For a while now, I’ve been struggling with the feeling that I don’t know my authentic self. “Authenticity” was one of my 2021 words of the year because of this! At that time, I’d only just begun toying with the idea of autism and ADHD. After a lot of research into these conditions and the depths of myself and my memories, I decided to pursue an adult autism & ADHD diagnosis.

Paired with a growing understanding of my physical conditions, this process has been eye-opening. It’s not, by any means, a firm conclusion—I still have a long way to go towards that authentic self I’m working towards. But, even still, I’ve gained a lot of insight into who I am and why so many of my experiences have happened in the way they have.

Learning about adult autism in women

Like many recently diagnosed adult autistics, I first came across adult autism–and autism in girls/women/AFAB individuals–online. I’m not sure of the very first references that caught my eye, but, along the way, I landed on a few particular creators who’ve been absolute assets:

• Paige Layle
• La Fille Dani
• Autie Goddess
• Neurodivergent Rebel

Before this, I really only knew about autism in stereotypes (Sheldon Cooper, anyone?). Following these creators and their journeys has been incredible, and it’s given me insight into not just the reality of the autistic experience but, in particular, how it manifests in those assigned female at birth/raised as girls.

Learning about Afab ADHD

Similarly, my initial knowledge of ADHD was limited to stereotypes. Even as I dove down the research rabbit hole that is autism, I dismissed ADHD experiences that resonated with me because there is so much overlap between the conditions. And yet, something in the back of my mind noted these.

When it became more apparent that I might have ADHD myself (more on that later), I came across the How to ADHD channel on YouTube, and everything sort of fell into place. Jessica is incredible, and her videos should be “required reading” for anyone (but especially girls/women/AFAB) thinking they might have ADHD.

My Embrace Autism Experience

Before diving into my autism diagnosis, I want to acknowledge the privilege that comes with being able to pursue a formal assessment, especially an out-of-pocket one. The only way I could make this happen was with an unaffiliated payment plan (through Affirm, to be exact), and, even then, I recognize that this has a degree of financial privilege as well.

With that in mind, I didn’t think I would have the chance to pursue an Embrace Autism assessment when I first came across the website. Of course, self-diagnosis is entirely valid, especially given the barriers that women, POC, and others deal with in this context. I have “good” insurance by US standards, but I couldn’t pursue an adult diagnosis within that coverage. For me, though, I needed that “official” diagnosis to stop doubting my understanding of myself and my experiences.

Whether pursuing a formal diagnosis or learning more about autism (and related concepts, like alexithymia), the Embrace Autism website is an incredible resource. I’ve seen plenty of other neurodivergent folks using the tests and information on the site to aid in self-diagnosis or a better understanding of autism and being autistic. If you’re unable to seek out a formal diagnosis or you are content with self-diagnosis, this is especially helpful; taking these tests and understanding the results is an incredibly informative process in and of itself.

About Embrace Autism

Embrace Autism describes itself as “THE place to find research & experience-based autism content for personal elucidation & empowerment. By autistic people, for autistic people.” The primary face behind the scenes is Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht, a psychotherapist and naturopathic doctor. She is joined by Eva Silverant (who you’ll see behind much of the EA social media presence)and others who are committed to, quite literally, embracing autism. They bring together the resources on the EA website, these autistic-led assessments, and so much more.

Most importantly, Dr. Engelbrecht and co. are nearly all (if not entirely) autistic/neurodivergent themselves. If you’re concerned about allistic healthcare providers overlooking your experience because it doesn’t align with the conventional idea of autism, this crucial element makes Embrace Autism so appealing.

EMbrace Autism Screening Questionnaire

If you are interested in pursuing an autism diagnosis through Embrace Autism, you’ll begin with the screening questionnaire. This step doesn’t supply a formal diagnosis but, instead, offers insight into whether the “real” diagnostic process is warranted. You’ll move through the questionnaire, which allows you to reflect on your experiences in light of the DSM-5 criteria for autism and a collection of psychometric tests.

You’ll receive a 10-page report based on this data, indicating whether your responses suggest a likelihood of autism. Assuming this is the case, you’ll proceed with the diagnostic assessment.

Screening Psychometry:

• AQ
• RAADS–R
• CAT-Q
• VIA
• RBQ-2A
• Aspie Quiz

My experience with the screening portion of the assessment was pretty straightforward. I’d put a lot of thought into the criteria beforehand and dredged up some memories in the process, making them easier to recall in the moment. I’d also taken “practice” psychometric tests earlier, having used the various links on the EA site in developing my own initial self-diagnosis. All-in-all, I think I finished this portion in one hyperfocused evening.

When I received my screening report a few weeks later, my results were “highly indicative” of autism, and continuing the process was warranted.

Embrace Autism Diagnostic Assessment

Like the screening portion of the process, an Embrace Autism diagnosis begins with a questionnaire and psychometric tests. This is what leads to your diagnostic interview a few weeks later and an ultimate diagnosis (or lack thereof).

Diagnostic Psychometry:

• ASRS-v1.1
• EQ
• SQ–R
• ESQ
• TEQ
• TAS-20

Pre-Diagnostic Interview: Beyond adult autism

This was by far the part of this experience that I was most anxious about (perhaps tied with the cost). I don’t do well with phone/video calls, in a combination of anxiety, PTSD, and auditory processing difficulties–and, I know now, autism. With that in mind, I suppose this shows just how invested I’ve been in getting answers. I was willing to face one of my greatest triggers to get there!

In the time between my screening and eventual interview, I’d actually taken a similar step by joining PlushCare and meeting with my incredible primary care physician via video. This was plenty anxiety-inducing too but, after having such a positive experience with my doctor (she’s truly the nicest person I’ve ever met!), this interview seemed a bit less daunting. Joined by the fact that Dr. Engelbrecht herself is autistic and inevitably encounters others who struggle with this sort of communication, my anxiety became more of a nervous anticipation.

Once I was able to schedule my interview, I knew for sure what conditions would be screened for at this stage: autism, ADHD, alexithymia, PTSD, and C-PTSD. I’d ended up on a different page of the website earlier that listed relevant conditions as autism, ADHD, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), so this confirmation was much-appreciated. While I’ve suspected EDS another form of hypermobility might be behind some of my joint pain (I’m already diagnosed with fibromyalgia, as well as suspected ME/CFS & POTS and my various other conditions), the thought of verifying a long-since-assumed PTSD diagnosis was especially welcome.

Of course, this came with some questions, too: How have the traumas I’ve endured interacted with my autistic traits? Have I gone through certain experiences because of my autism? It seems painfully likely, in retrospect, that a lot of situations could have been avoided if I were more adept at recognising social cues.

Alexithymia, though, was an unfamiliar concept prior to finding EA. Scientific American defines alexithymia as “the inability to recognize emotions and their subtleties and textures.” As I learnt more, I could hardly believe it—this symptom made so much sense! I’ve always been an overly empathetic, emotional person but, despite this, I struggle to put words to my feelings. This is hardly ideal when you make a living out of putting words to things! The idea that my discomfort behind the question of “how does _____ make you feel?” could stem from a legitimate reason was such a comfort.

Embrace autism diagnostic interview

When the day of my interview came, I adjusted my work hours accordingly (thankfully, my role is really flexible so I can squeeze appointments in and simply shift my shifts to accommodate them) and tried to prepare. I put together my notes from the previous steps in the process and put on my coziest sweatshirt for a bit of extra comfort. Then, I actually sat down to draft this blog post! At this point, I could say with pretty strong confidence that the results would confirm my self-diagnosis.

The interview itself is held through Dr. Engelbrecht’s portal via Psychology Today. Mine started off on an unconventional high note—Dr. Engelbrecht was running a few minutes late and sent a message saying as much. This meant so much as the anxiety would have hit hard otherwise!

Once we were both settled in, the interview itself was pretty straightforward. She asked a few questions following up on my previous answers and experiences. A personal favourite? I mentioned having the hallmark signs of PTSD, though I couldn’t say for sure that I had…to which she replied, “Oh, you do.” This seemingly simple response had a tremendous impact on me!  After dealing with symptoms for years and struggling to come terms with an assumed but unconfirmed diagnosis, this confirmation was absolutely life-changing.

Embrace Autism Diagnostic Report

Finally, after a bit more waiting, I had my report in hand. This was by far the shortest wait time between stages of the screening/diagnostic process–to paraphrase Dr. Engelbrecht, I have a pretty textbook case so the medical review would be quick and easy (I opted for this add-on for an added layer of confirmation, just in case I should need to request accommodations in the near future).

Most importantly, this report came with the final “gold star” (I mean, that’s what it felt like!). After several years’ self-diagnosis and a lifetime of wondering why I seemed so different from my peers, I had a formal ICD-coded diagnosis for both autism and ADHD.

I did have to follow up for confirmation on my PTSD (though she’d verbally confirmed this during our interview, the formal diagnosis was initially missing from the final report) but, in yet another dose of validation, my traumas were confirmed, too. I was absolutely ecstatic!

It took a while for me to get past the stereotypical view of autism I once held, much less recognise my own self-diagnosis. It’s no surprise that the route from self-diagnosis to formal diagnostic report was a lengthy one, too! Similarly, the process wasn’t a cheap one==I’ll be paying off the Affirm loan for quite a while yet–but I’m nevertheless grateful for this incredible resource Embrace Autism offers.

If it’s in your budget, whether directly or through a pay-later service like Affirm, I absolutely recommend Embrace Autism for an adult autism screening or diagnosis. If you’re interested in saving up over time, be sure to spend some time on their website in the meantime. There are so many assessments you can work through and insights you can find in their articles. In short, embrace-autism.com is an invaluable resource for anyone who suspects they may be autistic or identifies as autistic without a formal diagnosis. Even if you’re already diagnosed, I’m sure you’ll find worthwhile information from throughout the website or EA social media profiles.

If you read my recent chronic illness wish list post, you might remember me mentioning the stylish compression gloves offered by Grace & Able. The brand was so kind as to reach out and offer me one of their arthritis care kits in exchange for my honest review! I’ve used these items for a few weeks now and am excited to share my Grace & Able review.

First and foremost, some insight into the Grace & Able brand and their arthritis care kit, in particular:

About Grace & Able

The Grace & Able philosophy really starts with its founder, Sarah. An RA patient herself, Sarah faced a problem that all too many disabled individuals encounter: having to wear braces and supports and standing out because of them—and not in a particularly positive way. This is all too relatable—orthopedics, compression wear, and joint supports are hardly the most fashionable accessories in a spoonie’s wardrobe. And, all too often, these standout pieces bring attention (and plenty of prying questions) well before anyone recognizes our stylish outfit or bubbly personality.

Sarah recognised this frustration and joined together with Trevor Petrie, a certified hand therapist, to design functional, fashionable compression gloves and more.

The Arthritis Care Kit

The incredible inventory at Grace & Able all stems from these enthusiastic origins, including their arthritis care kits. These bundles prioritise both healthcare and self-care, supporting both your body and mind as you use it. Each kit includes a pair of their cotton compression gloves, a tube of magnesium soaking salts, and two linen flaxseed hand packs. And an added bonus? It even comes with stickers!

You have a few choices to make when you order your kit. Compression gloves are available in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and five colours (ballet pink, classic black, heather grey, marine blue, and plum purple). Then your soaking salts can be one of four fragrance options: eucalyptus, lavender, rose, or unscented.

It’s also worth noting that this incredible kit comes in eco-friendly packaging—even their tissue paper is recyclable!

My Grace & Able Review

I was absolutely thrilled when Grace & Able first reached out about crossing this item off my wish list. I’d first come across their fashion-forward compression gloves when I began following Cheryl of Arthritis Life. At the time, my diagnosis was undifferentiated arthritis, and RA seemed the most likely form. I’ve since gone through further testing and started treatment for fibromyalgia, but I’ve still found Cheryl’s arthritis life hacks to be invaluable. The Jiffy Twist is the next item on my wish list that’s inspired by her product recommendations!

I like my standard compression gloves from Amazon well enough but Grace & Able’s commitment to making these chronic illness essentials more fashionable is just so inspiring. The ballet pink gloves, in particular, immediately caught my eye. One of my favourite childhood memories is a ballet pink polish my grandmother used on our nails—these were such a lovely callback to those memories.

I mentioned these as my top choice of compression glove (with plum purple & marine blue as my next picks…spoiler alert: I’ll definitely need to order these colours down the line) and Grace & Able sent just that. I also selected lavender for my scent since a bit of relaxation. is almost always a necessary addition to my everyday life.

When I picked up this exciting package from my PO box, I loved the packaging itself. It really is such a special delivery!

Then, of course, I opened the package…and it became so much more exciting! The contents of the arthritis care kit were even better in person than the description on their website could relay.

grace & able Compression gloves Review

Firstly, these gloves are gosh-darn beautiful. I love the subtle detail of the GA logo tags! It’s a simple way to ensure you’re grabbing the right glove at a glance, and makes a great addition to the gloves themselves.

With the gloves on, though, they become even better. The ballet pink colour is just as gorgeous as I expected!

I can hardly wait to pair these gloves with some stylish outfits—I have a few particular pieces in mind already. So far, I’ve been wearing them around the house more casually, and even to bed a few times. Compression gloves are an absolute must at bedtime, and these quickly became my new favourites.

Grace & Able Soaking Salts Review

I put off trying these salts for a while, waiting for just the right moment. That special occasion came when I promised myself a home manicure/pedicure. With aching hands and ankles, the lavender salts were the perfect way to relax and relieve the discomfort.

I think my favourite part, though, was the aesthetic these salts had to offer. I’ll spare you the image of my feet soaking in the warm water, but know that the combination of the sprigs of lavender and the salt-infused water is almost as soothing to look at as it is to use. In short? I love these soaking salts and can hardly wait for the next “spa session!”

Grace and Able heat packs review

Finally, we have the third main part of the Grace & Able arthritis care kit: a pair of heat packs. Each 4×5 pack is made of organic linen and filled with flaxseed sourced locally by the brand. Simply microwave for 20 seconds and enjoy the heat therapy! Alternatively, you can keep them in the freezer for some cooling relief.

These are intended for your hands, much like the other parts of the kit. That being said, they’re versatile—I recently used them on my eyes/temples during a particularly wicked migraine and the relief was wonderful!

 

All this being said, adore this Grace & Able arthritis care kit. I can’t thank them enough for the gifted product, or for the chance to share this lovely product with you all! They’ve been a pleasure to work with and I’m certainly planning to add more of their items to my collection over time. I mean, I need gloves in every colour, right?

If you have fibromyalgia like myself, another form of arthritis, or some other type of chronic pain, I truly cannot recommend the arthritis care kit enough. At the very least, you’re sure to find relief from one of the included products (and a smile at the included stickers, of course). More likely, though, you’ll find that the kit as a whole was exactly what your home treatment plan needed.

With summer on the horizon, I’m officially facing the struggle of trying to stay cool despite chronic illnesses. You might be having the same issue! Here are some of the ways I’m staying cool in summertime as a spoonie: 

What is heat intolerance?

Put simply, heat intolerance is an irregular sensitivity to heat. This is a high degree of temperature sensitivity—“a small change of temperature causes a dramatic response.”

There are a lot of different things that can cause or contribute to high temperature sensitivity or heat intolerance, including a variety of disabilities. Those with dysautonomia, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), neurocardiogenic syncope, and other forms, often face temperature regulation issues thanks to dysfunction in our autonomic nervous systems.

Fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome come with their own high temperature sensitivities. “ Are you one of those people with fibromyalgia (FMS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome(ME/CFS) who is cold all the time, or hot all the time, or alternately hot or cold while out of sync with the environment?”

In my case, yes! I’m currently undergoing treatment for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and dysautonomia, and waiting for confirmation on a few different diagnoses. Some other conditions causing temperature dysregulation include hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis, Graves’ disease, and more. Even certain medications can come with heat intolerance or increased temperature sensitivity. Wherever it is the temperature sensitivity is coming from, the heat intolerance is excessive!

Symptoms of Heat Intolerance

With these conditions, changing seasons can be painful. While others might feel a slight discomfort as temperatures change, many spoonies struggle with more severe reactions, or even pain.

Heat intolerance comes with a slew of symptoms within the symptom, including:

• feeling of overheating
• heavy sweating
• headache
• dizziness
• weakness
• cramping
• nausea
• elevated heart rate

Severe circumstances can even lead to heat exhaustion, with symptoms like confusion, loss of coordination, vomiting, muscle cramps, high body temperature, and rapid breathing. If your “normal” symptoms are anything like mine, you won’t want to deal with these too!

Staying Cool in Summertime as a Spoonie

All this is to say, my own heat intolerance/temperature sensitivity call for staying cool any way I can when summer comes around! Here are a few of the methods I’ve tried so far or will be implementing over the next few weeks:

Air Conditioner

I finally broke down and purchased an air conditioner this year, partly to keep Fitz safe and partly for my own comfort. The worse my temperature sensitivity gets, the less I’m able to deal with the increasing summer heat!

That being said, I’ve gone a long time without AC. I’ve always been one who gets too cold too quickly—now, I realise this is at least in part from the back-and-forth between AC and heat. If this isn’t an option for you right now, I can attest to everything else on this list offering some degree of relief!

Fans

Like I’ve said, this is the first year I’ve had an air conditioner when summer came around. With a slew of new medications, symptoms, and diagnoses, it was worth the strain of adding a payment plan to my budget! If you’re not able to get air conditioning or you have less discomfort in heat, you can get an awful lot of relief from conventional fans.

My go-to combination of fans to keep you staying cool in summertime as a spoonie includes a tower fan and a box fan. I got my tower fan at a great deal last year and it’s held up well since. My box fan is equally impressive—I got it when I was still in college and it’s still going strong! Plus, I love anything pink 🙂

I typically put the box fan in the window, then position the tower fan to oscillate on the opposite side of the room. Together, they make all but the hottest days a lot more bearable. 

Neck fan

Heat relief at home is great but what if you’re on the go? Or what if you’re moving from one room to another and can’t get enough of the cool stream of air as you do? That’s where this incredible neck fan comes in. 

This is absolutely perfect for trying to get through some chores during a heat wave, taking a walk around your block, or simply adding another layer of cooling power to your summer strategy. 

Cooling cloths

Is it even a post from An Ideal Life if it doesn’t include a product from Miss A? These quick dry towels double as a quick and easy method for staying cool. Whether you’re a spoonie, heading to the gym, or trying to beat the heat, these are a great addition to your summertime cooling kit. 

Cooling patches

Another Miss A must-have! These cooling patches are an integral part of my migraine kit and can just as easily work to help cool you down in a pinch. It’s easy enough to toss a packet of two into your purse! It’s important to note that they aren’t super adhesive—the cooling gel stays on the skin but won’t hold up to a ton of motion or movement. 

Wipes

If you deal with the heavy sweating that’s common with heat intolerance, have a limited capacity for typical hygiene due to your symptoms, or just needed an added layer to your comfort between showers, a simple pack of wipes is essential. I love these body refresher wipes from Miss A but even standard baby wipes will work!

Native deodorant

Another essential! I absolutely adore my collection of Native personal care products, including the natural deodorant. Native comes in a variety of lovely scents and is made without aluminum, talc, parabens, or animal testing. They even have a special sensitive formula for those with a baking soda allergy or intolerance, an unscented option, and plastic-free packaging options! My current go-to is their seasonal Rose. Chances are, there’s a new favorite waiting for you! 

Of course, sunscreen is crucial, too. Native happens to be my go-to there, too! I have their unscented sunscreen in both face and body formulas and I frankly won’t leave the house this summer without it!

Cooling sleeves

These accessories are fabulous because they simultaneously help with staying cool (despite another layer) and protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays. 

I picked up my first sets of these sleeves from Miss A but they no longer carry them. You’ll find similar cooling sleeves on Amazon and elsewhere. I’ve also got my eye on this shawl-style take on cooling sleeves, which cover the shoulders, too. These could be great for pairing sleeveless tops with cooling sun protection! 

Water, water, water!

If you only take away one item from the list, it should be to stay hydrated! This is a critical aspect of care for conditions like POTS and a great tip for general well-being. Lately, I’ve been alternating between my Hydroflask and this Ello water bottle. 

Liquid IV

While you’re at it, consider adding some electrolytes to your water while staying cool this summer. I swear by Liquid IV—they have some of the best flavours, in my opinion, and genuinely seem to offer relief. For a little added incentive, you can save $5 when you try Liquid IV through our referral link!

Do you deal with heat intolerance or other symptoms that make summer heat unbearable? What do you use to find relief? Let us know in the comments! 

Trying out one of these strategies yourself? Be sure to tag us on social media @anideallifeblog.

If you’ve been following me over on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed that the symptoms of my various chronic conditions have been increasingly unignorable. As I go through the diagnostic process (with my incredible new doctor!), I’m slowly accumulating tools that make disabled life a little easier. However, there are still quite a few chronic illness products on my wish list! 

VIM & VIGR

VIM & VIGR was so kind as to send me a pair of their compression socks to review! Stay tuned for a full blog post coming soon. 

I was diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope more than a decade ago and one of our current theories is POTS, so I’m painfully familiar with dysautonomia. Pair that with my chronic pain and you have the basis for quite a love affair with all things compression! 

When I first spotted VIM & VIGR‘s compression socks, stockings, and other essentials, I added them to my mental wish list instantly. I mean, latex-free compression options with designs as cute as lemons? Count me in! When I eventually give these a try, I’ll report back but, for now, my expectations are definitely high. 

CEFALY Migraine Device

Over the years, I’ve amassed quite the collection of ways to cope with my chronic intractable migraines. I’ve seen this nifty device all over TikTok and other social media platforms lately and am so intrigued! The more I learn about Cefaly, the more determined I am to give it a try ASAP. 

Allay Light Therapy Lamp

I first stumbled across this migraine tool through Cove and it’s been more or less on my radar ever since. I’ve had some luck with green color therapy glasses for migraines, so I’ve got pretty high hopes for the Allay light therapy lamp! 

Embr Wave

Embr Labs has sponsored a few episodes of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast (which I can’t recommend enough for my fellow true crime aficionados—and be sure to preorder Alaina’s debut novel!) and the Embr Wave definitely caught my eye. My symptoms include heat intolerance and general temperature dysregulation so the thought of having such innovative control most definitely catches my eye. 

90-Count Liquid IV

Liquid IV is already one of my favorite things (pretty much ever) and I definitely hope to invest in one of these bulk packs! Electrolytes help so much with my dysautonomia symptoms and Liquid IV is my personal favorite source. I try to keep plenty on hand and this would make that easier than ever!

Grace & Able Compression Gloves

Grace & Able was so kind as to offer me an arthritis care kit to review!

I’m pretty happy with the compression gloves I have already but I’ve heard so many good things about Grace & Able! I’d definitely like to give this brand a try, with either their standard compression gloves (can we discuss that gorgeous ballet pink?) or the arthritis care kit (or both!). 

Upright GO Posture Trainer

Simply put, my posture is terrible. Between neurodivergence, hypermobility, and life in general, I’m sure it has some impact on the pain I’d deal with already. I have a more conventional posture corrector already but rarely use it as it irritates my skin. Something like the Upright Go strapless device seems like an ideal solution! 

Pink Stork Mist

I’ve used and loved Pink Stork’s nausea sweets for motion sickness and nausea so I have no doubt that their topical magnesium spray will be equally wonderful! I’m planning to try this one for pain, nausea, and everything in between. I love that their brand is woman-owned, too! 

Pain Relief Eye Mask

As-is, eye masks are an absolute lifesaver (I love the conventional style as well as these warming eye masks from Miss A) when it comes to migraines and other flares. The “ergoBeads” in this particular eye mask have certainly piqued my interest! 

Hug Sleep Pod

My weighted blanket is one of the single best things I’ve ever owned. The Hug Sleep Pod looks like such a fantastic alternative for nights when my pain sensitivity might be too much for extra weight! 

HomeTop Hot Water Bottles

Storytime! Back in Bath, I purchased a wonderful hot water bottle. In addition to the classic rubbery bottle, it came with an adorable “sweater” covered in paw prints for a cover. While the bottle itself followed me to the States, that sweater got lost along the way. I haven’t found an exact replacement but I’m loving these options from HomeTop. Their 2.25 liter model has such a unique design, and the classic 2-liter hot water bottle is a great piece to match. Plus, both covers look like they’d be such a pleasing texture—and I’m never one to turn down polka dots!

Vive Foot Rocker

Plantar fasciitis is one of my least severe conditions but, when it flares up, it goes far beyond being just a nuisance.  Between that and my chronically tight hamstrings, the Vive foot rocker looks like an incredible little product! 

Medline Rollator

After a stint in the hospital last year, I ordered my grandfather a rollator much like this one to help him through recovery. As my own symptoms worsen, it’s an investment I may be making myself sooner than I would have thought! This light blue color brings a smile to my face, which is always a bonus when it comes to medical equipment. 

Vive Folding Cane

Full disclosure, my existing cane is quite similar to this one. But, much like the rollator mentioned above, I adore this teal color. Plus, it adds some accidental dysautonomia awareness–sounds like a great fit!

Microwave Knee Wraps

With my affinity for hot and cold therapies, I could hardly believe that these wraps were a new find when I discovered them only recently. This is such as incredible solution! My knees have been bad since childhood so I’d love to give these a try. 

Allergy Amulet

If you have food allergies or sensitivities and haven’t heard of Allergy Amulet yet, you’re missing out! Their device is able to check your food to detect top allergens, with more on the way. A few of my personal food triggers aren’t part of the program just yet (but on their roadmap!) but I’ll definitely keep an eye on this for that update. 

Migrastil migraine stick

Despite being an essential oil fan and seeing countless Buzzfeed recommendations for this headache relief roll-on, I’ve somehow yet to try this fan-favorite (and cruelty-free!) topical. One of these days I will, and might add it to my tool kit!

Neck Pressure Point Device

I already use and love my cervical traction device and recently added a neck massager to my arsenal. I’ve seen this cervical spine alignment tool recommended, though, and am interested in giving it a try! These solutions seem to work wonders for my migraines, headaches, and neck pain, so I’ll gladly keep another option on hand. 

Foot warmer heating pad

One of my various conditions comes with a particularly irksome symptom—my feet and toes get absolutely frigid! I’ve used my existing heating pad for the sole purpose of warming them many times. This foot warmer would be absolutely ideal, especially when in a full-fledged pain flare, too. 

Sacroiliac Hip Belt

I recently saw this style of hip belt recommended for folks with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and, while that’s not one of my diagnoses (current or suspected), I do have enough hypermobility in various joints that this looks to be helpful. Plus, it’s said to help with sciatica, too! 

Thera Cane

Honestly, it’s shocking that I have yet to try the Thera Cane! Without fail, this massager is recommended on every listicle featuring products for chronic pain in its many forms. It may be in one of my roundups, too, if I end up loving it as much as others seem to someday!

Hip Ice Pack Wrap

Between sciatica and joint pain, I’m super interested in this hip ice pack wrap. Haven’t we all dealt with trying to get a typical ice pack to sit *just right* for a particular pain? 

So, these are a few of the items on my chronic illness wish list. Have you tried any of these products for spoonies, or are there other chronic illness products you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments or across social media @anideallifeblog!