Dealing With Pain Daily

As I've mentioned before, I have fibromyalgia (chronic pain) and arthritis. I thought I would share some products that make my day to day life a little easier. Nothing takes all of the pain away, but many times I just need to take the edge off.

I love my Fit Flop shoes. They are like flip flops but are sturdier with great support and cushioning. They are supposed to help tone your tush and legs... I don't know about that. I just know I can walk around in them for hours. They are pretty expensive; about $60 a pair at Macy's, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet to be comfortable. They also last a long time. I constantly wear the ones I bought last summer and I bought another pair a few months ago. They come in simples styles, but I like the flashy ones in sequins and rhinestones. My sister says I have an ugly shoe collection, but even she owns two pairs of these!

Salonpas are my next big go to item. They are patches that you place where your pain is. You can find them at most grocery stores, Target and Costco. The main ingredients are menthol and camphor, so you'll smell rather minty but it feels so good. Beware of wearing them too long or too much; they can hurt when you take them off because they are stickers and will take off the fine hairs on your skin and sometimes even a little skin. For a while I had small rectangle scars on my back because I wore these everyday for...hmmm.... a year?!? They are perfect to throw in your purse and there is no mess when applying like with creams. It also comes in a spray, but I like the patches because the medicine stays on longer.

I also love the aromatherapy heating pads that you can get at the mall kiosks. I heat mine in the microwave for 2 1/2 minutes and wrap it around my shoulders. When I get too lazy, a plain old plug in heating pad will suffice (especially in the middle of the night.)

When I get a horrible headache, I take a hot bath and add a few drops of Kwan Loong Oil. (You can get this at Country Square Market or online.) The menthol steam penetrates soothes my sinuses and the oil relaxes my muscles even more. Between the Kwan Loong Oil and Salonpas, I smell like an old lady! Don't sit next to me in church!

Valerian Root helps me sleep at night. (I haven't taken it in a while due to pregnancy and breastfeeding.) This is an herbal muscle relaxer and you can find it at most stores in the natural foods section. Warning: it smells like stinky feet! Luckily, you won't smell like it and you won't taste it after you swallow it.

Well, I hope these products help you if you battle pain like I do. I've tried TONS of products and these are my favorites.