As a young-ish person with POTS, MCAS, EDS, and Hashimotos (as well as a history of thyroid cancer), I've been around the block with chronic illness, lmao. Here are some products that have really helped me, and are great to have on hand when we are out of the house (Errands, work, social outings, etc). Feel free to use this for yourself or as a gift for another person. And please let me know if there is anything else you have tried that has helped! Without further ado, I call this my "Crash Stash":
1. Fanny Pack (With multiple pockets)
- Holds everything and is easier on the body to carry than a typical purse or backpack
2. Travel Size Tylenol (Refillable)
- For variety in pain management
3. Travel Size Aleve (Refillable)
- Targets inflammation and offers variety in pain management
4. Travel Size Advil (Refillable)
- For variety in pain management
5. Travel Size Excedrin (Refillable)
- Migraine Relief
6. Travel Size Pepto Bismol
- Nausea Relief
- The chewable, mint flavored ones are far more tolerable than the cherry flavored in my opinion
- Mint: https://a.co/d/0f5Yp0b2
7. Migrastil Migraine Stick Roll On
- This peppermint/ eucalyptus oil has helped my migraines by rolling on my temples or wherever the pain is most prevalent
- But don't get this in your eyes, haha. Not an emergency if this happens, but it does burn...
8. Acupressure Hand clip
- Pushes on pressure point in hand and alleviates the effects of a migraine
9. Soothefy Migraine Cap
- Best cold compress for head that I've found so far. It has a flap for eyes, which I love having as an option
10. 2-3 Electrolyte Drink Packets
- Boosts and maintains electrolytes - add to water or carbonated water. Tip: If using carbonated water, add drink mix very slowly or else it will fizz over
- I personally like LMNT for a healthier but still yummy option (Fav flavors Raspberry, watermelon, and chocolate) And fyi - It does get less salty the more it sits in the water
- I also like Liquid IV, though it does have more sugar (Fav flavors: Cotton Candy, Strawberry, Watermelon). Much less salty then LMNT
- LMNT: https://a.co/d/03CILxQv
- Liquid IV: https://a.co/d/01VvJBus
11. Vitassium Fast Acting Chewables
- Helps during an adrenaline dump or flare up
12. Snacks (Protien, carb, and sugar)
- Helps during an adrenaline dump or flare up
- Personally I find having something like beef jerky, fruit snacks, and trail mix on hand pretty much covers the basics
13. Sensory Friendly Ear Plugs
- Can help with adrenaline dumps and calming the nervous system. I personally prefer Flare over Loop. But they both work.
- Loop: https://a.co/d/0aVsznoe
- Flare Calmer: https://a.co/d/05fUlwb5
14. Manta Eye Mask
- Can help with adrenaline dumps and calming the nervous system. Also provides relief from light sensitive migraines
- Sensory friendly since it is raised off of the eyes and you can blink or move eyes freely while still having all light blocked out
- Regular: https://a.co/d/0bG0RtWv
- Cooling: https://a.co/d/09QVTEgO
15. Calming essential oil
- Can help with adrenaline dumps and calming the nervous system. Can also soothe anxiety by sending a pleasant, natural smell right to the brain.
- My personal favorites for this particular purpose are Doterra's Adaptiv and/or Butterfly Express Quiet Essence
- Doterra: https://a.co/d/0iDloKZx
- Butterfly Express: https://a.co/d/0cfkINzs
16. Fidget Toy (that does not require too much sensory input)
- During an adrenaline dump or a panic attack, a simple fidget toy can help distract the mind and help calm the nervous system
- For me, "wacky tracks" with a firm click work great because that snapping sensation helps ground me more into the present moment. Watch out for the loose hinged ones, because they really do not have the same affect
- A Stress ball does not work for me personally in this situation because it requires too many muscles and is too much sensory input for me
- Find something that works for you
- Wacky Tracks: https://a.co/d/03AHpXWK
17. Travel Pill Organizer
- For Prescription Meds
18. Doterra Peppermint Beadlets
- I pop 1-2 of these in when I'm extra tired and it wakes me right up, at least for a little bit. It also gives you minty breath so win-win
19. Travel Size Eucerin Lotion
- Great for Excema Flares, generally dry skin, or if you just need a great unscented lotion
20. 2-3 Nylon Hair Ties
- Sensory friendly for when hair just becomes... too much
21. 2-3 Prescribed Rescue drugs
- As needed
22. Any Water Bottle with a Shoulder strap
- 40 oz Owala Water Bottle**:** https://a.co/d/093n3VLu
- Owala Shoulder Strap**:** https://a.co/d/09WUqQtE
***Disclaimer: Be careful about how often you take over-the-counter pain meds, as this can cause rebound headaches and ultimately more grief in the long run. You can research it or ask a doctor how much is recommended before it can become a problem. Ultimately, you do you. I am not a doctor.