A few years ago when I started conducting research with people who had a variety of medical conditions one of the more surprising outcomes was that a lot of people mentioned that they were helped by simple household tools and gadgets just as much as they were helped by more formal treatments.

In my previous job we explored this is quite a bit of detail. A few years on i thought it would be interesting to see if this was still true today and what household gadgets and devices people with fibromyalgia found of use in dealing with the condition!

To do so I thought it would be interesting to poll the members of our Facebook discussion page FibromyagiaTalk. So a week or so ago we asked the question “Do you have a household gadget which ask provided you with particular help since your first symptoms of fibro?”

I have to say the results were fascinating as you would expect!

One item mentioned by a lot of responders was electric blankets. Indeed Pamela shared “Electric blanket has gotten me out of many binds. Also electric fireplace – I sleep on a dog bed all wrapped in blankets.” She goes on to mention “Drinking vanilla protein powder in ice water has fixed my binging on carbs which always brought on symptoms. Also it takes the place of iced tea or diet coke, which also did bc of caffeine. Dole fruit in 100% juice replaced the candy I was using to stay awake and functioning. Pushing past whatever physical, mental or emotional limits I think fibro sets for me has been my best gadget tho prayers to everyone struggling with it”

Aids to keeping warm are also mentioned in particular both Heather and Marsha mentioned heating pads. TENS machines also got mentioned by Kate.

Wendy commented ” “Walking stick, raised toilet seat, jar and bottle openers, electric can opener, back scratcher, shoe horn, safety handle on my bed to help with lying down and sitting up! Tubigrip and joint supports for my feet/ankles, knees, wrists and elbows! “. All great ideas.

Lesley said “I have a hot water dispenser instead of a kettle it makes things easier x”.

While Paula told us “Scissors..of course that might be helpful with all the arthritis I have also. I keep them everywhere”.

And Su offered “Grab rails in the bathroom over bath and in shower”.

Other however took a different approach. Sue-Ann said ” Although it’s probably not a household gadget, I will share that I play guitar. The nylon strings don’t sound like the steel that I love. I have found silk coated strings made by D’Addario. So for all u string instrument players suffering with fibromyalgia who love ur steel string sound….these give u the sound u love w/o the stress on ur fingers. ” And Debbie said “I love to sing and I mostly sing gospel music. It helps a lot and my gadget is my electric throw and my husband is awesome he takes care of me when I have a flare”.

The final comment I would like to mention is from Shay who gave us this plea: “I would like to start a campaign to ask vacuum manufacturers like Dyson to make the height of the handles adjustable so that particularly tall people like myself don’t have to stoop all the time while using them. This post is kind of the opposite of the question asked. My vacuum is the instrument that most frequently causes me extreme pain since the onset of #fibro. ”

So over to to you. What would you add to this list?

Feel free to add you thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.

Many thanks in advance!