Before a Crisis / Painful Episode
© Copyright 2016 Storma Sire
Sometimes we can tell when a Sickling episode is about to strike (ie. fatigue / exhaustion, body pain, fever, etc). Here are some suggestions on what to do:
- Its all about timing: be prepared before hand. Have some things at the ready in the event of a painful episode especially if you live alone.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, lemon water, herbal / caffeine free tea, etc). Have bottles of water and non-caffeinated tea at the ready to track your fluid intake.
- Get plenty of rest. Don't push the body, it needs to take it easy.
- Have medications at the ready and close by. Prepare a medication schedule with your doctor for emergencies and pain management.
- Have emergency contact information ready (doctors, nurses, family or friends, transportation if needed, etc). Be sure to contact a friend or relative and let them know what is going on. Ask them to check in on you if possible via phone or visit if you live alone.
- Temperature control. If you are cold, keep comfortably warm (ie. try bundling up, try wrapping yourself in a towel and laying in a hot / warm bath, try an infrared heating mat, try sipping tea, try a vaporizer with aromatherapy / essential oils, etc). If you are hot, keep comfortably cool (ie. try an air-conditioner or if it is humid try a dehumidifier, if the air is dry use a humidifier (this will also prevent you from dehydrating), try a fan placed in front of a window, try sipping cool refreshing foods and drinks, etc).
- Staying calm is critical. Listen to relaxing or calming music. Try aromatherapy. Read a book or watch something you enjoy.
- Have plenty of snacks and food prepared. Sometimes people want to know how to help us when we are sick. Asking for someone to help us with food preparation could be an excellent way get the support you need and allow family and friends to be useful.
- Massage can be very helpful to promote circulation. This is something else that you can ask people you are comfortable with to do for you.
