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Look, having chronic illness is a STRUGGLE. Beyond feeling like you got hit by a truck every damn day, you have to spend your hard earned money on so many extra things in an attempt to feel just incrementally better. At this point, I have baskets of useless products that have done absolutely nothing. However, I have found a few gems that I’d like to share with you all today.
Zim’s Max Freeze Pain Relief
This is my number one product for a reason, and it’s honestly the inspiration behind this article. I haven’t seen anyone else recommending this, but I cannot sing Zim’s praises enough. I have tried every roll-on, pain patch, and oil possible, and this is the only thing that ensures I can get out of bed most days. Sure, I may perpetually smell like menthol, but it reliably takes my daily pain of a seven down to a five. If I’m stranded on a deserted island with three things, Zims is going to have to be at least two of those three things.
2. GOQOTOMO Flower Heating Pad
My fiancee gave me this heating pad after they determined I needed a pretty heating pad. I have never been more grateful. I spend every night curled under the sweet, warm embrace of this piece of heaven. It has twelve different heat settings and eight timers, so there’s something for everyone. Its pretty floral design means I leave it out on the couch, therefore I use it more often, as opposed to my plain heating pad which I felt obligated to put away after use.
3. Ergonomic Desk Chair
I’m sitting on this chair while writing this, and I can tell you this chair was worth the investment. If you sit at a desk for long periods of time and have chronic pain, this chair is a must have. It’s ergonomic design ensures I don’t get sore from sitting like in other chairs. And I absolutely love the pull out footrest, which lets me either stretch my legs out or curl up in a ball. As someone who always sits “weird,” this is my favorite chair of all time. It also has served as a mobility aid on my worst days, since I can roll around the house with it and adjust it to be counter height in the kitchen. While this isn’t recommended by the manufacturer, I can assure you it has held up to my daily use of it-whether working on this blog or cooking in the kitchen.
4. Smart Crutches
As someone with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, my mobility varies. I’ve used a cane, rollator, and regular forearm crutches. None of those have worked for me. But Smart Crutches are the answer I was looking for on the days I need medium support. They’re different other forearm crutches in that you can use your forearm to give you stability as opposed to using just your wrist. They’re relatively compact and easy to throw in the car, and are far easier than unloading my wheelchair for a simple stop. They give me extra stability on wobbly knees, and if my hips or knees happen to dislocate, I can “swing” myself with them instead of limping through the store on injured joints. They may not work for everyone, as they require a bit of shoulder strength to use. Because I use two, I also find it difficult to hold items while using them. To negate that problem, I purchased the add-on pouch for my crutch which can hold my phone, keys, and a small lidded drink. I also use a close fitted crossbody bag or backpack when using them. In full transparency, if I have to do a large grocery run or plan on going shopping, I leave them behind because of the difficulty in carrying large bags/pushing carts with them. However, for days where I’m headed to a doctor’s visit or want a walk in the park, these are my answer to my prayers.
5. Tens Machine
I was gifted a version of this Tens machine by my mom, and it’s definitely one of my top products for pain relief. It relaxes my muscles like nothing else. When I have stubborn pain that won’t go away with anything else, I use this because it’s sure to help.
6. Electric Back Massager
Are you someone who needs a deep massage, and needs one 24/7? Well this is your answer! This gadget is great for massaging those knots in your shoulders. I’ll use it as I’m working at my desk to help out my shoulders and lower back. It can be a little rough, so I can’t use it on my neck, and it might not be your thing if you’re not into deep massages. However, I love it for the areas that I feel could be run over by a horde of elephants and still want a deeper pressure.
7. 3 tier cart
Have you seen the trend of people using these as chronic illness carts? Well I can confirm that having one is a fantastic idea. I’ve used this cart for many different things, but keeping it by my bedside for the days I couldn’t get out of bed was by far the best use. This cart can hold all of my medications, snacks, drinks, heating pad, and pain management tools. Plus, it rolls, so if you decide you need it by the couch or at your desk, you can easily move it.
8. Electric Can Opener
Anyone else really struggle with manual can openers? Well, say good-bye to the wrist pain that comes with cooking. This can opener simply plugs into an electrical outlet and sits on your counter, just waiting to help. Unlike other electric can openers I’ve tried, this one works great on all types of cans and won’t die on you mid-can. It’s held up well to being moved and dropped, so it’s sturdy. Whenever I recommend it, I’m surprised by how inexpensive it is. It feels more like a $30 device than a $10 one.
9. Warmies
I got this cute little sloth a few years ago, and I’ve recommended him to numerous people. I’ve lovingly named him Sol because he’s filled with a heating pad that you warm up in the microwave, which ensures he always gives warm hugs. He’s also slightly weighted. I use him during my periods to sit on my stomach, and he always brings me a little extra cheer in the misery. There are also other animals, all of which are absolutely adorable. So if you’re looking for a warm little helper, definitely give one of Sol’s siblings a try!
10. Cat Eye Sunglasses
Since developing CCI, I’ve become incredibly sensitive to light. I physically cannot go outside or ride in a car without sunglasses. Therefore, I always have these on me, because if I have to wear sunglasses, I’m going to slay. I actually have two pairs of these because I love them so much-one for the car and one for my bag. These make light tolerable again while ensuring I look like the baddest bitch around. I would give these a 15/10.
11. Eagle Oil
This little potion is a miracle worker! Whenever my muscles are tight, I put Eagle Oil on and I immediately feel them loosen. I love using this on my shoulders after a long day. Its minty scent is also a fragrant perfume, much better smelling than many other remedies! My only complaint is that it will stain your light clothes green, but it’s a small price to pay for pain relief!
12. Wheeled Laundry Basket
If you have in-unit laundry, just get a wheeled laundry basket. Carrying pounds of clothing back and forth caused me so much pain before I invested in a wheeled basket. I promise your joints will thank you. If you have to go up stairs for your laundry, you could try one of these carts instead! Its wheels will climb the stairs for you, and it has a built-in seat for the moments you need rest! Stair-climbing cart here.
13. Body Armor
This may just get me cancelled, but I cannot stand the taste of the popular electrolyte drink mixes. I’m incredibly picky about what I drink. I don’t drink soda or juice because I don’t like the taste. However, as someone with dysautonomia, I have to hydrate somehow. So I turn to Body Armor. It’s full of electrolytes and antioxidants, which help me hydrate faster. Those electrolytes are based in potassium instead of sodium, so this may not be for people who really need more sodium or who can’t have potassium. However, I absolutely love the taste of these and find them far easier to consume than other alternatives.
14. Salt Stick Capsules
Speaking of salt intake, on those hot summer days, I carry these everywhere. I’ve had my moments of pouring salt directly into my mouth, and let me say, these are a much better alternative. I’ll generally take them in the morning before I go out and I find that I have fewer pre-syncope episodes and I tolerate heat so much better. They’re virtually flavorless too, so I don’t feel like I have to choke them down like other salt tabs. These are definitely a must-have in my summer adventures bag!
15. Kindle
I love reading. It’s one of the hobbies I’ve had since I was a child, and as a writer, it’s integral to my job to continuously read. Honestly, I was anti-Kindle before I got one, because physical books have my heart. However, when I’m sick in bed, books can feel far too heavy and the pages feel too vibrant. So I turned to a Kindle. I find that it’s lighter and easier to hold when my joints are painful, and the dim lighting is easier on my eyes-and gives me fewer migraines-than a stark black and white physical page. I also appreciate Kindle Unlimited, which lets me try out an unlimited amount of books by traditionally published and indie authors, many of whom are my friends. If you need a book recommendation, I would suggest the young adult dystopian novel, Fires in Their Wake by Faye Perez (aka me 😉
