I hate shopping malls too! I've found that if I make purchases and have to carry them around I am exhausted and short of breath. I think it's from using upper body strength.

If I go to a store with carts, I do much better. Having something to hold to gives me security. As long as I don't have to stand in line! But I can even stand longer with a cart.

This is such a hassle! Oh, the things we take for granted when we're healthy!

Stores get to me too! The grocery store is the worst.

michelle

I am a former "shopaholic" and was really enjoying the shopping malls - but now for almost 9 years - if I have been in a shopping mall at all it has been only once or twice.

I have not been in a grocery store in quite a few years and before then I would use the little motorized carts.

That was hard for me to do - but eventually I could not make it through one aisle without having to sit on the floor. I too was sitting on the floor while waiting in line...

I have gone to Target and Walmart occasionally as they do have the motorized carts. I also have the problem of losing my ability to focus when I am in these situations. I make many mistakes when I try to push myself to do these tasks.

I miss my shopping but can't even imagine trying to navigate a mall at this point.

yeah, when I'm in target I'd say there's a point in which I become slightly disoriented and cannot think straight. Sometimes I put down my stuff and just leave the store.

yup, putting down stuff and leaving. that's what i'm talking about. better to go with someone else, leave them with your stuff to by and make for the exit when the time comes!

I totally agree here I HATE the malls, I hate wal-mart, and as far as Target, I truly believe it is the bright RED color of the store Those colors really mess with my eyes it may be the color incombination with the florescents,

Wow! I just joined tonight and to see others having the same problems that I've been having is incredible. I thought I was alone in this. Walmart just wipes me out. I avoid going to any stores or anywhere I have to stand in line. I just can't do it. My daughter-in-law says I get 'melty-face'... greyish colored and my head sweats profusely and shaky and lightheaded. It's come to the point that I've quit wearing makeup because the exertion of going anywhere causes my face to perspire so much that the makeup just comes off. It's so reassuring to know others have the same problem.

for me it's grocery stores. when i was a teen i'd get symptomatic. i didn't know what i had then. but i would get dizzy and almost pass out. i can't stand the brights likes. as many have said it may be a sensory overload.

i work at a mall so i am used to the stores there.

used to love clothes shopping. The only store I go to is the pharmacy and even try to get others to do it for me. Have not been in a grocery in two years at least. Told my parents they will know I am better when I go to a mall. I buy everything online and end up having someone return all that doesn't fit. I am serious about keeping up my hair, but even that is hard. Granted, I do work still (very flexible hrs but stressful), and beyond that, I can't make any commitments to anyone about going out, even for religious services. It is too much. I just go to work, the pharmacy, salon every 6 wks, and doctors! Okay, I sort of have a honey bunny, but he is low maintenance, has known me since childhood (we hooked up at our reunion....how cute!!) and he accepts me...I never found a guy who when I said I sit in the shower said "sounds like fun, I will join you!" I see him twice a week about, and that is all I can do. Fortunately, he has a lot going on at work. So, I gave up on much more. This is enough. I havent been to a movie in well over a year. Go out to eat once in a while if someone will drive...but nothing appeals to me. So, my friends, it is a lonely existence for sure, but I will tell u, I overdid it last saturday, and slept for a week, missed meds, and should have gone to the ER. If ya know u can;t do it, learn to say no thanks, not yet. True friends will still be there, althhough most have no patience. So narrow your inner circle to those who can deal. NO STRESS. Do all u can to avoid stress and explaining u just can;t go out sometimes is stressful enough, not to mention depressing. Oh, and i know about the sweaty face exertion thing. That and night sweats, otherwise, I freeze. Makeup, no foundation, get ur skin looking great, go to a derm if u can. I have found a wionderful rx soap caled Rosanil. It makes ur skin and pores perfect, and if u ever had a problem, it will eventually look like u never did. pressed powder (mineral) does the trick and get everything u do put on eyes or lips WATERPROOF. It still comes off when u wash ur face with soap and water. Even on steroids, Rosinil keeps my skin more perfect than I ever thought possible. Oh, and for the eyes, a pair of strongly tinted (not sun) glasses makes u look like annie sullivan but helps a lot. My problem is since POTS, my vision changes so often, I need new glasses every three months. Too expensive. And, I cannot read labels, see faces, or the computer without a lot of help. It's frustrating. So I gave up on my tinted glasses...If u must go to the mall, try a 3 pronged cane that unfolds to a seat. I also have a swivel thing in my car from the pharmacy to help me more easily get out of the car. Get a placard. Yeah, I fainted yesterday halfway from my bed to the ladies'.... heart was pounding in my throat when I bent over and ended up with a pounding headache that felt like it would explode...I don't know when to worry or not.

Sorry to digress, Stores? No way. I pay people to get my groceries. Never thought I would be like this in my 40s, cute, alone, and sick....I could have just died this week and who would have known. Took my parents long enough to call. I have a cousin and my students who care. Thought it would happen someday when I am old, but hey, u get it...