This year, the holiday season stands to look like none we’ve seen before. With the pandemic continuing to upend our lives, many of us are rethinking our usual family traditions and travel plans. Those who are planning to gather may be experiencing all the typical anxiety that the holidays can bring, plus some additional health and safety concerns.
If you are suffering from painful, uncomfortable, or inconvenient uterine fibroid symptoms like heavy bleeding, severe cramps, frequent urination, and low energy, you can add yet another level of stress to the equation. After all, there’s little doubt that both dealing with fibroids and making holiday plans can be physically and emotionally draining.
Whether you are concerned about managing fibroids and air travel, dealing with family get-togethers and COVID-19 risks, or trying to decide on the perfect gifts for your loved ones, here are some things to keep in mind as you make your 2020 holiday plans.
Making Yourself a Priority is Important
If there’s one thing many of us discovered during quarantine, it’s that having more available time can allow us to focus more on ourselves. With so many outside commitments cancelled and long daily work commutes eliminated, quarantine offered many people an unusual opportunity for emotional introspection and active lifestyle improvements.
Some began new exercise programs. Others learned to cook healthy meals. Many deep-cleaned their houses, put together jigsaw puzzles, practiced daily meditation, or took up gardening.
As this year’s winter threatens more dark pandemic days ahead, we encourage you to continue to prioritize your health –– both physical and emotional. Be sure to schedule plenty of time to exercise, prepare healthy foods, enjoy relaxing activities, and sleep.
If your fibroid symptoms are impacting your ability to exercise, socialize, take care of yourself and family members, or maintain a positive sense of self-esteem, it is probably time to look into your treatment options.
Take Advantage of The Time, Get Treatment!
If you plan to stay home for the holidays, this may be the perfect time to explore or schedule fibroid treatment. If you have avoided treatment because you fear fibroid surgery, we want you to know that a hysterectomy is not your only option. We believe in educating women on their full range of available treatments so they can make an informed decision.
At USA Fibroid Centers, we offer an effective, non-surgical treatment called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). Uterine Fibroid Embolization takes only 30-45 minutes and is performed by our top-rated fibroid specialists in dozens of state-of-the-art outpatient clinics. UFE can eliminate your painful and uncomfortable fibroid symptoms, preserve your fertility, and quickly get you back to normal activities.
If you’re ready to take a step toward a healthier, more comfortable life, schedule a virtual consultation today!
Gift Ideas for Yourself or the Fibroid Sufferer You Love
Along with making seasonal plans for safe family gatherings, it is also the time of year to make and share holiday gift lists. Here are some fun and essential gift ideas for yourself or the fibroid sufferer in your life:
- Comfort basket: How about putting together a holiday basket filled with her favorite snacks and soothing drinks? Eating a healthy, well-rounded diet and staying hydrated can help boost energy levels and alleviate other fibroid symptoms. Be sure to include herbal tea and dark chocolate!
- Exercise equipment: Because physical activity can help alleviate fibroid pain and discomfort, now is the perfect time to gift your loved one with that stationary bike, weight set, or new pair of walking shoes she’s been eyeing.
- Heat therapy: A heating pad or hot water bottle can do wonders to reduce painful menstrual cramping and back pain due to fibroids. Plus, these items are generally comforting to curl up with, especially on a cold day.
- Period kit: Okay, so maybe tampons and pads don’t seem like the greatest gift idea at first, but what if you packed them into a cute little pouch to stash in her purse or car? You can also include travel-size packets of Ibuprofen and other pain-relieving medications.
- Reusable water bottle: With so many great options on the market, you won’t have any trouble finding the right color, size, and style for that special someone. Bonus: you’ll also be helping to save the planet!
- New underwear: Because many women with fibroids experience blood stains on their clothing, they will surely appreciate some pristine replacements.
- Nap accessories: Because low energy is one potential effect of fibroids, taking naps can be very important. Plus, who doesn’t love a cozy pillow, warm socks, and fleece blanket?
- Travel pillow and blanket: Although airlines used to provide pillows and blankets to passengers, these items are becoming harder and harder to find on flights. Bringing your own can help ensure your personal comfort when dealing with fibroids and air travel.
If You Have Fibroids, Remember These Essential Items Before Traveling
While traveling with fibroids can be difficult, there are several ways to help manage your symptoms. We understand, however, that this isn’t always easy. You may not know exactly when you’re going to get your next period. You may regularly experience breakthrough bleeding, soak through sanitary products at inconvenient times, or frequently (and urgently!) need to find a nearby bathroom.
When it comes to alleviating holiday travel-related stress, having the right supplies with you can make a world of difference. That said, preparing for fibroids and air travel can be a challenge since you are only allowed to bring a small carryon bag with you. Even if you just have a short flight booked, we recommend packing the following self-care items:
- Plenty of pads and tampons
- Extra underwear
- A change of clothing
- Pain-relieving medications
- Non-perishable snacks
- A refillable water bottle (look for filling stations at the airport)
- Relaxing music and other forms of entertainment
- A heating pad (many planes now offer individual power outlets)
- Small pillow and throw blanket
Don’t Wait Any Longer
If you suffer from the effects of fibroids, we encourage you to get help as soon as possible. We don’t want you to live with fibroid pain and discomfort any longer. We also want you to know that booking an initial consultation at USA Fibroid Centers is both easy and convenient with our online scheduling system.
Although the holidays may feel extra stressful this year when dealing with fibroids and COVID-19 safety measures, there’s reason to hope that things will improve. After Uterine Fibroid Embolization, most women return to their normal activities within one to two weeks. Beyond that, the vast majority go on to experience a better quality of life due to:
- Less or no fibroid pain and discomfort
- Lighter periods
- Less severe menstrual cramps, if any
- Normal urination
- Sex that is no longer painful
- Improved energy levels
Contact USA Fibroid Centers to Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you are ready for a positive change this holiday season, make plans to visit us and explore your fibroid treatment options. You can schedule an appointment online for either an office-based or telemedicine consultation with one of our experts.
Fibroid treatment shouldn’t affect your holiday budget, since it is generally covered by most major insurance plans.
Whether you are traveling with fibroids or staying home this year, we are available throughout the holiday season to help you explore your fibroid treatment options and rediscover the joy of the season!
