New Year, Preferred Products, Renewed Attitude

Welcome to 2025.

I don’t know about you, but it seems most of us have a reason to “pack and wrap” 2024, whether gilded in resplendence or packed away in mothballs.

My five-year “life day” is March 2025. My husband, Jamie, and I were about to launch into our “Dual Income, Grown Kids (DIGK)” kind of life. It was nothing fancy, but it would afford us the time and resources to reconnect with our roots.

We love the outdoors and the shore. So our little evening conversations revolved around short trips to The Poconos and spending much time in slower, lower Delaware.

Then, March 2020 happened. COVID-19 shut down the USA, and a slip ‘n fall crumbled my cervical vertebrae from C3-C7 and compressed my associated spinal cord.

In the spirit of “New Year, New Me,” I would blog about a laundry list of products and modalities I’ve tried without success. But who needs to hear a Debbie Downer?

Instead, let’s talk about some of my “go-to” products, habits, and services. They are all

universally helpful. Here are some, in no particular order:

Electrify Yourself!

Message Therapy Concepts Deluxe TENS Unit

My Physical and Occupational therapists recommended this unit. I’ve had it for four years; I replaced the transmission pads and added conductive gel.

Lakso Space Heater

Many SCI athletes experience difficulty regulating their body temperature. I’m no exception; This affordable space heater has a remote control.

Heated Blankets

We bought two from Walmart; my son gifted me this one for Christmas. They both work well, but the Sharper Image blanket heats evenly, has a more extended auto shut-off period, and a slightly cozier feel.

Accept the Helping Hand

Immediately after my injury, the team of medical professionals surrounding me had high hopes for my recovery.

Those hopes didn’t materialize, and despite my efforts, my body slid into a tone-spasticity dumpster and took my usual optimistic mind with it.

After swallowing my false pride, I confided my feelings to my husband (now my temporary caretaker). He agreed and said he was angry that this injury had been taken from us.

He’s right. But an honest conversation opened the door to exploring the possibilities we do have available.

Dispense Differently

I wrestled with shampoo, conditioner, and laundry detergent for four years.

There are better ways.

It took me almost four years to make small investments in reusable containers and pump dispensers to make my life easier. It takes minutes to come in when I force per week, and someone is always here willing to lend a hand.

Liquid Dispensers

I like the weight and durability of these glass dispensers. I transfer hair products and body soap around once a month.

Laundry Help

I’ve adopted environmentally friendly laundry detergent sheets. It’s much easier to toss a few laundry sheets into the washer than to wrestle with 64 oz. of liquid product. We tested the laundry detergent with clothing from a four-year-old, stained with grass and greasy food. We do use stain pre-wash spray. And our grandson loves to be the sprayer.

The clothes are clean; we use wool dryer balls scented with essential oils.

Bins and More Bins

I was the homeowner who thought everything should be ready for visitors so my home would seem put together. But really? Who’s coming over to judge?

I bought baskets and bins to store items I constantly use or read. The danger is that I may forget which bin an item is in or belongs in. It’s a function-over-form look.

Finally, and I can’t stress this enough, Ask for help. My “I can do it” attitude, combined with a slow degradation from my injury, made our relationship tense.

Roll on the Floor for Rehab and Connection

I can’t express enough the continuing online rehab opportunities and support we get from ZebraFish Neuro. They offer small group online classes, and the interactions between the instructor and class have created a group of knowing and caring friends.

I’ve been on the downside. Several classmates and personnel members reached out with concern. I could have that unique SCI-related conversation with them (further ascertaining that my downslide is normal) for someone with a divergent body.

Shut the door on 2024

Bring on 2025

See where we go with this wonderful life.