Please take a look at my self-care closet! Ok, it’s not the whole closet devoted to my chronic illness essentials, but a good part is dedicated to these products.
I’ve learned that having them all in one place is important, making them easy to find and remember. You may not always use all the products, so it’s easy to forget that you have them and they can help you feel better.
Over the last ten years, I’ve gathered information from other chronic illness and autoimmune warriors on the products they use to help manage and to give them comfort.
If you have a chronic illness, it’s essential to be comfortable. We’ve got enough going on within our bodies. We need to be comfortable!
Some chronic illness essentials are only used in the winter and can easily be forgotten over a year. So, again it’s important to have them in an easy-to-find place.
Warmth and comfort
I live in Michigan, where the weather is cold for at least six months, and that’s being optimistic about our weather. So, I will start with my favorite self-care chronic illness essentials that provide warmth and comfort.
#1. Pure Enrichment® PureRelief™ Deluxe Heating Pad – You can never go wrong with a heating pad. You’ll often find me with this chronic illness essential on my lap while I work.
#2. OCOOPA Hand Warmer Rechargeable – I wouldn’t be able to take the dog for a walk without these in my pockets. Great for people with Raynauds.
#3. True Glow by Conair Thermal Paraffin Spa Moisturizing Wax Treatment – Use the paraffin machine once a week for a deep heating treatment and a moisturizing hand lotion unlike any other. A paraffin wax treatment is excellent for arthritis and Raynauds sufferers.
#4. HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack – These HotHands always come in handy (pun intended!) They work in your pockets, gloves, and shoes. Always keep a stash of these on hand (another pun!)
#5. REVIX Microwave Heating Pad for Neck Shoulders and Back – One of my favorite products has since been updated and looks different than mine. Mine isn’t as long in the back. This product is terrific for neck, shoulder, and back pain or to relieve stress.
#6. RESTECK Massagers for Neck and Back with Heat Deep tissue, 3D Kneading Pillow, Electric Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massage, Shoulders, Foot, Legs, Body – A little awkward to hold on to but worth it! Seriously, the best way to get rid of tight shoulders.
#7. RAD Rounds I Set of 3 Massage Balls – I took a myofascial release class at the gym and immediately bought the set of rounds from my instructor! Many YouTube videos can show you how to use them.
#8. Cushy Form Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers – I’ve used a knee pillow for 20 years to keep my back aligned while sleeping. This pillow has taken away my lower back pain.
#9. AQUIS Double-Sided Exfoliating & Cleansing Back Scrubber – sometimes, we lose our range of motion and can’t reach places we used to. That’s where this back scrubber comes in very handy! It is easy to clean in the washing machine.
#10. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Body and Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin – When I was first diagnosed with scleroderma, I went to a support group for all autoimmune diseases through AARDA. They had a dermatologist speak that day, and someone asked which was the best moisturizer for any skin situation. Hands down, she said it was CeraVe. Since then, my face, body soaps, and lotions have been CeraVe. However, they can be pricey, so it’s best to wait for a sale that drug stores often have on these products.
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