Mighty Well
  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are

Mighty Well

  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are
Chronic IllnessGeneral Wellness

Get Ready to Get Vaccinated

by Ariela Paulsen April 16, 2021April 16, 2021
written by Ariela Paulsen
Mighty Well | Mighty Well Mask | COVID-19 vaccine

Friends, it has finally happened — I got my second COVID-19 vaccine today!  It was not easy getting here.  Being pregnant, sick, immunocompromised, and prone to vaccine overreactions, the decision to get vaccinated was certainly complicated.  It involved not only internal struggles but consults with multiple specialists.  And then came the waiting:  waiting for my state to allow chronic illness patients to sign up, waiting weeks for the next available appointment after signing up, waiting in line at the vaccine site, waiting for the nurse to run my complicated case by his boss just in case…  And finally, waiting three weeks for the final shot.

My body’s response to this vaccine has not been easy, but I feel so much peace of mind knowing I’ve given my immune system this chance to defend itself.  I am filled with gratitude, knowing that there are still others who have not been able to access this vaccine for a variety of reasons.

The president has named April 19th the deadline for states to open vaccine eligibility to everyone aged 16 and older.  With this new wave of vaccinations, many will be preparing to get their jabs with a mixture of nerves and excitement.  We’ve put together a checklist to help you feel ready to go when your day comes:

Already vaccinated?  Congratulations!  Check out our 4 Tips for Living it Up!

1. before signing up

If you haven’t already, you will be far from alone in signing up for vaccines on April 19th.  Make sure you know what website you are going to use and create an account ahead of time.  That way, you can jump straight to setting an appointment!

2. schedule in recovery time

We all hope to be the lucky ones who power through without any vaccine symptoms, but you never know.  What you don’t want is to find yourself with flu-like symptoms and no backup plan.  So, let your coworkers know you may need some time off.  Ask someone at home to be available to help out if needed.  In fact, I had trouble driving home due to my conditions starting to flare.  For shot number two, I asked someone to drive me, to avoid feeling stranded.  And don’t forget to remind yourself to practice self-compassion, should things go poorly.  

Note: remember that these flu-like symptoms do not mean you caught COVID-19 or are contagious.  They are simply evidence that your immune system is working overtime to protect you!

3. have your health facts on-hand

Hoping to get in and out quickly?  Yeah, so was I… unfortunately, the nurse administering shots asked me questions like: “do you have any allergies?” (uhhhh, yeah, a million) and “are you taking any medications?” (buckle up, pal).  It took forever to go through everything.  Consider having diagnoses, med lists, allergies, and any other relevant medical information printed out and ready to go.

4. prepack your gear

Given that you might be there for a while, think about what you — and your unique body — need when going out.  If this is your first time out in awhile, you’re likely out of practice, so think it through and get some things packed before you’re racing out the door already late.  Things to consider:

  • A well-fitted mask (or two)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks for the trip home
  • Mobility aids if standing/walking for long periods is difficult
  • Comfortable clothes/shoes (and compression socks if needed for standing)
  • Any medications you may need while out
  • Something to do!  You may be waiting awhile.  You’ll thank yourself later for bringing a book, magazine, or podcast.

Check out our guides to getting organized and staying safe for more tips!

5. stay safe!

For some of us, these busy vaccination sites are the most human contact we’ve had in many months.  When you’re there, remember to stay 6 feet away from others, wear your mask(s), and sanitize/wash your hands after touching things like door knobs or pens.  Don’t be afraid to speak up if something seems unsafe.  And if you are prone to allergic reactions, be sure to have EpiPens or antihistamines ready to go, just in case!

Note: it is not recommended to premedicate with pain killers, but you should talk to your physician about what is safe for you to use, should symptoms occur after your vaccine.

Complex conditions got you worried about the vaccine? You’re not alone!  Join the Friends in the Fight facebook group for support, or check out Vaccine Complications for Chronic Illness.  

coronaviruscovid-19
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Ariela Paulsen

Ari struggled with a wide array of health problems for decades before being diagnosed with EDS/POTS/MCAS/etc at age 25. She began writing as a way to heal while spreading information and helping others through their own journeys. She loves being part of the Mighty Well team, sharing the stories and strengths of spoonies everywhere!

previous post
How (and Why) to Effectively Apologize
next post
3 Ways to Celebrate Spring

You may also like

Every Body is a Beach Body: Chronic Illness...

August 6, 2019

Diabetes Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Diabetes...

July 23, 2019

Is Every Body a Beach Body?

July 31, 2019

5 Ways to Get the Most From Your...

September 29, 2020

Guide to Difficult Conversations

January 29, 2020

Five Ways Nurses Can Better Support Their Patients

September 17, 2019

Chronic Illness Accommodations At Work

March 23, 2020

Our 2020 Resolutions for Self-Love!

January 9, 2020

Mighty Well featured on Who What Wear!

May 31, 2019

Spoonie Stories: No One Believed I Had Lyme...

September 15, 2016

2 comments

Elizabeth Stevens May 16, 2021 - 7:07 pm

I thank you for this wonderful information. Sharing it with us and being so honest.

Ariela Paulsen May 22, 2021 - 4:19 pm

You are very welcome! It has helped me so much to hear others’ stories, so I’m glad sharing mine has helped you as well.

Comments are closed.

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.

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Instagram

No images found!
Try some other hashtag or username

Recent Posts

  • Disability Pride Month

    June 30, 2022
  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

    June 22, 2022
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid

    June 16, 2022
  • Accessing Medical Supplies

    June 10, 2022
  • 4 Tips for Creating a Disability Inclusive Workplace

    June 3, 2022

Categories

  • Adaptive Wear
  • Chronic Illness
  • Featured
  • Friends in the Fight
  • General Wellness
  • Healthy Work Environments
  • Lyme Disease
  • Medical Devices
  • Mightier Together
  • Mighty Models
  • PICC Line
  • Popular Posts
  • Relationships and Support
  • The Undefeated
  • Treatment and Care
  • Uncategorized

Tags Cloud

Adulting Be Your Own Advocate blm Cancer Chronic Illness coronavirus coronoavirus covid-19 Daily Brain Fog Fix Diabetes Dysautonomia EDS feeding tube Feeding Tubes feeding tube supplies Gastroparesis holidays how does a feeding tube work immuno hoodie invisible illnesses Living Mighty Well Living With a PICC Living with a Port lyme disease MCAS Medications MedPlanner mental health Mental Illness mighty mask Mighty Pack mighty well mask Misdiagnosed neurodiversity New Years Organization Tips PICC PICC line cover PICCPerfect POTS Self-love self care case Support Systems TPN Tube Feeding

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

  • Disability Pride Month

    June 30, 2022
  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

    June 22, 2022
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid

    June 16, 2022

Join the Fight

Mighty Well's Facebook Page

Find us on Instagram

mightywell_

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 💵
.
.
#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
.
.
 #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 💚 
. 
.
#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 🤗
.
.
 #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. 
.
.
 #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 😍
.
.
 #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
.
.
 #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 🏳️‍🌈
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #Pride #LBGTQ #Transgender #LoveisLove #NonBinary #BiSexual #GayPride #Instalove
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

Mighty Well © 2018 All Rights Reserved


Back To Top