Tour end of April, just broke my foot...

If things go south while you're in Italy, the US Embassy / Consulates (Rome, Florence, Naples, Milan) maintain a list of English speaking doctors. Italian pharmacists also are a source of advice as they are highly trained and often have passing English. Italian emergency rooms are very capable and tourists often do not have to pay if the condition is accidental.

Thanks, Mike! Good to know.

Well, don't want to be a downer but there is a lot of healing that needs to be done, muscles to rebuild and the tour pace and elevation s to be considered. Age, weight, existing level of fitness all come into play. Does your sister have cancellation insurance to cover if you cannot go? Is she good to go on her own. I am assuming you have insurance for compensation if you are not fit to go.
It is one thing to have a bone mend in time, something else to do an active trip and enjoy it.
Having struggled with foot pain on a trip after a year recovery from tendon tears, I would advise careful and honest assessment before departure.

Hi Maria
A young 64 and in pretty good shape. Was walking a lot before the foot incident. Fortunately no tendons are involved so the doc seemed pretty upbeat and positive about recovery and being able to do the trip. We did not do insurance. I’m just trying to do everything the doc says before and after surgery and hoping for the best!!

I really hope all goes for the best. If this is the RS tour 17 days in Italy, you might consider calling them and asking about options, like postponing until a later date. It has been known to happen. They are pretty reasonable.

If you can change travel dates, Rick Steves has a very liberal policy. Of course if your air travel or other plans aren’t changeable, it might be a moot point.

Transferring to another tour: Change in plans? Up to 60 days prior to your tour's departure, you can transfer to any other tour in the same calendar year with seats available, applying your existing deposit and with no transfer fee. If you transfer to a different tour, the price of that tour will be applied, effective on the date we confirm your transfer. Transfers less than 60 days before your tour's departure are not possible.

Ouch newbook.

That is one of the scarier things about booking International travel so far in advance - anything can happen in a blink.

I don't know your packing style, but, maybe you can consider bringing a folding cane. You may think you're fine, but with all the walking you'll be doing, it may be a good idea - sort of like a 'third leg.'

The initial healing may be okay by the time you leave, but, you are really still healing for awhile - especially since you'll be putting weight on your foot.

it's always good to get travel insurance and look at the coverage.

Are you considering taking a walking stick? One's saved me from more than a few awkward missteps on the road. You probably already are discussing what shoes to wear with the doc.

Bummer. I highly recommend physical therapy as soon after surgery as you can. It will help rebuilt flexiblility and strength. Pack some kind of foot brace for when your foot gets tired or the walk is long or strenuous. You may need a size bigger shoe to accommodate a brace or swelling.

My broken foot was horse related. No surgery but I spent 6 weeks in a non-weight bearing cast and had to use a scooter to get around. Then another week or so in a walking boot. Afterwards it took me about 3 weeks to have enough strength to get on my horse and ride at just a walk. I think it took a couple more weeks to have enough strength and flexibility to trot and canter.

I wish you well. With 12 weeks to go before your trip you should be ready to go. Just listen to your foot and don’t over do.

Oooo. A folding walking stick is a great idea!! Doc approved the shoes I just bought for Italy (ECCO) My luggage will consist of a backpack, and a tote. Thanks for the suggestions. Will definitely consider PT to build overall strength. This is my first trip out of the US, so am motivated to make this work!!

Hi newbook, I forgot to add (above) the folding canes can be found in the Walmart pharmacy section - where the medical supplies are. Most super centers will have a good amount.

If you are not near a Walmart, maybe other pharmacies - Walgreens? or Rite Aid? should have them.

If you want to save space in your tote or carry on, "strap" the folding cane onto the top - won't count against your personal item or luggage. Make sure you put a thick rubber band around the cane - you never know if unsecured, it can accidentally open up and hit you.

If you can tolerate taking them and not allergic, don't forget to ask your doctor about Ibuprofen and/or Acetaminophen. They can be "layered" for pain management.

Are you able to get an aisle seat to extend or elevate your foot?

Hi good luck with your travel plans. Not broken but I twisted my ankle pretty badly day two of my recent trip. Before our tour. I taped it up and powered on. Iced it some nights. I know completely different than surgery. You can always opt out of any activity you are not up for doing. Cobble Stones are everywhere in Italy & can make it tough. I would let your guide know on your first night the situation and they can give you the best info on days and walking.

Enjoy

Check out Komperdell for collapsible trek poles and walking sticks.

I'd get some good (stiff) boots to eliminate a lot of flex, but you're going to be limited in breaking them in. In my experience Danner are easy to break in; I've been wearing them for over 30 years.

I just spent 4+ weeks in Liguria and Piemonte with painful plantar fasciitis in one foot and using a red folding cane from CVS. It was easy to get a wheelchair at the airport in Milan and I highly recommend that, even though you might feel silly being wheeled around. I now wish I'd gotten wheelchairs at all the airports.

I don't know how it works in US airports, but in Italy we were told that it's nice to tip the guy pushing your wheelchair.

There are wheelchairs in museums, too. Try not to feel like since you CAN walk, you should ---- save your foot whenever you can.

Sorry this happened to you! You'll still have a great time!

Check with your travel medical insurance!

My insurance would not cover if anything went wrong with the foot during vacation, unless the hospital claimed me well AND I have been symptom free 3 months prior to leaving.

So a folding cane doesn't have to be checked? It makes sense because the person would need to use it, but I don't trust the rules to actually make sense.

I think you’ll be ok, but be sure you have shoes that protect that little toe and have a very wide heal to keep you from flipping the foot. Also two collapsible walking sticks for balance, rather than one. Your leg strength will depend on if you can put weight on the foot during the six-week healing process or have to keep weight off the foot. Follow doctor’s orders closely. If you need PT, the doc will prescribe it.

Since I’m an inattentive klutz, I broke my foot in a French village ten years ago, then got a bad sprain in Sicily two years ago. Last year it was a bad sprain in my own neighborhood. The sprains might take longer to heal than the breaks, but you must certainly be in a lot if pain as breaks are so painfl.
Get well and good luck.

If it is a "real" cane - folding or stationary, it is considered a mobility, assisted device.

Adding: A folding cane is very secure in case you are wondering. It has "bungee-type" cording inside the metal. Once unfolded, tighten it, and you are good to go. Even if you don't use it, which would be nice, I like the 'security' knowing I had it just in case; especially since the body part is your foot. Yes, you probably will find canes in Italy, but, if it were me, I like the 'peace of mind' knowing I had it in my bag. Sure, it will add weight to your day bag, it's metal. Only you can make the choice what is right for you.

Forgot to add: Your cane will go through the security scan. Just put it on the belt on top of your bag. An agent may ask if you need to borrow one of theirs to go further toward the body image scan or the pat down.

Also, I pack a multi-purpose "ace bandage" - it's lightweight and tucks into the corner of my bag. Again, these things plus Ibuprofen can be bought at Farmacias in Italy. But, the OTC products can be quite expensive.

On another note: sometimes, it's the little things we may forget - maybe write some general medical info on an index card and tuck it in your passport book - what operations you had recently, blood type, what meds you took or are taking, allergies, etc. It's always good to have this at the ready when you are far from home and an outside medical professional cannot access your health info.

The FA will put the stationary cane up into the overhead bin during takeoff. If it's a folding one, secure it so it does not accidentally unfold, and put it in your bag, under the seat or in the overhead bin on top of your carry on.

Hiking poles or regular walking sticks would be subject to checking.

But, to be on the safe side, check with your airline about the cane.

Also, if you need wheelchair assistance (deplaning), ask the FA to call ahead. You "never know" how you will feel after a long flight - stiff? swelling? some pain? You don't want to aggravate it more.

We all heal differently despite age or fitness, so it's good to have backup plans in place. You invest so much in an International trip, don't want to have it ruined if you can sidestep some things.

I have not taken a tour, but, from a few of the things I've seen on here, you may have to walk quite a ways to your hotel.

Newbook, Is it possible to bring a small rolling carry on as opposed to your backpack? I don't know if that would help alleviate some pressure on the body.

I too am concerned about your traveling with a backpack on this trip. I think the extra weight on your feet would be wearing and painful. I think an overhead sized spinner (you could roll it on your side that may need more support) would be a foot relief rather than an added weight bearing down on your foot.

Girasole has several good points. Some tours require you to walks some blocks as the town core is pedestrian only. If that is the case, you may want to revisit the extra weight of a back pack.
It is unfortunate that you didn't see the value of adding insurance to an expensive tour, but lessons learned, I guess. You can only do what you can, but don't be so aggressive to re-injure yourself.
-If people offer to help with luggage - let them.
-Ice and elevate every evening....and ice before leaving in the morning if you can get that sorted.
-Adequate supply of pain meds from home as you may not find it overseas.

- I did find tensor bandages when needed in Portugal, but they are not as elasticated as our Tensor bandages, so you may benefit from bringing one from home - or a foot bandage agreed to by your physician (or physio).
-Discuss with physio about a support tool (cane or walking stick) as some people do not benefit from a stick as it sets off other issues, including gait.

On another note, but sort of 'related' for ideas - I used a Kipling rolling duffle - with its wheels, it measures 22" and weights a tad over 5 lbs. It fits a lot. I realize your wanting to travel light for your tour, hence the backpack and tote. But, maybe consider some alternatives.

After my first trip to Rome in 2017, I traveled domestically a few times at the beginning of 2018 - I flew Southwest for one trip. That bag was okayed for a carry on. But, I think SW is a bit more generous than some other domestic carriers.

My trip to Rome in 2018, I used my TravelPro - 'Walkabout' 2-rugged wheels, 22" luggage - weighs about? 6 lbs, but I checked that. https://www.macys.com/shop/product/closeout-travelpro-walkabout-3-22-expandable-carry-on-rolling-suitcase-created-for-macys?ID=2584988&CategoryID=25691&swatchColor=Dark%20Purple#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D15%26ruleId%3D78%26kws%3Dtravelpro%20walkabout%26ackws%3DTravelPro%26searchType%3Dac%26searchPass%3DallMultiMatchWithSpelling%26slotId%3D14

-Discuss with physio about a support tool (cane or walking stick) as some people do not benefit from a stick as it sets off other issues, including gait.

That is true Maria, did not think of that. oops.

Newbook, your doctor and/or PT would be the best to advise. I can give you my own experience, but, it did not involve foot surgery. And yes, everyone's body type and gait is different.

Good luck with your choices and plans.

If I were you, I would look into a cane that has a folding seat attached to it. I once got my mom one and it worked out great for her. There is a lot of standing around and listening to your guilde speak. If you could take the weight off your feet, even for a few minutes, I think it would extend your walking time. There are lots of varieties available thru Amazon. The last thing you want to do is to over do it at the beginning of your tour and find out you can’t enjoy the tour at the end.

No matter how light the packed backpack is, it will add additional weight to your foot. The weight of the full tote will too. You need to add those weights together to know exactly how much, then talk to you doctor and PT about it.

In my experience, my old spinner with all 4 wheels on the floor is more stable than my old 2-wheeled one, but either works well enough for me to get through airports, train stations and around on other flat surfaces without pulling out a walking stick. I haven't verified that yet for my new international 2-wheeled bag.

Where and when I need my walking sticks, which are actually folding hiking poles, is during the parts of a tour that involve stairs (which often have no handrail), cobblestones, fields or steep slopes.

I also have a couple of folding canes, but I've found that the right height for a cane is not as stable for me as the right height for the poles.

I'm not sure what Eccos you got, but if they have no ankle support, I'd be a bit concerned about somehow turning an ankle on rough terrain while your attention is on your foot and what you're seeing. I haven't done the tour you're doing, but I did do the Village Italy one. I didn't wear my usual high-topped boots or take my hiking poles. That was a big mistake I won't make again, but I may be using some different boots this year.

BTW, I've sprained or maybe broken both my little toes, but it was never this bad. Good luck with your recovery.

I forgot to add: when I got out of the cast and walking boot, the doctor made me wear compression socks. Ask you doctor about them, especially wearing them on the plane. The idea is they will prevent blood clods. FYI I found them very uncomfortable but followed the doctor’s advise.
Also on the planes, walk up and down the aisle to keep circulation moving. And drink lots of liquids.

I personally think if your doctor is feeling positive about your participation in the tour, you should feel that way, too! One of the things that I really like about RS tours is that they treat you like an adult. By that I mean you can choose to participate in whatever scheduled activities you feel comfortable doing or not; there are no 'requirements' to attend all scheduled events. You will only be asked to let your tour buddy and/or your guide know you will not be participating in the scheduled plans for the day. Arrangements to meet the tour later (if you want) can be arranged with your guide if you want. Any other advice I would hand out would be to do everything your PT advises. A assistive walking aide is a good idea, if you are thinking you might need it. As an aside, my sister broke her wrist the first RS tour day in Sicily. She was well taken care of by the guide, the local (Palermo) ER and the Italian pharmacists if needed along the way.

Thanks, Andi! I appreciate your input.

Horsewoofie mentioned clots. That’s more of a concern to me after a break or sprain than standing on the foot, especially since this is the little toe. Be sure to do as suggested by horsewoofie and also ask the MD about an aspirin regime.