Don't Forget Self Care!

An extra large, pink suitcase with a wedge pillow (not visible), an electric heating pad, electric, fleece lined slippers, and an ice pack.

When I'm traveling, especially for an extended period of time, I make sure I have everything I might need in case of a chronic illness emergency. I like to pack as light as possible while looking good and feeling good. I try to only pack what I can carry or drag myself. I really had to give myself a mind makeover and tell myself that these things are essentials. Packing them usually means I have an additional bag that I'm not able to carry but I know that I can't afford to rebuy these items should I find I need them and I'm not guaranteed to be able to find them. I tell myself that without them, I know I'll be uncomfortable and I'll possibly increase the length and severity of a flare. 
the last straw for me was last Fall when I was out of the country without my wedge pillow and I had an acid reflux flare. The pillows in the hotel were too soft so they wouldn't elevate my head the way I needed to. So, I take a large suitcase and I stuff my wedge pillow, a heating pad, ice packs, and any other soothing items I need.
After I have those items in the suitcase, I either leave the extra space for items we purchase on our trip or I stuff shoes, clothes, toiletries or whatever in the unfilled space. In a future post, I'll show you how I pack my main suitcase.