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Self Care Case: What do you carry?

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Kids With PICC’s: Teddy’s Story

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3 Tactics For Managing Anxiety Attacks
General WellnessMightier TogetherTreatment and Care

3 Tactics For Managing Anxiety Attacks

by Maria del Mar Gomez May 19, 2022May 20, 2022
written by Maria del Mar Gomez

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older – 18.1% of the population –  every year.  I am one of them. If you have an anxiety disorder too, you are not alone. There are 3 main factors that helped me manage anxiety attacks, and ultimately, learn how to prevent them.

1. self-discovery: identify your triggers

Anxiety is normal, even healthy. The danger comes when it becomes overwhelming.  It can be helpful to try to understand what is causing higher than normal levels of anxiety for you.

I haven’t shared this with a lot of people, but several years ago I was driving by myself at night and got into a car accident that quickly set off a panic attack. That was my first ever panic attack. The ambulance took me to the nearest hospital and after the doctor assured me I was now safe, he also warned me that this first panic attack could set off a panic attack disorder.  Unfortunately, he was right on point.

I had several follow-up panic attacks and spent countless distressed nights with barely any sleep. As soon as this started, thankfully, multiple family and friends recommended I see a therapist – and I will be forever thankful they did. 

I found a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with a generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks. Apart from having me explain what were the situations in my life I thought were the cause of my anxiety, she asked me to write down what I was thinking or doing just before the panic attack started – my triggers. I quickly noticed that I had two recurring ones: The first was driving alone at night (probably due to the car accident) and the second one was any issue related to my health; any physical symptoms I had would quickly evolve in my head and detonate an anxiety attack. 

2. develop a mental health routine

To prevent the anxiety attacks, I avoided driving after dark by myself at all costs. For the second trigger, I ran to CVS and got one of each OTC medication for any possible health challenges I thought I could potentially face, and I would take them around with me everywhere. 

These tactics helped, but obviously, I knew this wasn’t sustainable. My doctor prescribed an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and I started therapy on a monthly basis. After hours of self-discovery and trigger recognition, I was able to create a mental health team and a lifestyle that incorporates self care – both allowed me to turn my life around!

To this day, I maintain this routine, which includes 6 main pillars: 

  1. therapy
  2. nutrition
  3. exercise
  4. medication
  5. work-life balance
  6. spiritual techniques, such as yoga and mindfulness 

I’m still on my daily anxiety medication (SSRI) and I still feel compelled to travel with at least my basic medications and anxiety-attack prevention. However, I was able to stop all of my panic attacks and began doing all of the things I had been afraid to do before.

3. in-the-moment interventions

In addition to prevention, my therapist helped me to create a set of interventions for whenever I recognized the symptoms that I would get just before an anxiety attack. I now feel prepared each day by keeping these items with me in my Self Care Case:

  • anxiety medication: taken regularly at the same time each day (before bedtime)
  • essential oils: I carry a small bottle of lavender essential oils – the strong smell helps to break the mental blockage in my mind and helps me shift my mind’s focus. If I am home, a hot shower with lavender bath soap can do wonders.
  • chamomile tea: I carry 2-3 chamomile tea bags, and will swiftly prepare them and hold the cup of hot water in my hands and focus on the smell and feel the warmth in my hands. 
  • allergy medication: I carry allergy medication with me because one of the symptoms of my anxiety is hives. The allergy medication helps to calm this down. 

I never expected this sudden twist in my life, but I am grateful that this conversation has become more open and less stigmatized. It has been comforting to know I am not alone and to have supportive friends, family, and providers who can share their own tips and help me build this routine. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment. By sharing my story, I hope this helps others that have gone through a similar experience to me. If you feel comfortable and empowered, I invite you to share your story too. Do you have a go-to routine for reducing anxiety?  Join the conversation in our Friends in the Fight facebook group!

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Top 3 Digital Medication Organizers
Chronic IllnessFriends in the FightTreatment and Care

Top 3 Digital Medication Organizers

by Ariela Paulsen May 13, 2022May 13, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen

When I was 24, horribly ill, and desperate for a diagnosis, I went to my doctor seeking answers.  She was very kind and listened politely but then said “you’re actually quite healthy.”  Dumbstruck, I asked how she had come to that conclusion after hearing my list of symptoms.  She replied “well, you’re not on any medications.”  I can still feel my heart drop into my stomach just thinking of those words.  Is being sick with no diagnosis “healthy”?  Is being diagnosed with no known treatments or cures “healthy”?  The outlandishness of it made me want to laugh.  

A year after that visit (and my vow to find a new doctor), I found my diagnoses.  And so began a slew of treatments.  Some were helpful, some were not.  Still others were simply nutritional to supplement my strict elimination diet.  When I finally had so many pills (in addition to multiple vials of liquid medication) that I had to buy a jumbo-sized pill box, I actually laughed out loud.  If only that doctor could see me now!

Keeping track of these medications is dizzying on the best of days, and near impossible with thick brain fog.  Yet staying on top of things is so important to staying healthy.  I am grateful for products like the Self Care Case that keep all my gear in one place, but that’s only part of the puzzle.  Being able to remember to take medications on time is a challenge of its own.

More on managing medications here.

We recently reached out to our Friends in the Fight to find out what digital organizers have helped them keep track of medications.  Here are some of the cool tools they suggested:

MediSafe

MediSafe is a customizable app created to help patients keep track of medications.  It offers an easy platform to create a medication schedule and “just in time interventions” to keep you on top of that schedule.  The technology can also identify trends of when you tend to forget or mix up medications, and offer suggestions to help you develop better habits.  While the app is patient-centered, you can also share your account with your care team – both medical providers and loved ones – so that you don’t have to do this alone!

Drugs.com

This is a website with helpful information about medications and the conditions they treat.  The list of resources offered is quite long but includes comparison tools, a drug interaction checker, and discount cards.  Their medication guide app helps you keep track of your medications and create a printable medication record to share with your providers – no more racking your brain and getting a hand cramp from writing them all down before every visit!

CareZone

CareZone organizes more than just medications.  It can track your health data, such as blood pressure or heart rate.  It can order your medication refills so that you don’t have to worry about running out.  And for that medications list at your doctor visits, just scan each med’s label and it will create the list for you!

Do you have a system or tool that works for you?  Join the conversation in our Friends in the Fight facebook group!

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7 Things I Wish I’d Known About Motherhood With Chronic Illness
Chronic IllnessFriends in the FightThe Undefeated

7 Things I Wish I’d Known About Motherhood With Chronic Illness

by Ariela Paulsen May 5, 2022May 5, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen

This will be my first Mother’s Day as a mom, and I am bursting with thoughts and feelings.  So much work, energy, healing, and luck went into making this possible.  I have been open about my journey – my fears of not being able to conceive, but also of getting pregnant and then being too sick to be a good mom.  Being pregnant in the first half of this pandemic and then with an unvaccinated baby as the world opens up (despite no end to the virus) have been adventures of their own.  I feel eternally grateful for the support of my Friends in the Fight – my community of patients and their loved ones who get what it’s like to live with chronic illness.

While I’ve had an outpouring of love and encouragement from my Friends, I’ve had an even larger spout of questions!  My not-yet-parent patient Friends are always eager to hear more about what it’s like.  I remember that feeling myself, before deciding it was time to give parenthood a go.  I genuinely didn’t know – could I do this?  Could my body withstand pregnancy?  Childbirth?  Would I have the energy to enjoy parenthood?  Was there anything I could or should do beforehand to give myself and my child the best chance?

And so, on this my very first Mother’s Day, I’d like to share the insights I’ve learned about being a sick mom:

**Note: these are my insights, based on my experiences alone.  Just like every chronic illness experience is different, no two pregnancies are the same.  

1. healing first 

I always knew I wanted to be a mom, and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy.  I decided to do everything I could to prepare my body beforehand.  At one point I hit a wall, wondering how on earth I could find the time for this healing.  Thankfully, I was laid off a few months later… this period of unemployment was challenging in its own right, but it allowed me the space to focus on finding good care and the time to rest.  I saw a million specialists, nailed down a diagnosis (or three), and diligently tracked my symptoms and triggers to figure out what I could do on my own to avoid future crashes.  I honed in on a diet and exercise regimen that caused more good than harm (who knew that existed??).  And did I mention rest?  I let myself sleep and lay down to my body’s content.  And what a world of difference it all made.  The fog lifted, the constant pain eased.  My gut learned, for the first time in over a decade, what it felt like to work properly.  Not only did this healing result in my hormones self-regulating, allowing me to conceive without intervention, but it gave me the energy and routines I needed to get through the next chapter of my life.

This healing was made possible by lucky timing, constant support, and immense privilege.  I am ever grateful to have had this opportunity.  It also took a lot of hard work, and I mention all this because I am glad daily to have done that work.  It gave me tools and habits that I lean on every day.  It’s tough, with a baby, to find moments to cook or exercise, for example.  I spent years perfecting the recipes and workouts developed during my healing year so that they are now second-nature.  I can’t imagine trying to figure out all of that as a new parent. 

2. my body will never be the same

I think rationally I knew this on some level, but I continue to be floored (sometimes literally!) by how drastically my body was altered by pregnancy.  I have seen my body change from illness over the years –

  • weight fluctuations
  • pallor
  • scarring
  • stretch marks
  • various degrees of joint deterioration…

but having so much change over less than a year was remarkable.  My hair got so thick and then all fell out.  My thighs grew multiple sizes and then disappeared.  Most surprising were the beneficial changes – my spine, which has been fairly unstable for years with vertebrae that rotate and misalign regularly, was solid for the entire pregnancy!  My food allergies evaporated, allowing for cravings with no histamine restrictions!  Sure, my hips and SIJ didn’t appreciate the extra pressure, and I had my fair share of nausea and headaches.  But most of my symptoms actually improved!  After years of fearing that my body couldn’t handle pregnancy, it turned out to be the healthiest year I’d had in quite some time.  The improvements lasted for several months after she was born, too.  I woke up every day with the relief of another day unencumbered.

Not all of the shifts bounced back, however.  My pelvic floor, which was further jeopardized by EDS, has not found its way back to a state of comfort and function.  My bladder, already prolapsed years ago, makes peeing exhausting these days.  It seems my abs will never be what they once were.  My periods are remarkably different, but my cycles seem more regular.  Less impactful, my feet grew half a shoe size, requiring a trip to the shoe store.

3. pregnancy is not the only option

I loved being pregnant, and I am so fortunate to have had a positive experience!  I know many others, especially with autoimmune issues, who found similar relief from pregnancy, sometimes permanent.  One EDS specialist actually told me that she had a patient who chose to have five children because she felt so much healthier when pregnant! There are many, however, who have not been so lucky.  My sister — despite sharing genetics and diagnoses — struggled with joint laxity, food allergies, and POTS throughout pregnancy.  I’ve met MCAS patients who were asymptomatic until pregnancy.  While it’s scary to not know which experience will be yours, there are other options for becoming a parent.  Of my group of chronic-patient-new-parent friends, one chose adoption and another chose surrogacy.  Both feel that the decision they made was right for their body, and it has been wonderful to witness each process.  Pregnancy and birth were two of the most impactful experiences on my body, and while I am glad to have done it, I think it is likely that I will choose another option in the future.

4. setting up supports

This one is huge.  I recently read Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff.  I highly recommend – it was an easy read full of rich cultural traditions and beautiful parenting ideas.  Perhaps the biggest takeaway for me was that we were never meant to do this alone.  Parenting works best when it’s not just done by one or two people in isolation.  Enlisting the support of grandparents, childcare workers, friends, aunties… they’re not just good for parents, but wonderful for the kids as well.  This is especially crucial for parents with chronic illness.  I simply do not have the stamina to care for a baby all the time, especially not if trying to also earn income.  My partner and I made the decision to cohabitate with my parents.  This move was challenging (as I’ve written about here) but has been a wonderful shift. The caregiving roles and responsibilities can now be pooled.  Whether I am too sick to cook, my daughter is screaming at 3am, or my parents need tech support, the weight of this care does not fall on one person.  The night shift was especially crucial.  When my partner went back to working nights, I was very afraid for my health.  I do not function without sleep.  My incredible parents took shifts with the baby to make sure I could get rest.  They communicated boundaries to make it sustainable – for example my insomniac mother would take the baby if she was already awake but didn’t want to be woken from precious sleep unless absolutely necessary.  Often I would have to wait to sleep during the day.  But they made sure that I got enough sleep to not have a health crash.  Whether you’re able to live directly with others or not, having a variety of people around who can offer a nap, an extra set of hands, or a frozen meal makes a tremendous difference.

If you struggle with asking for help (you and me both!), here are some tips.

5. postpartum isolation

Despite being surrounded by supportive people, I have found this journey into parenthood to be far more lonely than I ever imagined.  I have not experienced postpartum depression per se – thanks to SSRI’s and lots of therapy – but I have had days in which I felt incredibly lonely.  The pandemic certainly hasn’t helped; my conditions being genetic (and linked to long Covid) means we’ve been very careful about exposing our daughter to unmasked strangers.  So if I’m with her, I can’t even go to the grocery store to interact with adults.  Between Covid outbreaks and skyrocketing costs, we haven’t been using daycare.  Which means my partner and I trade off caring for her, so we don’t get much time just us.  Most of my friends work 9-5, so by the time they would be ready to hang out in the evening it is already cutting into my daughter’s bedtime routine.  Being chronically ill has made me a champ at long stretches of time alone, but it also means that feelings of isolation trigger me to think about times of illness.  

There is also an unfortunate shadow of sexism cast over the entire experience.  Many men in the US aren’t offered paternity leave.  Neither of us got any paid time off, but my husband was only able to take a week off, period.  With him going back to work weeks before me, patterns were set in place.  I took care of our daughter and home because he was busier than me.  I got up at night because he needed to be able to function at work.  These patterns were necessary at the time, but are difficult to break now that we are both working.  I work from home so that I can be available to feed her without dealing with pumps and bottles, while my partner gets to hang out with coworkers all day.  I have also seen female friends lose out on career opportunities because of having a kid, while their male partners receive promotions the same year.  These inconsistencies make the loneliness harder to bear, knowing that my gender makes the isolation so much heavier than if I were male.

I always imagined motherhood as a magical time of love.  While I still feel moments of that magic, I wish I had known going in how lonely it would also be.  I wish I had set up routines for connection – and set expectations with my partner – beforehand.  We are just getting these things teased out almost a year in.  Weekly walks (ideally in nature!) with friends, especially other moms and their babies, go a long way.  Scheduled weekly time for self care, rest, or activities that make me feel like me have become a must.  Regular conversations with my partner to check in about how we’re each doing and if things feel balanced are also helping quite a bit.  

6. kids love the floor

My two biggest concerns about having a baby were being able to hold them and being able to stay upright.  EDS, one of my diagnoses, has made my shoulders and elbows quite unstable.  I can’t even take out the trash anymore.  Every time I’ve held a baby in the last few years I’ve had to give them back after just a few minutes.  How could I possibly be a mom?  Similarly, I also have POTS, a form of dysautonomia that makes me feel sick every time I have to be upright.  How could I rock or bounce a baby if I can’t stand?  The good news is that my daughter doesn’t know anything different!  I rock her in a rocking chair or bounce her on a ball.  I use carriers, strollers, and slings (or whoever’s around) when my arms can’t do the lifting.  The greatest discovery has been how much babies love being on the floor!  Not only that, but she loves it when I join her on the floor. This is my ideal situation!  I spend hours of every day just laying down.  I even have a memory foam mattress topper and a plethora of pillows on the floor so that I can lounge without too much pain or joints popping out of place.  We have toys and books within arm’s reach and the space is babyproofed enough that if she were to crawl away, I don’t need to chase after her.  All of my fears of what would happen on a bad day have evaporated.  Sure, there are occasional days when I can’t safely parent, and #4 is crucial in those cases.  But for medium-bad days, I can get the rest I need without her knowing the difference.  I never knew another human being to be so perfectly on my level.

7. teaching my truth

This one has not come up in practice quite yet, as my daughter is not quite speaking.  I read Glennon Doyle’s Untamed while pregnant and something that resonated with me was the idea that we don’t need to hide our painful truths from our kids.  We aren’t necessarily doing them favors by sheltering them from our struggles or by pushing through our pain to “show up” for them.  When we do this, we teach them to not have boundaries, to not care for themselves.  What if, instead, we show them our truth and model what it looks like to practice self care?  I have watched my sister raise her children through debilitating symptoms and thought about how I’d want to proceed, should I get that sick again.  The odds of my kids having my illnesses are quite high.  I want them to know that it’s ok to be sick.  Better yet, that it’s ok to share their experience, to not hide, and to advocate for their needs.  So although I know my daughter doesn’t understand many words yet, I find both comfort and strength in telling her my needs on those bad days. 

Mama has a lot of pain today. 

Mama is very tired. 

Let’s play on the floor now, but if I’m feeling better later, I would love to go walk outside! 

Thank you for the quiet snuggles – Mama really needed that today… 

Sometimes she will smile, kiss my face, and then play with her toys while I take a minute to close my eyes.  In those moments, I know that yes, I can do this.  We can do this ♡

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Self Care Case | Mighty Well | What do you carry? | travel
Chronic IllnessFeaturedFriends in the Fight

Self Care Case: What do you carry?

by Ariela Paulsen April 21, 2022April 21, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen

Whether you live with chronic illness, live a fast-paced life on the go, or are just one of those oldest-sibling-types who’s always prepared, a good organizer is a game changer.  The Self Care Case was designed by patients to hold the many pills, vials, and devices we need day-to-day.  But just like us patients, it holds far more than just one identity.  This new and improved version of the Mighty MedPlanner is also for bringing chapstick and snacks on a hike or ski trip.  It’s for breath mints, a comb, pocket calendar, or cozy socks.  As a new mom and chronic patient, I carry meds, eye drops, snacks, and personal fan… but also an extra pacifier and burp cloth.  

We checked in with some Friends in the Fight about what they pack in their new Self Care Case:

Maria Del Mar Gomez

Mighty Well Co-Founder, @MightyWell_Maria

“I take my Self Care Case every day to work and on all travel occasions – whether I’m traveling for the day or for a multi-day trip, when I’m traveling home to the Dominican Republic to visit family or for work trips. 

Having this med Case with me gives me peace of mind that every time I leave my house, I know that I have all of my health essentials in one place. Whether it’s myself, a friend, or a team member who’s unwell – I love being able to get them what they need! The team knows they can count on me to have painkillers handy for those awful headaches that often come unexpectedly, or antihistamines for seasonal allergies. 

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve been traveling to multiple cities. I first went home to DR to visit family. Of course, we stopped at the beach for a weekend, and my brother started to get nauseous in the boat – which I was able to quickly remedy with the nausea medication in my Self Care Case. 

A week later, I went to Miami for one of my best friend’s wedding. We all know that wedding days can be incredibly hectic, and accidents often happen. I had packed apparel tape and a box of band-aids in my Self Care Case in case my shoes would hurt me (after hours of dancing). As I got ready with the rest of the bridesmaids, the dad of the bride-to-be rushed in looking for band-aids for one of the other ladies in the bridal party. I quickly offered what I had brought in my Self Care Case. Around five hours later, during the party, the dress strap of one of the bridal party members broke mid-dancing! Again, my Self Care Case came to the rescue with the apparel tape I had packed in it. All in all – a very successful trip.

When it comes to packing my Case, I am very intentional – I always make sure to include these items:

1) Basic meds: I pack medications to address common ailments, including headaches, stomach aches, allergies, muscle pain, etc. 

2) Anxiety treatments: My doctor prescribed a daily medication that I take every night to manage my anxiety levels, along with self care items I use when I feel an anxiety attack approaching which help me to prevent it. 

3) Useful emergency items: These depend on where I’m traveling to – usually, they include my phone charger, hand sanitizer, and a face mask. “

Amanda Phillips

Brand Ambassador,  @chronicallymandy02

Mandy is an advocate for chronic illness. She shares her journey to help others feel like they aren’t alone and that there are others going through the same thing. We asked what she carries in her Self Care Case.

“I carry:

  • my daily medication
  • my emergency meds (inhaler, EpiPen)
  • my mask
  • a card with my emergency contact info
  • a list of my medications
  • an ice pack for my meds

I also carry the Take Self Care pad so I can prioritize tasks through my day!”

See Mandy’s full post here.

Madison Irby

Brand Ambassador, @missmaddieo

“Let me list everything it holds…

1) Glucogon/syringe/needles.💉

2) Rubbing alcohol pads. 🧼

3) Emergency meds. 💊

4)Epi pen. 🐝

5) peppermint essential oils.

6) @eukawell – their essential oils blend.

7) lancets/lancing device (this is your reminder to change your #lancets )

8) Blood glucose monitor/ #dexcom receiver. 🖥️

9)Test strips to calibrate or during signal loss.

10) And lastly glucose tabs/ #hypotreats”

See Madison’s full post here.

Meghan Bayer

Brand Ambassador, @megsmiracles

“In my Self Care Case, I carry my glucometer, lancets, test strips, a vial of insulin that I can keep cold with the ice pack on our sunny, hot :hot_face: southern days, an extra Mighty Well Mask, a packs of sugar for a portable, quick low treatment, and my cell phone. I keep a pen in the kit as well, so I can mark my blood glucose readings on my glucose tracker!”

See Meg’s unboxing video of the Self Care Case here.

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5 Tips for Navigating Chronic Illness With Executive Function Challenges
Chronic IllnessGeneral Wellness

5 Tips for Navigating Chronic Illness With Executive Function Challenges

by Ariela Paulsen April 7, 2022April 7, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen

I taught for years in alternative schools and found that too often the students found themselves in my programs because their needs were simply not being met in school.  For many, it was because they didn’t quite know what their needs even were.  Some were on the cusp of a medical diagnosis, were working through mental health challenges, or were housing-insecure and just couldn’t focus on school with everything going on.  Most of these students, for one reason or another, struggled with executive functioning.

Executive Function (EF) skills are not often taught explicitly in school the way we teach reading, math, or the scientific method.  EF skills are things like self-regulation, memory, organization, and time management.  They are crucial for school success, but even more so for adult life.  Some of us pick up these skills innately or learn them through watching adults in our lives who use them successfully.  But for many, underdeveloped EF skills are a significant barrier in life. 

I have obviously seen these barriers in my work as a teacher, but it has also played a tremendous role in my work with the chronic illness community.  This aspect of neurodiversity is complicated, but there are a number of common reasons someone might not have great EF skills.  ADHD and ASD tend to come with EF challenges.  High levels of stress can also affect this part of the brain; I’m sure we’ve all noticed when times get tough that our memory, focus, and ability to think through complicated situations go out the window.  Overwhelm, lack of sleep, and pain can also have these effects.  It is then unsurprising that those of us dealing with chronic illness would struggle with executive functioning.

The catch-22 is that EF skills are crucial to managing chronic illness.  Taking medications on time, keeping track of doctor visits, sticking to a medically-necessary diet, remembering to do PT, creating a self care plan… these seemingly small speed bumps on our road to wellness can easily derail us if we don’t have strong EF skills.

Whether you have diagnosed neurodivergence or are just foggy and overwhelmed, here are a few tips to help build EF skills:

1. identify the barriers

As always, the first step is naming the problem.  Take a minute to reflect – where are you struggling?  Are you not able to control your emotions or impulses?  Does starting a task feel impossible and sustaining focus is a joke?  Do you lose track of time and miss important meetings or just lose track of your keys and medications?  Whichever EF skills you struggle with, write them down and take a minute to reflect – which ones are impacting your life the most?  Which ones feel like “low-hanging fruit” that you could see positive change most quickly?  Identify one to start working on.  No need to further overwhelm yourself by trying to fix everything at once!  

2. learn more

Yes, this one might be tricky if you’re already struggling to balance your life.  But if you do have time and energy (and brain space) to look into executive function at all, you may find it enlightening!  Not only does it feel validating to read about something you’ve always found challenging and learn that you are far from alone, but many EF skills have simple tips and tricks that can bust you out of your funk.  For example, if you have trouble starting things, try setting a timer for five minutes and simply see how much you can get done in that time.  This lowers your expectation of what you hope to accomplish and often this results in reducing your overwhelm enough to actually get going.

Because EF challenges are so common, there are a wealth of learning opportunities.  Check out online hubs, helpful books, or sign up for a group or coach to get you going.  Fight back any embarrassment or stigma you may feel and remember that what you’re struggling with is extremely common!

More tips for making positive habits here.

3. use tools

Just as there are plenty of learning opportunities for EF skills, there are also ample tools available.  Sticky notes and planners can help with memory and planning.  Timers, reminders, and alarms can help you get started, manage your time, and sustain focus or motivation.  The right backpacks, furniture, and other organizers can help you keep track of your items.  Something as simple as music can be a gamechanger – listen to pump-up tunes when doing boring tasks and find a focus playlist you like for getting work done.  Whatever EF challenges you face, there’s probably an app for that – here are some favorites for organization, self-regulation, time-management, memory…  We often feel the need to do these things on our own, but it can make a world of difference to let a tool carry the weight of making a change for you. 

Check out our Brain Fog Fix planner here!

4. care for your brain

Creating new habits rewires your brain for positive change.  This work is worth it for the payoff, but anything you can do to grease the wheels will lighten the load!  Getting more (and better) sleep, meditating, eating nourishing foods, and adding in some movement or exercise each day can go a long way.  Taking steps to lower stress and increase mental health are also important.  This could look like taking time for self care, having a friend or counselor to talk through stressful parts of your life, or getting out into nature.

For some of us, EF challenges are solely caused by brain fatigue or emotional stress.  In those cases, caring for your brain and mental health may be the only step needed to get back on track!

Check out more tips for your brain here.

5. accountability and self-love

Making change on your own is tough!  It can help to have someone in your corner acting as a source of accountability.  Consider sharing your goals with a trusted friend or loved one. They can remind you along the way and point out your successes.  Be sure to communicate clearly and openly – they are there for accountability, not nagging!  If it starts to feel that way, talk it out and see if a different type of support would be more helpful.

More on asking for support here.

Unfortunately, we live in a world that adds shame and stigma to EF challenges.  Showing up late or having a messy house can make us feel like bad people, somehow worthy of being judged.  Remember that this is just a social construct!  There is nothing morally wrong with not having been taught these skills.  It is not your fault or anything you should feel ashamed of!  So try to give yourself grace in the moments when you do struggle.  Having this self-love is crucial to success and to maintaining a positive relationship with your accountability supporters.  If you feel yourself starting to feel shame or embarrassment, talk it through with someone.  The best way to dispel shame is by giving it voice to someone trusted.

More on how to find self-love here.

We hope you find these tips helpful!  If you are looking for a community of other foggy and fumbling folks who’ve been there and can cheer you on, check out our Friends in the Fight facebook group!

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4 Ways to Secure Your PICC
Chronic IllnessMedical DevicesPICC LineTreatment and Care

4 Ways to Secure Your PICC

by Ariela Paulsen March 31, 2022March 31, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen

Getting a PICC (peripheral intravenous central catheter) placed comes with a slew of unknowns:  How will it feel to have a tube inside my body?  Will the procedure hurt?  What is the procedure like?  We’ve been there, and we know that having the right information and products available is key! 

We recently partnered with the Association of Vascular Access to put together the Ultimate Guide to PICCs, which you can download for free, here!  It covers topics like concerns you may have before getting a PICC, what to expect during the procedure, how to care for a PICC, and complications to watch out for.  One question we’ve been asked by patients is how PICCs are secured in place.  There are a few options available:

1. sutures

In the past, PICCs were held in place with stitches.  While effective at keeping things from moving around, stitches are not favored anymore because they can cause other problems.  The insertion site can get infected or the sutures could fall out.  

2. Grip-Lok

Adhesive products are now more frequently used to keep insertion sites secure and protected.  Grip-Lok Securement Devices are hypoallergenic and use a hook-and-loop design so that they can be adjusted without removing the adhesive.  

3. secureAcath

Another innovative product – secureAcath – is placed into the insertion site, just under the skin.  It does not create new holes in the skin for potential infection like stitches but does not have to be removed or replaced until the PICC itself is removed!  It also does not irritate the skin the way that both stitches and adhesives sometimes do.

4. PICC sleeves

Whatever your care team uses to secure the PICC, you will also want a PICC line cover or PICC sleeve for added comfort and protection.  PICCs and their securement devices can get snagged during dressing changes and daily activity.  PICCPerfect PICC Line Covers® keep everything in place and prevent adhesives from peeling.  They keep dirt and germs off the insertion site and are antimicrobial for additional protection against infection.  The double-layer design also prevents irritation by keeping the lumens off your skin.  

Your comfort and safety matter!  Feel free to ask your care team ahead of time what securement devices they plan to use.  If you have a concern, it is best to ask for other options in advance so that you can feel confident on the day of your procedure.  It is also important to ask if these products will be covered by your insurance!  Ask your doctor if they prescribe the PICCPerfect Pro® – if so, it can be purchased with your HSA/FSA account.  Click here to learn more or to share it with your care team.

We wish you good luck and healing on your PICC journey!

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Mighty Well | PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover
Chronic IllnessFriends in the FightRelationships and Support

5 Reasons Why I Love My Sick Friends

by Ariela Paulsen March 24, 2022March 24, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen

Being sick is hard.  There are many times when I look at my life, at all the joys I’ve had to forgo and the thankless work I put in to simply make it through the day, and I wish I could change it all.  I wish I could have energy, that I could eat whatever foods I want and socialize without crashing.  The list of wishes and grief feels endless in those weeks when I’ve been slogging through a flare with no end in sight.  

But when I’m in an upswing, there are times when I actually wouldn’t change it.  I am who I am because of illness.  I am proud of my disabilities and the creativity I’ve built by having to work with them.  Years of pain gave me a deep pool of empathy. Perhaps the greatest side effect of illness is the people I’ve met.

Sick friends have been an incredible support network for me and have become some of my best friends  They get me on so many levels.  They have empathy to match mine but have had to learn boundaries out of self-preservation.  They are some of the best communicators I’ve met, whether by necessity or as a by-product of the therapy prescribed by doctors.  And the communities of sick and disabled folks I’ve found myself in have been loving, warm, and supportive.  

In recognition of these incredible spoonies, I’d like to share with you the top 5 reasons why I love my sick friends with the hope that this can help you find a support network of your own:

1. connection

I always had trouble making friends.  I don’t know whether it was feeling different than my peers or the shame I carried from my symptoms being deemed “disgusting” by those who discovered them.  Maybe it was just my extreme introversion.  Whatever the reason, that feeling of true connection often evaded me.  I revel in my sick friends today who seem to just get me.  They know so much of my experience without me having to explain.  I share a story and see their heads nod in understanding.  My sick friends have all felt isolated at some point, so they are eager to make connections and are expressive with their appreciation for my friendship.

2. honest communication 

Another reason I connect so much easier with sick friends is that I can communicate more honestly with them.  You know that feeling when someone asks “how are you?” and your brain is screaming “honestly, not so good!” but what comes out of your mouth is “good! You?”  Few moments make me feel more isolated than when I feel terrible but tell someone I’m fine.  I love sick friends who just cut to the chase and say it how it really is.  Not that they dump heavy stuff on me without warning (I’ve discussed the importance of finding the right space for sharing the heavy stuff here), but they are often more honest from moment to moment.  One friend’s response when asked “how are you?” tends to be “everything is terrible and I’m dying.  How are you today?”  We laugh and acknowledge that yes, things are really tough.  We can then choose whether to dig into why it’s tough or just move on with our day.

3. empathy

Any struggle in life creates space in your brain to understand the struggles of others.  I often find that sick friends are oozing with empathy.  They know pain, fear, isolation, stigmatization, discrimination.  They can see it in others and the world around them.   As a result, they are kind and caring.  They stand up for others (when energy permits) and are able to reach beyond the differences that too often divide us.

4. problem-solvers

If practice makes perfect, then facing daily barriers makes extremely proficient problem solvers.  Being chronically ill can cause problems as minor as finding crackers in the grocery aisle with no added chemicals to getting the care you need when semi-conscious, alone, and in the care of an ER team who’s never heard of your diagnoses.  While we’d rather not have to face these challenges, it can lead to some incredible resourcefulness and critical thinking skills.  When something goes wrong with my house, my job, my relationships… I call on my sick friends to help me think it through.  We don’t easily throw up our hands and decide it can’t be fixed because, so often in our experience, that simply isn’t an option.  

5. access intimacy

I came across the term access intimacy recently and it’s my absolute favorite. Coined by disability advocate Mia Mingus, it means the intimate feeling of knowing your accessibility needs will be met by someone.  Maybe they intuitively anticipate what you need before you even ask, or they simply create an environment so accepting and accessible that you feel no discomfort in asking.  As someone with invisible disabilities, speaking up for what I need carries a lifetime of shame, fear of being judged or rejected, and feeling guilty for being a “burden” to others.  With sick friends, I can just say whatever I’m feeling or needing.  They validate that my experience is real and empathize that they’ve been there.  They ask clarifying questions to make sure they understand my needs and then put their creative and resourceful brains to the task.  And sure, sometimes in a group of chronically fatigued and disabled people, sharing what I need doesn’t mean anyone else can get it for me.  But having the space to ask is revolutionary in itself.

For more tips on supporting sick/disabled loved ones, check out the relationships section of our blog here!

While I may not feel grateful for being sick, I have immense gratitude that my illness journey led me to such wonderful people.  It took me years to find them, but it was worth the wait.  If you are sick and reading this, I wish for you to find a community of loving sick and disabled friends.  If you are a healthy and abled ally, I hope you will appreciate these gifts that sick friends can bring to your relationships ♡

Looking for your own community of the illest people and their allies?  Join our Friends in the Fight facebook group!

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Kids With PICCs
Chronic IllnessMedical DevicesPICC LineTreatment and Care

Kids With PICCs

by Ariela Paulsen March 17, 2022March 18, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen

Living with chronic illness is difficult, exhausting, and isolating.  Going through it as a kid is especially tough — you want to be carefree, busy learning and experiencing new things, and you want to fit in.  

When you’re young, you need time to relax and try new activities; spending time sick or in doctors’ offices can feel unfair and exhausting.  Perhaps the most important part of being a kid or teenager is learning who you are, and how you are seen by others.  When being a patient begins to feel like your whole identity, it makes it harder to explore other aspects of who you are.

We know, because we’ve been there.  We’ve faced the decisions — whether to be open and honest with friends or hide an important part of what’s going on in our lives; how much time to devote to living our lives, versus time spent resting so we can heal… this is why we created Mighty Well, so that we can live our lives with comfort, peace of mind, and dignity.

PICCPerfect® PICC Line Covers, available in sizes small enough for kids, can help make life with a medical device more carefree!  The unique foldover design keeps your PICC insertion site comfortable, secure, and hidden — even during infusions.  It provides peace of mind, freedom to go out and have fun, and comes in sleek and stylish colors for every outfit.  

Check out more features here, or read on to find out why kids love their PICCPerfect® sleeves:

“I got the PICC Line cover for my son so he could go to school like a normal kid again. I even let him participate in gym class. When we got the cover my son thought it was so cool and that he looked like a basketball player!”

“The PICC covers for my daughter are just the answer for her busy schedule. Stacey has a chemotherapy cycle every 21 days.”

“I bought this product for my daughter because she is battling Lyme Disease and has recently gotten her PICC Line placed. She absolutely loved it! She was so happy because her friends kept complimenting her at school. Mighty Well also had amazing customer service which really helped because I hadn’t bought a PICC Line Cover before.”

“We are so grateful to Mighty Well for donating several of their amazing PICC line covers to our organization. These covers have been such a hit with the kids we work with and we have only gotten an overwhelmingly positive response. Great product, great company.”

“I bought this for my 15-year-old daughter for her school dance, but she ended up wearing it every day! She couldn’t believe how comfortable it was. It was also a really big hit at school — everyone was looking at her beautiful face, not her PICC line.”

“My daughter was self-conscious about going in public with her PICC line, but with the sleeves, now the lines are protected and completely out of sight. They are a great material, and her nurse even commented on the material, saying it was great that it was breathable and wouldn’t let moisture build up around her dressing. Love the sleeves!”

Living with a medical device doesn’t have to be isolating.  Want to connect with other families affected by illness?  Join our Friends in the Fight facebook group here or our newsletter community here!

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We Are Not One Dimensional
Chronic Illness

We Are Not One Dimensional

by Ariela Paulsen March 10, 2022March 10, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen

One of the best perks of working with other chronic patients is the authenticity of conversations that come up around the products we create.  Nothing makes me feel so seen and valued like hearing my lived experience from someone else’s mouth!  

This struck me recently at a brainstorming session about Mighty Well’s newest product, the Self Care Case.  The patients in the (virtual) room were sharing what we were excited to use it for.  Most were medical supplies like EpiPens, snacks for low blood sugar, medications, spare face masks, hand sanitizer and other necessities for infusions… but we also each carry items with us that have nothing to do with illness.  Our favorite shades, sunscreen, makeup, cozy socks.

Illness and disability have the tendency to impact every aspect of daily life.  Our morning routine.  What we eat.  Where we live.  What we do to earn a living – or if we can’t work, how we spend our time.  How we go places.  How we connect with others.  How we sleep.  Acknowledging this is helpful at times – I recently saw a tweet from @hijade2madre that said “…Disability shapes my everyday life and I’m going to need you to stop making that be a negative.”  This side of the equation is so important!  Yes, these things impact our every day and do define parts of our identity.

But, like most aspects of our complicated lives, the other side of the equation is equally important: illness and disability are not the only factors that impact our identity!  I may be a proud spoonie who doesn’t shy away from making my disabilities public, but that’s not all I think of when showing who I really am.  I am also a painter, a writer, a community organizer.  I am a mom and a sister.  I love birds and trees and gardening.  I feel the need for queer spaces as much as spoonie spaces.  I’m introverted and sensitive.

I am all of these things and more, regardless of my health status.  There are also ways in which my other identities intertwine with my illnesses:  I love the cooler seasons because heat is a trigger for my symptoms.  Inversely, I still identify as a rugger, despite not being able to play rugby for many years.  I used to struggle immensely with this.  I remember whole therapy sessions wrestling with whether I could still identify as a “good friend” when I was too sick to show up.  I truly believe now that these pieces of our puzzle still exist, even if they don’t all come together right now.

So, who are you?  What identities do you hold?  What do you carry with you day-to-day, physically and metaphorically?  We see you, even the parts that can’t quite make themselves known each day.

Join the conversation in our Friends in the Fight facebook group!

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Who’s Left Behind When “Everyone’s Going to Get COVID”
Chronic IllnessMightier Together

Who’s Left Behind When “Everyone’s Going to Get COVID”

by Ariela Paulsen March 3, 2022March 4, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen

This Tuesday, President Biden addressed the nation – maskless, and in front of his largest in-person audience in over a year.  His message was clear, that we have turned a corner in the pandemic.  Even before his speech, the swift rise and fall of the milder Omicron variant changed how many Americans think about the virus.  A hope has caught on that we are reaching the point when COVID-19 becomes endemic, meaning enough people have strong enough immunity that the case numbers are lower and more stable.  

We all need this hope.  For many of us, this has been the toughest two years of our lives.  We need to believe that this disaster is almost over, that we can resume our lives without fear or guilt.  For people who are healthy, abled, young, and vaccinated, the risks now are remarkably low!  For many, it is the time to return to normalcy and find peace from the constant worry.

For others – sick, disabled, elderly, or too young to be vaccinated – this peace of mind may not yet be possible.

I have seen this dissonance cropping up in the communication of people around me.  My abled, healthy friends without children expressing frustration when asked to quarantine before visiting higher-risk relatives.  My immunocompromised friends feeling despair that their employers are now expecting them in-person without mask mandates.  One friend with chronic illness confiding that people could understand her being careful on her son’s account but were much more judgemental when she acted out of fear of her own health; she’s afraid that when he’s old enough to be vaccinated she is going to have to revisit those triggering conversations with relationships she’d only just repaired.  On social media, I’ve seen posts proclaiming that “we’re all going to get it, so just live your life!” followed by a barrage of pained and angry comments.  I had a student ask me about a post she saw, likening that statement to eugenics.  

And I get it! All of it. I get the push to move on.  The fear of change.  The anxiety of being high-risk.  The weight of making decisions not only for yourself but for young children and aging members of your household.  When your whole life has been filled with messaging akin to “your disability makes you less valuable to society” or “your safety is not worth my inconvenience,” then yes, statements of hope can start to feel like eugenics propaganda.

There is no clear right or wrong here, no simple answers or solutions that I can offer.  I simply offer that we hold onto compassion and empathy for where each of us is existing right now.  The right answer for you may be dangerous for me, and my outlook might be a source of deep distress for you.  But both are our lived realities!  

I hope we can all accept these dissonances, or better yet, lean into them.  As a music student in college, I remember learning about musical dissonance, when two notes are not the same but close enough together that instead of harmonizing, they create discomfort in both sound and the vibration of sound waves jostling in the air.  If dissonance is included in a piece of music and you try to skip through it quickly, it leaves the listener unsettled and sounds like a mistake was made.  If you linger in the dissonance, leaning in with emotion and volume until finally resolving, it can be a deeply powerful moment.  If we can lean in and feel how our approaches are different, I think we will find that they hurt because we are coming from such similar places of exhaustion, loneliness, and fear.  Our resolution, I believe, will come in making space for each of us to affirm our differences while validating the experiences that brought us to those outcomes.

For anyone struggling to find empathy right now, here are some stories that may help you understand where others may be coming from:

  • Parents with unvaccinated children
  • Students who need normalcy
  • Folks with addiction and mental health challenges
  • Immunocompromised individuals
  • Chronic illness warriors who are feeling triggered daily
  • Those afraid of long Covid

As always, here’s to kindness and good communication.  We are Mightier Together!

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About Us

Hi, We're Mighty Well.

The mission of Mighty Well is to help patients and their caregivers turn sickness into strength. We are leading the global charge that changes the perception of patients from victims to fighters. We do this by improving the experience of being a patient. We create the products we wish we’d had: functional and stylish apparel and accessories that you can wear with confidence - and content that can help you get through the good times and the bad. It’s wellness you can wear.

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  • Top 3 Digital Medication Organizers
  • 7 Things I Wish I’d Known About Motherhood With Chronic Illness
  • Self Care Case: What do you carry?
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One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

If you've returned to work, what was the hardest part about making the transition back? 
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#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Autism #WFH #RemoteWork #Telecommute #MightyWellMask #Pandemic
Before you move forward always be sure to check th Before you move forward always be sure to check the price tag 💵
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Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

"The only certainty in life is uncertainty. I challenge you to embrace it. Even if it's just for a bit" ~@kali_rarerootedwarrior ☺️

Featuring: The Mighty Pack & Undefeated Hat
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 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Gastroparesis #EDS #MastCellDisease
We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
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Going into a medical procedure is always a little Going into a medical procedure is always a little scary. The best way to minimize fear and anxiety is to go in as prepared as you can! If you are feeling nervous for an upcoming PICC line placement procedure, head to our latest blog (link in bio) for some confidence boosting tips so you can feel ready to go! 

📷 Friend in the Fight @zebrajemma loves her PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover. It keeps her PICC line in place without adhesives and is so comfortable 🤗
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You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
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We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

📹 We are all smiles over this video of Mighty Well ambassador @rebellious_story & her dog Sherlock 😍
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The school year is quickly coming to a close and w The school year is quickly coming to a close and we wanted to send a Mighty shout out to all the students who worked so hard this year despite the challenges of COVID 🙌 We know that it was a challenging year with limited in-person learning, social distancing, and the requirement of face masks. We are so proud of all of you and you should be too! 💚

📸 Featuring The Mighty Well Mask
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I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disa I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disabled — because you can’t put a boundary on being yourself ~@thedisabledhippie
 
Happy Pride Month to all of our Friends in the Fight in the LBGTQIA+ community 🏳️‍🌈
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    7 Things Not To Do With a PICC Line

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    PICC Line Complications: Preventing Common Issues

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    Making a Choice: PICC Line vs. Port

    July 20, 2017
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CHRONIC ILLNESS

Our Story

Mighty Well - Founder - Emily Levy - Our Story

 

It all started with a cut off sock, a cute hockey player, and an 8 AM finance class. Oh, and a PICC Line. That moment inspired us to launch our first product, the PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover.

 

We know it stinks to feel defined by a diagnosis or feel like just a name on a doctor’s chart. Sounds like you? Read how our founder turned sickness into strength.

Recent Posts

  • 3 Tactics For Managing Anxiety Attacks

    May 19, 2022
  • Top 3 Digital Medication Organizers

    May 13, 2022
  • 7 Things I Wish I’d Known About Motherhood With Chronic Illness

    May 5, 2022

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One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

If you've returned to work, what was the hardest part about making the transition back? 
.
.

#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Autism #WFH #RemoteWork #Telecommute #MightyWellMask #Pandemic
Before you move forward always be sure to check th Before you move forward always be sure to check the price tag 💵
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#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Anxiety #Depression #PTSD
Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

"The only certainty in life is uncertainty. I challenge you to embrace it. Even if it's just for a bit" ~@kali_rarerootedwarrior ☺️

Featuring: The Mighty Pack & Undefeated Hat
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 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Gastroparesis #EDS #MastCellDisease
We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
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#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #ChronicFatigue #MultipleSclerosis #Lupus #SickleCellAnemia #Endometriosis #POTS
Going into a medical procedure is always a little Going into a medical procedure is always a little scary. The best way to minimize fear and anxiety is to go in as prepared as you can! If you are feeling nervous for an upcoming PICC line placement procedure, head to our latest blog (link in bio) for some confidence boosting tips so you can feel ready to go! 

📷 Friend in the Fight @zebrajemma loves her PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover. It keeps her PICC line in place without adhesives and is so comfortable 🤗
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 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #IVIG
You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
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 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue #CognitiveDisorder
We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

📹 We are all smiles over this video of Mighty Well ambassador @rebellious_story & her dog Sherlock 😍
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 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #Community #Health #Wellness #ButYouDontLookSick #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #LivingwithChronicIllness #Crohns #InfusionPump #MedicalBackpack #DiabeticLife #Gastroparesis #EnteralNutrition #Wheelchair #Tubefeeding #MedicalSupplies #TubeFed
The school year is quickly coming to a close and w The school year is quickly coming to a close and we wanted to send a Mighty shout out to all the students who worked so hard this year despite the challenges of COVID 🙌 We know that it was a challenging year with limited in-person learning, social distancing, and the requirement of face masks. We are so proud of all of you and you should be too! 💚

📸 Featuring The Mighty Well Mask
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 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Pandemic #HomeSchool #Graduation #SocialDistancing
I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disa I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disabled — because you can’t put a boundary on being yourself ~@thedisabledhippie
 
Happy Pride Month to all of our Friends in the Fight in the LBGTQIA+ community 🏳️‍🌈
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#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #Pride #LBGTQ #Transgender #LoveisLove #NonBinary #BiSexual #GayPride #Instalove
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