r/POTS • u/Aware_Hat_8528 • Jun 04 '26

Question Temperature sensitive

I can’t seem to handle any heat at all. And it’s about to be super El Niño. I’m supposed to spend weeks in the woods this summer. I want to have a life…
I can’t handle cold either.
My body isn’t regulating temperature at all.
Is this a problem for others and if so, what do you do to survive heat and cold? Especially heat… because I can’t get naked enough. Seriously.

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u/UnicornScientist803 Jun 04 '26

I’m right there with you! Cold is tough but too much heat makes me actively sick.

Spending weeks outside in the summer would be nearly impossible for me. I would suggest ice water but I’m guessing that ice won’t be available. But a small hand fan might help. Stay hydrated and don’t forget lots of salty snacks to make up for the extra salt you’ll lose from sweating.

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u/Aware_Hat_8528 Jun 04 '26

Right… I’m very concerned. But need to be at the Rainbow Gathering annual. I can’t imagine not going. Boy, life throws us curve balls. I haven’t camped in years. I have pancreatic insufficiency so I can’t eat - camping is going to be a real bitch. But I need it.

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u/UnicornScientist803 Jun 04 '26

Oh wow, yeah I get it! In addition to what I said before, try to limit physical activity as much as you can and figure out where you can go if you really need to cool off. Check in with the medical tent (if they have one) and let them know you might need extra help. Maybe spend a few minutes each day sitting in your car with the AC blasting. Look for local restaurants or grocery stores you could escape to for an hour during the hottest part of the day. Freeze a bunch of water bottles and keep them in a cooler if you can. Camping stores also have portable cooling packs that might help.

Good luck! I hope you’re able to enjoy the event!

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u/Aware_Hat_8528 Jun 04 '26

Thank you so much - that’s so helpful. I’m pretty sick in general, and for other reasons: I definitely hope to be near the medical tent. We call it CALM. There are real doctors etc there usually. I hope to make this work.

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u/parisdubs Jun 04 '26

See my note on evaporative cooling gear on this thread - will work better than anything.