luvtotravel: I know you asked Dot this question but I thought I'd tell you what I observed on our own BOI. The TD was very good at arranging taxis for those who would have had trouble with hills, especially in Assisi.

We had one gentleman on the tour that had a brace on his leg and walked with a cane--I believe he had broken it several weeks prior to the trip, and the TD got taxis for him (them) whenever there was a great deal of walking or particularly hilly walking. I thought it was managed very well and even very discreetly since it was clear he didn't want a fuss made.

Be sure to inform your TD right at the beginning of the trip and he/she can even phone ahead of a destination and arrange for a taxi to meet the bus. Italian taxis are metered and they're not that expensive especially if another couple decides they too would prefer not to walk and shares the taxi with you.

Hope this helps, Brenda

Re swelling - I have tried several brands of compression knee high socks (can't stand pantyhose) and they always seemed to cut circulation around the ankles. I don't normally have too much problem with leg swelling. Mine is more arthritic knees swelling. For years I took a prescription NSAID (Volteran) or OTC Aleve or MOtrin. My ankles swelled badly but I just accepted it. Then my Dr. said no NSAIDs because they were having adverse effect on liver. Changed to different type of pain med and noticed that ankles no longer swelled. Have since read that NSAIDs, even though their anti-inflammatory effect is helpful, often actually cause swelling. He said I could use them occasionally such as on trips but I tried it and immediately the ankle swelling reappeared.
For arthritic knee swelling, an American product called BioFreeze is helpful and on my last trip a S. African man gave me a breakfast jam jar he filled for me with a product called "Iceman" which he uses and it was even better. I looked it up, but it appears to be only in S. Africa.

I guess the main thing is to know our limitations and at least try to stay within them. Easier said than done, right?

Brenda,
Thanks for that quick reply. As I have said ad nauseum I have read both of your tour tales to the point of nearly having them memorized. Can't tell you how much I appreciate all the advice.

luvtotravel: My husband has the same problem except more with his ankles and one knee (yup, arthritis) and he was prescribed proper compression socks/stockings at I think about a 20 to 30 compression (they're a horrendous price in Canada, $135 a pair but thank god for insurance coverage). He found the world of difference when wearing them in Italy this last trip and we did a great deal of walking but of course, it wouldn't help knee as much. I don't think his ankles which were given to swelling like footballs prior to this, puffed up one little bit.

The only meds he's able to take is Tylenol--8 hour, because he's a stomach bleeder and so not allowed NSAIDS or anything like that. His knee is bad though and sometimes collapses on him when going up and down stairs, and I hope we're not looking at a replacement.

Anyway, whoever called these the golden years had never reached them, believe me.

Brenda

quote:

Caitie,
Thank you so much for this advice. My doctor at the Pain Clinic I go to is European and some time ago she recommended something like this but she called them "walking sticks" and I googled under that name and couldn't find anything that looked right. She said not to use a cane or one stick because of pressure on only one side aggravating hip condition. Trekking poles look like they are what she was referring to and might be the answer. How do you find them working on things like pavement or cobblestones though? Would they not slip?

Hi, Luvtotravel: The trekking poles have little tips that help to stabilize them. Here's a good description of all the features: http://www.rei.com/product/750110
Of course, you must be careful of your footing on cobblestones or any other surface, but once you get the hang of it, it really does help. The wrist straps have to be worn in a certain manner. I didn't know this at first and was doing it incorrectly, but a fellow passenger showed me how to hold them properly. Just ask for a demonstration wherever you buy them.
As much as the trekking poles help to balance and support you, they also give you a certain confidence as well. I honestly had no problem climbing all over Greece with them. They took a lot of strain off my back. And they weigh next to nothing and can be telescoped to fit in your suitcase.

quote:

Originally posted by luvtotravel:
I probably will take the taxi to the hotel. You mentioned in your Tour Tale a woman who "got a ride up at a couple of the hillier places." How does one do this? It would seem like it would be either ride or walk.

The taxis are parked curbside where some of the the big buses leave busmates to walk the rest of the way uphill to the hotel and town. The road is winding and similar to those on the Amalfi Coast or the French Corniches - steep and winding, and just a few minutes' ride up.

Once up there it's not so bad and the walk to St. Francis' is a downward walk, some climbing inside and then a an uphill walk back to the town or hotel area.

From my hotel rooftop garden patio, we sat and enjoyed a fabulous sunset over drinks with awesome photos of the church in the foreground. The surrounding hillside is also magnificent.

luvtotravel:maybe you could try some glucosamine for your arthritic knees.I have a friend who takes it for hers and swears by it. I also take it for my right elbow which kills me if I dont take it(I wait tables for a living and wear it out)and I give it to my old ex racehorse Shorty.When I bought Shorts his knees and ankles were always stiff and swollen from years on the track,now he runs around like a three year old. The stuff works, its in any drugstore with the vitamins, it takes about 3 weeks to a month to really get in the joints and start working, but it does work.

Thanks again all -
Chrissy, I have taken glucosamine plus chrondroitin for years and agree that it does help. I wouldn't be without it.
Caitie - have done some more research on trekking poles. I guess you have noted that there seem to be two different kinds, fittness or nordic walking poles and trekking poles. Is there a reason why trekking poles are better for our purpose? I'm not sure why I didn't find them a year ago when the doctor recommended it, perhaps I looked at them and thought they looked to be only for rough terrain. I do think they would be a good idea, but I'm not sure I wouldn't feel out of place with them, like I should be off on a trail hiking or something.

quote:

I probably will take the taxi to the hotel. You mentioned in your Tour Tale a woman who "got a ride up at a couple of the hillier places." How does one do this? It would seem like it would be either ride or walk.

Luvtotravel,
The TD arranged it. If you tell the TD you have a problem with your legs I'm sure he could arrange something for you. Hopefully you will get a TD that is very helpful (most of them are). I have read tour tales where the TD is not helpful but I haven't run into one yet.