all....

There is a pediatric scoli surgeon in Honolulu....

On the way out on the plane they usually have everyone guess the exact halfway point of the flight. If you calculate correctly, they give you a bag of Macadamia nuts......I won once and was expecting a little more than just nuts.....Its ok, your going to Hawaii, not Seacaucus, N.J. (smiley face)
Ed

[mdtaffet]

Buy a new pillow as soon as you get there

If I could find a WAL-PIL-O in a store, then I would consider doing that, but they have to be special-ordered. They do sell a travel-size WAL-PIL-O, but I doubt that a travel-size pillow will help for somebody like me who goes back and forth between side sleeping and back sleeping multiple times every night.

-- Thanks,
Mary

[mdtaffet]

Shorts, t-shirt, and sandals will cover 99% of what you will need out there.

[snip]
On the way out on the plane they usually have everyone guess the exact halfway point of the flight. If you calculate correctly, they give you a bag of Macadamia nuts

I don't wear sandals; not enough support for my very bad feet (heel spurs, heel bursitis, plantar fasciitis if not supportive enough, hammertoes, Morton's neuroma, metatarsalgia, etc., etc.). I only wear New Balance men's 8 EEEE, usually the MR1012MC, as long as I have somebody who can tie my shoes for me. Shoes are another item that takes up a lot of room for me. If I have to have a 2nd pair of shoes, that's another very bulky item that has to go in my suitcase.

But my podiatrist does work with a shoe company that makes special sandals with built-in custom orthotics; unfortunately I can't remember the name. That might be an option to consider.

I don't eat nuts, so I don't think there would be anything in it for me to guess the halfway point.

-- Thanks,
Mary

[susancook]

Go. Find out how long the airline trip is, but I bet it isn't as long as you think. Can you sit OK? Maybe bring a soft backrest and soft seat....only if you think that you will need them. Bring your handicapped car badge [if you have one] and if you need more time, tell the airline and they will let you on the airplane early.
You will no doubt stay in a nice hotel where the medical conf is [i assumed medical], so they will have a nice pool, whirl pool, a gym for exercise, and ocean maybe to dip your toes in, and optional activities. Maui is awesome!
You will love it!!!!!

Susan

[djkinkead]

Back from three weeks of business trips.

I am eight months post surgery and I'd say go for it. I bring a 2 inch thick memory foam pillow with me on the plane. It makes the seats bearable.

Someday I'll make it to Hawaii.

Have fun!