Over the years, I have used ALOT of different products/ services to help with all different aspects of my illness. Lots of trial and error (and returns) over the years.
For Humira:
Complete App: For both Android and Apple. This app is packed with so many resources including my favorite the medication reminder. Every 10 days at 7 PM, a C pops up in my notification bar on my phone, reminding me its time to take my Humira. I love the fact it reminds me where I last took the dose and it logs the expiration date and expiration date of each pen I use.
Sharps disposal: Another great and super helpful resource. Once you used the Humira pens, you're stuck (pun intended) with them until you have enough to fill up your sharps container. The problem is, at least for me, where to dispose of the said used sharps. I found two great resources, one is through the Humira Complete app and the other is a local hospital. Through the Humira App, they will send you sharps containers AND a box to ship the sharps containers back in for disposal. My local hospital also made it very easy to dispose of used sharps. I contacted them and they told me to come to the front desk and the person sitting there will help me. Well, I did not realize how easy this was going to be. I walked in with my two very full sharps containers and I was greeted by two nice women who knew exactly what to do. They took the containers, had me sign a book and even offered me a new sharps container. I was blown away by how quickly that whole process took. Be sure to call your local hospital before to see what the procedure is to drop off used sharps.
Planner: When I contacted about their sharps disposal program, they offered me a planner to keep track of my injections. I figured it would be a small pocket planner similar to something you would receive as a promotional item. When the planner arrived a few days later, I was blown away by the size ( 6x9 perhaps) and the plethora of information that was in this planner. It was awesome.
Now you can you any planner, paper or digital, to keep track of your injections and symptoms, but it was super nice that Humira has this added extra resource that is not only pretty but super useful. Humira gets it.
For a Hospital stay:
Hospital Gowns: Now this is going to sound a bit wacky BUT hear me out. When you're sick, don't you try to make yourself feel better- taking a shower, putting on new pjs (if your home), brush you hair, etc. When you are in the hospital, you are in an over-sized, scratchy potato sack, you already do not feel great, this sack does not help. When I had surgery a few years ago, my mom and I scoured the internet for a more comfortable hospital gown for recovery. I ended up with a few pretty patterned tunic and a few maternity dresses. Yup, I bought a maternity hospital gown when I was not pregnant. This was probably the best idea, my mom and I ever had. The days following surgery in the hospital and at home, I made it a point to get up, and "get dressed". I believe wearing something pretty really helped my mental health and my recovery process. I didn't feel so sick and I felt more like a real person. If you have ability, look into purchasing your own hospital gowns for extended hospital stays and even at home recovery.
For travel or emergency situations:
A friend shared this idea with me that she uses when she goes camping. You'll need an orange homer bucket from Home Depot (or another variety of large heavy duty bucket), a pool noodle and a black garage bag. Cut a pull noodle to fit around the top of the bucket and then cut a slit down the middle of the pool noodle so it can fit snugly around the top of the bucket. The black garbage bag acts a liner in the bucket. Add a roll of toilet paper and you are good to go. Lots of DIY ideas for this, also you can get pretty fancy with putting a toilet seat on the bucket itself.
Multiple useful products:
Lastly, a pretty neat start up company from Pennsylvania, Be Well. They created items for all "intestinally challenged" warriors out there. They have journals, (super pretty) medicine containers, a blanket and a tote among other things. Visit their website to sign up to learn when they are going to launch their line of products and follow them along on Instagram.
What types of products/services you use that make life with a chronic illness easier? Let me know in the comments.
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Crohn's Confidential: My Support Team and How They Help Me
Crohn's Confidential: Surgery: Before & After
Crohn's Confidential: Recovery After Surgery
Crohn's Confidential: World IBD Day
Crohn's Confidential: Dealing with Questions and Comments
Crohn's Confidential: What I learned from Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Confidential: Resources
Crohn's Confidential: Thank you
Crohn's Confidential: Humira Update
Crohn's Confidential: Surgery- 3 year update
Crohn's Confidential: 8 Years with Crohn's Disease
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