THE TICK THAT BIT ME

5 Things That Helped Me Heal 05/02/2012

1. Shower chair

We got this after I had my back surgery (to help me avoid bending, slipping, and falling), and I continued to use it after I was diagnosed with hermsii and Anaplasmosis. It really makes a difference being able to sit and relax while bathing. My boyfriend (who is healthy as a horse) also enjoys using it when he just wants to wash his feet!

My chair. Note: It only works if you put it IN the shower.

2. Thermalon heating pads

One of my four heating pads.

These heating pads are my best friends. My mom, who has Arthritis, introduced me to them. I put mine in the microwave for about a minute, and it will stay warm for about 30, depending on how cold my house is. After the initial heating, you can reheat them for 30-40 seconds at a time.  I prefer these to an electric heating pad because they provide moist heat, and I can fall asleep with one without burning myself. They helped me get off painkillers and sleep better on cold nights. They can also double as cold packs if you store them in the freezer inside a ziplock bag. I found them on sale at Walgreens for $15 each.

3. Low-impact exercise

Image via Arthritis.org

Taking an Arthritis Foundation water aerobics class at a warm water therapy pool helped me stay active while I was getting treated. The warm water helped my joints feel better, and I think all the endorphins from exercising made me happier. I also made some great friends in the class who are just slightly older and much wiser than me. (Shout out to the pool ladies!) If you’re interested in this type of class, you can search for one in your area here.

4. Memory foam mattress pad

This was also a purchase made after my back surgery. My mattress is quite firm. (That’s how I used to like it when I was a young thing with no health problems.) I’ve always slept best on my side, but after surgery, and as I began developing more joint problems in my neck, hips, and knees, the mattress was too hard for me. Rather than shelling out $800 for a new mattress, I spent about $150 for this memory foam mattress topper from Costco. Now the bed is soft enough that I don’t feel like I’m sleeping on a plank, but not so soft that I sink in too far. I’m still able to roll over during the night so I don’t get too stiff.

5. Geoff Peterson

I can’t stress enough how much laughter helped me recover. My parents are a little obsessed with Craig Ferguson, and I started watching him, too, when I was staying with them and getting IV therapy. Craig’s exchanges with his robot sidekick Geoff Peterson make me laugh the hardest.

What are some things that have helped your healing process?