Treatment Must-Haves!
As my second round of Lemtrada is right around the corner… no really, it’s tomorrow! I’ve found myself absolutely scrambling! Last week especially, I was scrambling to call the insurance company, Lemtrada’s program, my neurologists’ office, the treatment schedulers etc. All while trying to gather equipment that I need for my treatment! Yes, I said equipment because well… I feel like these products are a necessity for surviving through treatment. It’s like I’m preparing for battle with all of my gear! Seriously, no joke. I practically moved into the treatment center last year, but guess what? I was hella comfortable and more importantly- prepared! I’m excited to share with you my finds! Let’s get into it, shall we?
What I brought with me to treatment last year-
Pillow from home! It’s like taking a piece of your bed with you- 10/10 recommend!
Blanket! I bought one specifically for treatment and call it my “healing blankie.” It comforted me throughout recovery as well. Besides, it’s so cold in treatment centers/hospitals, so a blanket is great to take with you to warm you up, but also easy to take off with minimal stress if you get hot. (Try taking off a jacket with an IV attached- it’s tricky!)
You give love a bad name- UM I swear to you… I was listening to Bon Jovi’s song and accidentally typed out those words… I cannot stop laughing and honestly, I was going to delete it, but this moment deserves a space here LOL okay back to the list…
Water bottle… a giant one. Y’all already know my bottle of choice! I take it with me everywhere and it serves as a ginormous reminder to drink plenty of water throughout the day. In case you don’t know- I have the bottle linked below!
Photo includes the following: water bottle (linked) coffee thermos, fresh roses (brought me so much joy and smelling them throughout treatment was next level!), the center gave me a thermometer so I could check my temp whenever, and of course peppermint sticks!
SNACKS lots of snacks! Just to keep you eating periodically. I’m aware not everyone’s treatment is 8 +1/2 hours, BUT it’s so important to keep your body fueled throughout treatment! I brought protein drinks from the grocery store, gluten free sweets (my sweet tooth is real y’all!), and egg bites!
Ice packs. Ice packs, ice packs! I cannot stress this enough! Like no joke if there is one tip, ONE, that you take away from this post please let it be this! The ice pack helps cool you off, fight off fevers, eases anxiety, treats headaches (I got a headache my first infusion day without my ice pack from home and the one they gave me at the center was legit a block of ice- super uncomfortable) eases itching (especially if your port gets a little itchy), and helps with flushing! All around ice packs are 100% necessary no matter the length of treatment! This time around, I’m so excited to undergo this infusion with my ReLeafpacks! I have no doubt they’re going to serve me well!
Peppermint sticks- the soft kind! I have a post completely dedicated to why! Read my post, Steroid Infusion Trick, to find out why- TRUST ME!
A flexible cooler for all the snacks, drinks, and ice packs I brought!
Books that promote mindfulness! This is super important. This trick helped keep my mind from wondering to the worst scenarios. Plus, reading makes the time pass by and its good for your soul! You could bring books for mindfulness or fiction to provide a nice escape.
My favorite books for mindfulness have to be Gabrielle Bernstein’s The Universe Has Your Back or any of her books! Another recommendation would be The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. These titles have served me in greater way than I could ever put down on paper. If you are in need of a mindfulness reality check, or you’re just in a slump and you’re ready to break that mentality- these books are for you and they’re linked in my Amazon shop in the previous image.! For fiction, Deborah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches. It’s the perfect escape from reality, with a wickedly cool twist on history! 10/10 cannot go wrong bringing a book to get you through treatment, promise!
Worry stone! You might be like, “What the frick is a worry stone girl?!” It’s the same idea as a fidget spinner, but more spiritual and prettier. And wayyy less noticeable! Worry stones are used for relaxation and anxiety relief. They’re oval shaped with thumb-sized indentations to allow you to rub your thumb back and forth to reduce stress.
My Dad knows how much I love crystals and surprised me with a genuine Rose Quartz “worry stone” pictured below! Basically, you hold in in your fingers and rub your thumb up + down the smooth stone. If you wish, you can repeat a mantra in your head while rubbing the stone. For example I repeated this mantra, “I am proactively healing my body. I am healthy and I am free.” This mantra and little stone helped me get through treatment- thanks Daddio!
My phone… duh! But to be honest, last year I stayed off social media most of the time. This year, as I’m more comfortable, I will probably be on social media more sharing it all with you!
This year I will be bringing my laptop to do some work for A Rose Collective so that’s a little different, but in the best way possible! Still can’t believe I have this space! This brand! This support! It’s wild!
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I feel like it’s extremely important to note that you do NOT have to remain busy during your infusion! Like at all. This is YOUR time to spend how YOU wish.
IMPORTANT: Doing nothing ~IS~ doing something! It takes a lot to rest, and do nothing! Truly.
The best gift we can give ourselves, our bodies, is rest! So please, I know I just listed a shit-ton of busy work and ways to spend treatment, but I also have an 8 ½ hour treatment day so I rest when I need to but having these things helps me get through it. If you are in currently in treatment, going into treatment soon, or are curious and preparing for all possibilities- I pray this list provides some guidance for you. If you have any items to add or tips you’d wish to share- please comment below! Until next time, my friends!
Xx,
Arose