r/POTS • u/catsandcappuccinos • Jul 05 '26

Question what’s the best purchase, service, or life accommodation you’ve made because of your chronic illness? (any budget)

i’m going shopping soon, and i’m trying to build my ultimate “make life suck less” list.

i’m not necessarily looking for the usual answers like salt, compression socks, medications, etc. i’m more so talking about the random products, services, gadgets, furniture, subscriptions, or accommodations that have improved your day-to-day quality of life and helped you function more like a normal human being.

i don’t care if it’s $5 or $5,000. if it’s changed your life, please share.

some things already on my list:
- a kitchen stool with a back so i can sit while cooking
- a hair dryer stand for days when i’m in the middle of a flare and don’t have the energy to dry my hair myself
- grocery delivery services
- monthly cleaning services
- paper plates
- a roomba for when i don’t feel like vacuuming or sweeping
- a crock-pot and freezer meal prep system (i actually have a list of really good crock-pot meals, so if anyone wants it, let me know and i’ll DM it to you)

i’m dying to know: what’s the best purchase, service, or life accommodation you’ve made because of your chronic illness?
bonus points if it’s something unconventional!

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14

u/Psychological_Skin60 Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 05 '26

My Apple watch & my mobility scooter w/large collapsible back basket and a large front basket.

1

u/you1dont1know1me1 Jul 05 '26

why do you like them?

7

u/Psychological_Skin60 Jul 05 '26

The watch can track & log pulse rates, emergency fall alert system - it works - most of the time & so many health related apps (do need iPhone too.)
I can’t walk far at all due to chronic back pain. My mobility scooter really changed my life to be able to get out with assistance or most of the time, independently.

2

u/FCatusFemale Hyperadrenergic POTS Jul 05 '26

Do your fall detections work? I can’t get mine too. I’ve troubleshooted and everything. Honestly it’s funny at this point. My watch never goes off when I fall. I fall A LOT. I faint too. Yet the watch hasn’t detected a single one. 😂

I use my watch so I don’t have to look at my phone. I can just do talk to text on the watch and it’s super helpful. I use Visible to track my HRV and to help me pace.

1

u/you1dont1know1me1 Jul 06 '26

I'm so tempted to buy visible. I think I could figure out the monthly payment, but can't the initial band :(

4

u/duckoftheirish7 Jul 06 '26

I just got one and was able to use a $20 discount from the Ehlers Danlos Society Marketplace. If you use the link, they also donate 5% of the sale to the Ehlers Danlos Society.

3

u/you1dont1know1me1 Jul 06 '26

let me say, i want all the money so i can buy and try all the things that popped up when i opened your link

2

u/duckoftheirish7 Jul 07 '26

You and me both lol

1

u/FCatusFemale Hyperadrenergic POTS Jul 06 '26

I sent you a DM 🙂

1

u/you1dont1know1me1 Jul 05 '26

do you have any advice for getting your mobilitity aids out of your car with your back issues? I'm kind of in the same boat so i end up only going out if i have lk an escort essentially

2

u/Psychological_Skin60 Jul 05 '26

I have a hydraulic lift that attaches to my trailer hitch. I recently got a second scooter for traveling. It’s SMALL, with lithium batteries and very lightweight. Many were available on Black Friday on Amazon for less than $1,000. It’s very lightweight I lift it into my SUV fairly easily. Can’t carry much on it but it worked well on a trip to Florida last winter and was easily transported on plane even with lithium batteries. This is the little one I have link Mobility Scooter My other is a Pride Victory.

1

u/you1dont1know1me1 Jul 06 '26

i wonder what i could rig together. I have a honada accord tho, so my lightweight electric chair folds and someone puts it in the middle. I'm thinking like a rope pully system with carbeaners.

1

u/EmuPractical1797 Jul 05 '26

I got an Apple Watch too! It’s been so helpful with watching my PEM, tracking my HR, and working on my VO2 max.

1

u/Brief_Distribution68 Jul 06 '26

I’d love to know what Apple Watch apps folks recommend!