There isn’t much that can be done to dramatically ease chronic pain. The medical community calls it “intractable” and “difficult”. The same can be said for many chronic disease symptoms. While we have treatments that show promise and medications that reduce severity, actual life-changing solutions are rare.
It is hard not to stew in frustration and depression when you deal with constant broken body issues. Every single moment reminds you why you are different and how you don’t function. Due to that incessant aggravation, I’ve compiled a list of things I use and do to make my life just a little softer. It’s an ever-growing list but I think the current line up is still helpful.
Please keep in mind that I am NOT a doctor. Our bodies are wildly unique and our conditions require individualized care. These things currently work for me. As my illnesses change, so to will my treatments and soothing methods. This list doesn’t include any prescription medications or medical procedures because those deserve their own column. These things are purely accouterments and vary in efficacy, price, and accessibility. Any brands I name are just listed for your reference and I am not supporting them nor am I dismissing other brands. I suggest that you do research and try out different tips and tools that may bring you a bit of peace.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Lidocaine patches– Provides numbing but not super effective for joint pain
Salonpas is okay but the prescription ones are stronger and stick better
Gauze wrap– Softer than sports wraps and cloth/plastic injury wraps
Pure cotton is the softest and doesn’t leave a contact skin reaction
Elastic bandage wrap– Goes over the gauze wrap for more pressure & stability
ACE wrap that sticks to itself or has metal hooks so no tape is needed
Stretching– Done lightly without leaning too far into the flexibility
Very carefully avoiding dislocations and hyperextensions
Cracking/Shifting joints– Vital to keep joints in place, correct sublux, and expel air
Not popping them out of socket, just gentle and aware movements that bring relief
Tennis ball– For rolling out knots and pinches without too much pressure
Any fresh opened can’s balls are firm and used ones are more pliable
Light cushioned day shoes– Helps lessen pain & keeps ankles from rolling
Adidas Cloudfoam for activities, Sam Edleman Felicia for summer, and Ugg boots for winter
Mattress– Firm but not hard and just soft enough to provide cushioning
Nest mattress made in the US; the foam can hold too much body heat but cost is reasonable and not overloaded with hormone altering chemicals
Easy clothing– Gliding zippers, few buttons, and simple to take on and off
Sundresses, Zella leggings, oversize sweaters, Paige jeans, and pull on skirts
Jar opener– Critical for opening jars, bottles, and anything with a lid
OXO Good Grips or Bloss Anti-skid for manual Hamilton Beach for automatic
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Salt– Keeps blood pressure up and encourages water intake
Soy sauce, sea salt, mustard, pickles, and other high sodium ingredients
High pillows– Changing positions suddenly from laying flat to sitting up drops blood pressure
Wamsutta for bed pillows and any firm oversize couch pillows help
Shower bar– A well secured bar helps steady possible fainting
Any waterproof bar that bolts to the shower wall, is weight baring, & has a grip
Gastroparesis
Laxative– Encourages regular bowl movements
Miralax daily and Smooth Move tea or Dulcolax suppositories for constipation
Wedge pillows– Sleeping with the upper body elevated helps ease nausea & vomiting
Brentwood Home and Medslant maintain their shape
Papaya– Enzyme chewables or fresh fruit
Swanson Health and American Health chewables fresh organic pink or red papaya
Fermented foods– Low sugar and active beneficial bacteria but hard finding out which are easy to digest
Bubbies and 365 as well as various small brand pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and fish
Peppermint tea– Helps calm nausea
Twinings and Traditional Medicinals or fresh peppermint leaves from my garden
Warming spices– Helps with nausea, digestion, and inflammation
Any high-quality (whole or recently ground) cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, etc.
Ginger– Used in almost any form helps with nausea and inflammation
Fresh organic root for tea, candied ginger, powdered and raw for cooking
Delivery smoothies– Makes getting important nutrients & vitamins easier
Daily Harvest pre-measured, cut, and packaged organic fruits and vegetables
Chronic Daily Migraines
Analgesics– OTC medicines that sometimes help stop a migraine from starting
Acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine rarely help and can cause rebound pain
Cold washcloth– Constricts blood vessels and generally provides cooling sensation
Any brand of soft material covering the forehead and eyes
EFT/Tapping– Used to distract from pain and helps some people completely
YouTube technique videos, medical journal articles, and guides from a headache clinic
Posture– Using correct posture and not bending over
Some migraines flare from certain positions so avoiding postures such as bending at the waist
Ear plugs– Helps with sound sensitivity and sound triggers
Mack’s Snore Blockers and Skull Candy over-the-ear headphones
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Antihistamine– OTC medications can help lower histamine levels
Benadryl and Zyrtec
Lidocaine cream– Momentary relief from itching
Icy Hot Roll On
Anti-itch lotion– Temporary relief from itching, irritated, and scratched skin
Cerave, Aveeno, and Cetaphil go on before any vanity lotions
Cold water– Eases itching and pain from inflammation
Ocean water is great but avoid chlorine and water that irritates sensitivities
Gloves– For use with cleaning supplies, dust, and cardboard
Medical grade latex free Nitrile gloves
Small Fiber Autonomic Neuropathy
Lidocaine patches– Numbing where they are applied
Salonpas is okay but the prescription ones are stronger and stick better
Analgesics– OTC medicines that sometimes help with inflammation
Acetaminophen and aspirin mildly help and can cause rebound pain
Soft clothing– Critical to being able to wear anything but difficult to find
PJ Salvage, Free People, Paige, Lush, Free Press, Roxy, Adidas, Alo, Zella, Rails, and Barefoot Dreams are decently priced soft material brands. A lot of clothing is softest on the outside (I don’t know why) so if I am home, I turn the item inside out and wear it that way
Soft bedding– Another product that is difficult to find but super important for getting sleep
Vintage washed cotton or flannel sheets. Some silk sheets are soft and durable
Cold water– Eases pain in hot hands and feet as well as reducing inflammation
Cold water takes some getting use to but makes the after water symptoms lessen
Padded gloves– Used on days when hands and fingers are in extreme pain
Weightlifting gloves with open fingers, full palm padding, and breathable soft fabric
Fans– Helps when the body isn’t doing correct temperature regulation
Dyson or Lasko quiet non-direct room fans or an overhead/ceiling fan
Bathtub– Sitting in the shower takes pressure off the feet and legs on painful days. It also allows washing without balancing or possibly slipping
Any brand that allows stepping in and out easily. A shower chair also works
Spinner luggage– Needs to be light, move in any direction with ease, & support weight
Tumi, American Tourister, and Samsonite
Slippers– Padding helps when standing or walking on wood, concrete, or stone
Ugg slippers or Darn Tough padded socks
A few things that are luxurious (and sometimes expensive) but absolutely help with overall symptom relief or just personal comfort when I can afford to partake
Massages – Acupuncture – CBD Drinks – Acupressure – Craniosacral Therapy – Petting Animals – Time in the Ocean – Physical Therapy – Facials – Cashmere Clothing – Experimental Treatments – Expensive Emerging Medical Technology
