I was working on making a list of my current favorite items.  As I haven’t created a practical favorites list since 2022.

But, given my recent health issues and chronic pain flares, I felt like maybe some of my tried-and-true “helpers” might help someone else.

So this is a “My Favorites” list, but of all of the things that are helping me to cope with chronic pain and chronic illness.  

My Favorites: Chronic Pain & Illness Edition

My Physical Health 

I want to give you a bit of context without getting too into my extensive medical history.

As some of you already know, I started having pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs) and DVTs (blood clots in the deep veins, often legs or arms) at the age of 25.  And quite honestly, things have been fairly downhill ever since.

I don’t want to be too much of a Debbie Downer, but I have a lot of problems… that have lead to more problems, that have led to treatments, that have lead to more problems… it’s sort of a cascade effect.

In the past 20 years, I have had countless ER visits, about 10 hospital admissions (I think, I have lost count), and probably 50+ days in a hospital bed cumulatively.  I have had so many contrast CT scans that I am likely radioactive.  Lol.

I have had many medical procedures, surgeries, extensive tests (including the kind that require extra consent steps due to risks), multiple blood transfusions, and several actual literal about-to-die experiences.  Like so near death that a team of medical staff literally ran to me.  So near that they told me that I might not have much time, and did I want to make any calls?  And what is my religion and would I like to see a chaplain? 

By the way, this is only a small part of why I want to write a book.

The point is, I have been through some sh!t, y’all!  And I currently deal with many chronic conditions, including chronic pain, chronic sciatica, post-thrombotic syndrome, and chronic venous insufficiency.  Plus, a suspected autoimmune disease.  I’m a lot of fun!  Lol.

My Favorites: Chronic Pain & Illness Edition

My Unsolicited Advice

Like I said, I have been through a lot in the last 20 years.  And with those experiences, I have learned a thing or two.  Actually, I have learned a lot.

Aside from giving you this list of my “health” favorites, I also wanted to give you some unsolicited advice.

Because as a fat woman I have been treated like complete sh!t by our healthcare system and doctors.

I have been misdiagnosed (one of my “almost died” moments), treated like a hypochondriac, had my pain minimized, had my weight (and in turn, myself) blamed for nearly everything, and even literally told by one doctor that my leg, which was swollen and in pain, was “too large to examine.”  

And by the way, there are ample studies that show gender and weight bias in health care.  And it is killing us!

So my advice is to advocate for yourself.  It can literally mean the difference between life and death.

If your doctor is not listening, get a new one.  If you don’t agree with a physician’s assessment, get a second opinion.  If you’re hospitalized and feel like your care is inadequate or inappropriate, get the Patient Advocate, who is employed by the hospital.

A Patient Advocate should serve as an impartial liaison to help guide you through your care, including educating you about your rights as a patient, finding you financial, social, and legal support, and speaking on your behalf to medical doctors and staff, insurance companies, lawyers, case managers, and employers.

If there is ever a time to be a “Karen,” it is when your health is on the line.  I joke that some hospital units’ nurses stations likely have a mugshot style photo of me with a warning to avoid at all costs.  Lol.

I am a pain in the ass.  And that’s ok!  I have literally saved my own life several times by being an a$$hole.  And I will continue to be one.

So ask questions, stay involved in your treatment plan, and do your own research, if necessary.

And now I will step off my soapbox and tell you about some of my favorite things…

My Favorites: Chronic Pain & Illness Edition

Shop the Favorites

1 – Plus Size Chlorine-Resistant Swimwear – I found that swimming is the best thing for me.  I am able to swim without adding to my pain.  It improves my physical and mental health.

And I have learned that if you’re swimming for exercise, you’re going to want some chlorine-resistant swimsuits.  Standard suits will be destroyed pretty quickly by the pool chemicals. 

My “go to” for plus size chlorine-resistant swimwear is Juno Active.  I love this plus size swim skirt (with shorts) and this plus size swim tankini top.  They really last!  Use this chlorine removing soap and hand wash to add to the longevity.  I also want to mention that Lands’ End also has chlorine-resistant swimsuits in plus sizes that are good quality.

2 – Desk Bike – You might remember this favorite from my 2022 Plus Size Work-from-Home Favorites post. It can help with your circulation and even your leg strength as it has an adjustable resistance dial. 

It’s pretty easy to slide around to where ever I want to use it.  The only issue to note is that you cannot use it with a chair that has wheels.  But, I can use this baby while sitting on my couch watching tv or with any standard chair.

3 – Resistance Bands – If you’re doing gentle exercises at home, why not have some pretty colored resistance bands?  I find that the more pleasant I make something, the more likely I am to do it.

4 – Waterproof iPod & Waterproof Headphones – I have two of these waterproofed iPod Shuffles.  I highly recommend. 

But, if you’re weary of purchasing something on Ebay, I found some waterproof MP3 players that have decent reviews (here and here).  

These waterproof headphones are pretty good.  But, do know that the chlorine will eventually eat the plastic covering of the wires and you’ll have to replace them annually (this has been my experience when swimming several days a week, I would assume it differs depending on the frequency of swims and the chlorine content of your pool).

5 – Stretching Strap or here– I have this one, the “Stretch Out Strap,” but this one looks to be the same for a more affordable price.  I find these to be so helpful to get good stretches.

6 – Massage Gun – I had a different massage gun for quite some time.  But I started having an issue with the batteries holding a charge.  So, I recently picked up this Bob & Brad Massage Gun.  And oh this bad boy is so good!  But, be very careful, you can absolutely injure yourself with a powerful massage gun.  They’re not for the faint of heart!

Please remember that I am not a doctor and this is just my experience.  You should always consult with your physician before trying a new treatment.

7 – THC/CBD Topical – I have tried three different THC/CBD topicals and this “Restore” is by far my favorite.  Please check your local laws.  I have to use my medical card to get it.  You can see which states have this topical here.

These THC topicals will not make you feel high (unless you misuse it and eat it, which I do not recommend.  Lol).  But, the lotion should make the area you apply it to feel relaxed, possibly tingly, and decreased pain.

If you’re interested in trying other topicals for pain, I can make some recommendations.  First, if you have a helpful physician, you could consider asking for a compounded topical.  Try your local compounding pharmacy and see if they offer chronic pain topicals.  They will likely work with your physician to find an appropriate topical for you.  They can offer a variety of types of medications, including things that you may not want to take systemically (NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, analgesics, etc.).

But check with your health insurance as most will not cover compounded topicals.  However, if you can can afford to pay out of pocket, they are absolutely worth it.

As for over-the-counter topicals, I recommend Voltaren Gel.  Do read the warnings as it is not without risk and should be used very carefully.  This is an NSAID and should help with inflammation, but you should only use it as recommended on certain areas of the body.

And the least “controversial” topical I can recommend is Tiger Balm Ultra (it’s the white one, not the red).  And the Tiger Balm patches are bomb and smell a bit less.  I buy them in bulk and keep them on deck!

Please remember that I am not a doctor and this is just my experience.  You should always consult with your physician before trying a new treatment.

8 – Teak Shower Bench – Because nothing standard works or fits in my house, I had a custom sized heavy duty teak shower bench made by Teakworks4u.  I also had it made slightly shorter than standard because I have short legs.  So extra.  Lol.  Anyway, I highly recommend them! 

But, if you want a standard but attractive shower bench try this one or this one.  Both are safe for people up to 300lbs.

Oh but what if you’re traveling and need a shower bench on the go?  Well I tried five (literally tried 5 options) different folding stools for heavier people.  And they all truly sucked except for this camping stool.  It is lightweight and folds up pretty small.  It also has a decent sized “seat,” which was an issue I had with some of the other choices.  And it can fit in a suitcase!

9 – My Mattress (OMG, it’s the best!) – I bought my Big Fig Mattress about eight years ago.  If you haven’t heard, Big Fig makes mattresses for heavy people. 

It has done wonders for my back pain and in the last eight years there has been no sagging or anything like that. 

Plus, literally everyone who has every laid on my bed has commented about how comfortable it is. 

When I am ready to replace my Big Fig  with another one, I will swap out my tall boxspring with this new ultra low profile one so my dog can more easily jump on and off the bed.

10 – Grabber – I bought one of these grabbers after I had surgery and couldn’t bend down at all.  But, wow, they are so handy!  I bought two more.  They’re super helpful for reaching things up high or down low. 

When I bend forward one of my vertebrae slides out of place and compresses my nerves (traumatic spondylolisthesis) so sometimes just picking up a small object from the floor Fs up my whole day.  These grabbers are a life saver during flares!

11 – Plus Size Active Leggings –  They are pricey, no doubt. But, they will last forever!  The quality is insane. I bought my mother a pair years ago (she is also obsessed), and they’re still going strong even though she wears them all the time.  So they’re totally worth the price, in my opinion.  I have the 7/8 leggings and the flares. So good!

They’re high waisted, do not roll down, squat proof, have pockets, and are made with high quality soft but very sturdy compression fabric.  I cannot say enough good things!

12 – Adjustable Laptop Table – You may remember that I highly recommended (and still do) these folding laptop tables (or here).  They’re great!  And I still use them to set up temporary “work stations” in my house.  For example, there are days where I am literal in too much pain to sit.  So I set up a “work station” at the end of my bed. I also take them with me on vacations and when staying with family.

But, I needed an adjustable table that I could more easily adjust the height based on what I was trying to do without much interruption, if that makes sense. 

To adjust the folding table I was using, I have to remove everything from the top to safely adjust the height.  And sometimes I have to lie on the couch or bed and work (different heights) or I need to sit up or even stand.  This adjustable table allows me to to do that so easily because it has a hydraulic cylinder inside to smoothly lower or raise the table with a lever.  I’m a fan!

13 – Seat Cushion – Designed for long sitting hours.  Perfect for work hours or even day to day activities like dining or crafting! Plus, it is sized for those with larger bodies.  Yes!  It’s helpful for sciatica and low back pain.

14 – Vibration Plate – I was a bit sus about this vibration plate’s usefulness.   But, I have post-thrombotic syndrome (vascular damage from having blood clots (DVTs)), chronic venous insufficiency, which includes chronic swelling and pain in my legs, so I thought I would give it a go.  Desperation will have you trying a lot of things…  I could make a much longer list of things I have tried and have not helped.  I digress.

This vibration plate can be used in a multitude of ways, including exercising on it to improve your balance.  I’m not ready for that yet.  Lol.  But, I will either sit and put my feet on it or actually sit on the plate.  And wow!  It helps with my leg pain and discomfort and I think it helps reduce swelling.  I use it pretty consistently and that says something!

15 – Manuka Honey – I don’t know why this medical grade magical ointment works so well…  but it just does. It claims to help with dry, itchy skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and more.  And it is one of the only things that will stop the itching when I have a skin flare.

It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and I believe it also has been said to have antibiotic and antiviral properties.  As with all things in this list, please talk to a medical professional before trying anything.  

16 –Pill Box & Purse – I have to have medications with me anytime I leave the house.  I had been using an old headphones case, which I do not recommend.  Nothing like unzipping it and have half of my meds fly across the car when trying to take a med while stopped at a light.  Lol.  But, anyway, point is: I was in the market for a chic on-the-go pill box.

And then I found this pretty case that has a coordinating purse that you can attach a strap to.  Brilliant!

You can also get a 7-day version, which you can also find on Amazon, with coordinating purse as well.  Or bundle them!

I also have this 7-day pill box, which is so cute!  But sadly with all of the supplements I take, my dailies no longer fit.  If you don’t take many meds, I recommend it!

17 – Wide Calf Compression Sleeves – I have a prescription for compression stockings.  I have been measured and been given my two allotted pair per year per my insurance company. <eye roll> 

And they are ugly.  So freakin’ ugly.  No, really, you guys, the ugliest!  They come in black (thankfully) and “nude.”  I just can’t. 

So I went looking for a suitable replacement and came across these wide calf compression sleeves.  And they come in hot pink!  And they have footless ones!  OMFG!  I have since also purchased the thigh-highs and they’re also pretty good.

As with all things in this list, please talk to a medical professional before trying.  

18 – Heavy Duty Rolling Stool – I love my rolling stool!  Seems silly, but it helps in several ways. 

The first, it’s just an easy way to always have a seat where ever I need one.  For example, sometimes I cannot stand long enough to cook a meal.  So I just roll my stool into the kitchen. 

Second, if I am having a truly bad flare, I can use my stool to scoot as needed.  For example, sometimes when I wake up during a flare and all of my meds have worn off and I am in a lot of pain but need to get to the bathroom…  I will use my stool to scoot there. 

I was inspired to get this stool when I had my first bout of Slipping Rib Syndrome and was practically unable to move without excruciating pain.  I ended up making my way to my rolling office chair by holding onto walls and furniture.  Although my office chair was clutch, I wished it was smaller and easier to roll everywhere.  

And lastly, I use the rolling stool to help move heavy items to different places.  I will place a heavy box on top of it and roll it to the appropriate room.  Kind of like a janky hand truck.  Lol.  But hey, it works!

19 – Meal Delivery Service – I love my Factor Meals! They’re tasty and healthy!  These delish meals are fresh, refrigerated, and delivered once a week.  They hang out in my fridge all week and only take 2 minutes in the microwave to prepare. 

And I figured out that the cost is not much more than I would be spending to cook for myself with a lot less variety.  I am sure it gets a bit pricey for multiple people or families.  But, as a single person, it works well and is fairly affordable for me.

Regardless, I can certainly justify it because it helps me to avoid cooking.  First, I don’t like to cook.  Second, my ADHD really doesn’t like to cook and likes to plan for cooking even less.   And third, I rarely order delivery anymore, which saves me money and improves my health.  So yeah, totally worth it!

I am a very picky eater with the palate of a toddler.  So if I find these nutritious meals tasty, I really believe anyone can!  And they have meals for practically every type of diet, including vegetarian and keto.

Also, while I am at it, I thought I would metion that Walmart+ has been very helpful.  I signed up for W+ a couple of years ago when I was working on Walmart campaign.  And as it turns out, it is much more affordable than other same-day or next-day from store delivery services (Instacart, etc.).  And times when I literally cannot shop, it is a life-saver.  And truly, I cannot beat the prices.

Well, I hope this list helps someone.  I know it certainly would have helped me avoid a lot of trial and error!  

If you prefer to shop this list via the LTK app, go here.

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