Catching Up:
It’s been a long month. We celebrated my grandmother’s life at her memorial. It was a wonderful day full of family and love. It was a bummer that the paper didn’t get her obituary printed in time, so many that wanted to be at the funeral weren’t aware of it. I know that she was loved. Thanksgiving was another wonderful celebration with family.
My brothers, mom, aunt, and cousins & I, at our grandmothers memorial.
Then we kicked off the cheer season with a showcase at the gym (all in the same weekend). The following two weekends we had cheer comps as well. I love cheer comp season. It’s just fun. I love taking pictures of all our teams performing. There is just something about catching that perfect action shot! I am a bit rusty from last season, and I’ve been flaring for about a month, so I’ve had to push myself extra hard to keep up.
All Star Cheerleaders are some of the most amazing athletes!
Today for example, I’m having severe lower back pain. I suspect I know why, so I’m just taking it easy on the couch and staying hydrated while awaiting a new prescription to kick in. Since I’m down for the day I thought I’d share with you all a list of great gift ideas for those with chronic pain & illness. Ya!
::::Insert Christmas music interlude here::::
Here are my top twelve suggestions for great gifts for those with chronic pain!
- Warm fluffy slippers and socks. The softer the better. Make it fun too. No need to be drab just because you feel like crap!
- Two years ago, I bought myself a cute pink zebra print cover for my heating pad. I love it and still use it every day! I got mine from Ebay, but I bet they’d be super easy to make for those who are crafty.
- This is somewhat obvious , but a comfy soft blanket is definitely in my top five. I have several, and promise there is never enough! I used them to prop my neck up, roll up behind my back, and of course to stay snuggly warm. I even love having a heated throw during the holidays.
- Due to the pain I have in my hands, I can’t ever get that pesky wine bottle open. An electric wine bottle opener is a necessity for sure! (I just read that a glass of red wine a day is like working out an hour at the gym. Really, I did!)
- The past two years, my husband insisted I bought some Sorel boots. I’m in love with them, almost as much as I am in love with him…almost. I love how warm and comfy they are. Plus, I feel VERY solid in them. I don’t worry about slipping and falling when I wear them. I’ll be honest, I’m kinda glad we’ve been getting so much rain so I can wear them without looking silly. I hope they make some cute flip flops for the summer! It’s the first time in years that I haven’t felt like I could fall at any moment. Plus, they are trendy!
- For those who can still get in and out of a bath without too much trouble, a gift basket of bath goodies would be perfect. Don’t forget the bath pillow! We have a wonderful soaker tub in our home now. Yet, I’ve only taken one bath in it since we moved in because it hurts to lay back in it. I used to have a bath pillow and that is on the top of my list this year. Be sure to include bubbles and candles. It feels good to be spoiled every now and then.
- A makeover. Anything from makeup, hair, nails, clothes…including pajamas. Just because we feel like crap doesn’t mean we don’t want to be pretty. I try to do my makeup and hair every day so that I feel good about myself. My husband bought my daughter and I a subscription to Ipsy last Christmas. We get a makeup bag with five makeup samples (some are regular sized, and they are good brands too). We love it! It gives us something to look forward to each month, and we can play with looks we’d never had tried otherwise. It’s only $10 a month too! So nice!
- A journal. I deal with a lot of emotions from meds, guilt, and just being human. I think writing down how you feel can be a great relief. Just get it out and be done with it. I know writing can be hard for some with chronic pain. I use this blog to get my “stuff” out there. Writing just hurts too much.
- A fun coffee mug or tea cup. Yeah, it’s nothing huge, it’s just the simple things in life. I have two coffee mugs that I absolutely love. They just make me happy.
- A hug, a listening ear, or a smile. Just having someone understand is so amazing. No need to give advice or anything just being there helps.
- I swear by this. I buy two roll-ons from Ebay each month. I practically bathe in it. My husband calls it my signature sent. So sexy. haha
- A cure. Santa? Jesus? Anyone? Please.
Well, that concludes my 2015 Chronic Christmas List. I hope it’s helpful to someone. I know that I have benefited from each thing so much over the years. Remember, be the best you that you can be. Don’t over do it though. You are you, and that is good enough! 🙂 (that’s my sue-ism’ for the week)
Chronically Susan 