You may not think that driving would cause so much extra pain or be such a difficult obstacle for someone, it is--it can be. I had about a three-hour drive to my parents last week and during those drives, I have a lot of time to think and sing my heart out. Last week, I was thinking of article ideas for my personal and my more professional blogs that I have been working on. I realized that driving can be stressful for me and my body--so why not write about that.
I live with chronic pain and many other things too that are aggravated by driving.
Pain: in general I have pain all the time, all throughout my body. And because driving for so long can be so tense for me, it just makes my chronic pain worse all throughout my body.
Muscle Spasms and Cramps: my body has very poor circulation and it never has enough hydration--therefore, I am always getting muscle spasms and cramps. It is usually in my legs, feet, hands, and back that get the spasms and cramps when I am driving. When I was first diagnosed with POTs, I could hardly drive five minutes without my hands cramping. But then I got healthier and learned how to help these spasms and cramps so my hands don't cramp as much as they used to. Which is really nice, but I still get them. Last November, I was about five miles from my parents' house and I was caught speeding and got a speeding ticket because my back was so cramped that I was just trying to get home as fast as possible. that really pissed me off.
Temperature: since POTs is underneath the umbrella term Dysautonomia, I struggle with my temperature regulation. I am always too hot or too cold. I am never comfortable. Even when I am sleeping. I am always waking up sweating or trying to get more blankets on top of me. In the car, it has always been difficult for me to find the right temp., especially now that it is winter. It seems like I get super-hot, super-fast. And then when I turn down the temp. I get cold. So, it feels like most of my drive is just messing with the temp. This becomes extremely annoying fast.
Things that help: I have learned a few tricks to help me be more comfortable when I drive. Stretching is something that always helps. I am always stretching. Whenever I think to stretch, I stretch. Having the seat warmer on low helps with my back pain. Using cruise control helps my body be less tense. Switching hands on the steering wheel and then stretching and cracking my hands and wrist. Having the right seat adjustment also helps.
Even though I have found things that help, I do still experience many ups and downs while I am driving. Especially long distance, anything over 20 minutes.
How does driving affect you with your illness?
If you have a loved one with an illness, how does it affect them?
Is there anything you can do to help them?
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