3.09.2012

Surviving a Flare: 10 Things That Make a Flare More Bearable


If you have a chronic illness or chronic pain, tell me what makes your flares more bearable. If you love someone with chronic illness/pain, these things might be good ideas for gifts or ways you can reach out to someone around you.

1. Fresh Flowers -- It's harder for me to get out when I'm flared. Fresh flowers remind me of life, bring some of nature's beauty inside, and brighten my spirits. 

2. Juice, Bottled Water, Gatorade -- Pain and fever can make me nauseated and effect my appetite. When I'm in a flare, it's great to have a variety of cold drinks.

3. Clean Sheets -- I spend more time in bed than usual, and fresh clean sheets just make everything better.

4. Plenty of PJs -- Once in a while a new pair is a treat.

5. Heating Pads & Pillows -- If I could choose only one thing to get me through my flares, it would be this heating pad, which is electric, and has a timer and temperature controller.

6. Slippers -- I can't walk around without slippers or special shoes without my feet really hurting.

7. Entertainment -- Books from the library, music, magazines, DVDs or Netflix, blogs. Something to help pass the time and distract me from the pain is fantastic. I gravitate toward serious things usually, but am learning the value of a good laugh. As they say, laughter is the best medicine.

8. Lotion, Epsom Salts, Bubble Bath, Lip Gloss -- I've never appreciated pampering things more.

9. Snail Mail -- A card in my mailbox makes me happy. A care package would make me turn cartwheels, if I could do things like that. :-)

10. Easy, Nutritious Food -- Soup, salads, sandwiches, yogurt. Easy to prepare or already prepared, light, and not spicy.

Do you have pain or chronic illness? Tell me what makes your flares more bearable.

7 comments:

  1. I'm very sorry you have need of such a list, but I'm glad you have 10 things that can help in one way or another. I especially like the laughing under #7. Endorphins are always a good idea.

    I don't know if I exactly qualify as having chronic illness, but at least I have some chronic conditions, and many of these things help me as well. Rest whenever I can. Use heat more often than I realize I need it. Try to get some laughs each day. And I do love a hot drink, especially tea.

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  2. Hi, Jennifer. I'm so sorry you've not been feeling well lately. Thank you for your positive outlook. You are an inspiration to many.

    When I'm down, I love a good biography. :-) It gets my mind off my situation and lost in the world of someone else who has had their own journey of trial and blessing. It reminds me that the same God who has carried them is capable of carrying anyone who truly trusts Him.

    The Lord bless!
    Bethany
    www.CapacityCorner.blogspot.com

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  3. I love your list! It's perfect for me too:)

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  4. Great list! Here are some of my favorite things during a flare:
    pillows and soft blankets
    comfortable jammies
    a gift subscription to Netflix
    text messages, facebook posts, emails, and cards from friends
    snacks that are easy to eat in bed (non-crumbly muffin, chocolate, cut up fruit, berries, homemade pudding made with almond milk, smoothies, etc).
    tea
    soothing music

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  5. Absolutely love number 10. It's often very difficult to prepare food, and most of the stuff that's easy-to-prepare is so unhealthy!! So if friends or family can drop off GOOD food that can be eaten with little-to-no preparation, that makes it so much better.

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  6. Hello Jennifer, I too have A.S. I was only diagnosed a little over a year ago. Something that helps me through my flare is a kind word from a loved one. Love your site...

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