Tag: disability

In seemingly no particular order, here go:

1. Working Out
   1. Worked out our entire engagement. Not for looks but so I could stand up during our ceremony (having a good workout regime is helpful in POTS recovery)
2. Having a Designated Personal Attendant
   1. One of my besties who is a literal angel and nurse was instrumental getting me through the day. (yes healthy people have personal attendants as well. Everyone should imo)
   2. She made sure I was drinking enough, eating enough, and using my CBD oil on a schedule. Again, she’s a nurse so she was ON IT and all with a smile.
   3. She carried a bag with POTS staples like salt pills, nausea meds, and liquid IV.
   4. Having someone dedicated to help me was great because expectations were established so I felt comfortable asking her for help when needed.
3. Dress Selection
   1. We got married in September. I picked a dress that was light and airy to avoid overheating.
   2. My dress had pockets, which were fabulous and functional.
   3. Choose a dress you feel comfortable in.
   4. Do not fad diet to squeeze into a dress.
   5. No bonus points for wearing a dress that doesn’t fit comfortably.
   6. Our health is uncomfortable enough, don’t add to it.
4. Shoe Selection
   1. I wore really pretty lace up ballet flats and switched to the Kate Spade Keds for the reception. 10/10 comfortable the whole time
   2. I did have compression socks on retainer if they were necessary
5. Emergency Chair Behind Altar
   1. We hid a chair behind the ceremony backdrop.
   2. Made a hand signal with my sister (MOH) so if I got sick she could just quietly get the chair without us making a scene. (I’ve also done this trick as a bridesmaid.)
6. Know Your Limits (its ok to share them with others)
   1. I literally told the pastor the night before that if he didn’t finish within 10 minutes I was walking back down the aisle regardless of where we were in the ceremony LOL homeboy honored that time limit.
   2. Most of the people knew my health limits so they were really respectful of talking to me while I was sitting or they’d keep any conversations held while I was standing, short
7. Explore IVs (check with your dr)
   1. Getting an IV is the only thing that helps me feel any relief. (Again, can’t take meds due to adverse reactions.)
   2. I looked up a mobile IV company and literally got one on site while getting ready which was a massive help.
   3. It can be less expensive to go to IV company’s office (it was the difference of me making it through the day so it was worth it.)
8. Create Time and Space for Grace
   1. We got married at my in law’s place. We had people make us our plates so we went from walking back up the aisle directly into his parent’s room to a little table set up and we got some time to chill by ourselves during cocktail hour.
   2. I personally struggle eating when there’s a lot of commotion so I just took the time to be quiet and still (hyperPOTS= overstimulated=food not sitting right)
9. First Look
   1. First looks are great in general but for me and my hyperPOTSie self, reducing suspense was a huge help. Less pressure. (The goal is to try and make your day easy for yourself)
10. Emotionally Pace
    1. This is a huge day regardless of health status.
    2. I requested those on my side giving speeches to keep it relatively light. With my adrenaline I can really struggle with big emotions making me more prone to adrenaline attacks which would literally ruin the day for me. (Again, personal preference.)
    3. There is a super fine balance between enjoying your day to the fullest and sacrificing your health.
       1. Identify the moments of your day that matter most to try and pace yourself from exciting moment to exciting moment.
          1. Spread out the schedule if you think its too much energy back to back
11. Sweetheart Table
    1. During speeches it was nice to just sit with my husband and not have to factor in anyone else.
    2. Having space to ourselves was also great for managing inevitable overstimulation.
12. Try and Find a Safe Place to Take a Break
    1. I snuck away 2-3 times with my personal attendant in tow during the reception to just take a minute to listen to my body’s needs.
13. Keep Yourself Fed and Hydrated
    1. Every bride needs to hear this but you really need to go out of your way sometimes to make sure you are drinking the right amount and putting fuel in the tank
    2. Eat smaller portions though as meals divert blood to the digestive system and that can cause some symptoms to come out and play
14. Go at Your Own Pace
    1. This is your day. It is completely ok to take a break at any time.
    2. If you need a mobility aid, you can still be a gorgeous bride! (I personally didn’t need mine because I wasn’t walking around all night but did take pics cause representation matters!)
15. Allow Yourself to Enjoy the Day, You Deserve it!