I was going to name this 'crap I buy' but that seems mean to these products that make such a big difference to me! I am not always the best at replying to dm's in a timely manner and often mention a product and forget to do a swipe up - so hopefully this will help answer questions about products I regularly mention or show on my stories. It's a very random list from massage products to underwear!
These products contain an affiliate link, which means I make a tiny amount of money (seriously tiny) from the sale. It doesn't affect the price you pay, and every product is something I have bought myself. Every penny goes towards the running of Actively Autoimmune.
Click on the photo of each product to be taken to the direct product page.
Ice hat or as myself as Nat from @mindfulmigraine call it 'purple volcano hat'
Its a 'Patented Headache cap made from non-toxic, medical grade liquid gel with a premium PVC cover'. You can either put it in the fridge or freezer to get it to the temperature you want - if you are like me, I need it ice ice cold.
It's honestly is one of my best purchases ever. It's my favourite ice pack ever and is honestly a saviour for a bad headache or full on migraine.
£22
Electric heating pad
I can't believe I waited until last month to buy one of these! I normally use my hot water bottle (@yuyubottle) - however I decided to finally buy this so if I wake at night, I don't have to go downstairs to refill my hot water bottle. Its been great for this, but even more so its great for during the day when I am in pain or cold! So easy to use and gets nice and hot - although you can control the setting easily with the control. £25.99
Kool'n'soothe Migraine Cooling Strips
I usually get these from Boots (our local pharmacy) but due to Covid I have ordered them in bulk off Amazon. I find these strips helpful if my headache is bad, but not bad enough for full ice hat. It's great as it sticks on you so you can still sit or move around and it stays in place. It's a good pain management distraction technique than anything that 'fixes' or takes away the pain.
Pack of 4 £2.79
Camelbak Water Bottle
This is the best water bottle I have found that has a straw - I like a straw due to swallowing issues. I have tried so many and they all leak in your bag or in your bed. But this has a special mouth piece that stops it from leaking unless you are drinking from it. Comes in a range of colours and price varies a little with size.
£19.99
Jade face roller and Gua Sha set
I am no expert in rose quartz and whether this is good from a stone/crystal perspective. I bought this is a pain management tool for my head. I use the roller nearly every night as its lovely and cool and helps distract from pain. It helps helps release tension around my jaw and temples. I also find the Gua sha helps with releasing muscles on my arms and legs and feet!
£15.27
Bed or chair portable desk
This little desk is great when trying to work on your laptop, colouring in or writing. It has a slot so its great as well for watching something without holding phone, ipad or laptop. I find it quite light and easy to move around. The legs fold underneath so its easy to tuck away when you don't need it. There are more expensive, fancy ones that tilt which I am sure our great but this is better than nothing! £28.99 (in black or white)
Massage and heat device
This is one of my most used purchases! I call him Napoo (think the company brand is called Naipoo). Its quite a firm massage but you can adjust how strong you feel it by how much weight you put through it and how you position it. I love it for my back, neck and legs. You can have it on with or without the heat function. It's great for distraction from pain and helps relieve tight muscles.
£31.99
Hair Scalp Massager/ Shampoo brush
This is a random one - but I love it! Actually makes me want to wash my hair (once a week) as it feels satisfying on my head. As well as having a nice massage it also has benefits for your scalp and lathers up your shampoo well. It says it promotes hair growth..but not sure about that!
£7.99
Therapist thumb
I have mentioned this a few times on my instagram as it's really helped me. Ideal for those with EDS or arthritis and joint pain as it protects your joints. You can use it for myofasical release on yourself or someone else. Helps you get a good pressure with minimal effort - my favourite place is to use it on my arches on my feet!
£8.99
Catheter Stand
A random one - I usually get my stands from my catheter suppliers courtesy of the NHS. However I was fed up of my 'Great Bear' night stand as the bag kept falling off the hooks. I found this on amazon and I love it as the clips hold on to the bag - you can easily undo them to replace your bag once a week too. It stands up pretty well and falls over as much as every other stand does. Overall I rate it as the best one I have tried. £12.99
Bike - static
I feel bad sharing this as currently bikes seem to still be sold out in the UK! However this is the one I have bought 2 years ago and I still love it. Great little bike for doing the PoTS protocol on, several resistance levels, folds up, comfy-ish seat and heart rate monitor that is pretty accurate.
I paid £79.99 for it so the price has come up and its out of stock!
£109.99
The best pants/underwear
I posted about these pants on my story - I am so excited to find comfortable high waisted pants. So many out there are 'tummy control' which I don't want! These are high and supportive, but not tight and are comfortable with bloating. They don't pull around the legs and don't give you a wedgie either. Really soft breathable cotton with a little stretch. They come in a range of colours too!
Pack of 5, £20
I think thats everything I can think of that I use regularly. I might try to update this blog regularly to add things and update links :) Hope someone finds this helpful!
Lots of love,
Zoe xx