Tools to Make Life Easier

One thing I've learned since being diagnosed, is that if there is a tool/method/strategy/product that is going to make life with MS easier, I'm willing to try it. That being said, I think we'd all like whatever help we can get to make life a little more manageable so I figured I'd start a list and just update as life goes on, sharing my favorite aids. (And no I'm not getting paid to post any of these, just tryin' to help y'all out!)

So I just discovered this product and I'm so obsessed with it I'm moving it to the top of the list. This one comes compliments of my FabFitFun box, so I didn't even find it myself I just got lucky that it was one of the products included in the summer box: Aromatherapy Associate's De-Stress Muscle Gel. It's recommended for sore muscles and joints, and is also said to help with stress headaches if used on your neck. I can't vouch for the science behind it, but it feels so good on days that I'm dealing with increased muscle tightness and spasticity, especially as a relaxing stress right before bed. It contains lavender, ginger, rosemary, and black pepper among other ingredients so the smell is heavenly, which is a big perk considering most muscle rubs assault you with a strong, unpleasant smell. As I write this I'm actually annoyed with myself that I didn't bring it with me to the office because I want to put some on right now. If you want to give it a shot, the code FFF15 should get you $15 off a $75 purchase through September 1st! (Again, I don't make any money off of this, but FabFitFun has that code posted on their website so I might as well help y'all save some cash if you want to try it!) Also, the products aren't always necessarily going to be helpful when it comes to your MS, but if you're looking for a little pick-me-up or a way to treat yo'self, I find FabFitFun to be a great way to gift yourself some beauty, health, and fun every once in awhile!

Next up, the holy grail of nausea/dizziness/queasiness/unsettled stomach/vertigo solutions: Gin Gins. These chewy ginger candies come from The Ginger People and are actually magical. Pop one of those in your mouth, chew for the next 20 minutes because they really are absurdly chewy - like Milk Duds x100 - and once you've gotten in a serious jaw workout your nausea disappears shortly after. They definitely carry the sharp, semi-spicy ginger taste more so than you would notice in foods containing small amounts of the spice, but the results are worth dealing with the flavor; it's really not too bad, just a little intense. I pick them up at Sprouts markets, but you can also buy them online or at most natural or organic markets. Another perk? They come individually wrapped, so if you're like me and you can never really be sure when you're going to get a nice little surprise bout of nausea, they're really easy to have stored away in each of your purses, briefcases, your pocket, or your car so you're always prepared. Also how great is this logo? 😂

** Pro tip: do not buy the gummy candies that aren't individually wrapped...they're from the same brand but they're repulsive. Just a my honest, unsolicited opinion**

All right, next up is your new best friend for addressing ongoing or recurring painful spots. For me, my most common pain location is in my heels; sometimes it's fiery, sometimes it's prickly, sometimes it's achy, and sometimes it feels like I stepped on a knife - the usual glamorous gifts of MS life. Now I am incredibly sensitive to prescription drugs, and I also work in substance abuse policy specializing in opioids, so I know just how dangerous painkillers can be especially when used long-term. While these absolutely work for some people and can be safe and effective when used appropriately and as prescribed by a doctor only when they're legitimately needed, despite my doctor's offer I really didn't want to go that route to address my heel pain. Luckily, I never needed to get into the painkiller world because I found this gem: 

This stuff rolls on easily, doesn't smell strong or disgusting (looking at you, Icy Hot), is cheaper and safer than prescription pain killers, and works quick. Unless I'm having a really intense pain day, I apply it in the morning before I head out the door, and sometimes before bed; I really haven't found the need to use it multiple times throughout the day. Only downside is while it isn't as messy as most gels or creams, I still would recommend putting socks on over it to let it really do its job and to prevent it from rubbing off before soaking in. I picked mine up at Walgreens, but it's also available at Target, or online. (What doesn't Amazon have?) Depending on where your pain is, or your general preference, you can also check it out in patch version!

Now similarly on the issue of pain and comfort, because of frequent discomfort in my heels I have to be very careful with my footwear choices. Anyone who knows me knows that I have an unmatched love for shoes of all impractical forms, so having to limit my shoe options really kind of hurts my soul some days. 

While my high-heel days are limited now, I was lucky enough to come across two really great every-day shoe options that are game-changers if you have pain in your heels or feet in general. First up are Naturalizer brand shoes; they come in a ton of different styles to fit your need, whether it be casual or dressier for work, and all of the inserts are cushioned and/or gel to ensure that your feet are happy all day. I have found they run a little bit wide, so if you can try them on before you  buy I would recommend doing that. These have saved me at work when I need to be dressed up but can't bear to put on my usual heels or ballet flats with no support (wearing a pair as a type this as a matter of fact). The other major winner of my shoe closet these days is the Adidas Courtset Sneaker. They have Comfort Footbed insoles that feel so good on your feet, even after doing a lot of walking, and are absolutely a throwback to the style that was popular when I was in middle school so I'm here for it. If you don't have the need to dress up and can go casual, I would absolutely recommend investing in these. I throw in a pair of gel heel cushions on the days I'm having a lot of pain and that makes them feel even better than they do on their own, but most days they have ample amount of cushion and support. They also come in lots of different colors and who doesn't love that? I bought these in two colors after finding them and I have absolutely 0 regrets.

Moving on from pain-related issues, another common MS symptom I deal with is heat sensitivity. Crowded events like concerts, outdoor activities in the sun, even just having the room I'm in get too warm leaves me feeling miserable, so anything I can do to remedy that I will take! While most ice packs or cooling tools are bulky and hard to easily pack and go, my mom found these hot/cold packs at The Container Store of all places, and they are perfect to keep me prepared without having to lug around a cooler. They're also adorable so how can you say no to that little penguin and his polar bear friend?!

Now I know what you're thinking: great, now I have cute little ice packs, how do you expect me to keep them cold? Well good news, I've solved that little dilemma for you as well! As I said before, no one needs or wants to be toting around a full-blown cooler all the time, especially when you're trying to be discrete about managing your symptoms sometimes. These insulated bags from Amazon are small enough to fit in a purse, but even the smaller of the two is still big enough to fit at least four of your cute new cooler animals. They keep the cold packs cold without having to commit to another piece of luggage for whatever your outing may be. They're thin enough that they could be easily slipped in a backpack, or medium cross-body bag or purse, and they're cute enough that if you want or need to carry the pouch on its own you could without anyone even noticing it's a cooler! It comes in several colors and patterns and considering you get two, I've found them well worth the $15. 

So as we all know, symptoms pop up out of nowhere, sometimes they quietly disappear, and sometimes they return, not as they once were, but instead with a vengeance. And that is where I'm at with my foot pain currently - when I get up in the morning it feels like all the bones in my feet have gotten tangled and bunched during the night and I need to somehow sort them back out. It's an uncomfortable feeling for sure, but fortunately, my tried and true solution: overpriced slippers! In full disclosure they aren't cheap, but the Ugg Ansley Moccasin is a foot/life saver in the morning 🙌 They fit pretty snug and have a firm sole, beneath the heavenly sheepskin interior, all of which are incredibly beneficial for foot pain. I put them on as soon as I step out of bed and don't take them off until I'm stepping out the door - the amount of time traipsing around in them in the mornings is just enough to get my feet back to functioning before I need to start my day. I have them in 2 colors and could not start my day or end it without them. If I'm in my house, these slippers are on my feet. They're available anywhere Uggs are sold typically, including Nordstrom, Amazon, Zappos, and beyond.

Time for a new addition as of 2019: compliments of a CVS 40% off coupon, I bring you the Wahl Percussion Deep Tissue Massager. I had been dying to get my hands on a muscle gun of some sort to help deal with tension and spasticity, but many of the ones recommended by celebs run $300 or more and that's a little unreasonable if you ask me. I decided to use a 40% off coupon hidden in the 14 mile stretch of receipt I received from CVS one day to try out this version and it was worth every single penny. The different heads allow for you to pick what works best for your particular ailment, and the long handle of the tool allows you to even reach your own back if you don't happen to have an assistant at the ready. There is also a version that has heat and cooling settings; at first I didn't think I'd really need that, but then my chiropractor used it at one of my appointments and let me tell you - as soon as another coupon comes my way I'll be adding that one to my artillery too.