I’ve been to New York City several times with POTS. One thing I would say is that you need to figure out when it is best for your health to go. Summer is the hardest time for me, I can handle the cold better. New York is hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Spring it rains most of the time so if the barometric pressure messes you up that’s not an ideal time to go. Fall is chilly at night and warmer in the day.
Combo of Walking and Subway
New York is big and what you think might be close is not. It’s very hard to drive in and very easy to walk in. I would recommend taking the bus or the subway if it’s far and walking if it’s close and within your range.
One thing that we try to do is start with the place further away so if we’re staying in a spot close to Time Square and we want to go to the Tenement Museum, a bagel place in the Lower East Side, and a play on Broadway. We’d start with the Lower East Side, then the museum, then the play which would put us back closer to our hotel.
You also see weird things when walking, like this picture. Yes that is a giant button and needle.
Compression Equipment
Last time I went it was summer and 104 each day so I was worried about wearing knee high compression socks. I chose to wear a stomach band which I do think helped a lot. If I were to go in the fall or winter I would have worn compression socks, arm compressions and a stomach band. That would depend on how I feel each day but I would rather have them and take them off during the day than be without them.
Lots of Rest
I’m a night owl and so is T. I also love to take a nap during the day. We cater each day to what I need to do. We closed late night play, built in time for a nap and slept in the next day. Work around your schedule. Don’t work around what you’re doing.
Also rest can be a long meal or a movie. Don’t think of it always as a trip back to the hotel unless that is what you need.
Move During Intermission
If you’re going to a play they’re about 3ish hours, some are less and some are more. Get up and move during intermission. There’s almost always one. Go up a flight of stairs, walk around the floor, etc. Move, it will help you get the blood moving and circulating.
Food at the Museums
Museums can be long, you’re standing, you’re walking, you’re standing. It’s long and a lot of being upright. We normally take about 2 hours of walking and looking at things and then grab a coffee or tea and sit for a half hour before getting back up. This extends the time I can stay in the museum and explore.
Water and Electrolytes
No question that you need more water than normal if you’re walking around a lot. You need to be hydrated, avoid coffee or alcohol which both tend to dehydrate you. I would recommend adding some your favorite electrolytes to your drinks. I normally carry around a few extra packets to put them in my water at restaurants. (Read more about electrolytes I’ve tried here)
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