8 surprising items everyone with chronic pain needs

Every time I have a flare and end up stuck in my bed, my whole life collects in my room, specifically on the nightstand. So this made me think about what my favorite things are to keep on hand, right by my bed and what things that everyone in pain should have easily accessible. So here’s a few of my must haves:

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1. Books/E-reader

I have an original kindle that is a million years old and is still going. It is always on my nightstand because I read before I go to bed, and I read if I wake up in the middle of the night. I love print books as well (and always have an extensive stack), but the kindle comes in handle when I want to read while my husband is asleep. Books have always been my favorite way to distract myself from pain.

2. Pain relief cream/patches

Everyone should use some sort of pain relief cream. It doesn’t do anything for long term pain, but it does help in the short term. Usually it helps just enough for me to get to sleep. My current favorite it Biofreeze because it works and it’s easily accessible.

I generally don’t use pain relief patches because my entire body hurts and I can’t cover my whole body in patches, but a lot of people find value in them.  Salonpas seems to be a common favorite.

3. White noise machine/fan

Like many people in pain I’m a very light sleeper, plus my husband is a sleepwalker and talker. I have to cover up the noise, and the best way I’ve found is to buy the very cheapest, very ugliest box fan available. It’s way louder than white noise machines and is extremely effective. However, I know some people prefer different sounds, and in that case a white noise machine is a great option. My daughter has one and she loves it.

 

4. Netlflix/Hulu subscription

We all have those days where we just need to rest. This is where binge TV watching comes in! Thank goodness we live in an age where we aren’t stuck watching the few programs that show up on the TV. I’m currently watching the newest season of “One day at a time” on Netflix because it always makes me laugh (sadly I only have one episode left).

5. Heating pad

Yes I know I mention this in practically every list I make, but I can’t live or sleep without my heating pad. Mine break so often that I even keep a spare heating pad so I don’t have to go without. The only heating pad I have ever had that lasted more than a few months was Target off brand. It sounds crazy, but it works. This heating pad was the most comfortable I ever had, though it didn’t last as long.

 

6. Water

My husband gives me a hard time about being the girl from the movie Signs. I tend to have water in strategic places all over the house, and even in the car. Drinking enough water is important for everyone’s health, not just those who have a chronic illness. I happen to drink an insane amount of water because of my chronic kidney stones, but it’s also nice to have easy access to it for those who need to take medication and don’t want to get out of bed.

If you’re a klutz like me, you can get a leak proof water bottle to avoid making a giant mess.

7. TENS Unit

TENS aren’t particularly useful to me during the day because you can’t move around when you’re using one. However, I do like to use one to help me to get sleep. I run into the usual problem, that my entire body hurts and I can’t cover myself in TENS pads, but at least I can be in a little less pain in one part of my body.

8. Warm socks

For those of you who live with cold weather and need to keep your feet warm, always keep a nice pair of fuzzy socks in your nightstand.  Comfortable clothes are also a plus!