Chronically ill/disabled buddies: recs for travel/ maximizing health for an important event? I’m trying to cover all possible bases

Question

Meg · Answer

NAD+: Ok so I’m not a doctor. I do, however, have chronic fatigue and have recovered from disabling autistic burnout. NAD+ is one of the main things that keep my (still limited but functional) capacity afloat. I have tried ALL methods (oral, nasal, IV etc..) and 10/10 recommend intramuscular injections as the most effective. You need a prescription and can get this from a compound pharmacy and do it at home. It targets mitochondrial function which is kind of everything. Talk to your ND or MD. Even a Psych can prescribe. Contraindicated if you have cancer

Taryn · Answer

Ask for what you need: Something I’ve been working on with great results! Ask for accommodations ahead of time and/or in the moment. People usually want to help. You don’t have to tough it out!

I often have dizzy episodes on long flights and the last time it happened I walked back to the flight attendants’ station and asked if I could lay down and elevate my feet. They were nice about it and I didn't have to suffer! Life can be good!!

JaperMoon · Answer

In-flight Instant Oatmeal: Bring a pack or two of instant oatmeal, a little pouch of nut butter, a baggy of seeds and nuts, and maybe pick up a starbucks banana. When the flight attendant comes around with tea and coffee ask for hot water and an extra empty cup.

Bring a spoon or find a single-use one at the airport.

Ive also done this during a layover, getting the hot water and cup from starbucks (free with purchase of banana).

You could also buy an oatmeal at starbucks without the water and go the flight attendant hot water option.

Useful for arriving at odd hours for a hotel room meal.

Many ways to make this work!

Jamie · Answer

Fancy Water for the Road: I never drink enough water when I travel in part because so much airport/train station water is gross, even with the filters. If you’re willing to splurge for something fancy, buy the biggest bottle you can comfortably carry of Evian, Smart Water, Fiji, etc. so that it’s actually a pleasure to stay hydrated!

Julia · Answer

Long/overnight flight survival kit: Last year I flew to Japan and was SO nervous about the long flights because stress and lack of sleep during travel often make flare/get sick. This combo was a life saver for me:

Trtl neck pillow- I have EDS and this is the first pillow that's allowed me to sleep on a plane without neck pain

LMNT electrolytes (and drinking tons of water)- you will have to pee more on plane but that's honestly good bc it'll force you to stretch your legs

Eye mask+ ear plugs+ hood+ melatonin to drown out the world and get some Zzs

Compression socks and outfit with loose/no waistband (e.g., loose jumpsuit)

Mask for germs (lame but sadly a necessity)

Soph · Answer

Hang out in the airport prayer/meditation room: A surprising number of airports in America have one, and finding them is kind of fun if you have a bit of a layover. Obviously, be respectful, people may actually be in there praying — but a lot of the time they’re empty (I’ve never actually encountered anyone in one). The lights are usually dim, it’s quiet, and having a little space to myself to reset for 15–20 minutes outside the airport chaos is incredibly restorative to my nervous system. I’ll journal or meditate. A lot of them have yoga mats.

They also usually have things from different faiths (prayer mats, Tibetan prayer beads, Bible, Quran… you name it) in there, and somehow that is really comforting to me. It’s one of the few places where all the faiths get mixed together into a material spiritual salad.

And somehow that feels like the most true thing.

Mary · Answer

Plan rest days before and after traveling: If my PTO allows it, I try to always give myself an extra day off after a trip to rest before returning to work. Similarly, if you’re traveling for an event, try to plan for rest in between your travel day and the event.

I had an endometriosis flare up the weekend of my brother’s destination wedding in New Orleans. It sucked, and I had to say no to some outings so I could rest at the hotel before the rehearsal dinner and wedding. It was worth it, and helped me enjoy the main events more!

annelise niño L.Ac · Answer

˚✧₊⁎❝᷀ົཽ≀ˍ̮ ❝᷀ົཽ⁎⁺˳✧༚: portable red light therapy! also i like to pack the dohm or ora sound machine, silk eyemask, alexis smart first aid kit, a portable reading lamp that’s free from blue light, and indoor slippers!

Vera · Answer

Make everything as easy as possible: Sensitive to noise? Wear loops at the event and full on noise cancel headphones while travelling.

Movement difficult? Ask for the golf cart ride at the airport.

Regulate your nervous system throughout travel and the event - deep breaths, orienting to your 5 senses, feel your feet on the floor

Figure out what the most important part of the event is for you and how you can feel your best for that part

Comfy clothes, weighted blanket while travelling. Treat yourself!

Doesn’t work for everyone but I love taking a sedative 💊 for travel to make the journey easier and allow for more napping

Jess · Answer

Jelliebend: A lightweight compression brace that does wonders for my back. I went from daily back pain to essentially pain-free.

Sarah Cooney · Answer

Biom Hand Sanitizing Wipes - Travel Packs: I live and die by these

Ashley WS · Answer

Supported sitting with an exercise band: I use an exercise band around my thighs to keep my posture in check while traveling. It allows my Muscles to actually relax while keeping me aligned and lessens my pain post-travel. I like the blue one for enough resistance that I’m not floppy but not too much that I feel like I can’t move. :)

Dylan · Answer

Thankyou Grapefruit Hand Sanitiser Spray: the best hand sani of all time in my humble opinion! she's fruity & fresh & keeps my mitts clean when I'm on the go!

Dylan · Answer

BioCeuticals ArmaForce Immune Support Olive Leaf : contains Andrographis, Echinacea, Olive Leaf, Vitamin C, Zinc <3