What happens when your medication runs out abroad??

[@jessicaoutofthecloset]

*Captions are being finished, thank you for your patience!*

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

You're doing great!

[@AWindy94]

Thank you 🙏😊

[@HOHNancy]

Thank you!

[@prabhjotsingh6835]

THANK YOU!!!! ❤

[@DawnBurn]

The "yes, having the toddler nap now may cost us later. BUT ALSO DATE WITH THE WOMAN I LOVE" is so relatable.

[@arklestudios]

It's kinda funny how the first "darling" in the CC shows up as "Danny."

[@winternymphaea]

omg I thought Danny was a nickname or something lol I just accepted it

[@sampriceandeverythingnice]

“Halfway” oh dear 🤦🏼‍♂️ poor Claud, poor you

[@jennifers5560]

She must have felt so awful!

[@gabiausten8774]

I’ve the same issue, I’m a chronic pain patient and travel from Germany to my fiancé in Las Vegas/ LA and I can only take a month worth of meds with me legally, it’s a nightmare every time! Especially because meds in Germany are free and I would have to pay over 2500$ for 10 days of meds in the US.

[@DaydreamingSophie]

Isn't that only for opioids though? Because I'm pretty sure with anything else you can just take the whole package.

[@gabiausten8774]

@@DaydreamingSophie exactly!

[@DaydreamingSophie]

Don't you have travellers insurance? Because as far as I know they have to pay for things such as this. Either way, 2500$ is probably a year's worth of meds here in Germany if you look at the prices for the health insurance company.

[@gabiausten8774]

@@DaydreamingSophie I do have travel insurance (HanseMerkur) but they funnily enough don’t cover meds. If u know u needed them and didn’t bring enough, they don’t cover that. If u loose them on vacation, they would either send u some from Germany (if they are FDA approved meds), or they find a comparable alternative in the US. But in either case, u have to wait…and for the medication, pay yourself in full. I literally only stay a month in the US and have to travel back every 30 days, to get more medication from Germany 😒, it’s a nightmare. I also have to get those meds certified at the ,,Gesundheitsamt“.

[@Love-and-Salt]

I’m not German, but I believe it may be any controlled substance that could have addictive properties. Here in the US, if you’re traveling for more than a month with a controlled substance, you usually need to submit proof to your doctor, your pharmacy, and your insurance that you’ll be oversees for long enough to justify carrying another bottle

[@charliebrown1184]

Another tip is that a lot of medications can also make you super photosensitive and burn very easily, check not just your current medicines but ones you have taken in the last 6-12 months. I discovered this the hard way when I got really nasty sunburn for the first time ever 6 months after a short course of new medication. I was sensitive to sunlight for nearly a year!

[@ladyflimflam]

If I were going to Malaysia every year and couldn’t get botox for migraines anymore I would definitely be looking at medical tourism possibilities for that.

[@jennifers5560]

Great video! Lots of fantastic tips. (I’m glad that Claudia’s mistake actually led to you discovering a resource for medications. It’s nice when things work out like that.) ❤️

[@ulytia]

I grew up in Houston, TX - a VERY hot place, and was a mechanic for a while working outside - with my then-undiagnosed EDS. I used to stick small ice cubes into my hair when it was up in a pony tail, also rolling ice cubes in a bandana and then putting that around your neck or head was helpful. You just had to embrace being slightly moist all the time because the humidity meant you never dried off. The same "wing" (upper shoulderblade) area that keeps you warm by being covered in winter will really quickly cool you down when you put a cold pack on that area. Luckily I live in the north now (PHEW!) and still have one of those neck fans for when it's warm :D One last tip for the tropical areas - they make combo sunscreen and bug repellant! One lotion, no spraying poisonous fog. "Incognito, Mineral Suncream Insect Repellent SPF30" is one name, or "Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent Gentle Breeze SPF 30 Sunscreen" ♥

[@dragonflies6793]

I used to take ice cubes and wrap them in a paper towel then get the towel wet with cold water and just have that with me and press it against my head and wherever I needed it until it fully melted. (grew up in Missouri, also have EDS)

[@deszeldra]

I do ice cubes in the hair too. I find a braid holds them in there best.

[@kinashy8863]

I also recommend having a water spray that you put in the fridge (or maybe put ice cubes in it) and then carry around so you can mist yourself with cold water. Or if you want to minimize being wet you can carry those frozen gel bags that people use for cooling injuries

[@leggi_bois4eva]

I went to Houston on vacation during the summer ONCE. Never again 🫠

[@goldogwolly]

Some more tips for hot weather fashion! 1. LINEN is your best friend. Seriously, linen dresses, trousers, cardigans...so much cooler than cotton. Palazzo pants are great for air circulation 2. COVER UP: I have a loose semi-sheer linen long sleeve "kimono" style jacket that I always wear when I'm going to be in direct sunlight. It covers my entire arms and keeps you cooler. Also helps prevent mosquito bites to your arms 3. Sometimes sneakers are better: find the kind of sneaker with thin knitted uppers, best if they are the mesh kind, pair with think cotton socks. Sandals often get sweaty and uncomfortable. But if sandals, make sure you're choosing real leather ones, that can absorb some moisture--pleather sandals are the WORST 4. Take a UV-resistant umbrella: I think Jessica mentioned this in the last video but it's definitely legit! Saves you from burning 5. Spaghetti straps may not be your friend: conversely, when you expose more skin it's hotter because the sun is directly heating up your skin. If you're wearing something with more coverage it helps both shield your skin and wick away the sweat

[@YasmineGalenornOfficial]

Thank you. Even an hour in the car can be difficult for me, so all hints about traveling with chronic illness is welcome.

[@cathrenriddler45]

My goodness that lil boy has grown so fast!! So happy to see you guys having a good trip and finding what you need! Thank goodness the pharmacy had it!

[@sallyjordan4869]

So glad you were able to get your meds replaced so easily, Jessica. And I can just imagine how terrible poor Claudia must have felt. Thanks for the tips on staying cool. I don’t have any chronic illnesses that should cause trouble with heat, but I hate hate hate it, especially coupled with humidity. I’m glad I don’t have loved ones to visit in Malaysia, beautiful though it is. 🎀💖🎀

[@justmeonly986]

I also have to take pain medications around the clock for migraines. For people who don't suffer from a chronic illness, taking pain medications is considered a character flaw. I'm forever looked upon as a drug addict. I think I've tried just about every new and existing treatment and drug until the year 2020 when two new drugs, independently of each other, put me in the hospital -- 2 migraine medications caused me to have 2 intestinal surgeries 2 months apart. After almost 50 years of trying every new treatment protocol (I'm 68), I will no longer be a pin cushion or medical experiment. It is CRITICAL to have all your pain medicines. I won't book a trip if I cannot get access to enough of my medication in advance. THANK YOU FOR BEING SO PRETTY, NICE & INFORMED that people pay attention to you.

[@jennifers5560]

Taking medication is not any sort of flaw. I think people that think that way lack compassion or have not experienced pain or illness. ❤

[@ronjaj.addams-ramstedt1023]

​@@jennifers5560 ... or are in hard denial about their own aging and nearly inevitable illness/disability. (seeing as sudden de@th is the only way to avoid becoming at least somewhat disabled)

[@christabcook]

@@jennifers5560 I have chronic pain, hEDS, CFIDS/ME, adhd, and etc. and have had times where I was in a different US state and needed my 'controlled substance' refilled. Oh boy was it awful! One pharmacy refused to fill 'medication that strong for such a young person' so I had to physically go to other pharmacies until I found one who didn't judge. Zero compassion. They even called my doc to confirm, not the worst that has happened unfortunately. When I moved to a diff state, NO doctors would accept me as their primary (basic) care because I was taking a controlled subs.! It was horrible. I had to drive to my old dr every month, about 3 months later doc said this isn't going to work anymore...So now I'm off the only meds that actually enabled me to function ok and (there's more to it) but my quality of life is 20% maybe of what it used to be..and I feel like I won't be granted the meds that worked for me (for 11yrs) if I ask. I'm too weak to advocate for myself BUT recent scoliosis dx and pain increase are making me want to ask if I may try again. I'm afraid to ask! There's a stigma attached, as you probably know, and from 11yrs of attitude from pharmacists I have ptsd surrounding getting refills (same now with my adhd meds). We need advocates! SORRY FOR THE LONG REPLY! I agree with you that taking any medication that helps you is not a character flaw, and I assume @justmeonly986 feels the same. Much love & hope you're doing well

[@Just_One_Tree]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@jennifers5560 (/genuine) absolutely agree and I’ll add taking substances some governments have deemed illegal isn’t a flaw either

[@jacquelinebarber4754]

As a fellow 🦓 who has massive reactions to mosquito bites, I can say the only thing that helped me is taking vitamin B1 complex. I lived abroad for 18 months and only got 3 bites the whole time where I’ve been hospitalised before on holiday as I’ve had so many bites with severe reactions. Would love a video about how you navigate the airport and flight itself 😊

[@waffles3629]

Yep. I don't have EDS, but I have obnoxious reactions to bug bites. They can get huge, turn maroon, or both. It was real fun as a kid because teachers would send me to the nurse to go home thinking I had some contagious disease because "I know what bug bites look like", and camp counselors and coaches would just make me sit on the side and not participate. Unfortunately my parents blamed me "for not just explaining it" and made me pay them back for whatever I missed out on. You'd think they'd have understand it wasn't my inability to explain it after my teacher tried to send me home every single day for three weeks, but no, apparently if I just told the adults they were mosquito bites the problem would be over.

[@kyndramb7050]

I struggle with this, between my cane, and carry-on, and a drink. I can only travel comfortably if my husband travels with me. We checked a big bag we shared, and each had a "personal item". No carry-on luggage. Me: giant leather satchel that also contains my everyday purse, meds, etc. Foldable metal cane. Husband: backpack. My husband ends up carrying my satchel as well as his backpack because my shoulder gives out. With him with me I can also get a Starbucks Iced tea! Basically, make your more able-bodied partner carry your stuff when you can not, and pay the extra $35 to check a big bag. Lmao!😂 My poor husband. He's amazing.

[@carlizinea]

I have POTS, CFS, epilepsy and migraines, and I live in Brazil so I deal with heat a lot, and I use most of those tips everyday. I love your videos Jessi, they are amazing and helped me a lot to deal with all those diagnosis. thanks

[@julia2jules]

Medication availability varies so much between countries. I always check rules before booking holidays. Some stuff needs doctors letters to bring into the country.

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

Thanks for all the travel tips, Jessica! I’m glad that your family had a great trip and that you made it back safely!

[@AmyThePuddytat]

It's amazing how much suffering we accept, especially while travelling but also just at home, caused by doctors. There's absolutely no real shortage of triptans, opioids, methylphenidate, etc. They are right there in every pharmacy, but doctors have lobbied to make it impossible to get medication without their constantly repeated permission, even if they admit that you need it for life. I have literally never in my life talked to a doctor because they had some sort of expertise and they were the best person to ask something. Instead it is hundreds of appointments purely to get some sort of letter or permission to do something with my own damn body. Imagine if you had to fear starvation, despite there being no harvest failure, despite having enough money, simply because you don't have a little permission slip to buy food - because the wrong food could be bad for your health, don't cha know - plus a special extra nutritionist's letter if you're abroad. That's life for chronically ill and disabled people.

[@leahstumm9662]

I ran out of my medications overseas once. So bloody stressful! Worked out in the end💜

[@canondotcom994]

lovely video!! i just want to say that my chronic pain is actually so much worse in the cold! i feel like that side of the spectrum isn’t as common so i wanted to share my experience

[@esp1082]

I’m exactly the same way. Thrive in heat, turn into an absolute mess once it gets cold.

[@GreatCatsby_]

In seattle most homes (unless you are rich) do not have AC and only base board heating. It doesn't get (or at least we don't get) that hot during summer. Our summers are getting warmer here in the pacific northwest. less rain now too which means more fires and smoke. woo hoo. it's fine. we are fine. everything is fiiiiine!!!!

[@JennCampbell]

There are also powder and tablets you can carry with you to increase salt and other electrolytes. My favorite is Liquid IV. Tastes like Kool aid! ❤

[@Willow_moon364]

I take the lmnt electrolyte powder everyday in a protein shake (even when it's not hot) and find it's decreased migraines and helped prevent dehydration I generally drink a lot of water but sometimes if I have a long nap it messes with how much I can manage to drink

[@waffles3629]

I don't think Jessica could have Liquid IV because it has sugar in it. It does taste really good though.

[@MiljaHahto]

I have simple electrolyte powder, it has nothing but the electrolytes (including salt). You can mix it with juice or whatever instead of plain water, if you want. I find it a lot better than just salt, as it has the potassium and magnesium as well.

[@shinysparkilylights]

@@waffles3629they have a few sugar free flavors.

[@aShadeBolder]

it's so true about it being easier to plan for a one off/big thing than for every day. my neurodivergent food chaos (not anything like chronic illness, but still potentially disabling) on a 3-4 day conference where I'm Doing Stuff from 9am-10pm? here is my full on packed lunch plan with a nutritionally optimised mono-textured snack foods for the times my brain decided a given texture is Not Food Now, which I religiously prep every night. at home? oh shit, it's 4pm and I haven't eaten. what even is food?

[@nimrodgrrrl]

Ooooh this was so cute at the end and so informative for the rest! I struggle with heat intolerance A LOT with my fibromyalgia and POTS, so I’ll definitely be investing in some of this stuff. The neck fan is particularly interesting to me! Not mentioned here but I’m also curious about those towels you can get where you wet them and they stay wet and cold for like twenty minutes, I reckon that could be useful in the heat too! Anyway, thanks so much for this video, Jessica, I always look forward to your uploads so much 🥰

[@HOHNancy]

Those are great tips! 🙂 I laughed when the closed captioning says “Danny” near the beginning. 🤣 Thank you for this enjoyable video. ❤️

[@hieithefox]

My fibromyalgia loves heat I still use my ac and appreciate it when out depending on the level of heat. I also always cover up and use sunscreen. I really need a medication travel letter never thought of getting one.

[@nimrodgrrrl]

Oh this is really interesting! My fibromyalgia definitely does not love the heat. I personally really do love summer and the heat, especially cloudy and overcast or rainy summer days because the sun in particular tends to mess me up! But yeah, nothing compares to a good warm night for me. As long as I’ve got AC and a ceiling fan I can usually relax a little bit. I’m getting better at keeping cool, but I live in Australia so it’s never easy. 😅 I once didn’t have a proper aircon for two years and it was hell!

[@hieithefox]

@@nimrodgrrrl I have met so many others with Fibromyalgia who moved down to warm weather states because it helps 🌧️ and cold suck my pain gets worse and I am often stuck in bed I am in the US so the heat is definitely different

[@Lizzy-e8b]

Partially full glasses all around the house is actually a great defense strategy for when those aliens from Signs show up 👽 😂

[@shinysparkilylights]

i was always leaving half full or 1/3rd full water around & when that movie came out my best friend said to me “it makes sense now” lol

[@camib2864]

I feel so called out.

[@Yarnofthewild]

I still really appreciate your consistent respect for Rupert's privacy by blurring kiddo's face. I'm in the U.S. and hoping this becomes more commonplace all over and for the U.S. legislation to catch up with the times by giving actual legal protection for children on the internet instead of whackos obsessing over controlling children and parents, but that's a whole other rabbit hole. Your family is just a breath of fresh air for my gay ass who is building an emotional foundation with a partner so we may hopefully expand our family by adding our first child to it. You give me hope in showing so many other ways that normal can look, and it's so validating. Thank you for sharing 💕 it means the world to me to be able to see such a beautiful family that holds so much love, admiration, and mutual respect. I tend to tear up during your videos like this because I live in deep South Texas, surrounded by people with views I'd call backwards, so it's extremely isolating for 2 very visibly queer folx just trying to get by. Again, thank you for just being you and for sharing 💜💕💜💕💜💕💜

[@christinastroup438]

This is why I'm so afraid to travel now a days due to my Ulcerative Colitis..the heat just makes it come for an extreme visit..but that neck fan looks like a definite new item in my arsenal. Thank you so much for always sharing your wisdom with us. Have a wonderful time and stay safe.❤

[@SusanForman042]

My Mum has Crohn's & she also had Ulcerative Colitis( until they had her colon removed surgically. Can't have inflammation of something of a body you have after all, she still has Crohn's though.) you have my sympathies.

[@Mrstigger747]

It’s not JUST the glasses for us, lol 😝. I’ve got an entire collection of Stanley containers ALL over the house! I’m slightly addicted to pretty stainless and glass water bottles

[@micheledavis3735]

I am so sorry for you both...I completely understand your fear...I have 2 I will die without...you're the best!❤

[@anabluu]

Wooooow, I never knew that my constantly blistered feet and extreme sun sensitivity are due to EDS! The things you learn... Thanks Jessica! I only wear slip on shoes with cotton socks, no sandal works for my feet sadly, oh the blisters of the years that I tried to make sandals work....

[@nicolebohley897]

Omgggggggg little Ru is finally at the age that I can start catching his wordssss and it’s so cutttteeeee🎉❤😊

[@thatjillgirl]

We have quite a few glasses in our house per adult. It's just me and my husband, but we have 8 each of regular drinking glasses, short-sized glasses, and "fancier" glasses with a short stem on them, plus the many assorted coffee mugs and thermoses/bottles. We don't use them often, but I like having them so we can invite a decent-sized group of people over for dinner or whatever and have ample glasses for everyone assembled.

[@jumies4056]

5:00 it definitely depends across america, up here around new england i do see a lot of people with aircon but i don't have it, and it's horrible for me when we're in a heat wave lol. i absolutely see what you mean about being more equipped in malaysia because that's the weather that's culturally expected and accounted for, that's the experience i have being in the heat down south compared to my home.

[@88happiness]

Here in Japan I use the air con mostly in winter to survive the cold. You don't need hot weather to need an air con...

[@waffles3629]

​@@88happiness in most of the US (don't know about other countries) ACs and heaters are separate devices, so the ACs don't produce hot air.

[@waffles3629]

Yep, sometimes AC can be required even when it's not generally required for the area. I have to have AC or my migraine goes through the roof after more than a few hours over mid 70s (about 23C). I can't really afford it, but I can't afford not to.

[@IndustrialParrot2816]

I suppose your cities don't have horrible humid summers like every US city east if the Rockies does (the west coast however had until recently fairly mild summers and winters but not anymore) and pretty much everywhere west of The Rockies has horrible smokey dry hot summers from drought and forest fires and thats why we have Air conditioning because everywhere in the US except Alaska has horrible summers our weather is not mild like Europe (Europe has unusually mild weather)

[@elspethfougere9683]

Urg your first story is so relatable.. I literally just spent an hour on the phone today, waiting for a helpline nurse to help me figure out how to juggle managing my meds this weekend because the government has just changed the regulations on one of my main pain meds and I forgot I now have to get a separate signed script every time from my doctor now, not just a pharmacy repeat with the rest of everything else, so I ran out for the weekend. Can so relate to Claudia's terror, I was in tears knowing how much intense pain I could end up in with horrific withdrawals, if I didn't manage to sort it out, but luckily they had some advice to sort me out for a few days til I can get the script. I'm so relieved, and I'm so relieved for you that you could track something down on your trip! Extras are definitely a good tip. I will always keep back ups now, so I never end up with this again. Travelling with a letter like this is good advice. And yes! 😊 We do need to hear about your shoes, and your fan jessica! 😅 It helps so much! I didnt even realise how many of these things I already do instinctively, its super validating to hear them affirmed and out in a list ❤ Its so beautiful where you are, thank you so much for sharig your travels with us.. it gives me hope for when ive recovered a bit more and can imagine maybe getting organised enough and prepared enough to take a trip and have a dissability friendly adventure again 💖🤞🌈

[@lmyoung94]

😊Baby wipes! I did wonder when they would pop up? I had my little one over 20 years ago. And in my everyday bag, I still carry a packet around and sometimes even scented nappy bags. Very useful for litter and period days 😅

[@waffles3629]

Wipes are the best. I've never had children (hopefully one day) and I travel with them because they are so useful. I think I've shared more with other people than I've used while traveling. And the back of the toilet because sometimes tp is not up to the job.

[@CorinnePritchard]

I forgot my own pain meds going to Serbia. Was three days into withdrawal by the time we figure out what to do - that was horrible. Thankfully the thing was pretty easy, bar the waiting - you had to be interviewed by a doctor and I tried to get a printout of my prescription but didn't have phone credit. She was okay with it, so everything was solved. Cost more than 50p, though!

[@christabcook]

Oh my gosh, I can sympathize!! The waiting during withdrawals is horrid! Every second drags on😵‍💫😰 I'm happy that you were able to get what you needed & hope you were able to have fun!

[@jennifers5560]

❤

[@lulumoon6942]

Preparing for my first vacation in years, since I ended up in my chair. It's SO much more complicated! The heat/sun is a REAL problem with said conditions. Glad you had a holiday. You look enchanting in tropical heat, BTW! 👍😍🙏

[@georgelanetz7092]

It's so nice to see you walk and move and go out

[@catherinerw1]

Not so much glasses, but I probably have 20 mugs (I live alone). And the cupboard can often be down to the last half dozen.

[@rachelross1046]

These are good tips! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@chefboyarzee]

I'm very glad you were able to get the medication! it is so wonderful that you have several doctors in your family

[@mikaothelo3507]

I live alone, and I have 16 "everyday" drinking glasses, plus some extras like wine glasses (never even used) and glasses for hot drinks (as well as about 10 cups).

[@shadowangel3995]

I keep four glasses out on a regular basis. Own more but usually it’s just me home. So two of the glasses I use for my drinks outside of straight water, I use water bottles for that. One of the two is a wine glass. The third glass is the glass my daughter uses on the weekends. The last one is a tumbler style glass that is my rinse cup in the bathroom.

[@88happiness]

Here in Japan I use the air con mostly in winter to survive the cold. You don't need hot weather to need an air con...

[@ShikisaiMaki]

Important to know: If you travel for a long period that requires bringing a large amount of meds, certain countries require you to apply for an import certificate to be able to bring your medication, and usually it takes a while to review your application and send you the certificate, so it's better to apply several months in advance. In Japan, for example, I couldn't bring my ADHD meds (stimulants) and had to apply for a "yakkan shoumei".

[@CazAvery]

We have about 25ish glasses in the house and there are only two of us. And that's not counting mugs. And there are only two of us! 6 glasses each is definitely too few.

[@jennifers5560]

I agree, we probably have 50 glasses plus who knows how many mugs. 6 wouldn’t last us one day.

[@SheilaRough]

I'm diabetic so I get having the issues with your feet. Have you tried wearing diabetic socks? The way they are made, they expand when your feet swell without rubbing into your skin. Also no seams to rub blisters into your toes. I also swear by Skechers sneakers. Good arch support and i buy the slip on type with no laces to constantly have to retie. Ones i get are made out of kinda a mesh, breathable material. Best of all, they're machine washable, available in numerous styles and colors and are very reasonablely priced.

[@DaydreamingSophie]

While I would never to travel somewhere with a hot climate (not even Southern Europe in the summer) this is still useful for heatwaves. Also, in Germany and probably the whole EU if you take opioids and travel outside of the country your doctor has to fill out a form and it needs to be signed by a government agency and you can take no more medication with you than is stated on that form and up to 30 days I believe.

[@dexaria]

100% agree on everything you’ve mentioned and as someone with chronic fatigue I also find I have to be really strict about making myself have a little sit down every so often. I just want to go do/see all the stuff! If I don’t take rests during the day I will be incapable of doing anything the following day and that makes me depressed

[@CreatrixTiara]

Oh yeah you can get all sorts of random meds OTC in Malaysia haha - including birth control, which I was very surprised by! Make sure you doible check with the Government of the country you're going to to see if you have to declare your meds or can even bring then in. For instance, Singapore is super strict with drugs and Ritalin is considered enough of a controlled substance that you have to apply for a license at least two weeks before your trip, even if you're just transiting. Otherwise it's jail or worse for you!

[@SAmaryllis]

I hadn't seen that neck fan invention before, I'm definitely looking at it for a gift to give now!

[@lianagheorma92]

I live in Southern California. I usually wear foam flip flops with a fabric piece in between my toes. I find that it better accommodates my changing feet sizes in the heat.

[@lovepuppy2242]

I’m gunna do that shoe thing in my day to day, I feel like that would help me so much. My feet are always swollen past 3pm and only gets worse as the day goes. Edit, actually I’m just going to use all of these daily, I am from/live in Costa Rica.

[@lunalavendercat]

I live in a part of the US that didnt use to get heat waves, and we have the same issues with no AC in places. we get heatwaves that reach 95 (farenheit) in the summer sometimes and its just awful! I actually forget I'm sensitive to heat and dont realize how grumpy and miserable it makes me. I do take meds that make me more sensitive to the heat, so def a great tip to talk to your doctor about stuff like that, cuz I didn't know for the first 6 or 7 years of taking these meds!

[@laviniasnow4494]

OML, that neck fan is awesome and I want one now. I didn't know those even existed. 🤯

[@SpecJack15]

As someone who has a chronic kidney condition that needs Enalapril to keep it under control, I always bring a zip bag of the tablets with me along with 2.5L of water in various bottles. I too wear long- or 3/4-sleeves tops to protect my skin from getting sunburns or bug bites.

[@TooSickToDressVictorian]

I don’t know if it would be useful for you, but I kinda like these mosquitoe heat sticks. The proteins that cause the itching are heat sensitive, so the stick heats up to a certain temperature (I don’t exactly know how hot, but it’s definitely not enough to get burned) and you put it on the mosquito bite for a few seconds and then voila, no more itching!

[@katwitanruna]

I used spray bottles of peppermint or lavender water to water down in the summer. I’ve also used wet cloths in a Tupperware of lavender or peppermint water. You can then put them around the neck or under a hat.

[@flyingpigfarm1]

Medication is a problem while traveling FOR SURE. As I’m older and my handicap is easily visible I generally don’t get any flack about my medication bag, but I make doubly sure it’s properly stocked before I leave!

[@fishfish7985]

Thanks for reminding me to prepare for summer! I am currently very much enjoying early spring whete the wether is chill

[@infinitivez]

I always have to plan any trips I take in the US around the 1st when I get my prescriptions because of one particular controlled medication I'm on. It's always a total bother. The one relief I have is going back to Mexico where it isn't controlled and just an every day over the counter substance. Isn't that WILD? And it's 20x cheaper even, almost the price of a bottle of Aspirin in the states. Glad you ran into the same thing, because I know how absolutely horrifying it is knowing you're going to experience withdrawal in the next 24-36 hours. YAAAY. The water bottle is a MUST, always. I think that's a pain medication thing, as they tend to dry us out more. I'm always thirsty lol

[@ABLovescrafting]

I'm so glad you mentioned the whole "the sun makes my skin hurt" thing. Yeah, I got that. And my Dad, who was a Dr. Said yeah I was "allergic to the sun". Umm, no, that is not what it was, was it. The Dr. I was gaslit the worst by was my own Dad.

[@ramonas6453]

@ABLovescrafting Did he say it in a mocking tone or why do you think that? Because sun allergy is a real thing. It’s a widely accepted diagnosis, and severe cases can be very limiting (i.e. sufferers need to constantly control and limit their sun exposure, which is not easy to do depending on location, profession etc.).

[@ABLovescrafting]

@@ramonas6453 I was young and that was his "diagnosis". Looking back now and taking in some of his other behaviour, I'm pretty sure he was just humouring me. He Definitely did not take the care and attention that you speak of above.

[@gariden]

for 5 years (all the teen ones i should have been playing sport and such, oof) i got hives in response to sun and heat and wasn't that fun. all your tips are definitely things i internalised during that time, especially big hat and floaty clothes. it's not enough that the clothes are breathable, if they're on your skin all the time you're going to be very warm anyway.

[@cherylkinkaid6801]

I just bought one of those neck fans last year and it was so helpful

[@Urkowata]

Good to see you, for real ❤ Happy that you seem okay, Charlie was concerned 😅

[@Sneg404]

Thank you for all the advice! I might have to get the neck fan for myself even though I dont live/travel to tropics, our summers tend to get very hot and who knows maybe a neck fan is what will help me get throught them

[@eliontheinternet3298]

In the US we have these spray bottle/fan combos. They usually have a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck (or have your kid strap it around their neck in case they drop it). It's a big spray water bottle with a little fan at the top, that's made of foam so it doesn't hurt your fingers. You can mist yourself and then turn on the fan, so that the cooling is more effective. It's very nice for places like Disney World, even if you don't have any heat issues!

[@SusanForman042]

I had something like that [1]back when I used to go to summer camp as a kid. I recently (last year maybe) had suggested that to my parents that look into get a few of those for us( I felt like they gave me this look ' I have no idea what you're talking about.' But thinking back on it pretty sure that was my anxiety talking.) , dad looked into it and said he couldn't find them. Would you mind telling me where you got yours from? [1] minus the spray bottle.

[@eliontheinternet3298]

We got ours from a store near Disney that sells souvenirs and random stuff to tourists, but I googled “personal foam fan” and a few of them came up. I’m in the US if that matters.

[@SusanForman042]

@@eliontheinternet3298 Okay thanks I'll try looking up personal foam fans.

[@laikadancesonthemoon9003]

I have a cup in every room of my flat so I only have to think of the teapot 😂 so I can relate to the glass situation… and thank you for all the great tips. I’m more hopeful now that maybe I’ll be able to travel one day despite my chronic illness. Thank you for that ❤

[@LilDinoGuy]

I have hEDS and I went to the Philippines with my partner to see his family last year, so I have had a really similar experience. I made sure to keep braces and orthotics and painkillers near me at all times, though we honestly spent most of our time indoors anyway so I didn’t end up needing to pay that much extra attention to my health till I suddenly got pleurisy on like day 7 or 8.

[@aroundtheworldin80coffees79]

What were people wearing in Malaysia in the 1950s? Do you search out local retro when you are there? Please show us!

[@Pibealges]

My dad's struggle was with a cream that you can get over the counter in the US, but is only available with a prescription in the UK. Thankfully I had been able to mail some to a friend who they were meeting 2 days later and it didn't have any issues at customs, but given that one of my dad's anxiety symptoms when traveling is full body hives, let's just say, calomine only did so much for those couple days.

[@centreoftheselights]

It's worth noting that "stay out of the sun 11-3" is based on the clocks being forward an hour! In most tropical countries they don't have daylight savings time, so you should avoid the sun between 10am and 2pm.

[@becka_tics5166]

I’ve got lupus and have experienced the sun completely zapping my energy. I once got sick for 8 days straight (oscillating between high temp and low temp and incredibly nauseous) after spending a few hours of my vacation out in the sun. That neck fan looks like just the thing I need. I also have CIDP and can relate to the demyelination of your nerves causing a weird mixture of numbness and hypersensitivity.

[@dragade101]

Heat pumps are amazing and should be a default moving forward until another technology emerges. Its hard to beat the thermal conductivity of fluids when used in the best way possible. Hopefully the UK starts to realise this and upgrade infrastructure accordingly.

[@orimoto_rika-chan]

I have fibromyalgia and one of the medications I take to manage my chronic pain is CBD oil, 100% CBD absolutely no THC. And even though it has absolutely no THC in it, it’s still illegal in SO many countries, meaning that not only can I never travel to those countries but I can’t even do a stopover in those countries while I’m on my way to a country where it is legal, it’s completely legal where I live though. I haven’t been overseas since I started taking it 18 months ago, but seeing as it looks like I’ll be taking it for the rest of my life, I’m going to be very restricted in how and where I travel to overseas.

[@starlightvampire]

I grew up in a coastal Californian town where none of the homes had AC, and when I was a kid I feel like we never really needed it. It got really hot maybe one week out of the year (~90F/32C) but after that week, we really never got very hot days. Now that I'm an adult and living in Los Angeles, I find the heat to be really difficult for me -- my medication makes it hard for my body to regulate its temperature, so I overheat very easily. And even with our AC on constantly in the summer, it frequently is still 80F+ (26c) in our house during the day. Summer is Suffering Time. 😅

[@samarnadra]

As an Arizonan: Set it to run more at night (like 71-72F) so it can cool the house more when it is cooler and electricity is off-peak and keep the thermostat constant during the day at say 73-74F whether or not you are home, it is more efficient this way. Make sure all drafts are sealed. Put reflective shade film on all your windows. If you have south-facing ones, try to block them completely, with cardboard, styrofoam, mylar bubble insulation, what have you, or use that winterizing plastic seal stuff they use in cold places in winter and put up blackout curtains. Doing this to the west is also good, but at least use dark curtains or thick blinds over a west-facing window in summer. The less light that gets in, the better. Next you need fans to keep the air circulating and not getting stagnant in any one room. If it is dry out, a small humidifier in front of a fan makes a little swamp cooler for a very small space - I have had this work in a house with broken A/C in summer. An area the size of a bathroom or walk-in closet can be curtained off using tension rods and bookcases or the like (with a heat escape at the top) to make a cooling area, just leave it about once an hour so your body heat doesn't warm it too much, just go get water and a cool snack or something. Make sure your bedsheets are 100% cotton or linen. I like flannel or jersey personally for sensory reasons. They make cooling blankets designed to absorb heat and then have a fan blow it away as well, which are usually cotton on the other side. Wear cotton, linen, or silk to bed. Use only LED lights, and if you can get smart lights you can control the brightness of, that will make it even cooler in the house when they are on. Unplug anything that doesn't need to be plugged in that might generate warmth. In summer use a phone or tablet, not a desktop or laptop computer whenever possible, and when a computer is necessary, have a fan blowing their heat out of the room. If you own your place, plant trees to shade the south and or west side. I hope this helps some!

[@gypsydonovan]

That's a heart stopping beginning. I have my meds in a my carry-on, with at least 2 days in my pockets and the full bottle of what I know will be hard to get is always in my pants pocket or bea- somewhere I can feel at all times. And that's just domestic travel. As far as air conditioning, there is a line between the north and south united states. The south is warm, and ac is standard. The north is seasonal and most people don't have ac, though increasingly new buildings are being built with it. Climate change has had an impact on construction. Pipes freezing in Texas, roads cracking from heat is Washington, southern California prepped for a hurricane.... The US infrastructure is built very specifically for environment & the environment is changing. Now, developers are trying to be prepared for the future. I'm in Seattle & we wish we had ac every summer, but we only need it a few weeks a year. I think a lot of people are weighing the expenses but if you can afford it, it's definitely worth doing.

[@jennifers5560]

I don’t think it is as simple as people in the Northern U.S. don’t have air. We are in Chicago and the summers are HOT. Most houses, stores and restaurants have air conditioning . Even people in apartments and older houses put in window units for the summer.

[@kate4781]

I was raised in Florida, lived for nearly 7 years in Chicago (without AC in my apartment), and now live in England (without aircon in my home). Big differences between English heatwaves and Chicago heatwaves are 1. English heatwaves are more humid 2. It isn't just your home that doesn't have aircon in England; it is nearly everywhere. In Chicago, I could go to shops, restaurants, my workplace, a library, etc to escape being in the heat. Although I can think of a few places with some aircon here in England (Costco, some supermarkets, etc), they are much fewer and further between making it feel as though the heat is inescapable.

[@jennifers5560]

@@kate4781 ok, so now I have to ask. Why aren’t there more air conditioned places in England? Is it a cost of energy thing?

[@kate4781]

@jennifers5560 When I've asked people, most have said something along the lines of, "Why would we? We only get two weeks of hot weather." Then we get well over a month of uncomfortably hot weather, spread out over the summer months, at least in the south of England. I think the weather patterns have changed dramatically enough in people's lifetimes that they have weather expectations that don't align with current reality. I do occasionally hear people say, "This is our new reality, so we need to adapt." Perhaps change is coming. Other factors include lots of older buildings that would need to be changed to accommodate central air, higher cost of energy, and a greater general belief in making small changes in your own life to lessen your impact on the climate (as compared to most of my American friends/family)

[@jennifers5560]

@@kate4781 interesting!

[@dcseain]

I use one glass for coffee and one for water each day.

[@missmeakat]

Linen clothes for me! I have zero temperature control and feel so hot and dizzy in cotton/synthetic summer clothes

[@KarynPeterson]

the dresses that you and claudia had on in the ending clip are so cute together

[@mazmain9248]

I also have an Autoimmune disease and other chronic illnesses. I have found that you can not travel to Singapore with anything stronger than paracetamol. A friend of mine found that out the hard way. I live in Australia so I have lots of light clothes. Air con is a MUST for me. Shoes are the worst thing for me. I am already a size 11so finding something that has any give in it is impossible. The neck fan is always in arms reach for me too. If you have a problem with bugs there are small stickers that you put on your clothes and they work really well.

[@АннаГорбунова-о7ш]

It's nice to look at you.

[@ShieldofApollo]

Oh my gosh, this was my fear when I had to go to Mexico for almost a month. I am just lucky that none of my medication on that control that I get advanced, so I had enough for emergencies. But man, that sucks.

[@arwong222]

I stayed an a hotel in London. It was hot and the hotel only had a fan. I live in the States and it was HOT. #noaircon

[@licensed_loser]

Hello lovely peopleb❤

[@ShinySarah44]

For two adults, we have 4 glasses, 4 plastic cups, and 10 mugs. I didn't own glasses for a long time because mugs do the same job and are less breakable. :D But I have 6 water bottles that follow me around throughout the day. I can't have a large bottle as my hands will rebel and I will spill them on myself, so 600-800ml bottles are great.

[@JennaGetsCreative]

I love neck fans! I discovered them last summer. Edit- Yes they do make child beck fans, but honestly I've got flexible adult ones that can become narrower on the neck than the child model we have for our daughter.

[@rachaeltrujillo9960]

Yup as an American who lives in New Mexico which is southern US. We get 100+degree f heat days every summer for about 2 weeks and it’s brutal. My air con gets a lot of use. If someone’s goes out it is an actual crisis.

[@IzhakIb]

Welcome to Malaysia ❤

[@melikaheuork5164]

low fat salty potatoe crisps and coke or strong black twa with lemon are also my go-to headache releave! crisps also have the highest potassium conted, which is good in those moments. (low fat bcs i have a sensitiv stomach)

[@tinytatotot2910]

As someone from the US - sugar free sports drinks (my favorite is Gatorade) are a good way to both get enough liquid in and help balance a lot of the stuff you lose while moving around sightseeing (even if it isn't super active)

[@paultheapostle3659]

I think the microphone actually makes the audio harder to listen to

[@BelleChanson0717]

The shoe thing is SO REAL. I bought new shoes this past summer in Venice because my feet were in agony. Ended up with the most comfortable sandals I've ever put on my feet; I'm so glad the brand is available online (Geox, if anyone wants to investigate. Not cheap, but like little clouds for my feet. Our tour guide specifically recommended them and she was so right). Also, re: salt. I have my medically necessary package of pickles. It's great fun.

[@krisrowan]

I shall be traveling shortly with an arms length of chronic illnesses to the island of ice. I am from a hot humid climate where if it gets to 30f /-1c we are all going to freeze. Send me good wishes thar I survive and don't get arrested with my prescriptions.

[@lindsayosterhoff2459]

A bit off topic but I love Claudia's black dress toward the end. I've been trying to find something like it. She didn't happen to get it from any online store that I can order from, did she? I'd love to buy a couple to wear once hot weather hits this summer in my area.

[@catbeara]

Some pharmacies will let your doctor call them to issue you an "emergency prescription". Usually only a few days worth though.

[@MiljaHahto]

That does not necessarily work over the country borders. In fact, I'd assume it does not.

[@catbeara]

@@MiljaHahto worth a shot :)