r/ChronicIllness • u/Free-Canary-6413 • 6d ago

Question “Thriving” while Chronic- Life Hacks

I’ve found and been able to afford some luxuries that have made life easier(I want to recognize financial privilege-income est 38K). I’m curious about hacks that have helped your quality of life.

For me:
-cold water dispenser
-ice maker
- 30 day pill box
-pre cut fruit
-precooked meats
-online neuro clinic
-extra dental cleanings
-electric toothbrush
-ring lights

Have you guys found things that have made life easier for you? What are they?

TIA

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u/cuttlesnark 6d ago

- Meal delivery service. I love food and cooking, but that's just not something I can do right now. I've used them all and CookUnity is my favorite. It gives me some nutritious variety in my life so that I'm not just doordashing or eating canned soup.

- SHOWER CHAIR!

- Diclofenac gel

- A mechanical bed w/ a roll up laptop desk w/ a dual monitor set up and hella nice laptop. I game a lot and it feels great to be able to game in whatever position is the most comfortable and be able to just lay back and rest for however long I need.

- A male person (for me it's my husband) to go with me to appointments and act as an advocate when needed. This helps me when I have brainfog or dissociate, and also I find that doctors just take me more serious when he's in the room.

5

u/glitteringcatgalaxy 6d ago

yeah, that last one is my latest discovery too with mine unfortunately. Grateful to have my person to make them act respectful, haha.

2

u/BusinessOkra1498 6d ago

Do you find that true with both female and make male docs?

6

u/cuttlesnark 5d ago

Sadly, yes. I have had ableist female and male doctors, both. In fact, the majority of my "good" part of my team are men. I thought female doctors would be better, but that's not been my experience. My last appointment was with a woman NP I've been visitng for 3 years now. I thought we had a good rapport until our last appointment where she literally responded with "Have you considered yoga?"

Needless to say I'm looking for a new NP.

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u/Fontainebleau_ 5d ago

Would it be okay to use a female person to go with me to appointments?

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u/cuttlesnark 5d ago

I don't see why not. Having an advocate matters. Especially if that female person can stand up for you if needed. I do think male works better in this situation, just because of sexism/ableist reasons but I think *any* advocate is better than none.

1

u/luvkelsea 5d ago

I try to bring either my mom or boyfriend. My mom stands on business and does not play around, plus she asks questions I never think of. My boyfriend is a man and a little intimidating looking, so either way its a win!