Weather really has an impact on my symptoms.
Cold? Sore joints.
Weather pressure? Migraines.
Hot? PoTS.
During the summer months is when I feel most disabled by my symptoms - often feeling weak, shaky, unsteady on my feet, nauseous and faint in the heat. With the temperature set to rise this week, I thought I'd share some of the ways I'll be keeping cool this summer.
Having now officially been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), the symptoms I experience make so much more sense to me! I attended at PoTS management class this week which explained the physiology of PoTS, and ways to manage with the condition.
PoTS is an autonomic condition. Our autonomic nervous system controls our circulation, which can be affected by environmental changes such as temperature.
Keeping our blood volume up, and temperate down is vital to help manage my symptoms; and despite being newly diagnosed with PoTS, here are some of the things I've used to help me manage my symptoms over the years:
Water
Carrying a bottle of water with me is vital. I have to use to London Underground to travel, and during the summer months even a few stops can be intolerable. Keeping hydrated is key - and drinking a glass of water before standing helps to increase my blood volume quickly, and reduces my chance of fainting.
I still love my tea (despite caffeine being bad), but I'm trying to reduce my caffeine in-take and limit sugary drinks such as juice.
In summer months, I add ice to my drinks, and keep the freezer stocked with ice-poles to keep cool and hydrated.
Spray bottles are a great too - cooling you as water evaporates from your skin.
Ice packs
I bought gel packs which can be either heated or frozen depending on my need. They can often be bought in multi-packs so you can place them of various parts of your body to cool down, or, like me, use one at a time and swap-out as needed- always having one ready frozen.
Headache Hat
Another ice pack, designed for migraineurs but great for anyone wanting to keep cool!
Fan
I have a handheld fan which can be re-charged by USB. I carry it with me on hot days, but I'm also considering buying the lanyard version my sister has for those times when hands-free would be easier.
Chillmax pillow
This pillow can be used as-is, or put in the fridge or freezer for a slightly longer cooling effect.
Shade
The temperate is always lower in the shade, but if that isn't possible, wearing a hat or using an umbrella/parasol can help.
If avoiding the sun is inevitable, then I'm a big fan Nivea's Protect and Refresh cooling SPF sprays.
Clothing/shoes
As a woman, we unfortunately don't have the same privilege as men do when it comes to summer attire - walking around in shorts and nothing else. But wearing loose clothes - floaty dresses in natural fibres and open shoes such a sandals can all help.
Be vocal
It's important when you have an invisible illness to let those around you know - know what you're experiencing, if you're struggling, and to be aware of what to do if you are symptomatic and require help.
* affiliate links to some of the products I've previously purchased.
Thank you for reading! What are your tips and tricks to keeping cool and staying hydrated?
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