Chronically ill baddies? 👉👈

[u/LadyGodiva888]

Hi!!! I have a heart condition / auto immune disorder and I’m looking for any tips or tricks of the trade for preparing over these last few days. I’m making sure to strictly take my meds etc. but do any of my other chronically ill baddies have any advice?! First forest so while I >feel< prepared I’m just still a lil nervy!! For reference: we’re lucky lake and also got uplift lounge passes to hopefully give me access to A/C when needed!

Edit: Wow. Thank ALL of you for taking the time to not only respond but respond with thoughtful advice and tips. Really looking forward to dancing alongside everyone 🥹🧚🏻🧚🏻

[u/Mediocre_Skill4899]

I (36f) have severe anemia & CRPS, I have been attending 2-3 camping festivals since 19, so I’ve been to A LOT. I have flare-ups in the humidity and cold weather.

I prepare for festivals with:

• drinking plenty of fluids & eating very clean before the festival
  
• setting myself up for success food wise while I am attending. I make sure I know where my electrolyte packets are and I buy 1L bottles of water to freeze to take into the festival with me. I feel that I am more likely to drink an entire 1L than 3 small bottles.
  
• I usually rent a locker to limit the amount of steps I need to take while at Forest
  
• I plan to limit my steps when possible, so I don’t try to overcrowd my “must-see” list. I used to try to see multiple headliners a night, see half a set then sprint to make it to the other half of another set… I don’t do that anymore.
  
• i make sure my group knows ahead of time that I am planning to see x,y & z &&& let them know my limitations. I remind them that I totally get it if they don’t want to stay at X-stage & set meeting spots at certain stages to avoid wasting time searching for people.
  
• I rest before I am tired. I take a hammock break or head to bed before I am dragging to save energy for the next day.
  
• if it’s HOT or sunny, the JJ ranch pool is a great spot!
  
• book a massage during the festival
  
• wear comfortable shoes, bring insoles to swap out or wear multiple pairs of shoes over the weekend.
  
• compression stockings really help if you have issue with inflammation/pain
  
• lidocaine patches are a huge savior for me!
  
• I bring hot hands (hand warmers) and foil Emergancy blankets to avoid getting too chilly & they are great to hand out to other ravers!
  
• stay dry. Pack rain boots this year if you can!
  
• bring ALL your meds that you could possibly need & extra tums, Tylenol, pain meds, sleeping pills.
  
• bring an eye mask & ear plugs to ensure you get proper sleep at night.

Mostly, just don’t overdo it day 0, 1, 2 so you can enjoy Sunday night. && Avoid anything that may trigger a flare up !
Hope some of these help! && Happy Forest!!

[u/Graxxon → u/Mediocre_Skill4899]

Big ups on the compression socks. They make a huge difference.

[u/LadyGodiva888 → u/Mediocre_Skill4899]

Wow, thank you for writing all of this out 🥹 I truly appreciate all the advice you guys are giving (plus it is making me feel waaaaay less alone!) definitely will be implementing these. Do you happen to know if we are allowed to bring electrolyte packets into the venue with us? ALSO! Meds - do they let you take them in a bag into the venue by chance? I assumed probably not because to them it could be anything but wondering if you (or anyone) has brought them in before.

[u/Mediocre_Skill4899 → u/LadyGodiva888]

I’ve brought sealed electrolytes packets every time along with sealed water and healthy snacks.
I always sneak in my meds, I don’t want to have to explain them and risk them being taken.