**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something using these links I may be compensated in the form of a commission. This does not add any cost to you. **
If you’ve been here for a while you are aware that I have several chronic illnesses: endometriosis, fibromyalgia, asthma etc. Throughout the years I have accumulated a few things that have made my life and managing my chronic illnesses a little easier. Some of them help with pain and some just bring ease. I wanted to share five of these with you today. There are many other things that help me but honestly I think any list longer than is overwhelming. Who wants to read “30 things that help with chronic illness”? Instead there will probably be follow up posts where I share more of my favs. If you want items specific to a condition feel free to share it Whether you are chronically ill or looking to gift something to a chronically ill person these 5 things will definitely make living with chronic pain and chronic illness a little better.
- A Bed Desk: I bed desk is amazing if you do a lot of work in bed or on a couch; or if you like watching shows on your laptop. Personally I love large desks where I can have my laptop and at least a book on it at the same time. That is why I love this extra large bed desk (23.6″ x 17.7″ ) It has all the bells and whistles.
It has these sled style legs that make it really stable. The height is adjustable as well as the angle of the desk top. That means that you can actually work while reclined. There is a laptop stop that you can use at the bottom of the table to prevent your laptop from sliding off while the desk is at an angle. It has a tablet groove that you can use to stand your tablet up. It has a book stand and a drawer.
The only downside to this desk is that it is on the heavier side and you need space to store it when not in use. If you are fortunate to have enough space to store it open that makes it really easy to use. Otherwise it does fold down pretty flat and can be stored that way. It is a bit of a hassle to set it up and break it down every day. There is a smaller version of the desk that may address some of these issues.
This large bed desk(23.6″ x 12.6″) is by the same manufacturer and might be a better option of storage and weight are a concern for you. I must admit that I haven’t been using my desk that much because I haven’t been working as much as I used to and I don’t have the spoons to break it down and put it up every day. - Heating Packs: So many symptoms are relieved by heat that everyone should have a some sort of heating product on hand. These days heat packs have come a long way from the old school hot water bottles (although they remain quite effective and available in just about every drugstore and pharmacy).
I’m eager to try reusable click to activate heat packs because I think they are perfect to carry in your bag. They become warm by flexing a metal disc and they warm for one hour. If you’re going to be in one place for a while you might opt for electric heating pad although most spoonies complain that the safety features prevent electric heating pads from being the most effective. Most heating pads have a maximum temperature and automatic shut of switches that mean you don’t get uninterrupted hours of relief that we want.
Another option is microwaveable hot packs. You can make these really easily by filling a cotton sock with rice, beans or flaxseed and sticking it in the microwave for a minute. You can also buy similar hot packs online. My favorite are warmies miccrowavable plush heating pad. They are heating pads in the form of stuffed animals. They come in various sizes and are available from several retailers including the Warmies website https://warmies.com/. I loved my unicorn which is the longer animal that is perfect for draping over the neck. - Cold Packs. Reusable gel cold packs are a must have for any spoonie. You can find them anyway from the Dollar Store to the drugstore. They are perfect if you need to cool down, treat an injury or reduce inflammation. They come in lots of shapes and sizes. I love the masks that go over your face because they really help with headaches and sinus pressure. Keep them in the fridge and they’re ready to go for when you need a cold pack.
- Soft Comfy Clothes. The clothes you wear can make a big difference in how you feel. As someone who get sensory overload from clothes. When I find soft comfy clothes I buy more in different colors. Comfy clothes can make a big difference to people in pain. Many of us don’t notice the discomfort we feel from our clothes; that discomfort can make our pain and other symptoms worse. The shirts and hoodies in my merch store are super soft and comfortable and perfect for spending the day lounging or recovering from a flare. You can find these soft and comfortable apparel and more at yoga-with-mo.creator-spring.com/apparel
- Quality Supplements. Most spoonies end up taking supplements for various reasons. Some supplements directly help with our conditions and others help us fill gaps in our nutrition or target clinical deficiencies. I’ve taken quite a few supplements for all the reasons mentioned. You should discuss any supplements you take with your healthcare provider. I have discovered that I do best when I take only vegan supplements. Megafood is my favorite brand of supplements. I like them because they don’t upset my stomach and I get results quickly. I cannot always afford this brand because of the cost so I am sharing some of my favorite vegan, gluten free, allergy friendly supplements in this list in case you are interested.
These are a few of the things that make my life just a little easier. Most of these are readily available online and I have put them together in a neat list of spoonie comfort items for your convenience. I hope these help you as much as they help me. Have you tried any of these items? What are your favorite comfort items?
Read more
How to be Human: things not to say
5 Holiday Gift Ideas That Show You Care
