Brace for turbulence: Traveling with hypopara isn’t easy

“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” — A.A. Milne

Summer is a time for escapades. From mountains to oceans and many places in between, life is an adventure meant to be lived, not passed by. I live each day fully, soaking in the beauty of my surroundings, wherever I may be. Travel isn’t about the destination, but the journey and memories created along the way.

Traveling with hypoparathyroidism is daunting, but it highlights the resilience we all possess. It’s an odyssey requiring preparation, strength, adaptability, and positivity. I look for silver linings in the event of a delay. Today, for instance, I was thrilled to have time for barbecued ribs in Dallas after a delay.

I never know what I’ll need, so I pack a big suitcase that’s nearly impossible to close. You can never be too prepared. Weather, like hypoparathyroidism, is unpredictable, so I overpack. I never know what roadblocks might be encountered.

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Louisiana trip brings good times with son

Last week, I ambitiously overpacked for a trip to Central Louisiana. I visited my son, Harrison, who is the sports director for KALB-TV, the NBC affiliate in Alexandria. I’m so incredibly proud of him as he follows his dreams of sports reporting. His determination and success inspire me daily. I’m thrilled to see where he lives and works, and I’m bursting with pride over his achievements. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work.

It’s not easy traveling with hypoparathyroidism. I have lots of medication. My carry-on is a pharmacy. I bring all my pill bottles, plus a giant bottle of calcium and calcitriol. Additional rescue calcium is in each bag. I also pack my Yorvipath (palopegteriparatide) device, extra needles, and alcohol.

I get anxious before traveling, worrying I’ll have a calcium crash. I always have a “what-if plan,” which includes knowing where the nearby hospitals are and having enough medication for unexpected delays or changes in my health.

I packed my computer so I can make my Hypoparathyroidism News deadline. In fact, I sat on Harrison’s couch and wrote this column. Harrison inspires me. He’s on TV five days a week, multiple times a day. While shopping one day, he was recognized, and I watched him in awe. My son is a local celebrity!

Harrison played his new Xbox game, which I bought him, as I wrote my column. Video games have come a long way since I played Tecmo Bowl in college! Every time he looked over at me, he smiled with pride. That was meaningful. I’m always proud of him; however, there are things I’ve done that he’s not proud of, so this was a nice change.

Harrison helped motivate me to share my story. My children, Harrison and Drew, are the reasons I fight this roller coaster ride with hypoparathyroidism. Harrison and I are similar; we feed off each other’s energy. We were both in great moods, which made for lots of laughter. Saying goodbye was so hard, as we didn’t want this time to end. We had a special time together and know we’ll laugh about things we experienced in the years to come.

Memories and time are the greatest gifts

Harrison and I in his office in Louisiana. (Photo by Harrison Vapnek)

I have thrilling trips planned with my kids in the next two months. I anticipate these adventures with excitement and hope. I consider myself the luckiest mom in the world. Having something to look forward to with my kids is a tool I use to manage the depressing aspects of this disease. It’s a positive way to change my thinking and focus.

My kids and I have made great memories. Sometimes, out of nowhere, we laugh about one of our funny adventures. It’s these moments that make life special. I have to make the most of today because tomorrow isn’t promised, and these cherished family moments are what make life worth living. They’re my life’s winning lottery ticket.

My trip to Louisiana was perfect. Spending time with Harrison made me feel alive. His presence is the best medicine. We laughed, talked, shopped, and chilled like old times. We also finalized plans for our trip to see his favorite NFL team, the New England Patriots — a tradition of ours.

I realize in these moments why I persevere. Memories and time are the greatest gifts. Possessions fade, but memories stay etched in our hearts forever. Despite my hypoparathyroidism, this brave butterfly will continue to spread her wings of hope and create lasting memories.

Note: Hypoparathyroidism News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hypoparathyroidism News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hypoparathyroidism.