Reddit mentions of Flipstick Straight Folding Seat Cane Black w/ Black Bag - Non-Adjustable

Using a throwaway for this. I work in the festival industry and have fibromyalgia along with other non-visible chronic illnesses.

Festivals are challenging for us for a number of reasons:

• not many places to rest, being on your feet for long days
  
• long lines for bathroom facilities that are usually also gross
  
• schedule is usually packed, sense of FOMO if you arrive late/leave early. Hard to find friends that are on the same wavelength.
  
• food that leads to tummy trouble and other naughty drinks/substances!
  
  Despite that, I still attend several a year and obviously work many too. Here are my tips:
  
  
• bring a flipstick or portable seat. Huge crowds aren't very sympathetic to those who need personal space unless there is a visible marker of disability.
  
• try to walk around the site before it gets crowded. I know this is more physical activity which might make you tired... but it can also reveal shortcuts, quiet spaces, less used washrooms, and other places you will gratefully use over the next few days.
  
• If there's an accessibility tent, introduce yourself and ask for tips. You don't have to disclose your actual disability but you can ask questions like, "In your opinion, where should I go if I need to sit in a quiet place? Is there a seating area near each stage? What should I do if I'm having a medical issue?"
  
• ask a festival staffer, security guard, volunteer, medic, or anyone with a radio for help if you need it. Don't be shy. It is their job to ensure public safety and even if the first person can't help directly, they are responsible for finding you someone who can.
  
• don't get trapped in the crowd, accept that being on the outskirts will help you leave if needed and also have fewer instances for people to thoughtlessly shove or step on you. The pit is a high-contact zone and not safe for us. I see older people, families with children, etc make this mistake all the time and it is frustrating for all involved.
  
• rent a locker. Cannot stress this enough. You can have comforts like toilet paper, sunscreen, raincoat, phone charger etc. nearby without having to trek all the way back to the campsite. Keep your bag light with just the essentials - earplugs, bandaids, phone, cash, etc.
  
• bring AND WEAR earplugs. This has made a huge difference for me. It not only eliminates headaches from the PA system but reduces the level of insanity when people are bouncing around and screaming.
  
• don't drink alcohol, it will also hit you like a ton of bricks after a day of being active and likely low water consumption. This also goes for drugs that you have not been prescribed.
  
• pay close attention to security rules regarding prescription drugs, liquids, etc, and follow them to the rule. I almost had my painkillers confiscated once which would have made for an awful day. Bring copies of prescriptions, be honest, etc.
  
• if you're going with a group, you kind of have to also be comfortable with being independent. Groups are fickle and there will be a lot of changing plans, hurt feelings, drama, etc. If you're wiped out, just say you need a break and plan to meet up with them later. Don't get stressed or freak out at not being able to please everyone. Obviously if you have a friend who can travel with you it's safer and better, keep in mind that doesn't always happen especially if people are intoxicated.
  
• keep your phone charged in case you have to break with the group or need assistance. Don't waste phone battery on social media.
  
• Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. I've regretted showing up too early in the day because I was exhausted by the time the headlining act came onstage. Check out the lineup before you get to the festival and pick your must-sees. Plan to leave a little bit early before the huge rush. Factor in travel time between stages! If you miss part of a set or a couple of acts, so what, you're doing the best you can. There is literally no act in the world that is worth trashing your health for.
  
• festival food is soooo tempting but it can end you. Keep meals light and snacks healthy - try to eat as normally as you would at home with more protein and fats to make up for being active all day.
  
• recovery days! Plan to be a zombie for a day or two afterward, if you can take time off work do it, if not, take it easy in other ways.
  
  I hope this helps! Ultimately, I want you to feel like you are in control, not your disease. It's tougher for us than others but it can be possible to enjoy festival life despite fibro. Take care!