People with chronic illnesses are increasingly using their devices to manage conditions like long Covid and POTS, with success. A personal account describes a significant episode in New York City during 2023, highlighting the challenges of managing chronic illness. The author, who has long Covid, POTS, and mast cell activation syndrome, now experiences fewer crashes, attributing this improvement to medical help, insurance, and the strategic use of fitness tracking devices. These devices are used for pacing, an energy management technique that helps prevent physical and mental exhaustion by balancing activity and rest.
The author explains how using a Whoop fitness tracker informed their pacing strategy, allowing them to anticipate their energy levels each day. Initially used for tracking sleep patterns, the Whoop device provided valuable insights into daily recovery and exertion levels, which led to better energy management. However, the Whoop was not optimally designed for chronic illness pacing, prompting the author to try the Visible band, specifically tailored to people with energy-limiting conditions.
Visible’s features, such as the PaceSetter, help users manage daily energy expenditure and provide exertion notifications, aiding in more effective pacing. While Visible lacks some features like sleep tracking, it offers significant support for those managing energy-limiting illnesses. Despite eventually ceasing use of both devices due to cost and improved health, the author credits them with honing their pacing skills, ultimately deciding to rely on Whoop for its comprehensive tracking features. The narrative emphasizes the emerging trend within the tech industry to accommodate needs beyond fitness, supporting rest and recovery as vital components of holistic well-being.