Don't really feel like going on holiday.....

Cancel it. Just don't go. I would n' t in your shoes.Stay at home where you will be happier. Don't put yourself through it.

I agree! You don't have to go, and possibly your DH would rather not either...give yourself a break, Mishap

You are not really lucky at the moment. You've been through all this with your foot and you've had the huge amount of worry with your dad. Do the easiest thing for you for now. Promise yourself an easier holiday later on when you feel stronger. Perhaps a cottage on the south coast for a few days. Somewhere not too far.

I could say Go and relax, leave your problems behind (apart from DH) and you might find you both benefit from a change of scene. Or else, if it is causing so much stress, could you cut your losses and have a week or two closer to home with more "wet-weather" possibilities? Only you can know what is really best. I would be a bit wary of a long drive and a lot of it with a dodgy foot, but maybe driving is OK for you. Many people find holidays stressful and are glad to come home - it just isn't "done" to say so! Good luck with whichever you settle on.
I may be biased as we have not taken the plunge and gone further than Scotland for the last 3 years- and in fact cancelled Scotland in the autumn, fortunately, as it turned out as DH finished up in hospital with eColi the weekend we would have been en route and probably somewhere in the Lake District! However, I would love a change of scene, just have to settle for closer to home!

Mishap, I was feeling exactly as you are feeling. Because of my problems with sciatica in my right leg, my mobility has been very much curtailed, and I am in pain almost all the time. We were due to go away to Scotland with our caravan this coming Friday, but as we won`t be able to do most of the things we wanted to do, and I will also have difficulty getting in and out of the caravan, we cancelled the other day. It`s disappointing, but also a relief, and we can always re-book at a later date. If it`s really getting you down so much, cancel, you can always go away if and when things are better for you.

I would feel bad about cancelling - we would lose the ferry fare and the rental of the gite money. And OH loves that part of the world - he just does not want to go anywhere when he gets there - just sit in the garden.

Could your GP confirm that ill health prevents travel? If you can cancel without too much financial loss do so.

Then book yourself and OH into a lovely country spa hotel near to your home , maybe just for a couple of nights. Take a good novel and relax as much as you can, maybe book yourself for a treatment in the Spa..reduce the stress. Your OH will find it less worrying and so will you. If your OH is OK to be left at home without your support maybe treat just yourself if you think he won't enjoy going away.

A holiday is for enjoying not for building anxiety.

the sun will probably do you good.
I'm in pain at the moment and know how you feel.
I'm beginning to wish I hadn't booked this one. Hadn't realised how cold it was up there! I never go further N than Wolverhampton, so Iceland? I must be barking mad!

Well there are worse things to do than sit in a French garden with croissants, coffee, calvados, chilled white wine, french cheeses and a crusty baguette, a couple of good paperbacks, a bit of sun- look on the bright side!!
And have a lovely time - you don't need to go sightseeing/exploring/touristing - just relax!

I have a similar situation, Mishap. My brother has a house in France and has been inviting us to stay for ages. I've always used mum as an excuse because I've been responsible for her care but the truth is my DH has suffered from anxiety attacks since his stroke and like you I do all the driving. We went away for a weekend two weeks ago and it was a great success but the journey home was a nightmare because he was tired and anxious about the traffic.

Like you, I'm happy with my cottage, my animals, my garden and nearby friends and family. I used to love going away but the stress is just not worth it any more.

It doesn't sound as though your own health is up to it so think of yourself and do what you really think best.

When are you off to Iceland Galen? I will think of you shivering! I am told that it is very beautiful - but cold and pain are a difficult combination I know.

Gracesmum - I have an automatic car, and my injured left foot has nothing to do. We bought it when we realised that teh foot problem was not going to go away quickly.

You replies have heartened me and I thank you for them - I thought I would be told what an idiot I am being. It helps me to know that others have "chickened out". I will see how I feel in the morning.

Mishap, you know how sometimes when you're desperately looking forward to something, it turns out to be big disappointment? I find it often works in reverse too, and because of low expectations, you end up really enjoying yourself. You can only see the negatives just now because you're a bit low, but think of the sunshine, the wine, the change of scenery! Go for it, and have a brilliant time!

Galen, if it turns out to be too cold outside, you can just hunker down in the library, or some such! You'll have a wonderful time

DS and family were in Iceland in August last year and all the photos show them in fleeces and anoraks. The highlight of the holiday was when the temperature reached 12 degrees one day and everybody dashed out to have a BBQ.

When I started to read about your holiday Mishap I thought oh that is strange because we are off to France shortly and I don't want to go either because I had a nasty fall last year and am scared I will repeat the crisis again this. Compared to how you feel I am just making a fuss over nothing and really should pull myself together. You though deserve a break and to be well and truly cossetted (not sure I have the word right or the spelling but I expect you know what I mean). I think nanaej's idea would be perfect for you. If I had a magic wand I would make you win a fortune on the lottery so that you could take the ideal break. Whatever you choose to do I hope you have an enjoyable and relaxing time despite your feelings right now.

A friend of mine visited Iceland Galen, she loved it. You struck me as an adventuresome sort and I bet you will enjoy the challenge too, crutches and all.

I am off to France too but the weather has been poor and I think the pool will not have warmed up. I moan every year but usually enjoy myself when I get there.

Thought you might like to hear this story about our son. (He doesn't talk - see my blog). The people who care for him and six others in the two bungalows they live in, thought it might be nice to take one or two of them to Butlins - which is only a couple of miles from where they live - for a four night break, because Butlins has all the facilities they like, including the evening dancing. We visited our son last Sunday (2nd) and his bag was all packed and ready to go. We met up with one of his carers, (who was the one on duty on the Sunday) last Friday, and said what a lovely week Robert had had weather wise, and she said 'Oh! he didn't go' Evidently between the time she went off duty, and the new carer took over, he had un-packed his bag and put everything away in his room! This is not the first time this has happened, but it would be nice to know why, wouldn't it, because he always seems quite keen. On the other hand, we sometimes think that everyone seems so keen that he should 'enjoy' himself, that he thinks 'Oh, to hell with it lets say yes, and get them out of my hair, then I can pull out at the last minute' Not sure what goes on in his head of course.

Mishap, I think in your position I would cancel. I get anxious and I can understand your feelings.
The spa idea sounds much better, or something nearer to home, so that if anything goes wrong you can return to your comfort zone quite easily.
I'm with nanaej all the way, talk to your GP, and do what makes you feel happier.

Mishap can you remember why you booked in the first place and recapture that feeling? I do understand though as I too am happy staying in the lovely home I've created, with my garden, my animals and those I love close by.

printmiss perhaps your son is happier in his own known world too?

I'm off on Saturday!

I am so sorry to hear how you are feeling, Mishap and if you decide to go I hope it works out better than you fear. As has been said, sometimes things work out well simply because we are not expecting too much.

Galen - I will be thinking of you in Iceland when I arrive in Egypt tomorrow - 45C there.

Mishap I know how you feel about the stress of travelling with someone is gets in state when away. My DH is like this.
The last two times we have been away have been more stressful than being at home. I have got away with it this year by a stroke of luck and managed a singing week with HF Holidays by myself as he has booked other things for himself. I can now relax for a week.

I can't really recommend what you do about this. I suppose cost of cancelling and insurance is an issue. Particularly if you knew about your foot injury before you booked.
My main advice is really think about what you want.

hugs

How is it this morning Mishap? Are you feeling any bigger and braver now you are up and about? Worries do loom larger when we are tired in the late evening. I think that is why my first reaction to your post was "don't do it".

I wonder if you can manage to weather it. It isn't long until Thursday. The anxiety will be over once you start moving. There is every possibility that the weather will allow you to do the walks you have planned. And there is always the croissants and crepes to cheer things up.

Once it is done and you are home again, you will be able to enjoy the summer with satisfaction.

Good luck whatever you decide. x

Mishap - like everyone says, think about what you really want. You have a lot on your plate, and it may be that something less demanding, and for a shorter time, might be better for you. Losing the money, I can see, is an issue, but perhaps it would be a price worth paying for release of stress?

Whatever you decide, take a little time for yourself! ((hug))

mishap I think it has all been said. I do hope that whatever you decide to do you will have a good time and get some relaxation. Perhaps there just isn't a right decision? Sometimes when you are sitting on the fence it doesn't actually matter which side you jump off. Just jump and then go with the flow.

Galen DS had a great time in Iceland but I shivered at the thought of it. Hope you have packed your thermals! Presumably there will be plenty of brandy on board to warm you up.