Hannah was diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism in her teens and needs weekly calcium infusions. Alongside working hard as a student nurse, she took part in the physically demanding Colour Obstacle Rush to raise money for Hypopara UK. She also manages to travel to faraway places – she recently went to Florida!
I was diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism when I was 16 years old and since then I have received weekly calcium infusions. I was told I wouldn’t be able to travel, but I have now worked out a regime with the help of my consultant which allows me to go on one holiday each year for up to two weeks which has made a huge difference!!
Hannah completed the ‘Colour Obstacle Rush’ for Hypopara UK
The first holiday I tried was Spain five years ago. Since then I have been to Disneyland Paris, Vienna (Austria), New York and Florida. Being able to go on holiday has given me the chance to have a normal life for a couple of weeks and feeling well! I have been able to see places I never thought I would and I am too busy enjoying myself to worry if my levels are going to suddenly drop – but if levels do drop I just take it as it comes and manage it myself and go the hospital if I need to (that’s why you get good travel insurance!)
You only have one life – see everything you want to and don’t let this condition take over!
Getting travel insurance has never been a problem for me, although I do pay more due to my other health problems. The company I regularly use is called OK To Travel. It covers preexisting conditions and is reasonably priced and reliable. I am a student nurse currently doing 37.5 hours a week on placement (including nights) plus two days at the hospital per week so knowing I have a holiday to look forward to gives me the motivation to carry on.
I would urge everyone to try and go away when they can even if it’s just for a short break. A stress-free environment for a short while really does make a difference. You only have one life – see everything you want to and don’t let this condition take over!