JANUARY 2022 Chitchat

[Virginia]

Suze-q, the vaccines are the key right now. I think they are the only proven thing to really fight this monster we are up against.

Well, those of us on the East Coast are bracing for a snow, sleet, rain with freezing temperatures tomorrow. Raleigh due to get hit. There is also suppose to be wind involved. I think we all fear the same thing - a loss of power.

Ann and Linda may be in the line of this storm. I wonder about Howie. I hope he will avoid the worst of it, but I am not sure.

I guess Agate and Rose are preparing for a Tsunami. Now that is really scary if it really hits hard.

[agate]

I haven't heard about a tsunami, Virginia, but I have heard about your weather. I hope that everyone in the area where there is severe snow won't lose power and has enough supplies!

[Virginia]

Agate, we are in a winter wonder land today. Right now there is ice all around me, on my front steps, my deck, the roads in the neighborhood. It is due to rain in a little while, then it will ice over tonight. I can't walk down my walkway, so no way out of my house. I had a very lazy day yesterday and today. I don't know what is wrong with me. I just can't seem to get up and do anything. I keep trying to push myself, but I just can't do it. I get disgusted with myself for being so lazy. I hear the rain starting up. I also see some broken limbs on bushes in my backyard. I wonder who else on here is being affected by this storm.

Agate, I did see on the news in the last couple of days that a tsunami could hit California and Oregon. It is due to an underwater volcano erupting. There may have been some other states on the west coast that could be affected, but I only pay attention to where you and Rose are.

[Parsi]

I've been hearing tsunami also. But I think if people stay a safe distance from the shore or at higher elevations they are okay. The first wave is not expected to be high (about 2 feet?), but subsequent waves higher. The rip currents are more of a concern. Like in flooding conditions even shallow water can knock you off your feet and then you're in trouble.

[Howie]

No tsunami, but I had snow last night and today, just about as rare in these parts as a tsunami. And it's been VERY cold. I've been cold all day, but having Sam curled up on my lap all day has helped. X-files has been on since 1:00, so that's been my day.

Everyone have a great, and safe evening.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Thankfully, we were spared from any damage or major surges from the tsunami. Other locations were not as fortunate. Japan was hit fairly hard. I remember watching the news when the tsunami hit Japan in 2011. Live coverage of the ocean overtaking the land. It was devastating.

I am concerned for all of you, who are being affected by the winter storm on the East Coast. As I watched the news this afternoon, I was stunned that it had snowed in Florida. This is the world we live in now. Erratic weather and a planet rebelling against our pollution. We have volcanoes everywhere, as well as fault lines. Every once in awhile, Mother Nature gets irritated and has to let off some steam.

Virginia ~

Cut yourself some slack! You had septic pneumonia and UTI. Many people do not survive that illness. You have A-Fib, hypothyroid, BP problems, MS. You were in the hospital, rehab, then home, with commotion every day. You are exhausted, and that is okay. You are not lazy, at all.

You, your body, your spirit, and your mind all need to get in synch. You need rest so that you can recover. I hope that you are keeping track of your BP and heart rate. Don't hesitate to call your in home health care team, if you need a visit. I know you just asked not to have a visit, but if you need one, you should call and ask for one.

Home health care providers like to get their schedules in order as they are assigned patients. Your provider was given a day and s/he tried to work out a time to visit you and her/his other patients on that day. But, it is fine if it isn't convenient for you on her/his day; just ask for another day, when it is convenient for you and hopefully her/him. This is the way to keep home health care in your orbit. If you deny their care, they may not continue to assist you.

You may not think that you need a nurse's visit, but the benefit of a nurse's visit is knowing your vitals and how you are progressing. It is worth it, and far better than going to the doctor's office.

Prayers, and healing, positive energy to all ~ be safe, strong, and well ~

Love & Light,

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rose

[SuzE-Q]

Virginia, you are not lazy! You are very fortunate if your infections have not triggered an MS attack given the strong association between the two. You have barely had any time to rest since you've been home, you have been surrounded by "busyness". Are you suffering MS fatigue? That's a possibility too. Go easy on yourself.

Rest is a huge part of recuperation and healing, it is not laziness. And now, you and Howie are forced to stay indoors. Mother Nature is telling you to slow down too. Listen to her.

How about making yourself a plan for the days ahead where you incorporate significant amounts of rest into your schedule? At least you won't feel guilty about lounging around, but you'll be reminded that it is a necessary part of your rehab. Just schedule a little more as the days pass so you can slowly adjust to being busier over time. But take it slow for heaven's sake. Give yourself to Valentine's day at least before you're back to a hectic schedule! Please give yourself a break, read a book in bed, do crossword puzzles, play Wordle, write in a journal. Make a list of things to do while still allowing yourself to rest and recuperate! You have our permission to take it easy.

[Virginia]

Rose, I agree about the Nurse. However, they are not going to stay around no matter what. I have been given until the end of the month is my understanding, and that is with the Physical Therapist mostly. This lady didn't say which part she was with, and I haven't met her but I assume she is a follow up to the Nurse. I was told that the one time I got an RN was the only time I will get one and from that point on it will be other people that are not RNs. I was warned that they would call me one night and want to come the next day. Why can't they do their schedules a couple of days ahead? Maybe it is different where you are than where I am. Or maybe this company is different. I still haven't figured all that out.

Suze-Q, I have so much to do because I do not have a housekeeper, but I am not getting it done. I have called a couple of cleaning services today and I can't believe how expensive they are. I talked with one who told me that for my needs I would be better off to get an independent person. He said the cost would be much less and there were some really good ones out there, if you can just find them. Of course that is the problem where are they? I went on Nextdoor Neighbor, but so far there hasn't been anyone who answered. I did have one that sounded like an individual, but then when I started answering questions it turned out to be a company and I stopped answering the questions.

I have had concerns about my MS flaring due to the infections I have had. I really don't know if it is or not. This could be partly MS fatigue and partly frustration about not having a really clean house. I know that I am not the most patient person and I tell myself it will get done eventually. Then I say how, if I don't find someone to do it. I haven't even been in my upstairs since I got home.

I told Belinda, my hairdresser, that I was going to get in my car and practice around here in the neighborhood this week. I have to get back to driving. I feel myself losing some of my confidence. So, there is a lot on my plate right now.

[Virginia]

Okay, I can stop feeling overwhelmed for a little while. Carmen is coming to do some house cleaning Wednesday. She is really good. I wish she had four hours, but she only has 3 she can give me because she has to pick her two little girls up from school. She is nice and clean and good to be around. So, right now I am going to take a shower and wash my hair.

[SuzE-Q]

Hooray! Three hours is a good amount, your place will be sparkling. I wonder if she knows anyone else she can suggest to help you. MS can also cause fatigue on its own, outside of everything else you've got going on. Small steps.

[agate]

Three cheers for Carmen, Virginia!

Have you tried Angi (formerly known as Angie's List)? Housecleaning is among the services listed there.

About 100 years ago, back when there were still newspapers, if you were looking for someone for household help or child care, you put a classified ad in the newspaper and waited for your phone to ring. It would ring off the hook for days. I used to specify "references required" and then check the references carefully and interview the person.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Virginia ~

Wonderful news that Carmen is available to clean your home. Now, you can stop stressing about that and get some rest.

Since home health care agencies follow state and federal laws and are audited annually, I imagine that they all operate basically the same way. From what you've described so far, your home health care has been similar to the home health care Michael, Jon and Jim received.

Typically, a home health care professional has 4-6 patients per day, depending upon the extent of the patients' needs. They have to drive from home to home, so they plan their schedule according to the distance between homes to minimize driving time. They may not have time to take a break for coffee or have lunch, so they eat while they are driving.

They don't know their next day's schedule until the end of their workday. They chart every patient at home during the evening, often without pay. They are required to attend a certain number of "refresher courses" every year.

Schedules change daily as patient appointments are cancelled due to hospitalization, death, or conflict with another appointment the patient has. Patients are added to the list, as they are discharged from hospitals and rehabs. It is a fluid and dynamic situation for these care givers.

Because Michael, Jon, and Jim were on home health care for many years, we had an established day and time for their visits with their nurse. We were also able to establish the best time for visits by therapists, our GI doctor, wound care specialists, etc.

I went through a period of time, where I had a problem finding an aide to visit twice a week to help me turn Jonathan, who weighed 200 lbs and was 6 ft tall. Jim was just beginning to be ill and weakened. Aides would call me the night before and say that they would be here at 9 a.m. I would tell them that this was not a convenient time for Jon, because it interfered with his G tube feeding and medication time. They would tell me that they had to follow the schedule given to them by the supervisor.

When I couldn't find an aide to help me, John volunteered.

Home health care is an extremely stressful occupation. I have heard all of the stories from all of the providers, who served us. They have families, friends, and lives away from their jobs, but their jobs are always in the way of them enjoying that blessing.

I would guess that you will need to be assessed fully, before your home heath care discharge. That may be the purpose of the visit of the person, who contacted you. You will either be discharged, or you will be re-certified for continuing home health care.

Perhaps I am wrong, and your home health care agency operates differently. I just pray that your needs are met and that you continue to heal and progress.

Love & Light,

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rose

[agate]

What Rose says about agencies and how their employees work has been true of my experience with them as well. It was especially hard to get someone for the times I preferred. One of the case managers once told me that I'd have better luck getting people if I was willing to have someone in the afternoon, but I'm asleep in the afternoon, and that just wouldn't have worked. Also, stores are much more crowded in afternoons, and I wanted to avoid crowds even if the helper was just shopping without me. I saw no point in putting up with long waits in lines if there was a choice, and the choice was morning hours instead, even though everyone else apparently wanted morning hours.

[Lazarus]

3 hours is great….enjoy your lean house!

[Virginia]

Hooray! Carmen came today instead of tomorrow. She got a lot done and I am sitting here being pleased.

As Carmen was walking out Deanna the PT was walking in. I like her because she does the exercises with me and is good to be around. She doesn't stay long, usually less than 1/2 hour. She will only see me two more times. Someone from PT is coming to assess me. She thinks I am doing very well inside the house, but not so well outside. She thinks I need to build more confidence outside. Ha! I wonder if she remembers I have MS and I am the typical MS person who does better in their own surroundings and for me in a more confined, smaller area than the outdoors.

Well, Mika the lady coming to assess me tomorrow is planning on being here at 9:30. I told her I would not be dressed. She just laughed and said that would be fine. Actually, I was this morning, but just hadn't planned on being again in the morning. Rose, since I have already been told that I would not get an RN again do you have any idea who I will be seeing? By the way, I do appreciate these people, but if they would just concentrate on areas that are needed it would be nice

Typed the above last night (Tuesday) on ipad, which is what I am on now. Couldn't send it for some reason, so I will try again.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Virginia ~

How nice to have your home clean again. I'm happy for you that Carmen came today, and you are pleased with her work.

If you've been told that you won't have an RN again, I would guess that your visitor tomorrow will be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Feel free to ask her what her position is. She may give you her card, which would answer the question.

We probably all do better in our homes than outside. There are a variety of obstacles outside of our home, so we have to be very careful with every step we take. This is why I don't take walks any longer, because there are numerous places, where tree roots have raised the sidewalk, or the sprinklers on the greenbelt have overwatered onto the sidewalk making it slippery, or tree limbs have dropped. Years ago, when I walked 3 miles, I fell twice; once I sprained my ankle, the other time, I sprained my knee. And I was fit and in shape then.

The next time Deanna visits, ask her for suggestions on how to increase your confidence, when you go outside. It may take time to build up your confidence, so be patient as you work toward that goal.

Prayers and healing, positive energy to all ~ be safe and well.

Love & Light,

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rose