Erika's Weighted Sensory Blanket
Donation protected
Hello beloved friends and family. As I'm sure you know, I suffer from chronic pain*. Recently my occupational therapist from my chronic pain team has recommended I purchase a weighted blanket.
I'm not a scientist or a medical professional so I may use the wrong terms, but; the proprioceptive input (feeling where my body is in space) will calm my nervous system, potentially lowering pain and assisting sleep.
A body in pain is in a high state of arousal - imagine if you were suddenly stabbed in several places. You wouldn't be relaxed & ready for a good night's sleep, or have the ability to solve even simple problems, or hold a conversation. This is a constant daily struggle for me, trying to function in pain. So along with several other tools (like medications, other OT approaches like different sensory stimuli, disability modifications at work, regular psychologist appointments, & possibly some more serious interventions that will include hospitalisations/surgery) I am looking to access a weighted blanket, which will assist in physically & mentally calming me down from high arousal.
After research, & recommendations from friends & family, I believe the +therapy brand Adaptive™ Series 7kg blanket is appropriate for my needs. It is $359.00 AUD although the website currently has a $150 off code which would make it $209.00 I hope to take advantage of this deal, so if I raise more than the final blanket price I will make sure any extra money goes directly to medical bills.
Full disclosure, I am currently able to work casual hours at a desk job (not without significant painful physical repercussions) & I support myself roughly 70% through that. The rest is supplemented by disability support pension (at a significantly reduced rate due to my employment). I was not granted access to the NDIS (much to many of my doctors shock & disbelief). I am currently financially making ends meet (coping, I wouldn't say comfortable). I don't have the money to spare for a weighted blanket, which is why I ignored the hype for years until a chronic pain occupational therapist specifically recommended I try one after assessing me. I don't want anyone to be put in an uncomfortable position! If you can spare the smallest amount I am so so grateful.
Please get in touch if I can answer any questions.
*The pain-related conditions I have been diagnosed with are endometriosis, adenomyosis, early onset degenerative disc disease, significant epidural fibrosis / nerve damage, sciatica, athritis, insomnia, IBS / gastropaerisis, sensory processing issues, muscle dysfunction... & probably something else I'm forgetting, which is why its easier to say "chronic pain" or "persistent muscular and neuropathic pain"!
I've also been diagnosed with PCOS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia, but if I'm allowed to pretend I know more than doctors, I don't believe those are accurate diagnoses.
From the bottom of my heart I cannot thank you enough for your support. Even if it's just texting some heart emojis out of the blue. My community keeps me going!
I wish I could offer something back; working currently takes up almost all my physical capacity and flares up pain & fatigue which lowers my capacity even more. But if there's something I can help you out with or a way I can thank you, please get in touch.
I'm not a scientist or a medical professional so I may use the wrong terms, but; the proprioceptive input (feeling where my body is in space) will calm my nervous system, potentially lowering pain and assisting sleep.
A body in pain is in a high state of arousal - imagine if you were suddenly stabbed in several places. You wouldn't be relaxed & ready for a good night's sleep, or have the ability to solve even simple problems, or hold a conversation. This is a constant daily struggle for me, trying to function in pain. So along with several other tools (like medications, other OT approaches like different sensory stimuli, disability modifications at work, regular psychologist appointments, & possibly some more serious interventions that will include hospitalisations/surgery) I am looking to access a weighted blanket, which will assist in physically & mentally calming me down from high arousal.
After research, & recommendations from friends & family, I believe the +therapy brand Adaptive™ Series 7kg blanket is appropriate for my needs. It is $359.00 AUD although the website currently has a $150 off code which would make it $209.00 I hope to take advantage of this deal, so if I raise more than the final blanket price I will make sure any extra money goes directly to medical bills.
Full disclosure, I am currently able to work casual hours at a desk job (not without significant painful physical repercussions) & I support myself roughly 70% through that. The rest is supplemented by disability support pension (at a significantly reduced rate due to my employment). I was not granted access to the NDIS (much to many of my doctors shock & disbelief). I am currently financially making ends meet (coping, I wouldn't say comfortable). I don't have the money to spare for a weighted blanket, which is why I ignored the hype for years until a chronic pain occupational therapist specifically recommended I try one after assessing me. I don't want anyone to be put in an uncomfortable position! If you can spare the smallest amount I am so so grateful.
Please get in touch if I can answer any questions.
*The pain-related conditions I have been diagnosed with are endometriosis, adenomyosis, early onset degenerative disc disease, significant epidural fibrosis / nerve damage, sciatica, athritis, insomnia, IBS / gastropaerisis, sensory processing issues, muscle dysfunction... & probably something else I'm forgetting, which is why its easier to say "chronic pain" or "persistent muscular and neuropathic pain"!
I've also been diagnosed with PCOS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia, but if I'm allowed to pretend I know more than doctors, I don't believe those are accurate diagnoses.
From the bottom of my heart I cannot thank you enough for your support. Even if it's just texting some heart emojis out of the blue. My community keeps me going!
I wish I could offer something back; working currently takes up almost all my physical capacity and flares up pain & fatigue which lowers my capacity even more. But if there's something I can help you out with or a way I can thank you, please get in touch.
Organizer
Erika Antoinette
Organizer
Prahran VIC
