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Surviving a Chronic Illness Flare

Person in Bed emoji 30 items
There's nothing worse than when one of my chronic illnesses flare up. Generally, I just have to ride them out in bed. But these are all the things I use to survive.
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Comfort

When you're completely miserable, it's the little things that make the biggest differences.

 
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These are so cute. You warm them up, hold them, press them against you, and they soothe you and smell like lavender. I love mine.
Warmies®️ is the world's first fully heatable soft toys | Warmies
 
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Honestly, I was skeptical about this one. But the combination of pressure and coolness is unbelievable.
TheraICE Migraine Relief Cap & Cold Mask
 
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The only way I can listen to my podcasts and audiobooks when I'm flaring.
Sleep Headphones Headband Bluetooth
 
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This pregnancy pillow can be the perfect thing when you're looking for support for a joint.
U Shaped Full Body Pillow for Back & Hips
 
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I use this heated blanket every night, even when I'm not in a flare…
Electric Heated Blanket
 
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I'm a side sleeper, so this pillow is a huge help!
Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers - Pain Relief
 
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I wanted a weighted blanket that didn't look like a weighted blanket…and this was the perfect thing. I got the 20lb one and it's perfect.
Chunky Knit Organic Cooling Weighted Blanket
 
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I adore these. When the circulation is not reaching my toes, there is very little else that makes me happy.
ActionHeat 5V Battery Heated Slippers
 
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Being able to black out the room regardless of the time of day makes a huge difference!
Pitch Black Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains

Hydration

Hydration is so important when you're flaring. If you think you're drinking enough, drink more.

 
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If the flare is so bad you can't even mix your own electrolytes, something like this is great because it's just done for you. Hydration is key even when you don't want to drink.
LMNT Sparkling Electrolyte Drink 12-Pack
 
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Hydration. Hydration. HYDRATION!
LMNT Zero Sugar Hot Chocolate Mixer - 12ct
 
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This is my favorite flavor, but really, as long as you're drinking, it doesn't matter which flavor you pick.
LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes - Watermelon Salt
 
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Honestly, you can't drink enough when you're in a flare.
Liquid I.V.® Sugar-Free Hydration Mix - Raspberry Melon
 
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Again, if you're flare is so bad you can't even deal with mixing your electrolytes, these are a great buy.
Pedialyte Strawberry Electrolyte, 12x500ml
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Another great brand for getting your hydration in.
Raspberry electrolyte drink mix
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Snacks

Is there anything better than snacks? These just make me feel better. Also, they're gluten-free!

 
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This is my favorite popcorn. It has a nice salty taste.
SkinnyPop Original Popcorn,
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These are my favorite gluten-free pretzels. I think they have the exact consistency they're supposed to and I love them.
Snyder's Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks
 
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I think the GF Oreos taste better than the originals!
OREO Gluten Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, Gluten Free Cookies
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Other

All the other things. The creams, the supplements, and everything else.

 
Nenia Ballard profile picture
Sometimes I can head off a pain flare with a little bit of Goody's…but sometimes it's too late.
Goody's Extra Strength Headache Powder, 2 Pack
 
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I don't know why this stuff works, but I love it.
Theraworx Fast-Acting Joint Relief Foam
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Sometimes a bath is the only way I can get my joints any relief.
Joints Soak Bath Salt 32oz Epsom Salt
 
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If I'm going to take a bath, I need tons of support in the tub.
Poemland Extra Thick Bath Pillow with Support
 
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These pain patches help relax anything that's keeping you from resting.
Biofreeze Overnight Pain Relief Patches
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Having a symptom tracker is helpful for recording symptoms during a flare.
Yearly Symptom Tracker Planner Style with Monthly Dividers and Universal Symptom Tracker Pages in a Graph Style for Chronic Illness
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Forget the fact that they say they're for men. These are perfect for when you've been in bed all day and want to feel a little fresher.
Cooling Body Wipes for Men - 50 XL Wipes
 
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Easily wash up without having to take a shower.
Extra Large No Rinse Bath Wipes - 80 Count
 
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Not quite as convenient as the wipes, but this can be used in your hair too.
Nurture Rinse Free Waterless Foaming Cleanser
 
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Dry shampoo is a great way to make it feel like you don't need to shower for longer stretches during a flare. Because showering is hard. Don't let anyone tell you it's not.
Batiste Sweat Activated Dry Shampoo, 3.81 Oz
 
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This app has a section dedicated to chronic pain. It seems crazy to think it would help, but I've actually found its helped me fall asleep more than once!
Discover personalized meditation with the Balance app
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This lap desk makes my life so much easier! When I'm working from bed or the couch, this is a game changer.
Portable Lap Desk for 17" Laptop - Black