5 Chronic Illness Essentials – Part 1

Life with multiple chronic illnesses can be pretty uncomfortable at times. When I was first diagnosed with Dysautonomia (for anyone new here, I have severe POTS and EDS), one of the questions I found myself Google researching the most was “what can I get to help with these irritating symptoms” – especially on flare days?

This week marks one year since my second diagnosis, and in that time I’ve discovered several things that I genuinely consider essentials. I wanted to share a few of them for anyone just starting their journey with a chronic illness like mine, or for those who love someone with a chronic illness and are looking for thoughtful, useful gift ideas – especially with St. Valentine’s Day right around the corner!

Note: This is not a medical advice post – just a list of things that I personally have found helpful in making symptom management a little easier and more bearable.

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1. Ugg Socks

When I’m dealing with poor temperature regulation, my feet are FREEZING. Nothing beats soft socks that give you the warmth of slippers while still letting you stretch and move freely, almost like being barefoot.

I’ve tried a ton of brands, and the one that consistently comes out on top for me is UGG. They come in so many colors and styles – the chenille ones are amazing for cold winter days, while the regular slouch socks are buttery soft and comfortable enough to wear into spring as the weather warms up. They also fit comfortably under boots.

I’ve even started buying the men’s pairs for my husband to wear to work. They’re durable, hold up well over time, and while they’re a bit of an investment, they last. If you can limit yourself to just one or two pairs (hard to do with so many pretty colors), they’re worth it. They’re usually about $15 a pair, or you can find a 3-pack on Amazon for around $45.

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2. Warmies

Heating pads in general are amazing for chronic pain, but there are a few reasons I love Warmies in particular.

First of all – they’re adorable. That may not technically matter, but it’s nice to have something that’s both cute and functional. More importantly, they’re incredibly easy to position. Unlike traditional rectangular heating pads that need to be plugged in, Warmies can be draped naturally over your body, which makes a huge difference when you’re uncomfortable and exhausted.

When I’m flaring, I often have pain in multiple joints, so being able to quickly move one from my neck to my shoulder or knee – without getting tangled in extension cords – is a big win. Some of them are also scented. I have a lavender-scented manatee, and it’s perfect for tossing over my shoulder on a rough day.

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3. A Better Pillow for Sleeping

My neck is one of my biggest problem areas, and it’s incredibly easy for me to strain it by accident. Because of that, having the right pillow is essential.

The best option I’ve found so far is the Coop Home Goods adjustable pillow. It comes in different shapes and sizes, and its best feature is how customizable it is. The pillow is filled with shredded memory foam that you can remove or add to depending on your needs, and it even comes with extra filling.

My mom got me one about a year ago, and it’s been a total game-changer for my coat-hanger pain.

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4. More Supportive Shoes

With hypermobile EDS, supportive footwear isn’t optional – it’s necessary. I wish I were exaggerating when I say that if I try to walk a mile in regular sneakers, I will sprain one or both ankles just by walking, because my joints slip out of place so easily.

The best shoe I’ve found for this is the Hoka Bondi 9. I own two pairs (black with rose gold, and light purple with orange) and I absolutely swear by them. They are pricey, but the amount of use I get out of them makes them worth every cent.

Despite wearing my black pair almost daily for over a year, they still look great and have held up incredibly well. They’re easily the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever owned, and at this point, I don’t plan on ever buying another brand again.

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5. Squishmallows

This one might sound silly at first, but hear me out.

Someone in one of my Dysautonomia Facebook groups put me onto Squishmallows, and now I’m fully converted. They’re incredibly soft, moldable, and perfect for curling up with or propping up a sore limb.

I’ve accumulated a small collection in different sizes, including a giant dinosaur from Costco that I can literally lay on top of. They come in so many designs that there truly is something for everyone. My favorite is a crab my mom picked up for me at CVS (because I’m a die-hard Marylander).

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There are so many other things I’ve discovered over the past year that I find myself recommending to others all the time, so I thought this would be a fun series of posts to start! I’m always looking for the next thing that might help me get through the struggle, so if there’s anything you swear by, please let me know in the comments because I’d love to check it out!