The content in this blog is based on my experiences and the guidance I have received from my Care Team determined by my individual and evolving needs. Before beginning, trying, or experimenting with anything mentioned in this blog, you MUST CONSULT A PHYSICIAN!!
Here is the word problem.
A woman named Amber has fibromyalgia, lupus, and several complications of that combination. She has a stressful job where she is responsible for numerous things. Amber also has a sick parent who she is taking care of, with the assistance of her sister. Amber and her family live in Tennessee, which is having a major shift in temperatures and weather - dropping from 80* one day to 45 at night, mixing in some cold rain and high winds. What happens next?
Did you guess a series of intense asthma attack that propels Amber into a very rough chest cold and laryngitis?
I didn't either, but that is what happened.
The string of asthma attacks will take a few days to get over, but thankfully I have my inhalers, a nebulizer, a steroid refill, and some mixed Albuterol solution.
Sometimes being a Spoonie is tough, looking around your house at the embarrassing collection of medical equipment and medications... Other times, like right now, it is like having access to your own private pharmacy! Which has definitely saved me a ton of money on copays!!
Don't worry about me! I'll be back to blowing down houses in no time :)
Like many other in Spoonieville, I am having a rough flare up week. Tennessee's temperatures have dropped pretty drastically and we have had several days of cold rain. Luckily, my Aunt turned me onto Percogesic, which I can take at work and it brings just enough relief that I am still able to function. I was speaking with a Nursing friend who laughed and said that percogesic is nothing more than aspirin and benadryl, however I am not knocking what seems to be helping me right now.
So if you are curious what is currently in my survival kit? It would be a container of Percogesic, a tube of Aspercreme, and my fake smile that I plaster on as I pull into my job's parking lot.
I keep reminding myself that I am very blessed to have a job to have to force-a-smile through, because it provides me with insurance for treatment and money for survival. So all in all, I am a truly blessed spoonie.
I cannot believe it is already October!
This is my favorite time of year! I love how the weather cools and becomes crispy in the mornings and at night. I become hypnotized at how the sunrises and sunsets take on an eye-catching quality that can take my breath away. I enjoy the sounds of local football games going on, distant music of the marching bands performing at half-time and hockey season is in full swing!
On a personal note, I love that I can wear any color of polish this month and no one blinks an eye! I love to experiment with my nails, hair, etc and this time of year is the perfect opportunity to do just that!
Another thing I love about October is that it is truly one month as busy as I am!
No really, think about it. Even without looking at Fall Festivals and Halloween (or End of the month parties), October is packed with opportunities to spread awareness and educate ourselves on things that are very important.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness.
I am a major advocate for women to become proactive and take an active stand when it comes to breast cancer. Monthly self exams can and will save lives!
Also, not many realize that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness.
So many people say "I won't be with a man who hits me" but so many people do not realize that:
1. Domestic or Dating Abuse does not start physically.
2. There are men who are also victims of domestic abuse.
Oh wait, that isn't all... We also have National Employment Awareness, National Down Syndrome Awareness, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness, National Physical Therapy Month, October is also Home Eye Safety Month.
October 2 through 8th, 2011 is Mental Illness Awareness Week.
October 23rd through the 31st is the Red Ribbon Week - which is majorly important to us Spoonies! The Red Ribbon campaign is a way to take a stand against substance abuse.
Whew! That is a busy month! But wait, I'm not done! I'm saving one of the ones that I feel is extremely important for last. This one effects all of us spoonies, no matter what our chronic condition is.
The last October Awareness that I want to mention spills over into November but it is hugely important and something that many of us experienced spoonies advocate to new people who are being diagnosised. Know your medications/supplements! Celebrate National Drug Facts Week by educating yourself on what you take, why you take it, what is its side effects, and how does it work with other things you take. This is important to remember, not just from October 31 to November 6th, but all year long!
So this October, take some time to reflect, educate, and spread a little awareness of your own!
Happy October!
