Travelling with POTS or Dysautonomia-Tips and Tricks
Introduction
After being diagnosed with post-covid dysautonomia in 2021, the thought of travelling again seemed near impossible, but over the past few years I have learned that this is not the case. In this post, I aim to share some tips and tricks on how to make your trips more manageable.
What is dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for health conditions related to the autonomic nervous system. The term "autonomic" means ”self-governing,” meaning it controls things you don't have to think about. That includes your blood pressure, body temperature, breathing, digestion, heart rate, sweating and much more. Some of the most common forms include POTS, orthostatic hypotension, vasovagal syncope and autonomic dysreflexia.
Travelling with POTS or Dysautonomia
Preparation
Before your trip there will be a few things to check off your list.
Medication: its important to make sure you have plenty of medication to last the trip. This could also include things like compression stockings or ibuprofen if you get a tight chest.
Food: bringing a few meals with you can save a trip to the shops while you are away, leaving you with more energy for the fun stuff. This can also come in handy if you feel worn-out during your trip.
Hydration: in the days before your trip, increasing your hydration will make sure your body is in the best possible condition before you start your journey.
Research, Find what's right for you
Whether it's a day trip or week away, its best to know a bit about where you are going. The first thing to consider is your accommodation; are you looking for a hotel, Airbnb or camp site?
Things you should look out for include:
The parking availability
Stairs
Air conditioning, if you are going away in the summer.
Pace yourself
When you are away, taking things slowly can pay off in the long run. Whether it's making sure to stop and rest while walking or planning rest days during your trip, this can stop burnout and save you from straining yourself during your holiday.
Be flexible
Have plenty of options that account for your health. Having a plan for good and bad health days can be very reassuring; it's great to plan bigger days out where you will be more active, while also having a backup plan in case of down days.
Continue your regular self-care
While you are away, it's best to not forget your regular self-care routines. Making sure you drink before getting up in the morning, and maintain hydration during the day is even more important than normal, as you will likely be more active during your trip.
Getting enough sleep is also important for people suffering with POTS; continuing your sleep routine will help your body stay in rhythm and well rested.
Also, continuing meditation and breathing exercises is a great way to calm your nervous system after busy days out.
Useful items to take with you
Some items I would recommend are:
Hydration tablets: these will help you maintain your blood pressure throughout the day.
Camping stool: These are great if you are going somewhere that may not have many places to rest.
Small bag: using a smaller bag can save on weight, making walking easier. These can carry extra medication in case you have a flair-up, as well as a small packed lunch.
Water bottles. I usually bring a large bottle to keep in the car and a smaller one for when I'm out and about.
Handheld fans: These can also be a great option to keep yourself cool during the summer, as heat can be a trigger for people with POTS.
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Blue Badge users park for free.
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