What to Pack When You Need to Go to the ER

Last week, I had to go to the ER. I hate the ER. It is always a last resort. That day I woke up with a high fever, nausea, bad GI problems, dizziness, generally feeling like I got hit by three buses, etc. I ended up having probably the worst possible version of whatever shitty virus is going around + my general pain.

Dad: "You look dead. Give me a thumbs up."

I couldn't hold down food, liquids or drugs, so my dad took me to the ER because I was so dehydrated I could barely move.  It took forever for them to bring me back after a lot of drama I caused in the waiting room yelling things like "poor care" and "I need to speak the administration immediately!" in my half comatose, angry state. Obviously the first thing they tried to do was get an IV in me, which seemed like an impossible feat. I think 6-7 nurses AND doctors each tried about 3-4 different times in all different spots, all with their own dumb theories about how to do it. One doctor even used a ultrasound to find veins and ironically, he was the fucking worst one.

The night I got home.

The next day. I've looked like a heroin addict for approximately a week.

I was in a bed in the hallway for several hours and eventually got moved to a bedroom and was able to leave late that night.

Below are a mixture of things I brought and things I wish I had brought. Because, damn, when better to be prepared, right?

• Noise Cancelling Headphones - You will THANK me for this later. If you're stuck in the hallway with a headache for 1+ hours, all you hear is constant beeping, people screaming, doctors yelling. My body is sensitive to that shit. Even if you don't listen to music. Put 'em on.
  
• Medical Wallet ID Card - I need to make one. I had been waiting until I moved to London so I wouldn't have to change all of my information 20,000 times before I moved, assuming I wouldn't have to go to the ER before I moved. Silly me.  Make sure it has your doctor's phone numbers, a list of current meds you're on, diagnoses, emergency contacts, allergies to things, etc. This is crucial, especially if you're too out of it to explain. You can even print them online and laminate them together. 
  
• Packet of Medical Info including doctor's notes approving the medication you're on (especially if you're on narcotics), a description of diagnoses and how you're managing them, and a list of all the drugs you've had bad reactions to
• Change of clothes - In the case you have to stay the night, or something gets vomited on, blood on, etc. Better to have them.
• Pillow and travel blanket- ER people tend to forget you exist sometimes. Bring your own stuff. From my fever, I had bad chills and had to wait FOREVER to get a blanket. Brought my own pillow, which THANK GOD, but it did get covered in blood. Damn you ultra sound guy.
• Toiletries, especially Listerine- if you puke, you will wish you could brush your teeth, I would also throw in a brush, some hair ties, tooth brush and tooth paste, some dry shampoo, etc. 
• Drugs while you wait- You may have to wait awhile. In the mean, I had brought some Ibuprofen for my fever and headache, Zofran for the nausea and my typical pill box of fun pain meds
• Phone and whatever other chargers you need
• Snacks- even if you can't eat, your poor, miserable family members will get hungry 
• iPad- you need to entertain yourself somehow
• Squeeze Pig (or just something to squeeze)- I use my squeeze pig for injections but I could've totally used him when they were searching for veins for 2 hours. 
  
• Wet wipes- Guess who left the hospital covered in blood. We can't all look like animals. 
• Cool Towel - You wet this thing and snap it, and it stays cool for HOURS. Perfect for fevers. I wish I had mine. 
  
• Eye Mask - Zone out, especially if you're sleeping over. (This is my new one.)
  

Let's hope this never happens again. Ever.

What I do for...

It's good to know what your options are when you're in pain and not thinking straight. Now that I'm starting to be able to manage my pain better and perpetuating factors (like IBS, PMS, hypoglycemia, etc.) I am slowly coming up with a good list of how to normalize my body as much as humanly possible. Sometimes when spasms or nausea/dizziness is unbearable and all else fails, I just drug myself enough to sleep through it. Sleep is so important. Do what you have to do to get whatever kind of sleep you need! For me, it's priority numero uno. And keep calm! My pain used to make me panic--now I'm easy breezy and it makes things go a lot smoother (and I make more rational decisions).

...muscle spasms/trigger points

• Muscle relaxants/benzos (like Ativan)
• Moist Heat
• Mixture of heat and cold (10 min heat, 10 min cold, 10 min off, repeat)
• Theracane
• China Gel/Custom pain salve (made on Etsy by a friend) of essential oils
• CBD gummies  (these help in conjunction with drugs, but not much on their own)
• Compression top
• Trigger point injections/medical acupuncture 
• Foam roller

...joint pain

• 800mg Ibuprofen (strong NSAID, ie. Toradol) 
• Bracing (I use ankle braces and EDS splint rings for my knuckles)
• Epsom salt baths 
• Flexiseq Gel (arthritis gel) 
• Comfort U Body Pillow
• Massage 
• Chiropractic work 

*Something I have started doing now that I have a few drugs that work for me is taking it before if I know I'll have a hard day or the second it comes on. The last few weeks, my pain has been a lot more controlled doing this. Usually I have a mixture of joint pain and spasms, so I take a muscle relaxant like Metaxalone and 800mg Ibuprofen and that has been helping me. I also finally got around to keeping a pill box one me for when I'm out and crisis strikes. Stay ahead of it. 

...vertigo/lightheadedness/nausea

• sublingual Zofran
• CLIF shot bloks  (Margarita flavor--high in salt)
• Compression cooling eye mask (also for migraines)

#themoreyouknow

I will add to this list as I think of more things. If anyone has any questions, please message me! 

Catch Up Post

Hi guys! Sorry I've been MIA for a little. A lot of things going on. Just wanted to check in and post about some of the things I've been using lately that have been helping. The past or month or two have not been the greatest (pain-wise) but I'm convinced things will start to get a little better soon. Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a high maintenance syndrome--I need to do a lot to keep up and feel as normal as possible. Dealing with myofascial pain, to me, is essentially figuring out all my perpetuating factors and figuring out how to correct them (i.e., posture, headaches, balance issues, etc.)

1. Sleep (at least 8 hours, or I know I'll feel like shit. Sorry morning people, I won't be around.)


2. Supplements- I am currently taking B-12 and D for those vitamin deficiencies as well as turmeric, Biotin, Align (probiotic), a multivitamin and a few other random ones. I've really tweaked it down and this is what's working for me. Although the grass is always greener, so I'm constantly looking for new and better things.

3. Exercise and Wellness- This is been a long process for me. The last few months I was really starting to think I was plateauing. I was discharged from PT but it was hard to get to the gym to do my exercises. Swimming feels great but immediately getting out of the pool, freezes my muscles and puts me back where I started. I also feel it's very important to have a professional watching you to make sure you don't re-injure yourself, which is very easy to do.

LUCKILY, I have a found a trainer I just started with last week who specifically deals with people with chronic pain. I think it's going to go great but it'll take some time to tell. Ultimately, I need to get myself back into shape and straighten all my muscles that have atrophied and this guy will most likely be the best way to make that happen.

Once or twice a month, I am also going to a chiropractor to get realigned and a massage therapist who works at calming down my nervous system. (Fun fact: when you become a chronic pain sufferer, you become conditioned to associate touch negatively from constant poking and prodding.) Massages are slowly starting to feel good and become less painful.

I am also continuing to get injections once or twice a month depending on the severity of the trigger points. My last visit had 8 people total in the room watching me. I am really developing a posse. And I also made them take a picture because I knew no one would believe me. I spent the next hour or so answering questions and lecturing a bunch of 2nd years about MPS and hypermobility.  I kind of love explaining medical related things to med students as the girl in fashion.  Suck it, med school.

I'm also talking to my therapist when I need her. I think I've been able to handle my stress more lately. 

4. Knowing Your Limits- This seems like it should be pretty simple but is still hard for me to this god damn day. Take breaks before you get pain--whether you're cooking, shopping, whatever. Bring snacks if you get hypoglycemic. Don't be an idiot.

5. Potential Breast Reduction Surgery- Met with a doctor a few weeks ago after both my doctors suggested breast reduction surgery. My posture is bad and I have a lot of trigger points around my bra areas. I don't think it wouldn't..not help at this point, although it will be miserable to do without pain meds. Sad face. But assuming it will be covered by insurance,  I am very excited at the thought of having normal sized boobs.

6. New and Old Products I am continuing to use for pain-
(Where to buy old products in previous posts.  I will link new products.)

China Gel

Kinesio Tape- Like I said earlier, posture is a super important perpetuating factor in dealing with trigger points. Until I can get my breast reduction surgery (and after), I will need to strengthen my muscles to better my posture. You can wear this stuff for a few days and it's pretty water proof, so I even wear it in the shower. I've had PTs put it on me before but I actually prefer the way I do it. You can watch Youtube tutorials but I know what I needed.

RAGE Muscle Therapy Curve Cane- This thing kinda looks like some wild sex toy,  but it's just a theracane for athletes. I like it because I hate touching my trigger points. A lot of them are in my neck and shoulders and this crazy thing actually helps sometimes.

Instant Cooling Towel- So guess what store indadvertedly has the best trigger point stuff? Dick's Sporting Goods. Their Sports Recovery section is just ridiculously awesome. You can wet this towel and it'll immediately stay cool for like 2 hours. Cool, right? Good for long car rides, impromptu pain situations. Me likey.

Aches and Pains Shower Gel- This is made with eucalyptus and menthol. Feels good in the shower and lets me do a little more than I usually could post shower. I put it in straight when I get in and let it sit until I'm done to set in.

Emergen-C- This stuff tastes like nasty crap, but I chug it post injections and it seems to help. Has electrolytes, etc. I felt like I recovered much faster than usual.

Ergonomic Computer Stand- Like I said, posture is key. I lay down a lot when I'm on the computer and I'm slowly transitioning over to sitting with this thing and I think it helps.

Amazing Grass Superfood Powder- It's hard to eat healthy when you feel like shit. This green smoothie supplement actually tastes pretty good. I mix it in my nutribullet with some OJ, water and 3/4 of a banana and try to drink one every day.

Paleo blueberry muffin and green smoothie. Who am I?

TENS Unit

Nike Roshe Runs- I have flat feet and these are supremely comfy.

Resistance Bands and Stretch Out Hamstring Strap

I'm gonna have a whole closet of shit soon.  It's nap time, bai.

Yes, It's Still Possible to Be Stylish When You're in Pain

Here's a little something that'll never occur to a non-chronic pain sufferer-- sometimes the thought of wearing real clothes makes someone with chronic pain (at least me) want to gouge their eyes out.

Thinking about the idea of wearing any of my stilettos (I have a lot of them.) is inconceivable at this point. Even though I stand at 5'10", I used to love heels. Now, I can't stand the thought of them.

My style has always been fairly "effortless" and minimalist, but the chronic pain has really brought out the "lazy girl" in me in what I've been wearing for those dreaded days out that I have to see people I haven't seen in a long time that still expect me to look put together (aka not a hot mess).

At this point, I pretty much try to get away with what's as close to pajamas as possible when out in the real, public world. My style tends to be fairly utilitarian too. I hardly ever wear color (mostly black, white and beige), with the occasional, purposeful pop of color. I do this for good reason--because I'm over shit pretty fast and it makes it easy to match everything.  For example, if I went out tomorrow and bought a bright pink dress that look amazing and fit me perfectly, I guarantee you by next summer, I would be sick of it (and probably would've only worn 3 times max to begin with.) I'm more focused on shape and texture.

Here's a few tips I have and ingenious things I have adopted over the last year and a half or so:

1. First things first: compression garments. This sounds crazy, but for some reason the tightness of the compression garments actually sometimes helped with my spasms. I'm not talking about Spanx or anything like that, but real athletic compression garments. I got mine from SKINS and they are a godsend. I wear them a lot after I get injections and sometimes sleep in them. They are a little on the pricey side, but 100% worth it. I bought the RY400 Women's Compression Long Sleeve Top for Recovery ($119.99) and RY400 Women's Compression Long Tights for Recovery ($139.99). The nice thing about this company is that they actually have two different "shapes" you can buy. "A" shape is for a pear shaped kind of girl and "H" shape (what I got) has little variation in shape. (I am probably more of an inverted triangle because I am busty but this is closest thing to it, I guess.) 
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Infinity scarves/snoods: instant neck brace.  Need I say more? In the very beginning when my neck was hurting like a bitch, big chunky neck scarves were my go to. They gave me my only shot at making it through a work day or a long car ride. I get most of mine from ASOS, but really anything will work. 
   
   
   
   
3. Pants with elastic waistbands: The sheer panic of wearing anything tight, uncomfortable or restricting (unless it was leggings) was a death wish. Elastic waistbands are not a death wish. I have a lot from Zara, Joe Fresh, Asos, etc. that are made of light fabrics that drape well with an easy pattern (making them super easy to match to anything) and they're nice enough to wear to most places: dinner, movies, etc. In September, I got recruited out of the blue for a major fashion company (even though I couldn't physically do the job, I interviewed anyway) and wore almost exact outfit below.  HR and the hiring manager complimented "my look" and I was actually offered the job, even though I couldn't take it. Aside from the heels, this outfit was ridiculously comfortable. 

   

   Interview outfit. 

   

   Ignore the heels. This is a perfectly acceptable outfit for 99% of all occasions
   

   

   
   

4. Comfortable, acceptable tees: One might think wearing a tshirt out to nice events out is sloppy, but if you pair it with the right things, the juxtaposition is actually nice (and comfortable.) I like to pair it with a nice coat, cool pants, shoes or good jewelry to "up the ante" of the outfit. My favorite tshirts are all from Brandy Melville, Free People, Madewell and AllSaints. I look for soft fabrics and am also a big fan of linen tees. (I am also constantly looking for sales and outlet online shops like THE OUTNET, etc.) 

   

   The Man Repeller always nails it. 

   

   If you're going to wear heels, platforms are more comfortable than stilettos and offer more support. Plus, this is generally just a perfect outfit in my opinion. 

   
   
   
5. Nikes and fashion sneakers: Every girl in their 20's can thank their lucky stars that "normcore", Nikes and fashion sneakers are currently a thing. Thanks to people like Eva Chen, editor-in-chief at Lucky, we can all run around wearing real clothes with running sneakers and not be considered a hot mess. #blessed

   

   Eva Chen is known to rock an amazing and ridiculous heel, but clearly loves a sneaker moment and I thank her for that.

   

   Bow to Isabel Marant for creating a work-wearable sneaker. 

   

   
   

6. Activewear trend: Jump on this bandwagon while you can. "Healthy" is in and incorporating activewear pieces into regular day apparel is exciting (and comfy, duh)! Here's an article from Fashionista.com on "WHY FITNESS IS HAVING A MOMENT IN FASHION".  Everyone and their mother is coming out with an activewear line which is exciting for two reasons: 1) More exciting gym options. 2) More acceptable ways to incorporate into day-to-day style. Whether you're going to the gym or not, the key is to tricking people into thinking you are and there's no shame in it.

   

   While I wouldn't necessarily wear all of these outfits as is, they're good inspiration. 

7. Oversized sweaters: No one loves an oversized sweater like I do. For the supremely lazy and get ready in less than 10 minutes look, I usually just throw on one with a ton of jewelry, leggings (only as long is covers everything that should be covered because leggings are NOT pants) with nice boots and voila. Instant pain acceptable outfit with minimal effort. 

   

   This picture is probably 90% of my closet. 

   

   I wore a lot of things to work like this in "the good old days". Pairing a drapey sweater with an interesting skirt is always fun and doesn't necessarily require heels. For dressier things I have to attend now, this is my go-to outfit.

   

   I think I almost own this exact outfit and I wear it a lot. 

8. Comfy layers: Layers are key, especially when hiding any new, potential chronic pain weight gain. Plus they prove efficient if you need to take a piece and roll it around your neck or behind your back..or into a pillow! (I am a genius and you're welcome.) Hats and sunglasses are also a nice way of saying "There's a chance I could look/feel like total shit today, but you will never know." 
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   Is she hungover or in pain? Chances are, you will never know. 

   
    
9. Maxi skirts: In an attempt to still look and act like a lady (which is rare these days), maxi skirts/dresses are supremely underrated. Try one on and you may never take it off. 
   
10. Drapey sheath dresses: Anyone that knows me at all knows that pants are generally not my thing. If I could go the rest of my life without wearing them, I would in a heart beat. Simple sheath dresses are super low maintenance and, like everything else that I'm about, require minimum effort. 

    

    So ideal. 

    

    Pantsless >

11. Black: Like my heart, hair and soul, black is easily my favorite color (even though it's not technically a color). Wearing all black can be slimming and makes it super easy to get ready. (Must be the New Yorker in me.) A really stylish Frenchman told me in Paris once that it's never chic to wear more than 3 colors at any given time and that has kind of stuck with me. Sometimes I have panic attacks about wearing more than 3 colors or not wearing any black in a particular outfit. But like, Joan Rivers says (even though I don't always trust her fashion advice), "Black is slimming, but it's not fucking magic." Just keep that in mind. 
    
12. Kaftans: Maybe I'm slightly biased, but there's nothing I'd rather be wearing than a kaftan or mumu. Comfortable, easy, low maintenance, generally flattering. 

    

    This kaftan is by The Row, so I will probably never be able to afford it, but I am absolutely obsessed with it. 

13. Natural make up/hair: I have always been big on not having big hair or tons of colorful make up splashed across my face, but before it was more out of preference than convenience/ease. I am a sucker for the no-make up make up look and pretty much just let my hair do whatever it wants at this point. If you want to see what I'm using for my hair products, click here. Although, shortly before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I felt like my face had blown up like a balloon (apparently a symptom), so if I was having a fat face day and felt like I could stand for 10 more minutes, I would occasionally do some contouring. But, I usually just use bronzer, highlighters, some light shade of brown/pink on my eyes, chapstick and mascara. 

    

    Go-to beauty look

    
    

    

    If I ever had to do real make up with my eyes.

    
    

    

    More no-make up make up. 

    
    

    

    How my hair would naturally dry ideally on a really good day.

    

    Sans the braids, this is what my hair looks like most days.

    14. It's also probably a good idea to look into some comfortable bras and undies. My pre-pain bras are inconceivably uncomfortable now. Any band that is too tight/not soft just seemed to make my back pain worse and trigger my spasms. AND just putting on a regular bra can sometimes be painful. I also have some very light sports bras and bralettes for around the house, but I need a very supportive and comfortable sports bra. My favorite bra now is one that snaps in the front, making it easy to put on. The fabric is also ridiculously soft. I have the Front-close Unlined Perfect Coverage Bra from Victoria's Secret. I think I seriously have it in 3 colors. For sports bras, I'm a fan of the Incredible by Victoria's Secret Sports Bra. 
    
    
    
    
    
    

Death to Nasty Gal's impossible bodycon dresses. (The idea of attempting to put this piece of shit on makes me feel like I'd rather throw myself off a bridge.)

The antithesis of everything that I am.

I will continue to update this list if I think of anything else that could be helpful. Enjoy!