Tools for Managing Chronic Illnesses & Symptoms

My Favorites that Help Me Manage Day-to-Day

I wanted to share these tools that have tremendously helped me get through my worst days and my day-to-day symptoms. These items are my go-to's and have improved my overall well-being while dealing with chronic illnesses. I hope this can help. :) 

Infrared Sauna

What it Does: 

• Heats through light 
• Detoxification
• Improves Cardiovascular Health
• Pain Relief
• Relaxation

Why it's one of my favorites: 

• While going through Lyme treatment and treatment for mold toxicity, I felt this was a huge help with helping my body sweat and in turn detox
• I also noticed it helps with joint pain that I experience with EDS
• I have definitely noticed relaxation from it and my mind always feels calm after

References: 

• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/infrared-sauna-benefits 

Heating Pad: 

Why it's one of my favorites: 

• Debloating 
  • Sometimes after eating, my stomach bloats terribly and it can be painful. I always find sitting with a heating pad to be comforting and help alleviate some of that pain. 
• Helps Alleviate Back Pain
• Helps Alleviate Stomach Cramping for us ladies during that time of the month

Visible Armband & App: 

What it Does: 

•  Tracks your Heart Rate 
• Helps to Monitor your Energy Exertion Throughout the Day 
• Have a Pace Points System (energy).
  • To my understanding, to those who know spoon theory: Points kinda are like spoons.
• Alerts you when you are in Active Zone (and to take a break if possible) 
• Interactive App
  • Allows you to see your hr and points and also enter your activities throughout the day (this helps me to see what activities are triggering my heart rate)

Why it's one of my favorites: 

• As someone with POTS, it is great to see what activities are triggering my heart rate
• Helps me to not overdo it 
• I honestly love this armband and app for validation of my symptoms as well 

Rebounder: 

What it Does: 

• Improves Heart Health
• Low-impact 
• Helps Lymphatic System Flow

Why it's one of my favorites: 

• I like to use mine even for a minute before I go into my sauna to help get things moving/flowing
• Lymphatic System benefits (I was once told at a clinic that I had sludgy lymph (eww) so I like to use this to help keep things flowing)

Dry Brush: 

What it Does: 

•  Exfoliation
• Detox 
• Increase Circulation
• Helps Lymph Flow

Why it's one of my favorites: 

• I like to do this before a sauna session (for circulation and lymph) or before a shower/bath (helps exfoliate)
• Bonus makes your skin feel super soft after

Epsom Salt Baths:

Why it's one of my favorites: 

• I love taking Epsom salt baths for pain relief, relaxation, and to reduce inflammation

Electrolyte Drink Mix: 

What it Does: 

• Hydration 

Why it's one of my favorites: 

• I feel like these are a necessity when living with POTS, and help the body with overall hydration

Tea (Ginger and Peppermint are my Go-To's): 

Why they're my favorites: 

• Both ginger and peppermint teas have helped or saved me when I have been experiencing terrible nausea. 
  • Tip: Keep a few in your purse or wallet for when nausea hits while you're on the go. 
• Helps alleviate nausea, bloating, and improves digestion 
• Is also great to have after a meal (especially when I start feeling that bloating and stomach pain)

Cooling Mat: 

Why it's one of my favorites: 

• Helps with hot flashes
  • While dealing with Lyme and Bartonella I would have awful hot flashes, especially at night. My cooling mat was a lifesaver and allowed me to get comfortable and able to sleep 
  • I am unable to find the exact one I have/use but there are a lot of similar options with different sizes available on Amazon 

Book: Living Life to the Fullest with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 

Why it's one of my favorites: 

• As someone living with EDS, this book is my go-to for exercises to help strengthen muscles and stabilize joints

These items are staples in my life and I hope this list is able to help you or give some guidance on symptom relief. Most of these items can be found on Amazon, and if you are interested in any of the exact products that I use and have talked about, I have added the links to each item on my LinkTree: https://tr.ee/kcladC