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

Mighty Well

  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are
Chronic IllnessTreatment and Care

Defining Treatment

by Ariela Paulsen February 18, 2022May 12, 2022
written by Ariela Paulsen
Defining Treatment

My side project during this pandemic has been developing an app to help people with chronic illnesses make sense of their symptoms.  In the app, you can track your symptoms, triggers, and treatments.  One question I kept coming back to – what counts as a “treatment”?  

I think we typically limit our understanding of treatments to medications.  But when I think back to my own healing, medications have actually been a very small part of the picture.  Sure, I take a couple of pills every day, as well as various supplements, and have a stash of “as needed” medications for flares.  What keeps me going strong day-to-day, though, is a whole network of other treatments.  

therapies

The first category I think of is therapies, the actions and practices that help me reset.  These are the maintenance necessary to offset the negative impacts on my health that come with everyday life.   Working with a therapist helps me process – and then clear away – the stress, fear, and grief of being sick in a fast-paced world.  Physical therapy helps my body stay strong enough to handle daily tasks without injury, and helps reset my joints when they do get injured.  Other helpful practices could be meditation, breathwork, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, reiki… even spiritual practices, morning coffee rituals, and gratitude journaling can be a kind of therapy if used as a habitual practice.

nutrition

I think we underestimate how important nourishment is for our healing.  This is partly making sure we get enough vitamins and minerals, but it goes even deeper than that.  Many medications we use come from natural properties in plants, so learning more about which plants provide healing for specific illnesses can be an interesting way to add an extra boost to our bodies.  For example, turmeric can be helpful for easing inflammation. Foods high in DAO are powerful antihistamines.  They can help with mast cell disorders, histamine intolerance, headaches, digestive problems, and overall allergies.  They also often happen to be the same foods high in antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamins. Eating fresh nutritious food can be expensive and time-consuming, but when possible, it can be a lovely way to connect with your body’s natural healing capacity.

trigger-avoidance

This one was particularly important for my healing journey but varies from person to person.  Triggers are anything that sets off your illness.  This could be stress, low blood sugar, food intolerances, exercise (or lack thereof), or environmental factors such as heat or pollen.  Identifying your triggers can be a long and difficult process (hence the aforementioned app), but can be incredibly helpful information.  For example, my biggest triggers include low blood sugar, low blood pressure, heat, sun, socializing, and over-exertion.  So treatments for me might mean always having snacks on hand in case I feel my blood sugar drop or adding tons of salt into my food to keep my blood pressure up.  Sun hats and parasols go a long way in avoiding sun.  An ice pack, spray bottle, and fan are my treatments for heat.  Socializing is a tricky one – I have to balance my need for connection, so I try to communicate with friends what types of socializing will be less taxing on my body.  When exercising, I frequently check in with my body and if I feel early signs of exhaustion or hot flashing, I stop immediately to avoid over-exertion.

These may not be what we typically define as “treatments,” but they do an incredible job of avoiding flares.

pacing

Similarly, pacing is the new buzzword I hear cropping up in medical conferences recently.  Perhaps this is a quarantine discovery, but it turns out that patients do best when we don’t take on more than we can handle!  This is obviously not always possible, but planning out a week or a day to make sure not all of the taxing activities are bunched together can give our bodies the rest it needs to reset.  Pacing is especially crucial for anyone with post-exertional malaise (PEM), the primary symptom of ME/CFS.  It can be helpful for most conditions, however.

Interested in learning more?  Check out MEAction’s pacing guide, or the Session 5 talk from last year’s Ehlers-Danlos Society’s virtual conference.

Mighty Well | COVID-19 | Friends in the Fight | disability accessibility | Chronic illness community | Mighty Well Mask

self care

Finally, anything else that falls into self care that truly heals your body could be considered a treatment.  Exercise is often touted as a cure-all, and while this view can be problematic, having some form of movement in each day can go a long way towards improved mental health, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal health, etc.  Getting outdoors and into nature can also decrease cortisol levels, thus improving our mental and physical health. Finding social connections, community, and the passion or joy of hobbies may be understated in their healing capability.  And anything that helps our bodies to fight acute illness, such as hygiene and getting enough sleep, is just as much a treatment as taking Vitamin C.

More on self care here.


Perhaps this more holistic view of treatments can help us to value our actions differently.  If we make time for doctor visits and always take our meds on time, can we also make time for getting outside or meditating for five minutes?  Could we make an even bigger impact on our health by cutting out some of the triggers in our life?  And when we do find something that helps our bodies and minds to feel peace, I hope we can convince ourselves and our society that those treatments are just as valid as the ones written on a prescription.

Living Mighty Wellself careself care case
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
What is self care, really?
next post
Unpacking “Lifestyle Changes”

You may also like

Guide to Difficult Conversations

January 29, 2020

Trying out the Self Care Case – Your...

June 17, 2019

Benefits of PICC Line Covers

October 11, 2016

Gratitude for Those Who Lift Us Up

November 27, 2019

The Truth About Living with an Invisible Illness

February 24, 2017

Show Your PICC Some Love: Top Tips for...

June 27, 2017

Back to School Adaptive Wear: Our Favorite Finds

September 10, 2019

Wendy Williams: on Graves’ disease and the power...

July 23, 2020

Mighty Well & Global Lyme Alliance – Fighting...

March 18, 2019

Comfort Food: 4 tips from our Friends in...

October 28, 2020

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

  • 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
  • Self Care Case: What do you carry?

    April 21, 2022
  • 5 Tips for Navigating Chronic Illness With Executive Function Challenges

    April 7, 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 Fibromyalgia 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 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

  • 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

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
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

Mighty Well © 2018 All Rights Reserved


Back To Top