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Tag Archives: chronic pain

Four ways I prevent leg cramps

Chronic Life, fibromyalgia, Health issues, pain relief February 19, 2019 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather changes, over use, lack of activity, these are just a few of the reasons that I experience spasms and cramps in my legs at night.  Sometimes it’s more of a nervous energy flowing through my legs that keeps me awake.  Other nights it’s muscle pain that is a product of a deeper pain.

No matter what the cause, restless, spasming, and cramping leg muscles ruin any chance I have of getting a good night’s sleep.

Prescription muscle relaxers failed me.  Believe it or not, muscle relaxers like Flexeril actually increased how often I experienced my symptoms and their severity.

In 2012 I slowly began addressing my symptoms from fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, degenerative disc disease, coccydynia, and abdominal adhesions with natural and alternative treatments.

Seven years later and I can say that I finally found a way to sleep through the night without my legs cramping or feeling restless.

Here are the four ways that I have been able to accomplish this:

*Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission when you make a purchase through my links. The proceeds earned fund the giveaways I host in my Facebook groups. I am not a medical professional and am not issuing medical advice.

CBD

I use CBD vape or isolate each evening to help relax my muscles.  While high doses do relax them, I have to be careful as I will experience spasms as they relax.  CBD also helps to relax my anxious brain.  I often find that my legs are more restless and cramp more than usual when my mind is working overtime.

Stretching

Exercising too much or not enough is a problem.  No matter how little or much I walk or workout, stretching is what is most important.  Each night before bed, I use elastic bands to gently stretch my leg muscles.

Magnesium

I am magnesium deficient.  Always have been, probably always will be.  My body won’t tolerate supplements and it doesn’t matter how much magnesium rich foods I eat.  However, I have stumbled upon a magnesium rich lotion that does the trick.  Good Night Lotion is now part of my nightly routine.  I rub my legs, hips, lower back, tummy, shoulders, and neck down every night approximately 10-15 minutes before I am ready to crawl into bed. It helps reduce tension, pain, and relaxes my body clearing the way to a good night’s sleep. Click here to read my review of this product.

H2O

Water, water, and more water…. I cannot stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated.  They key is to drink it throughout the day.  Too much at night, results in multiple bathroom visits throughout my night.  Filling a marked bottle in the morning helps me stay on top of my hydration goals throughout the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Disabled Diva’s Review of Earthley Good Night Lotion

Chronic Life, fibromyalgia, pain relief, Product and Company reviews, Product Picks, psoriatic arthritis February 17, 2019 1 Comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do leg cramps or muscle spasms wake you up in the middle of the night?  *Yep!

Do restless legs prevent you from falling asleep? *Raises hand!

Weather changes like heatwaves or the pressure pushing in storms have always caused my legs to cramp and spasm.  However, prior to using topical CBD lotions and oils, leg cramps and spasms were an every day and night occurrence.

When I saw that Earthley had a lotion to help with restless legs, I just had to try it!!!

Although CBD lotions and topical oils are fantastic for restless legs, cramps, and spasms, they are also expensive!!! My first thought was how great would this be if it worked, because it would give those who couldn’t afford a quality topical CBD product an affordable option.

Wondering if Good Night Lotion from Earthley works?  Keep reading…….

*Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission when you make a purchase through my links. The proceeds earned fund the giveaways I host in my Facebook groups. I am not a medical professional and am not issuing medical advice.

Love at first night

OMG!! I was skeptical, as I am with every product that claims to help reduce pain or symptoms from my chronic illnesses. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

As you know, I have a long list of chronic illnesses.  They include, but are not limited to: fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, degenerative disc disease, coccydynia, and abdominal adhesions (result of endometriosis and surgical scarring).  They all have a role in the pain that I experience throughout my body.  Each night, even after I have treated my abdomen all day with PEMF therapy and have vaped my evening dose of cannabis, I still struggle to get my legs, lower back muscles, and abdominal muscles to relax.

On that first night, I rubbed Good Night Lotion on hips, lower back, legs, and feet. At first I felt nothing different, but the label did say to do it 10-15 minutes before going to bed making me think that maybe there is a slight delay in effect.

I was right!! Soon after I crawled under my blankets and arranged my pillows, I felt the areas that I had applied the lotion melt.  Seriously, it felt like they had turned into melted butter.  Of course now the tension in my neck, shoulders, wrists, and abdominal muscles was more noticeable, so I applied the lotion to those areas as well.  I had the best sleep ever!!! And the best part was waking up without my muscles feeling tight or sore.

To put this product to the test, I continued to do the same night after night for an entire week.  I picked an amazing week to do so, as it was a stormy one!!  And guess what? I wasn’t woken up with leg cramps or spasms, nor did my legs feel restless like they would normally during that type of weather.

To further my test of the product, I discontinued use the following week, also a stormy week.  Can you guess what happened?  I experienced horrific spasms.  Seriously, knots so bad that I would wake up crying and screaming.

As you may have guessed, I quickly resumed use of Good Night Lotion.

I want to note that I am not stingy in my use of the product.  I don’t use a smidgen, I use a lot!  However, my body has always been deficient in magnesium which may be why I need more than what is suggested on the packaging.  But so far so good… I haven’t had any unpleasant or unwanted side effects from this product like I have from any other magnesium supplement I have tried in the past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$$$$$$

The best part about this product, aside from it working better than I expected it to, is that even with the amounts that I use each night, it won’t bankrupt me!

It is available in two forms, one with lavender essential oils and unscented.  I am using the lavender one and haven’t had a problem.  And I am someone who has to buy almost everything unscented or for sensitive skin. Both cost the same amount and are available in 4 and 8oz jars.

As you may have noticed in the picture above, Good Night Lotion is on SALE!  Use promo code GOODNIGHTS to save 20% through Friday 2/22/2019 11:59pm PST. Click here to order!

Tell me more

Magnesium chloride promotes normal sleep cycles to help you stay asleep longer, while lavender promotes a restful sleep. This product is make with 100% clean, mostly organic ingredients, and is always free of parabens, fragrances, common allergens, and is now vegan.

Ingredients:

Good Night Lotion:
apricot oil
organic shea butter
organic mango butter
magnesium chloride flakes
candelilla wax
lavender essential oil

Good Night Lotion Sensitive:
apricot oil
organic mango butter
kokum butter
magnesium chloride flakes
candelilla wax

If you are hesitant to try CBD products or just can’t afford them, this option is just as good, if not better than many CBD topical products available.

Click here to learn more about Good Night Lotion and/or to order a jar today!

 

Weekend Recap February 11-15, 2019

Valentine's Day, Weekly Recaps February 14, 2019 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week’s blog posts!

Deals: Latest product promotions and discounts to make living with your chronic illness less painful.

Spring Cleaning Doesn’t Have to be Painful: Tips to make sprucing up your home less painful.

Natural and Alternative Sleep Tips: What helps me sleep and how it may help you too.

The Disabled Diva’s Review of Earthley Soothing Skin Balm: My review of a natural and organic balm for eczema and psoriasis.

Give your love the best Valentine’s day gift ever!

Tips to make your Valentine’s day special, despite your chronic illness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural and Alternative Sleep Tips

Chronic Life February 12, 2019 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you tired of being tired?

I was!

Want to fall asleep faster?

I did!

Does sleeping through the night sound like a fairytale?

There was a time when I believed that chronic pain from fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, degenerative disc disease, coccydynia, and abdominal adhesions would never allow me to sleep through the night.

I tried every sleeping pill out there…. Unfortunately, I am one of those freaks who either suffers from the worst possible side effects or experiences the complete opposite effect of pharmaceutical medications.  With that said, you may have guessed that instead of inducing sleepiness, sleeping pills, both prescription and over the counter, kept me wide awake.

My only hope of sleeping was to take high dosages of opioids and valium.  This was a dangerous cocktail as I risked overdosing and those pills were also causing more health issues.

In 2012 I made the decision to stop addressing symptoms with pharmaceutical medications and to start experimenting with natural and alternative methods.  I am so glad that I did, because the results have been phenomenal.

I went from someone who often couldn’t sleep for more than 20 minutes and felt lucky to get 2-4 hours of sleep per night, to sleeping 7-10 hours every night.

And here is how I achieved it:

*Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission when you make a purchase through my links. The proceeds earned fund the giveaways I host in my Facebook groups. I am not a medical professional and am not issuing medical advice. 

Cannabis

I began with cannabis, specifically edibles. The reason I chose edibles in the beginning is that the pain relieving effect lasts longer than when I smoke or vape marijuana.  Edibles provided the all-night relief my body desperately needed.

PEMF Therapy

There are reports of how PEMF therapy can help with sleep disorders.  Click here to read some.  Whether it can or not, I don’t know… What I do know is this, PEMF therapy significantly reduces the pain and inflammation I experience from my chronic illnesses.  Less pain makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.  Click here to discover all the ways that PEMF therapy has improved my chronic life and then visit Oska Wellness to find out why it was able to help me.  (Shhh don’t tell anyone, okay, who am I kidding, please shout it from the rooftops, that everyone can save $55 with my discount code DIVA.)

CBD

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.  It provides muscle relaxation, calms anxiety, helps with depression, and provides pain relief.  And for those who don’t like the high that accompanies cannabis, CBD is the perfect alternative.  It provides much of the same relief without the high.

What form I use varies night to night.  Depending on how tightly wound my muscles are I may vape it or when I need a stronger dosage I will place 25-30mgs of a CBD isolate under my tongue.  Sometimes I unwind by putting the isolate into a cup of hot chocolate or tea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Night Lotion

Each night as I am getting ready for bed (10-15 minutes before) I rub my legs, feet, belly, shoulders, and neck with Earthley’s Good Night Lotion.  It is a magnesium body lotion that promotes restful sleep, helps with leg cramps, occasional headaches, and constipation.  With all the storms that southern California has been hit with recently, I began having nightly leg cramps.  Eating a banana a day wasn’t cutting it, so I tried this lotion.

I have been using it nightly for the past two weeks and although the weather has yet to stabilize, I am no longer suffering from leg cramps.  Because of the turmoil that abdominal adhesions are causing within my belly, I have been experiencing horrendous muscle spasms throughout the area.  That is until I began rubbing my belly with this lotion.  Click here to learn more about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow the leader

If you are like me and do not work outside your home or don’t have to follow a rigid schedule, listen to your body.  When there is a shift in seasons or a major weather upset, my sleep pattern gets thrown for a loop.  This often results in my living like a vampire for a week or two.  In the past I have tried fighting it, but that only induced a higher level of fatigue.  By giving in and allowing my body to sleep when it wants my body and mind get the 7-10 hours they need to function.  Eventually, my body gets back on track and I return to a normal schedule.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journal

Have problems letting go of the day’s events?  Try journaling.  Release your thoughts by putting them down on paper.  Journaling isn’t just therapeutic, it can also shed light to ways you can improve your life when you reflect on your entries.

What helps you fall and stay asleep?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Disabled Diva’s Review of Earthley Soothing Skin Balm

eczema, Gift Ideas, pain relief, Product and Company reviews, Product Picks, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis February 11, 2019 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission when you make a purchase through my links. The proceeds earned fund the giveaways I host in my Facebook groups.

Earthly Soothing Skin Balm Review

Before I dive into my review I want to give you a little background to explain why I was so excited to test and review this product.

My youngest has eczema.  Her first rash appeared when she was an infant.  At that time she was prescribed a prescription cream and put on extreme dietary restrictions.  When I say extreme, I mean she had to be dairy and gluten free.  After a couple of years, her rash was completely gone.  Our doctor then had us slowly introduce dairy and wheat back into her diet.  Luckily, she suffered no reaction, so on we went with life…..

As she neared her 16th birthday, her eczema returned.  We made dietary changes and even discovered a new trigger, high fructose syrup!  These changes however weren’t enough.

A few years prior we, my husband, daughter, and I, decided to take a more natural approach to our healthcare needs.  In the past 2 years we have tried many natural lotions and balms to relieve her pain, redness, and itchiness.  We have failed to find anything that really worked, that is until now…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see in the comparison picture, there has been a major improvement in the past 18 days.  Now mind you, she is a teenager, meaning that she has forgotten to apply it a day here and a day there.  But, to see that kind of improvement without being on top of applying the balm every day, I am impressed.  I also want to note that she hasn’t been watching what she has been eating throughout this trial period either.  I am sure once she does, we will see even more improvement.  The best part is that her rashes no longer hurt, the skin isn’t broken, nor do they burn and itch.  She is going to continue using Soothing Skin Balm by Earthley, because it is the only thing she has tried that has worked without a prescription.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 411

Now time for some information about the product itself.  Earthley Soothing Skin Balm is an all-natural balm that effectively soothes and promotes healing for eczema, dry skin, and itchy skin.  It can also help relieve symptoms of psoriasis, which I have and have just begun using on my rashes.  Seriously, I just started today, so I will update you on that another time.

Anyways, what I love most about Earthley’s products is that they are completely natural and always free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and polysorbate 80.

The ingredients in their Soothing Skin Balm are: 

Apricot oil: combats sensitive, dry, red, and irritated skin

Organic calendula flowers: soothes dry, itchy skin and is safe for children.

Organic glycerin: slows down cell regeneration which reduces the redness and rawness that is typical of skin affected by eczema

Organic beeswax: holds it all together and locks in moisture

Organic mango butter:  is thick, rich, and super moisturizing

That’s it!!

If you are looking for a natural and organic balm to soothe eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin, you need to try this product.  I hesitated on whether I should have purchase the smaller jar, you know to make sure it was going to help, but I have zero regrets for purchasing the larger 4oz jar.

Click here to check it out for yourself!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give your love the best Valentine’s day gift ever!

Chronic Life, fibromyalgia, Gift Ideas, Oska Pulse, pain relief, psoriatic arthritis, Valentine's Day February 10, 2019 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to give your Valentine a gift they will cherish and use forever?!

Forget lingerie or jewelry! This year purchase something that you and they can appreciate and benefit from.  Give them and yourself the gift of pain relief!

*Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission when you make a purchase through my links. The proceeds earned fund the giveaways I host in my Facebook groups.

Seriously, give them the drug free pain relief device known as Oska Pulse.  It is something that you can both use.  It relieves chronic pain, pain from an injury, fall, migraine, sinuses, and more….

How does it do it? By reducing inflammation with pulsed electromagnetic fields.

Before daily PEMF treatments with Oska Pulse

Before PEMF therapy

The picture above is how I had to leave the house before I began daily PEMF treatments with Oska Pulse.  Chronic pain from fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, degenerative disc disease, coccydynia, and abdominal adhesions from endometriosis and surgical scarring depleted all of my energy and strength.  I would get winded just walking from my bed to the bathroom located just a few steps away.  My feet, spine, and legs wouldn’t allow me to stand or walk for more than a few minutes per day.

 

After PEMF therapy

 

 

 

 

 

 

After PEMF therapy

This picture was taken three years after the one above and almost two years after I added daily PEMF treatments to my pain management plan.  PEMF therapy with Oska Pulse reduces the inflammation I experience from my chronic illnesses like nothing I have ever tried before.  With some patience, some relief wasn’t experienced for a few months, and commitment to seeing what could happen I went from requiring a wheelchair when I left the house to being able to walk on my own two feet.  Sometimes I use a rollator, but no matter what I am always walking.  The picture above was taken on my first ever hike!!!! This, this was what this device has done for me.  After 17 years of pain saying no you can’t, I am not only saying yes I can, I am doing everything I was told I would never be able to do again!!

I don’t know what kind of results you will have, but isn’t it worth taking a chance?  I am glad I thought so….

Don’t take my word, do some research.  Click here to read third party reports on how PEMF therapy has helped with a plethora of symptoms and illnesses.  You will quickly see how this device can improve the lives of well, just about anyone!  You can use it together while resting in bed or on the sofa or use it separately, either way you both win.

While you are at it be sure to see what others are saying about this fantastic device by clicking here.

And last but not least, to help you give you and your partner some much needed pain relief, I have a discount code to share with you.  Save $55 when you enter promo code DIVA at checkout.  Click here to check out this life changing pain relief product. Oh and one more thing! If you live in the United States, you get FREE 2 DAY shipping!!!!

This drug-free pain relief device relieves pain and inflammation like nothing I have ever tried! Click here to check it out and don’t forget that discount code DIVA will save you $55.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips to make your Valentine’s day special, despite your chronic illness

Chronic Life, Valentine's Day February 10, 2019 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s day is a time for expressing love to your special someone.  It is not a day to go broke.  If your celebration depletes both your bank account and energy supply, you are defeating the purpose of the day.

Living with one or more chronic illnesses is tricky.  We want and need to do things for others, yet many of the things we do increases our chronic pain or forces us to cancel doing something else for someone else.   Sometimes, that someone else is you!! Sound familiar?

Sometimes, it is what our significant other does to express their love that triggers a flare.  Because of this I want to share a few tips to not only help you show your special someone how much you love them, but to also express some love for yourself and vice versa.  Sit down with your partner or send this article to them, because together you can make this Valentine’s celebration less painful.

Watch your spending

What does money have to do with your chronic illness? A lot when stress and anxiety are flare triggers.  When I spend more than I can really afford on my husband, I begin stressing about how I am going to pay for my pain medication, next doctor visit, or groceries…. When he spends more than we can afford, I am faced with the same fear.  Anxiety and stress replace any joy that was received when the gift was given.  Those feelings never go away.  Even years later, those feelings tarnish the memories made on that special day.

You can still express your love without spending extraordinary amounts of money.  One example is to give each other a coupon book.  Coupons from your able bodied spouse could include a massage, helping with housework without complaining, giving you a quiet afternoon without the kids, etc.  Coupon ideas for the chronically ill to give to their loved one could include an intimate evening of sex (let’s face it, we don’t always feel up for it and coupons could ease the pressure to perform when you physically aren’t able to enjoy it), getting out of the house to enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation, an evening of watching their favorite show/movie, etc…

Respect your body’s boundaries

If you have been chronically ill for a few years, you have an idea of how your body will react to an evening out in mid-February.  If the weather during this time of year triggers or increases your chronic pain, then going out will just exasperate it.  Instead, plan an evening in.  You can still dress up if you desire to and have the energy to do so.

If you and your partner insist on going out, make reservations! Don’t risk a flare coming on too early while waiting for a table.  Choose a restaurant that has comfortable seating.  Find one that has a quiet and romantic ambiance versus one that has TVs and music blaring.

If you typically are tired or worn out on a Thursday evening, plan your celebration for the weekend.  Or plan for another night when the rest of the world won’t be celebrating! There is nothing wrong with your romantic dinner taking place next Sunday or Monday evening!

*Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission when you make a purchase through my links. The proceeds earned fund the giveaways I host in my Facebook groups.

PEMF therapy with Oska Pulse has taken my pain managment plan to a whole new level! Click here to see how it has improved my chronic life and click here to learn more about the device and how it may help you too! BTW My discount code DIVA will save you $55.00 when entered at checkout!

Accept what you can do

Maybe you are having a rough year.  My heart goes out to you, because I know exactly how you feel.  There were years when I just couldn’t leave the house or get dressed.  I hated that the best I could do was brush my hair.  Sadly, there were a couple of years when that didn’t even happen.  I know how frustrating it is to want to go out, to do something special, to be anywhere but in bed and in too much pain to enjoy being in bed, and wanting to forget your pain even if just for one night, but…… If that is where you are at this year, embrace it.  I am not saying that you should be thrilled about it, but that you should remember that this is just one day of your life.  Who knows how you will feel next year.  You could be worse or you could experience some improvement.  Look at me, I spiraled downhill for 10 years before I found ways to reduce my chronic pain from fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, degenerative disc disease, coccydynia, and abdominal adhesions from endometriosis and surgical scarring.

Even with my improvements, I still have to respect my body’s boundaries.  My body is not happy with the cold and wet weather we are currently experiencing in southern California.  Last year it was warm and sunny and I was spending time at the beach, Hollywood, Disneyland, and Palm Springs without accruing pain.  This year’s weather is making getting out as often as I would like more difficult.  But I know better days are on the way and because of that I am not worried that I haven’t been able to go out as much this month.

A little message to the partner that doesn’t have a chronic illness

Please understand that your partner wishes that they could go out to dinner, go dancing, and spend the rest of the evening getting busy with you in the bedroom.  Unfortunately, pain gets in their way.  Whether they are amidst a flare or know that they will pay for all activity with an onslaught of physical pain the next day, pain rules their brain.  If they say no to a night out, they aren’t rejecting you.  If they don’t want to have sex that night, it isn’t because they find you unattractive or don’t love you.  They are in pain…..   A little tip, if you really want to increase the odds of having a romantic evening with your partner, clear their schedule for the next day or two.  Seriously, sex is painful, flaring or not! Some of us need time to recover.  If we have to get up and go to work, get the kids ready for school, go grocery shopping, clean the house, go to church, etc. the next morning, then we are more likely to say no.  However, if you were to schedule it for a time when she/he doesn’t have any reason to get out of bed unless they want to the next day, your odds for receiving a thumbs up increases!  This advice doesn’t guarantee a green light, because an unexpected flare could ruin it all, but putting thought into their after sex recovery shows that you thought about more than having sex, you thought about their needs beyond it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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