An Arthritis Flare-Up in Santo Domingo
An arthritis flare-up caused me a bunch of worry in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
How do you make the most of a day when your body won’t participate in the plans already created? This day was supposed to be spent walking slowly in the Botanical Gardens of Santo Domingo. My body just didn’t agree with those plans. The arthritis flare-up made sure I didn’t have the energy or the ankle strength to handle walking around the gardens in the heat.
Do I Wallow in Self-pity with My Arthritis Flare-Up??
I have to be honest and admit I did wallow for a little while, but not for long. The usual “Why do I have to be the one suffering with this darn ankle?” Or the sounds of “Everyone else seems to be walking around and enjoying the day. So why can’t I?” were whispering in my ear.
It’s truly hard to not experience the twinge of anger, regret, resentment, or pity. Perhaps more like disappointment, in myself and my body, and the accident that caused me this daily pain and stiffness. At the time of this trip, my ankle injury was already 6 years old. I’d had plenty of time to learn to adjust to my fluctuating pain levels, but sometimes I just felt frustration.
Accept My Limitations When Having an Arthritis Flare-Up
Acceptance and self-love were the only ways to deal with today’s flare-up. My ankle made the wise decision to rest today, and I had no choice but to agree.
When traveling with arthritis and limited mobility, you quickly learn to pick your battles and do what your body can manage at the time. Pushing myself too hard would only cause more pain that would last much longer.
The day was salvaged by consciously making the decision to not let the arthritis flare-up ruin it. My plans had changed and I had to change with them. So what did I do?
Seek Out the Company of Others
I enjoyed a lovely two hours sitting out at the communal dining table drinking coffee and listening to conversations. A couple of cheerful friends from Barcelona were chatting to Ernesto from Argentina, about a multitude of subjects. My minimal three weeks of Spanish immersion allowed me to pick up a few words and phrases. I definitely need to work on my Spanish language skills. If you want to communicate more easily with the locals, then I definitely recommend learning some Spanish or brushing up on your language skills.
Then they graciously included me in the conversation by asking me a few questions in English. More questions followed once they learned I was an English language teacher to adults all over the world. We chatted, had a few laughs, and enjoyed sharing a conversation with someone from a completely different country. Being a part of a group felt good, especially since I was traveling solo.
Enjoying a Delicious Breakfast
Since I didn’t head out for the day, Francesca, the hostel owner, prepared a simple breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, toast, scrambled eggs with tomato and onion, and orange juice. And we cannot forget the wonderful coffee. I actually learned to like the Dominican coffee with just milk and a bit of sugar. Back home I always used creamer, but here the milk works just fine. And so delicious. Don’t leave the Dominican Republic without buying some coffee to take home.
Real Estate Conversation
A quick chat with Peter, Francesca’s partner, let me in on the real estate concerns about buying a property with shared ownership. When he learned I had sold real estate years ago, he felt comfortable talking about the difficulties in obtaining paperwork in a foreign country. He shared how they made it all happen and the problems they faced along the way. I love picking up little gems like that.
Just sitting back and relaxing with a warm cup of coffee and intelligent conversation is a joy that is often overlooked in today’s hustle and bustle atmosphere. Revel in being present for what the world is offering you at that very moment. Seek out more conversations.
Here Are My Wins
Did I gain anything from sitting outside of my private hostel room and listening to the conversations swirling around me?
Absolutely.
I didn’t isolate myself, I practiced my Spanish listening skills, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the company of others. These were people I never would have met at home, or holed up in my room pitying myself.
Remember that connecting to people on a personal level can be done with anyone, even if the language comprehension isn’t that good. Slow down, listen, and truly feel what the other person is saying. This skill helped me tremendously as an English as a Second Language teacher to adults.
That kind of atmosphere made La Choza Guesthouse feel cozy and the people were all kind-hearted and welcoming. And it was already nearly lunchtime.
Something to Remember
Make sure to remember that travel is not always about seeing as much as possible in the shortest amount of time as possible. You must take the time to slow down and just be. Absorb the atmosphere by observing everything around you and by talking to strangers.
You just might be surprised at what you can learn from an interaction with a stranger.
Often, my ankle and the arthritis can put me in a downward spiral. I have learned that only I can make the best of each and every day that I have, no matter what my ankle does that day. It’s all down to the decisions we make and the reactions we have to the life going on around us.
Kristin – 1, Arthritis Flare-Up – 0
This ankle is with me for the rest of my life and dealing with its bad moods is something I must handle if I wish to travel at all. I’m not letting this injury stop me from exploring the world and I just need to find alternative ways to deal with everything that can happen. All while doing my utmost best to keep a positive attitude about it, which I did.
For the next few hours I wrote a bit, read my novel and relaxed. I hoped to walk later in the afternoon, maybe after a siesta and some ankle rest. The Botanical Gardens will still be there tomorrow. Let’s wait and see what tomorrow brings for me and my temperamental ankle.
Things To Do When Dealing With Arthritis
Depending on the severity of your specific arthritis pain, here are some things you can do that might be easier on painful joints. Make sure you adapt any activities to your specific comfort level and physical limitations. If traveling with a group, make sure to speak up about any discomfort or pain. Don’t put on a brave face and then suffer even more later on. It just isn’t worth it.
Relax at the hotel or accommodation
Take this time to rest and recuperate in a comfortable environment. Enjoy the amenities the hotel offers, such as swimming pools, spa treatments, or even room service.
Visit museums and indoor attractions
Santo Domingo has several museums and cultural sites that provide a more relaxed and less physically demanding experience. Explore places like the Museo de las Casas Reales, Museo del Hombre Dominicano, or the Alcázar de Colón. All of this will depend on where your arthritis shows itself and your comfort level.
Attend a local performance or show
Check out local theaters or performance venues where you can enjoy music, dance, or theater productions while seated. Use your energy sparingly to get to your seat and then rest while watching a performance.
Take a guided city tour
Opt for a sightseeing tour that allows you to explore the city from the comfort of a vehicle. This way, you can still see the highlights of Santo Domingo without putting too much strain on your joints. Check Viator or Trip Advisor for bus tours or hire a driver to take you around to specific sights.
Enjoy the local cuisine
Santo Domingo has a rich culinary scene. Treat yourself to some delicious local dishes and explore various restaurants and cafes without much physical exertion. Take a taxi or ride-share car to the restaurant and sit down to enjoy a meal. Some of my most memorable moments were watching families enjoy the park while I enjoyed my dinner. It was across from the outdoor dining area of a restaurant on Calle El Conde, the pedestrian street full of restaurants and shops.
Relax on the beach
If the pain is manageable, head to a nearby beach and relax under a sun umbrella. The gentle sound of the waves and the warm sand can be soothing. Nothing feels better than floating in the water and relieving pressure from your aching joints.
Visit botanical gardens or parks
Stroll through a nearby botanical garden or park where you can take breaks and sit down when needed. This will depend on how you feel. You can ride the train through the gardens and relax as you take in the view.
Learn about local crafts
Look for workshops or artisan shops where you can learn about traditional Dominican crafts or watch local artisans at work.
Take a river or boat cruise
If available, consider a leisurely river or boat cruise to enjoy the sights from the water. Ask at your hotel or accommodation if they can reserve transportation for you to and from the launch area.
Read and write
Bring along a good book to read or a journal to jot down your thoughts and experiences. This was a vital part of how I kept myself busy while resting for my next big adventure.
In Conclusion: An Arthritis Flare Up in Santo Domingo
Remember to always listen to your body and avoid any activities that could worsen your arthritis pain. Prioritize your well-being and comfort during your trip. Only you know how far you can push your activities before suffering from even more consequences.
Additionally, if you haven’t already, consider consulting with a healthcare professional before embarking on your travels to ensure you take the necessary precautions. Have the appropriate medications or treatments available if needed.
I made the correct decision to let my ankle rest for the morning. If I had gone to the Botanical Gardens, my pain and swelling would have lasted longer than a few hours. Please listen to your own body when it speaks to you. You are traveling to see the world and explore what it has to offer. Trying to push yourself too hard when your body says otherwise will just ruin your experience. Learn to listen to your own body.
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