Managing Chronic Conditions While Full-Time RVing

Alright y'all, we're gonna talk about something that ain't exactly campfire conversation but needs to be said. Managing chronic health conditions while living full-time in an RV. I know, I know — not as fun as talking about the best boondocking spots in Utah. But seeing as roughly half the full-time RVers I meet are over fifty and a good chunk of us are dealing with something, let's just get into it.

My particular party favors are Type 2 diabetes (diagnosed 2019) and a right knee that's about 60% cartilage and 40% stubbornness from a football injury at Auburn back in '92. I also take blood pressure medication because apparently my family tree is more like a family ticking time bomb when it comes to cardiovascular stuff. Thanks, genetics.

Now here's the thing — when my doctor first heard I was going full-time, she looked at me like I'd announced I was joining the circus. "Tommy, you need consistent care. You need routine. You need to monitor your blood sugar." Ma'am. I can do all of that from a fifth wheel. Watch me.

And I have. For three years now. Here's how.

Medication Management

I take Metformin twice a day, Lisinopril once a day, and a baby aspirin because my cardiologist said so and I've learned not to argue with people who've seen the inside of my arteries. I use a weekly pill organizer — the big ugly plastic kind your grandma had — and I fill it every Sunday morning like clockwork. I also keep a typed list of all my medications, dosages, and my doctors' contact info in my wallet and taped inside a kitchen cabinet. If I ever end up unconscious in a Walmart parking lot (it could happen, have you SEEN the prices lately), someone will know what I'm taking.

For refills, I use CVS mail-order pharmacy. They ship 90-day supplies to wherever I am — I just update my shipping address through the app. Costs less than the 30-day fills at the store too. Only hiccup was when FedEx delivered my Metformin to the wrong campsite and some very confused man knocked on my door holding my prescription bag. That was a fun conversation.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Finding Doctors on the Road

I see my primary care doctor via telehealth every three months. She's still back in Huntsville, Alabama, and she does video visits through MyChart. Works fine as long as I have decent wifi or cell signal. I get my A1C bloodwork done at Quest Diagnostics — they're in most medium-to-large cities and my doctor sends the order electronically. Results go straight to her.

For the knee, I see an orthopedist once a year, which I schedule during my annual trip back to Alabama for Christmas. He tells me I need a knee replacement. I tell him I'll think about it. We've been having this same conversation since 2021.

Diet on the Road (The Hard Part)

Look, I'm a Southern man. I like fried things. I like biscuits and gravy. I like pecan pie. And I can't eat any of that regularly anymore without my blood sugar looking like a stock market crash in reverse. So I've had to adapt, and I won't lie to you — some days it stinks.

What works: I cook most of my own meals (grilled chicken, vegetables, eggs, the occasional steak because I'm not a monk). I keep almonds and cheese sticks for snacks instead of chips. I drink water instead of sweet tea, which honestly might be the hardest thing I've ever done including Army basic training. I allow myself one "cheat meal" per week because if I can't have brisket sometimes what's the point of being in Texas.

The Serious Part

I joke around a lot. That's kind of my thing. But I want to be straight with y'all for a second — don't let a chronic condition stop you from living this life, but also don't pretend it doesn't exist. I've met guys at campgrounds who stopped taking their meds because "they feel fine" or who haven't seen a doctor in two years because "it's too complicated on the road." That's not tough, that's just dumb. And I say that with love.

Take your meds. See your doctors. Check your numbers. And then go enjoy the heck out of this beautiful country because life's too short and the open road is too good to sit at home being scared.

Now if you'll excuse me, my Dexcom is telling me I need a snack. Almonds it is. Again. Lord help me.