ophelialit Posted January 20, 2013 Report Share Posted January 20, 2013 Wellllll, here I am with what might be the dumbest "problem" ever...a close friend who works in the political arena has managed to snag a handful of tickets to one of the official Inaugural Balls tomorrow night, and, generously, she's invited me and my husband to attend with her and her fiancee. My first reaction? THRILLED! Glitz, glamour, a fabulous gown, celebrities galore, a chance to honor my main man Obama...so, naturally, we accepted with great thanks. Now here I am the day before the event...and I'm beside myself with anxiety...so much so that I'm just about to barf from the sheer panic (nothing says glitz and glamour like barf!).When we accepted, I hadn't considered the logistics of the whole thing--driving into the city (I'll have to drive by myself as my husband is a ranger with the Nat'l Park Service and has to report for duty at 5am). Navigating around the road closures, traffic and 800,000 of my closest friends will NOT be fun. Standing in line for the security check is a recipe for a POTS disaster, and then, to top it off, being surrounded by thousands of people in a huge convention center with nothing but noise and bright lights! I might as well just pass out now and be done with it!I know this is a once-in-a-lifetime/bucket list opportunity (EVERYONE has told me multiple times, thanks), but all I can think is EEEEEEEEK! And I'm more than a little angry at this disorder that ONCE AGAIN is doing its level best to poo on my parade (this is beyond merely peeing on my parade)...what to do, what to do? Sighhhhh... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbyw Posted January 20, 2013 Report Share Posted January 20, 2013 I have no idea if this is realistic at all, but do you think there is anyone you can contact to try to minimize the standing on line part due to health issues? Even for someone who is not of political import? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ophelialit Posted January 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2013 Hey abbyw,I've considered that, but I'm really not sure who'd I'd contact for an event of this magnitude, and I really don't want to be a pain in the bum with my "special needs." I'm half considering just telling my husband to go on without me and take lots of pics...I'm just not sure I'm up for all this entails... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badhbt Posted January 20, 2013 Report Share Posted January 20, 2013 I totally understand. My social life has definitely has changed. What a neat opportunity! Maybe you could take a town car so you don't have to drive? Just a suggestion. I hope you get to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Relax86 Posted January 20, 2013 Report Share Posted January 20, 2013 Don't let dysautonomia stop you. You've got spunk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoGiuliana Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 Rather than driving into the city I would consider getting a taxi. I know that is expensive but it would reduce a lot of stress. I hope you go and have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brethor9 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 I know its not the same but when I went to see U2 last summer I had a friend drive, brought bottled water, earplugs and wore compression stockings....I also carried a small handheld fan in my bag. (oh and took 1/2 an ativan before I left ...... Not sure what they will allow you to have on you security wise but maybe some of those things would help for coping. I found the earplugs to be very helpful with drowning out some of the external stimulation so I wasn't too overexposed. I was very glad in the end that I went and I ended up being able to cope for most of the night afterall.....I was a mess for about a week after but it was worth it I hope you are able to go and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience....this illness robs us of so much.......good luck......crossing my fingers for you!Bren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenLR Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 I say go for it. I know that an inaugural ball has the potential to be a nightmare for someone with POTS, but I think you should at least try it. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. You may not make it very far, but at least you won't regret not making the effort. Do you know anyone that could loan you a wheelchair for a night? I worked for Hillary Clinton before I got sick, so I absolutely love political events like this one. Hope that you feel up to going and that you have a great night with your husband. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogini Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 Definitely go for it. For many of us, our bodies kick in to high gear to get us thru events like this. I would take the train, taxi, stay in a hotel or do whatever to make it easier, more comfortable. Load up on water, take extra meds,etc so you are prepared. let us know how it goes!!!! So exciting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1234 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 If you go, have a WONDERFUL time!! If you absolutely feel you cannot handle it, don't beat yourself up over that decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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