Gift Ideas for POTS/EDS Patients

'Tis the season for consumerism. I don't know about you, but I appreciate useful gifts that help improve my quality of life. Here are a few products I recommend without reservation, either for yourself or someone else who suffers from POTS and/or EDS.

Splurges:

1) Apple MacBook Pro. Powerful enough to do just about anything, with a large, clear screen for entertainment. Portable enough to take to bed with you. The only computer you'll ever need. Mine ran efficiently for nearly 8 years after withstanding four years of overuse and abuse at university. At $2400, it's an investment, but one that is sure not to disappoint.

2) KitchenAid Stand Mixer. The gold standard in baking equipment. Save your energy (and your joints) while baking with this lovely, durable mixer. Another investment for the long haul at $250 but I promise you'll get your money's worth out of it.

3) Ugg boots. Yes some may argue that Uggs are ugly. In fact I used to think so myself. But that was before I owned a pair! I have had mine for 6 years now and they are without a doubt the comfiest, warmest footwear I own. My feet are chronically cold, but not in my uggs. And they have really gotten a tad more stylish over the years as well. Price varies.

4) Recumbent Stationary Bicycle. Although I am not thrilled with the brand I purchased, my neighbor has a pricier model in a different brand, XTerra which I love. It is much sturdier with a much smoother ride, the Rolls Royce of recumbent bikes. She purchased it at Costco for just under $800. The convenience of having one at home means I am more apt to ride it and can't use the 'I don't feel like going to the gym' excuse.

5) A Tempurpedic Mattress. Perhaps the single best investment a POTS/EDS patient can make to improve their quality of life. Do not purchase a new mattress impulsively though. Make sure you take the time to do your research and test different models out before committing to one. A comfy mattress can make a world of difference in alleviating aches and pains and helping you achieve more restful, restorative sleep. Something we could all use a bit more of! Price varies.

Steals:

1) Hot Water Bottle $10

2) Homedics Mini Massager $10

3) Omni Mini Massage Roller $10

4) Omron Heart Rate Monitor $35

5) Plantronics Cordless Phone Headset $10

29 Days of Giving in Honor of Alexa Simmons

The dysautonomia and EDS community has suffered a great loss from the passing of our friend Alexa Simmons. Her positive attitude and caring demeanor has always been an inspiration. Although she left us too soon, she touched so many lives while she was with us. People suffering from similarly debilitating conditions worldwide all consider Alexa their friend. She was a friend to everyone. Although we're all still experiencing a range of extreme emotions right now (sadness, anger, loss) what I have learned about Alexa tells me she would want us to be as positive as possible right now and channel our collective energy into something positive, whether it's being even more motivated to search for a cure or just extending friendship and gratitude to one another on a daily basis. I often wish I were a gifted research scientist who could miraculously find a cure for our rare and all-too-often overlooked conditions, but let's face it, unfortunately science is not my forte. What I can do, however, is something small but meaningful and positive each day to honor her memory.

A little over a month ago I had the privilege of speaking with the author of one of my favorite books, 29 Gifts. Cami Walker is her name. Cami suffers from MS and experiences symptoms similar to what many of us endure with dysautonomia or EDS. Like Alexa, Cami is another inspiration to me. She lives each day in the spirit of gratitude and giving, even when she feels she has nothing left to give. Although I began my initial 29 days of giving a month ago, about a week into it I stopped when I experienced a minor health setback. Since then, I have been a bit down in the dumps and have not had the inspiration to begin my 29-day gift giving challenge all over again. Now I do. And it's Alexa. I am going to embark on 29 days of continuous, mindful, selfless giving in her honor. I invite you all to join me. Giving is a simple concept and does not have to be done in the monetary or material sense. Giving can be as simple as handing a Kleenex to a stranger in need or visiting an elderly neighbor. Doing what you can for someone else, paying it forward, if you will. If you would like to join me, feel free to log on to the 29 Gifts website, a supportive social network to gather ideas and inspiration or to chronicle your giving journey.

If you are able or inclined to give a monetary gift, please consider donating to EDSNC in Alexa's memory.