8 Things You Can Buy That Make MS Suck Less
30 Comments / Gift guides, because you deserve presents. / By Tripping / April 13, 2017 December 10, 2021
Recently, a multiple sclerosis website asked me and some other MS bloggers, about the “one thing” we can’t live without as world-class Trippers. Most said things like relationships, family, or – barf me to death – hope. Someone even said nature. Nature. Where spiders live and winter comes from.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not slamming these bloggers. No. These bloggers are better than me. These are obviously wholesome, decent people who have their priorities straight and their shit together. I, on the other hand, went with something from a store, because I’m shallow and materialistic and anyway, I can’t tell you to love your kids, but I can tell you what’s on sale at JCrew.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not slamming these bloggers. No. These bloggers are better than me. These are obviously wholesome, decent people who have their priorities straight and their shit together. I, on the other hand, went with something from a store, because I’m shallow and materialistic and anyway, I can’t tell you to love your kids, but I can tell you what’s on sale at JCrew.
As blogger after blessed blogger blah, blah, blah’d their devotion to raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, I was beginning to think I’d misunderstood the assignment. I feel like the website thought so too, because they put my contribution dead last. Probably in the hopes that people would have stopped reading by then. Thankfully, one kindred spirit in the comments section said ‘wine’ and I felt validated.
But Mitch Sturgeon of Enjoying the Ride said something along the lines of never labeling anything you can’t live without because, as he had learned, MS is a thieving dick that will snatch away almost anything you love.
I’m paraphrasing.
Mitch listed his gratitude for his voice, which he uses to tell his wife he loves her (of course), after having lost all the function in his legs and much of the use of his arms and hands.
Oh.
He uses his voice to write his book and blog and to operate everything from lights and fans to the tv. Because we live in the future. I’m getting side-tracked here, but I was humbled into my own gratitude for that which remains, and for a moment my cold, black heart was warmed; the cynic in me, subdued.
When that strange feeling wore off, I started thinking about what valuable insights I could provide. Clearly, this crowd knows all about the importance of networks, of support systems, of dogs. Of all the things money can’t buy. Okay, technically money can buy a dog. And money definitely buys booze. But what else comes from a store and can make MS suck a little less?
8 Things You Can Buy That Make MS Suck Less
Speedi-cath compact Eve
That’s right. While the rest of the MS bloggers were talking about how much they love, and can’t live without, their wives, I pledged my allegiance to a tiny, plastic tube that helps me pee. And I stand by it. I love this product so much, I almost don’t want to tell you about it, because sometimes they’re back-ordered and that is the literal worst. This insanely expensive, thank-God-my-insurance-covers-it, desert-island-item number one, is the size of a mini-mascara. The kind you get for free when you buy too much makeup. Also on my list – too much makeup.
While we’re talking toilets, let’s just get the scatological out of the way. It’s hard to talk about bladder problems, and even harder to talk about bowels, but if you’ve got MS, odds are yours is an asshole. I finally found a product that helps me keep things under control. The secret ingredient is magnesium hydroxide. And like, unicorn tears. Remember, everyone’s different, so talk to your doc.
This is the last poo-related promo. I promise. Align is a high quality, life altering probiotic. Please don’t ever go out of business, makers of Align.
My blender.
The only appliance I use every damn day. Breakfast is always a nutritious, fibre-y smoothie because, if I miss it, I pay. I guess I wasn’t done talking about poo after all.
A shoulder-strap bag.
So my hands are free to hold my drink and/or break my fall when I trip on the curb. I got a beautiful one for my birthday from my Brooklyn Bestie, who moved to Manhattan and now I don’t know what to call him, but that’s another story.
Shout out to blogger Jennifer Digmann who pledged her love to Grape Ape, her badass wheelchair. I baptized my own mobility aid Optimus Prime because, like a real life transformer he converts from a cool blue rollator to a transport chair. And he can destroy Decepticons.
Heated Socks.
Spring is here but that doesn’t mean I’m not still wrapped in a blanket, typing away through fingerless gloves. My brilliant, battery-powered, heated socks are technically for skiers so you know they’re cool.
Plans.
To keep my mind from wandering into Worst Case Scenario day-mares, I try to always have things to look forward to in my calendar. Technically, this is more elusive than the promise I made that you can buy everything on this list. So I’ll qualify it by pointing out that what you can buy is an appropriate outfit for said plans. My xmas party is 8 months away and it’s already in the calendar.
So, what’s the best product you’ve found?
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My ears were burning, and I found the source. Very cool blog. I'll be back to read more.
Hand controls on my Mazda 3!!
You are a riot ! Keep it up, Smile Fierce !!! Oh, one thing I can't live without…my guitar(s).
My heating pad.
This cool, long gel pack that you can heat or freeze that fits into a long sleeve that goes around your neck and velcroes. I use it everyday.
Travel canes that fit into backpacks.
Netflix.
Midol.
Awesome!
Thanks Dan. I agree with music. What are you listening to these days?
Thanks Mitch. Your blog is great!
I'm going to have a baby, just so I can name it Netflix.
Netflix, my tempurpedic mattress with adjustable frame, and my heated blanket. Together we are all best friends and hang out on the regular!
I love heated car seats so much. I wish the couch were heated. Why hasn't anyone invented that?
Omg. Pure genius.
Simply Brilliant! Coming from a different angle health wise but still really appreciate all the poo advice
Thanks for reading!
Appreciate your honesty and wit! I couldn't live without my sense of humor. Heat turns me from a fairly well-behaved woman into a screeching maniac. Heated car seats increase the possibility of road rage. Between MS, Merry Menopause, and having a teenaged drama queen in the house, life is a roller coaster ride!
Thanks for reading and stay cool!
Hey, my partner and I were admiring your fancy rollator but I can't seem to find what brand it is! Do you know where it could be obtained?
Hi Charlie,
Optimus Prime is by Rollz Motion. I think they're from the Netherlands but I'm sure if you google it you can find a distributor in your area. Good luck!
My marijuana. My watercolors. My creative mind that keeps me occupied painting, making art and the pot mellows me right the fuck out so i am free to create cool shit. yup. high right now.
very cool!
Just got my scooter yesterday and a new job in the fall. I don't want to admit that I need it, but a super cool ridiculous name for it might help. I'm thinking…
My Brookstone Osaki heated massage chair. It looks like a spaceship and takes up far too much of my living room, but the happy happy euphoric feeling it gives my muscles is worth it.
I love everything about this and any girl who can talk about poo is a winner in my eyes (just added Align to my grocery list). I love Sasha my amazing pink scooter but during these hot summer days I’ve found a new obsession from Saje, their Menopause line of oils for hot flashes! I’m 34 and nowhere near this fun era but they help me out to cool down when my good ol body fails in the heat!
Thanks for reading Alanna, and thanks for sharing. I've never heard of oils that help with heat. So cool. Haha. Literally.
You have a heated massage chair in your living room? Do you ever leave the house?JEALOUS.
Congrats on the new job!
Yes, you need to name your scooter. I don't know why, but somehow it helps. He/she is on your side!
Nice.
Seriously! I always have hot flashes! Just MS ones!
I have become a gadget nut. I have rubber discs for strengthening my ankles, a slant board to keep my calves stretched, the accumatt…a cheap weird accupuncture mat that is actually really relaxing, but sharp to touch, the whole body vibration–good for a lot of things, bone density, balance, circulation, growth factor and the final and most incredible is the blood flow energy mat, which actually boosts immunity and helps the white blood cells adhere. This is the one that really helps the body. And I have more.
OMG!! I’ve finally found someone who gets it!!….and is so great at putting it into words – how ridiculous this whole MS thing is. I thought I was the only one who found themselves cracking up at the crazy things I catch myself doing throughout the day….
I agree, my new best friend is my shoulder bag (although I wish I owned a purse company – I’d be able to design the most perfect bag for those of f us with disabilities) and heated socks!….actually I’d like a heated bodysuit! ��
Foldable cane that fits nicely into a purse needs to be invented – do you know anyone?
Anyway! You are awesome! Love your blog – keep up the great work – only way to get through this is by sticking together & laughing all the way!!!
I often find myself wishing the couch was heated, but I think these collapsable canes already exist? I'm sure I've seen them somewhere.
Thanks for reading and for commenting!