Lupus and theme parks

[Sammyb246]

Sorry really new to lupus if this is a stupid question. I want to take my kids to a theme park but am unsure how the roller coasters would affects me physically. Any experience would be great

Thank you x

[MrsMarigold]

Hello Sammy. If you are feeling well and not prone to dizziness, I can’t see why not. Not sure I’d recommend more than one or two go rounds. And definitely not the ones that twist upside down. You will find out how it affects you that evening or next morning.

Best, MrsMarigold

[Kath1]

Hi Sammy I find I'm a bit achy the next day after being bumped around on roller coasters but for me it is worth it for a fun day out that I don't do all the time. So if you want to go on roller coasters, you should, I hope you have a brilliant day out with your family!

[445600]

I go to the theme parks and I just love roller coasters the faster the better ! So far so good twists and turns you name it I’m on it😀 However we are all different what’s good for me might not be good for you ! If your going to go for the first time maybe take it slow and easy - Enjoy 🤣

[ali998]

I don't do roller coasters so cant comment on those, but Alton Towers used to be brilliant for anybody with a blue badge - a wristband to allow you and your family fast access to all the rides for free to minimise queing. Now changed to a fast access pass - worth checking out their website as i think you now have to apply in advance and the criteria have changed.

[Sammyb246]

Thanks everyone xx

[Djlr]

That is Wonderful time to spend with your children at the theme parks.

I was definitely taking my children to full days at the Park, even after I was finally diagnosed; but at that the time, I didn’t think there was a “connection to my lupus flares”🤔💜🤔

It does “take time to realize” what your individual “lupus triggers” are that cause you to have LUPUS flares. Everyone is different

It can happen a “day or two after” I’d been in those long days at the theme park & in the SUN ☀️- Which I learned the SUN was the most dangerous factor in causing flyers for me and many lupus individuals.

Even though we grow up playing in the sun, on swim teams, lifeguards, beach visits often during our young life, as we get into our 30s and 40s the sun can become a major trigger of extreme flares. Including migraine headaches, chest heaviness, MAJOR JOINT PAIN, Hair loss/Scalp issues, EXTREME FATIGUE, And of course “possibility” of major “skin rashes”.

Each year you learn a little bit more living with Lupus, what you can and what you cannot do.

- Plan days of rest after the event. (IT gives your body time to heal from the EXTRA STRESS - even if you feel OK, take it easy- we can get hit HARD when we do TOO MUCH)

- Wear “SunGard clothing” with SPF of 50 or wash clothes in SunGard by Ritz, which gives clothing about a 30 SPF. .......Leggings, long sleeves, FLOPPY HAT, sunglasses 😎- protect yourself & SUNSCREEN SFF 50+ (All over Body under CLOTHES to protect since SUN PENETRATES CLOTHES)

- EVENING Park TRIPS ( 6-10 pm ) helps us to stay out of DIRECT SUN 🌞

Concerning the RIDES -

- I “didn’t have a problem with any RIDE” until developing more serious issues with Bones from LUPUS - SO by then, they were older so I could WATCH 😊 for the more rigorous Rides.

Be safe - but “go whenever” your Body is prepared & strong enough for the day/evening 💜

[Djlr]

lupus.org/resources/underst...

verywellhealth.com/lupus-an...

[ijeasike]

I can't cope with roller coasters. I tried it a couple of times I was terrified. Since my lupus I have been very sensitive. So I will rather seat down, watch the kids enjoy the rides, have some ice cream and hotdog. Kind regards

Ije xx

[Djlr in reply to ijeasike]

Correct- sometimes it’s best to watch 💜

We fluctuate so much.

SO learning to find the Healthy RHYTHM between REST, lowering STRESS, WORK, Children, Family Commitments, Volunteering and then the “recognition” of what will TRIGGER FLARES is very important to living a better life with Lupus.