All was well. Well, as well as it can be when your name is Michelle. I was grabbing my dinner in the kitchen and my leg was there....then it was gone. Totally numb, AGAIN. So for the past week I have been dealing with a numb leg. Walking with crutches is NO FUN. My armpits hurt. Yes, I know that is not how you use them but when you have had Carpel Tunnel surgery it makes it difficult to not.
I have done everything, ice, heat Epson salt soak (which are finally seeming to get me someplace. I am so mad I can't do things but here is a lesson. DO NOT COMPLAIN because yes, it can get worse.
I have gotten a bit of feeling back but what it felt like was I had on 45 layers of clothes and socks. A very thick feeling. Not the yucky kind when it hurts to move after it has fallen asleep but that in between place. I have had enough. This is beyond not fair. Yet, here we are again. I went to get a CT and will post those soon but right now I just wanted to check in and let you know what's up.
Grrrrrrrrr! Love Chel
Monday, February 10, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Catch Up - Prt One
So, it has been a while. Sorry. I wanted to catch you up on s few things. I have been on more pain than usual and not felt much like doing anything. Much less sitting up and writing, even on a laptop. So please, bare with me while I fill you in on part now...part later. Important stuff first.
I have also been to MANY surgeons in Arkansas, none of which will take me due to the fact I have had many (3) spinal operations and by different people (not sure why THAT matters but it does) and the risk of paralysis is great. My problem lies between two previous fusions and their not so happy Harrington Rods. I worry there is nothing there because I can hear the grinding now, as can others around me. It hurts so badly I just can't explain. The closest I can come is take a cheese grater and drag it across the bone of your shin really hard. Over and over. Thats close anyway.
On Wednesday 2/5 I get a few painful but required tests. They will knock me out a bit but still I am NOT looking forward to it. I m getting a Milagram a CT with contrast and a Diskagram. Then "Cool, Cocky Kansas" will see me and tell me my fate. If he wont do it I can go to Ohio or Texas. This is just closer so it would be easier. I am scared but excited. I know doing this could end my days walking but I can't walk much as it is...so why not. At least it wont hurt anymore and that is the hardest part. The part that is killing my soul. I hate being this way and it needs to end one way or another.
Most people don't get pain so bad death seems like a better option. Though (I wont lie) I think about it a lot. I could never do it because it is the most selfish act anyone can accomplish. The cruelty and the damage it does to the ones left behind is something they could never get over. I know it is the "easy" way out and an end to all the pain but it is also an end to the good and believe it or not even the way I feel I have good moments. Moments I hold onto with both hands. Moments I look back on when everything else is so filled with pain my eyes blur from the tears. It is my family, blood and chosen that keep me going when I have nothing left. Even if you think there is no one who can care or feel it or even understand I am here to tell you I DO. I am here. If you ever need anyone to talk to. Let me know. as you can see I don't sleep much. Sadly. Hang in there with me ok? If I can't bail...neither can you!
Somewhere, there is a doctor who is brave enough to tackle me. I am brave enough to try...where are you? I make one hell of a study case.
Chel
I have also been to MANY surgeons in Arkansas, none of which will take me due to the fact I have had many (3) spinal operations and by different people (not sure why THAT matters but it does) and the risk of paralysis is great. My problem lies between two previous fusions and their not so happy Harrington Rods. I worry there is nothing there because I can hear the grinding now, as can others around me. It hurts so badly I just can't explain. The closest I can come is take a cheese grater and drag it across the bone of your shin really hard. Over and over. Thats close anyway.
On Wednesday 2/5 I get a few painful but required tests. They will knock me out a bit but still I am NOT looking forward to it. I m getting a Milagram a CT with contrast and a Diskagram. Then "Cool, Cocky Kansas" will see me and tell me my fate. If he wont do it I can go to Ohio or Texas. This is just closer so it would be easier. I am scared but excited. I know doing this could end my days walking but I can't walk much as it is...so why not. At least it wont hurt anymore and that is the hardest part. The part that is killing my soul. I hate being this way and it needs to end one way or another.
Most people don't get pain so bad death seems like a better option. Though (I wont lie) I think about it a lot. I could never do it because it is the most selfish act anyone can accomplish. The cruelty and the damage it does to the ones left behind is something they could never get over. I know it is the "easy" way out and an end to all the pain but it is also an end to the good and believe it or not even the way I feel I have good moments. Moments I hold onto with both hands. Moments I look back on when everything else is so filled with pain my eyes blur from the tears. It is my family, blood and chosen that keep me going when I have nothing left. Even if you think there is no one who can care or feel it or even understand I am here to tell you I DO. I am here. If you ever need anyone to talk to. Let me know. as you can see I don't sleep much. Sadly. Hang in there with me ok? If I can't bail...neither can you!
Somewhere, there is a doctor who is brave enough to tackle me. I am brave enough to try...where are you? I make one hell of a study case.
Chel
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Cold Weather Stinks!
*******First let me say as always...I am not a Doctor nor do I play one on TV but this information herein is based on my MANY years struggling with back issues. ALWAYS, ALWAYS seek homeopathic or medical advise from a trained person. I am just sharing with you what I have tried and what is currently going on with me. There are many wonderful practitioners out there. Perhaps, you have been refereed to this site by one. They have the information on latest treatments and also know YOU better than I. I do however, hope that you can find some comfort and laughs in my words and know you are not alone*********
So many times growing up I heard "I can feel the cold coming in my bones" to which I laughed. I should have never ever laughed. Ha! It in fact is true. Who knew? I always feel so much worse when it is cold. I seems like nothing wants to move or work right in addition you get nifty new levels to the ever present nerve damage left overs called Neuropathy. What little jewel is that you may ask...well I will tell you it sucks. It is basically nerve damage and you can get it for all kinds of reasons. Mine is from the damage in my spine. Neuropathy means nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system not the main cord itself. The way this feels is like when you hand or foot falls asleep. It is not the dead dead kind of asleep but right as it starts to. To me things feel "thick" like there is a super secret invisible layer over your skin ad it feels "not normal" but can progress to total numbness. Like when my leg is there one minute then the next it is totally numb and I fall on my face. Which, I might add is pretty funny but usually hurts like hell. I do laugh though because well...its funny.
I asked one of my many Docs once or twice as time has worn on and it turns out I actually am not crazy and this does actually have a name.
It is called Cold Allodynia. It is real and it really is painful. Here is some Wiki info for you.
Allodynia (Ancient Greek άλλος állos "other" and οδύνη odúnē "pain") is a pain due to a stimulus which does not normally provoke pain.[1] Temperature or physical stimuli can provoke allodynia, (which may feel like a burning sensation),[2] and it often occurs after injury to a site. Allodynia is different from hyperalgesia, an extreme, exaggerated reaction to a stimulus which is normally painful.
The thing is, for some people even a light touch can elicit a great deal of pain. Even a well meaning hug. For me, it is an increase of what I normally feel as a sharp burning pain. What I affectionately call "Hot Fire Pokers". Now does that sound lovely or what? It is like someone places a brand spakin new iron fire poker in the fireplace and forgot about it. Then to their surprise (and yours) once they realized it was in there, they decided they should poke you with it right in your lower back and hold it there a second or two. FUN FUN FUN!
When it is cold this gets worse. I take medication for this pain called Gabapentin and the dose goes up in the winter. It is some crazy stuff. I am in now way a doctor or have gone to medical school. I do however, know about myself and that is what I speak of here in hopes to help others in my shoes or back brace whichever you prefer. Now, this drug has helped a lot. I will list out all the crap I take in a different post but this does help with the Neuro pain and without it I would be in some major trouble. As the chill fills the air outside I try to stay warm. I keep close to the fire and have my heating pad going most of the day and night. Keeping it warm helps a lot. When I go outside I try to bundle up and at times I have used those stick on heating pads which they say work for 8 hours. THEY LIE! No way have I had one last that long. They do help though.
The best advise is above KEEP WARM! Try to plan your activities so that you can be inside more than out but being in the fresh air does wonders. So don't avoid it just plan for it. You can be a normal person with modification. Exercise is good and getting out and doing things, even if you have to cut them short is better than doing nothing. I take the dogs out and walk around as much as I can. Sometimes the cold just hurts too much,
Another thing most people forget is your feet! I have some weird thing going on not one single Doc can explain. My legs turn purple. Like dead people purple. To this day the only explanation was compression on my veins in the spinal cord. This makes my feet super cold. More so than normal and way worse in the winter. Those puppies are super important to look after. I hate things on my feet. I am and always will be a barefoot girl...however, in winter I don the fuzzy socks and slippers. My super amazing grandmother (Nana) got me some warm booties I call my Nana Boots and they are a mainstay in winter. They can be worn inside and out and are super fuzzy and warm. They along with some knitted booties with soft leather soles that my bestest friend Angie got me help me survive the winter. Keep your feet warm!
Well kiddies my spine is screaming at me so I need to go lay on my side. I sat up as long as I could and just for you. Do you feel special? Have a lovely holiday and keep warm.
See ya soon - Chel
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Frustrations with Treatment...or lack of one that works.
Frustrations abound!
As
someone with horrible pain and extremely short patience I write this in hopes
to help someone…as always. This is a
much condensed version of a future endeavor.
My
experience with this has run the gambit of not only methods but emotions. My journey began without a choice. I could not walk. I was a single mother of two small kids. It had to be done, and done fast. So, without the luxury and flexibility of “time” I went through with the
fusion at L 1-2. Which, I am now told
was the start of many surgical procedures.
It solved a much needed need and I was able to go back to work and play
with my kids but it took 3 months. Time
went on (3 years to be exact) and I began having pain again. JOY! I went through tons of physical therapy,
water therapy (which I loved best – and still do). I tired many herbal remedies from better vitamins,
tea and pain aids all natural. Nothing
worked. It turns out I have a few things
battling against me.
Scoliosis - Scoliosis is a lovely condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is not something limited to one group of people. It is an equal opportunity body wrecker and can affect children and adults, and may have different treatments. It is split into two categories. Rotation of the spine or what I call “Twist and Shout” or “The Bends” meaning a lateral curve one way or the other and in some cases both. Eeeek!
Spinal Stenosis – “the Skinny of It” a condition of narrowing of the spinal canal (the space surrounding the spinal cord and or the spinal nerves). When these super important nerves are compressed you get weakness and numbness in your limbs. FUN!
Degenerative Disk Disease – This is the deterioration of the disks, as you age they become more fragile. Some feel it occurs in part due to the disc becoming dehydrated if you can believe that. Your back is thirsty! It basically loses its ability to act as a cushion or shock absorber. I only heard this recently.
It
became clear that yet another surgery loomed in my future. Again, I tired
herbal stuff first Willow Bark, Glucoimine (sp) you name it. I then opted for Cortisone Injections which
let me tell you, after the Doc got the right spot was fantastic! I felt bullet proof and even could do Kart
Wheels in the yard. It was great but it
is some really bad stuff. You can only
have 5 a year from what my Doc told me.
I ended up begging for more. He
said most people ask for narcotics and you beg for an “oil change” as I called
it. I felt great. However, after my seventh one he said no. So, this time we went with a Laminectomy. They cut a “window” out and take off the pressure and Junk (yes, that is
the technical term – ok not really).
This was great and my recovery was only 3 weeks. MUCH MUCH better than a fusion any
day.
Time
went on and the pain came again. In the
middle I enjoyed what I can now only barely remember as a time without pain and
when it felt bad I took some Advil and was fine. Then with more injections, changing diet,
therapy you name it…here came Fusion number two at L 4-5. That sucked.
I was great for 3 years. Now, I
need another one. GREAT! I thought the previous
surgery was no good and when I went back they said it was actually L3 that was
the problem. In addition to a new thing
in the mix. Enter….Sciatica!
Sciatica - this is a particular fun type of lower back pain , or leg and back pain that comes from injury (I cracked my hip a few years back (NO! I was not wearing my bubble wrap suit or my helmet) or pressure on your sciatic nerve. So, I had my nerves microwaved! ZAP! That has been great and at Seven months I can feel them coming back. NOT COOL NERVES, NOT COOL….just die already. This was called a Rhizotomy. However, before that I was hypnotized, past life regressed in addition to using a product called Zeal (which actually did reduce the amount of Anti-Inflammatories I was ingesting…which can you guess what THAT caused? An Ulcer! So, I am super thankful for the Zeal which is also for weight loss (more on that later).
At last we come to some frustrations in treatment. No doctor here will operate or see me really because I have so much damage and so many different surgeries. Can you believe that? NO ONE WILL HELP ME. I have to go out of state. Crazy right? Like I enjoy this crap and I loved having different surgeons. Whatever! Now, I am trying to find someone to help me here so I do not have to stay for months in Texas or travel hours away from home for a doctor visit. At this point I am willing to do it to get some relief and have my life back. I don’t know call me crazy but the meds I have to take are NOT kind to my liver and no way do I want to get that replaced….I like mine. It is cute! This sucks! So join me on the excursion will you? Do you have questions because now I am pretty much the expert on all things spine.
Sciatica - this is a particular fun type of lower back pain , or leg and back pain that comes from injury (I cracked my hip a few years back (NO! I was not wearing my bubble wrap suit or my helmet) or pressure on your sciatic nerve. So, I had my nerves microwaved! ZAP! That has been great and at Seven months I can feel them coming back. NOT COOL NERVES, NOT COOL….just die already. This was called a Rhizotomy. However, before that I was hypnotized, past life regressed in addition to using a product called Zeal (which actually did reduce the amount of Anti-Inflammatories I was ingesting…which can you guess what THAT caused? An Ulcer! So, I am super thankful for the Zeal which is also for weight loss (more on that later).
At last we come to some frustrations in treatment. No doctor here will operate or see me really because I have so much damage and so many different surgeries. Can you believe that? NO ONE WILL HELP ME. I have to go out of state. Crazy right? Like I enjoy this crap and I loved having different surgeons. Whatever! Now, I am trying to find someone to help me here so I do not have to stay for months in Texas or travel hours away from home for a doctor visit. At this point I am willing to do it to get some relief and have my life back. I don’t know call me crazy but the meds I have to take are NOT kind to my liver and no way do I want to get that replaced….I like mine. It is cute! This sucks! So join me on the excursion will you? Do you have questions because now I am pretty much the expert on all things spine.
Since it is 4:18 am I am going to try to lay down. Wish me luck kiddies.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Extra Bonus Update -
As if I did not have enough on my plate with my spine. I am adding this becasue I may be out of touch for a bit. I have tons of new helpful info for those with (or caring for) someone like me Spineless! hehehe It is 5:53 am and I can't sleep (as usual - only this time it is nerves not just a mean and nasty spine). I swear God thinks my name is Jobe (sp) or I am the ultimate bad ass. I can't decide which it is.
So, what is up with me NOW you have asked. Here is the low down. It is long but the short version is I NEED prayers, love, support, good vibes and super juju – my girls stuff is sick.
Some people may find this odd I am broadcasting like this but…since the day I was born I was a teaching prop for Doctors. Ask mama. I figure if I am going to go through this someone has to learn something from it. Your lesson today ladies GET CHECK EVERY YEAR FOR ALL YOUR GIRLIE ISSUES –PERIOD! DO THOSE SELF BREST EXAMS EVERY SINGLE MONTH – YOU KNOW THOSE PUPPIES BETTER THAN ANYONE AND YOU KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT AND WHAT IS NOT. NO EXCEPTIONS! (fyi so people don’t get their panties tied in knots there is no BOLD on FB so I have to CAP it – I am not yelling) I had to talk with family first and now that we have settled in with the possibilities of this journey I am filling you in. Please understand…I have been through the ringer with my back. Some days, I can’t stand or walk long at all much less sit. Laying on my side is about it. I do a little around the house and lay down in between tasks. You all know how hard this is for me though I try really hard not to let the pain bleed through. I mask my worry with horribly inappropriate jokes and laughter. That is how I roll.
Ok to the meat and taters of it. I went for my yearly oil change and check under the preverbal girlie hood. The doc is new to me I might add and I am well, tricky at best. So, she found a tumor on my uterus. A mass of some kind on my ovary. Then two lumps in my left breast. Yay the trifecta! I am scared to death mind you. I go home fearing the worst of course. I have to have a diagnostic mammogram (more in depth) if it is bad they will do a sonogram then go from there. I also had to have an internal sonogram of uterus and ovaries which they did that week as well. I swear all I do is see doctors damnit.
The internal was done and if all was well a nurse would call me –if bad the Dr calls. So, I wait. We all wait. It sucks. I had my support crew with me (sitting beside me not at the main stage) and we watched my innards on a big screen TV super cool! They did some blood work and more waiting. It stinks cause she was kinda a hard arse and would not let me take pics. I did get pics of other stuff. HA! See, all you guys who complain about my pics I take them of EVERYTHING!
My breast appointment was rushed in (which adds to the fear factor) and they proceed to smash and mash me. Fun stuff – a man totally invented this test. Then the nice lady came in and said “we need to do a sonogram honey” Grrrrrrrreat! I am already wondering how I would look with a Mohawk (I am totally doing that by the way if this goes south so get over it). They do a sono and the Doc comes in and re-does it….Grrrrreat. We sit down and he shows me the mamo. I have very little fatty tissue at the top and bottom, the rest is all thick breast tissue. I have dumb breasts (they need dunce hats – hey I can have Madonna cones) what that really means is I have dense (get it dumb breast dense get it – come on that is funny, only me) breast tissue. The main breast area is totally white. The Doc says “here is the problem”…and pointed to the thick white area, saying “guess what cancer looks like?” Me (with my under achieving breasts) “uh….I don’t know….black?” He laughs…”no hun white, so you see my problem is I can’t tell because I can’t see, you need a special test and genetic counseling to determine where we go from here.” I called Taylor in to see and hear the rest. She is going to be one hell of a nurse with all the info she gets off me for sure. She probably should get extra credit for having me as a mom! I am awaiting the appointment on that which was delayed due to the other issue.
I get a call….from the Dr. himself and he wants to see me. Grrrrrreat! We go in and he says I have a mass on my Ovary the size of a grapefruit/softball. No wonder my tummy sticks out and hurts. He wants to remove it and my right ovary and tube. Fun stuff. We plan the surgery for Oct 17th.
Back home we just are still reeling but feel ok about the mamo I mean I know my puppies and they feel like they always do. YES, I CHECK THE ALL THE TIME most of all after being beside my Smelly. The phone rings and it is guess who? THE DOCTOR! It seems my blood work is extremely elevated and he does not feel comfortable doing the surgery and he refers me to…wait for it….an Oncologist! Wooooo hoooooo! Crying, I go over everything with my family yet again. The hits keep on coming!
We go to the Oncologist (who looks like he should work at Home Depot) but is supposed to be the best in the south. Dr. Ivy. He explains they will go in Da Vinci style and remove the tube and ovary. While I am under they will biopsy it and other areas and if they find cancer they will remove everything. My surgery is sometime Monday the 7th. So, as stated in line one of my manifesto here…I need some help. A lot of help. I NEED prayers, love, support, good vibes and super juju – my girl stuff is sick. I will keep you posted but please bare with me. My head is not in the game. Heck, it is not even in the ballpark right now. If I have not called you back or I have not kept up with things it is because I just can’t right now. I am on overload. I am so thankful to my supporters. I have some amazing people in my life and family is about more than blood. I am blessed and thankful for everything. For the rain that came yesterday while the sun was out. To the smile on my daughters face. To the movie time with my sweetie and nighttime phone calls from my son. I am just thankful for everything and I know nothing is guaranteed and I try really hard daily to see the good in things. Thank you in advance. Light love healing and happiness. Love, Chel
So, what is up with me NOW you have asked. Here is the low down. It is long but the short version is I NEED prayers, love, support, good vibes and super juju – my girls stuff is sick.
Some people may find this odd I am broadcasting like this but…since the day I was born I was a teaching prop for Doctors. Ask mama. I figure if I am going to go through this someone has to learn something from it. Your lesson today ladies GET CHECK EVERY YEAR FOR ALL YOUR GIRLIE ISSUES –PERIOD! DO THOSE SELF BREST EXAMS EVERY SINGLE MONTH – YOU KNOW THOSE PUPPIES BETTER THAN ANYONE AND YOU KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT AND WHAT IS NOT. NO EXCEPTIONS! (fyi so people don’t get their panties tied in knots there is no BOLD on FB so I have to CAP it – I am not yelling) I had to talk with family first and now that we have settled in with the possibilities of this journey I am filling you in. Please understand…I have been through the ringer with my back. Some days, I can’t stand or walk long at all much less sit. Laying on my side is about it. I do a little around the house and lay down in between tasks. You all know how hard this is for me though I try really hard not to let the pain bleed through. I mask my worry with horribly inappropriate jokes and laughter. That is how I roll.
Ok to the meat and taters of it. I went for my yearly oil change and check under the preverbal girlie hood. The doc is new to me I might add and I am well, tricky at best. So, she found a tumor on my uterus. A mass of some kind on my ovary. Then two lumps in my left breast. Yay the trifecta! I am scared to death mind you. I go home fearing the worst of course. I have to have a diagnostic mammogram (more in depth) if it is bad they will do a sonogram then go from there. I also had to have an internal sonogram of uterus and ovaries which they did that week as well. I swear all I do is see doctors damnit.
The internal was done and if all was well a nurse would call me –if bad the Dr calls. So, I wait. We all wait. It sucks. I had my support crew with me (sitting beside me not at the main stage) and we watched my innards on a big screen TV super cool! They did some blood work and more waiting. It stinks cause she was kinda a hard arse and would not let me take pics. I did get pics of other stuff. HA! See, all you guys who complain about my pics I take them of EVERYTHING!
My breast appointment was rushed in (which adds to the fear factor) and they proceed to smash and mash me. Fun stuff – a man totally invented this test. Then the nice lady came in and said “we need to do a sonogram honey” Grrrrrrrreat! I am already wondering how I would look with a Mohawk (I am totally doing that by the way if this goes south so get over it). They do a sono and the Doc comes in and re-does it….Grrrrreat. We sit down and he shows me the mamo. I have very little fatty tissue at the top and bottom, the rest is all thick breast tissue. I have dumb breasts (they need dunce hats – hey I can have Madonna cones) what that really means is I have dense (get it dumb breast dense get it – come on that is funny, only me) breast tissue. The main breast area is totally white. The Doc says “here is the problem”…and pointed to the thick white area, saying “guess what cancer looks like?” Me (with my under achieving breasts) “uh….I don’t know….black?” He laughs…”no hun white, so you see my problem is I can’t tell because I can’t see, you need a special test and genetic counseling to determine where we go from here.” I called Taylor in to see and hear the rest. She is going to be one hell of a nurse with all the info she gets off me for sure. She probably should get extra credit for having me as a mom! I am awaiting the appointment on that which was delayed due to the other issue.
I get a call….from the Dr. himself and he wants to see me. Grrrrrreat! We go in and he says I have a mass on my Ovary the size of a grapefruit/softball. No wonder my tummy sticks out and hurts. He wants to remove it and my right ovary and tube. Fun stuff. We plan the surgery for Oct 17th.
Back home we just are still reeling but feel ok about the mamo I mean I know my puppies and they feel like they always do. YES, I CHECK THE ALL THE TIME most of all after being beside my Smelly. The phone rings and it is guess who? THE DOCTOR! It seems my blood work is extremely elevated and he does not feel comfortable doing the surgery and he refers me to…wait for it….an Oncologist! Wooooo hoooooo! Crying, I go over everything with my family yet again. The hits keep on coming!
We go to the Oncologist (who looks like he should work at Home Depot) but is supposed to be the best in the south. Dr. Ivy. He explains they will go in Da Vinci style and remove the tube and ovary. While I am under they will biopsy it and other areas and if they find cancer they will remove everything. My surgery is sometime Monday the 7th. So, as stated in line one of my manifesto here…I need some help. A lot of help. I NEED prayers, love, support, good vibes and super juju – my girl stuff is sick. I will keep you posted but please bare with me. My head is not in the game. Heck, it is not even in the ballpark right now. If I have not called you back or I have not kept up with things it is because I just can’t right now. I am on overload. I am so thankful to my supporters. I have some amazing people in my life and family is about more than blood. I am blessed and thankful for everything. For the rain that came yesterday while the sun was out. To the smile on my daughters face. To the movie time with my sweetie and nighttime phone calls from my son. I am just thankful for everything and I know nothing is guaranteed and I try really hard daily to see the good in things. Thank you in advance. Light love healing and happiness. Love, Chel
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
YOU can DOOOOOOOOO it Waterboy!
THINGS YOU CAN DO AND HOW: Today kiddies, we are going to show how you can do something and not
nothing. :-) I can't sit, not long anyway. Never have been able too. ADHD overload right here folks. So, having this
hella horrible spine thing makes life uh...challenging, yeah that's it challenging! That's a good word for it! The spine just adds to the mix. Standing a lot becomes very difficult as well so, the lesser of two evils is sit a bit but get it done as efficiently as possible and on to a better place to be more comfy with a nice fat ice pack!
So, laundry. Seems hard right? I mean, how can a handicapped person do their own laundry, much less a family of four? Well, depending on your set up it can be easy. Keep in mind everything takes twice (if not more) as long. Just accept it. It is what it is. What you use to get done in a day is not happening. So, suck it up and get busy. Explain to your family that you want to help and not put everything back on them but you do need help. Once they see that you are safe and able they will be so proud of you. Even better....YOU will be proud of you!
So for me, I can't do many things but this girl can rock out some laundry. Let's start with the basic tools you need aside from detergent and super smelly good fabric stuff. As I have mentioned, a grabber is a must and I love me some grabber. They come in MANY styles but mine is THE BEST! I got mine after my first operation in 2000! The suction cup model I got after surgery number 2 did not even last 6 months. I use the grabber all the time for so many things I would be lost without her. Her name is Sadie.
My sweet Sadie is a featherlight and can be found online at Amazon (see below)
http://www.amazon.com/Duro-Med-Aluminum-Reacher-Magnetic-Tip/dp/B0009STNME/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1380611921&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=reacher+grabber%2C+featherlite
She has many features:
A little magnet (which I have used a lot).
A little peg (that is super fantastic to put on socks with)
A hand trigger that works the grabber end (do NOT attempt to pick up a soda can with this model - it punctures it and it sprays all over before you can drop it and knock it out of the way - HA) Or you can get the suction cup kind if you pick up a lot of soda cans!
Such a simple design but works better than any others out there but there are many so find one that fits you and your needs!
This is another option:
Amazon rules!
http://www.amazon.com/Mabis-Reach-Extender-Magnetic-640-1762-0000/dp/B0046IMSOS/ref=sr_1_10?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1380613119&sr=1-10&keywords=reacher+grabber
Now, a stool is buneo nacho. You need to be able to sit to sort. I have a small stool I stole from my daughters art table. Shhhhhhh! Don't tell. Nothing crazy, just a stool but any place to sit will work. Again, Amazon has tons and delivery is easy. This beauty from Amazon listed below folds up for easy storage. Mine sadly does not fold up. I use my stool in the kitchen to cook as well.
http://www.amazon.com/TG-82-0827-24-Inch-Cushioned-Folding/dp/B006H0XEIW/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1380611639&sr=1-2&keywords=stool
So for me, I can't do many things but this girl can rock out some laundry. Let's start with the basic tools you need aside from detergent and super smelly good fabric stuff. As I have mentioned, a grabber is a must and I love me some grabber. They come in MANY styles but mine is THE BEST! I got mine after my first operation in 2000! The suction cup model I got after surgery number 2 did not even last 6 months. I use the grabber all the time for so many things I would be lost without her. Her name is Sadie.
My sweet Sadie is a featherlight and can be found online at Amazon (see below)
http://www.amazon.com/Duro-Med-Aluminum-Reacher-Magnetic-Tip/dp/B0009STNME/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1380611921&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=reacher+grabber%2C+featherlite
She has many features:
A little magnet (which I have used a lot).
A little peg (that is super fantastic to put on socks with)
A hand trigger that works the grabber end (do NOT attempt to pick up a soda can with this model - it punctures it and it sprays all over before you can drop it and knock it out of the way - HA) Or you can get the suction cup kind if you pick up a lot of soda cans!
Such a simple design but works better than any others out there but there are many so find one that fits you and your needs!
This is another option:
Amazon rules!
http://www.amazon.com/Mabis-Reach-Extender-Magnetic-640-1762-0000/dp/B0046IMSOS/ref=sr_1_10?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1380613119&sr=1-10&keywords=reacher+grabber
Now, a stool is buneo nacho. You need to be able to sit to sort. I have a small stool I stole from my daughters art table. Shhhhhhh! Don't tell. Nothing crazy, just a stool but any place to sit will work. Again, Amazon has tons and delivery is easy. This beauty from Amazon listed below folds up for easy storage. Mine sadly does not fold up. I use my stool in the kitchen to cook as well.
http://www.amazon.com/TG-82-0827-24-Inch-Cushioned-Folding/dp/B006H0XEIW/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1380611639&sr=1-2&keywords=stool
This is just a simple one but you can go all out - even get wheels....wheels for me might be well, trouble....or a whole lot of fun! ;-) My family tells me I need a suit made of bubble wrap and a helmet but whatever! you think Amazon sells bubble wrap suits - let's check...nope :-( Sadness. Oh well.
My DREAM stool....maybe Santa will see this. Santa, you can get this on Amazon too and you won't have to cram it in your sleigh!
Something like this gives plenty of much needed back support but for me it does not take too long so I am in and out. If you have piles and piles this might be the better way to go.
Next, you need a pushable basket! These are soooooo cool! Right now, I have someone carry the standard laundry basket for me but would I like one? Ooooooh yeah! Uh....Santa? They have other uses too groceries or just moving things you need moved.
Amazon (of course)
But if you want to go all fancy....you can get one with a hanger but, I have yet to find one with a big enough basket to eliminate muli-trips.
Now that you know what you need....see how I do it. Cause this my friends, is how I roll. I have someone dump out the laundry on the floor. I sort my little cripple heart out (yeah, I said it and I CAN because I AM so don't get your undies in a knot). You can make all kinds of games out of sorting. Flinging things with the Grabber Ten Thousand (aka Sexy Sadie) is fun.
Then when you are done use a cart or child labor whichever you prefer and bring it to the "folding station" (aka laundry board set way low) as shown below! Notice the pillow for extra comfort. :-)
Viola! Super laundry challenge accepted and conquered! Level up! The key is modification. You CAN do stuff as I have said, it just takes some creativity and the want to not sit on your butt and be useless.
Now get out there and get that laundry done!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
RANT O RAMA!
RANTS - Not for the faint of heart. Don't screw with the disabled. We are not totally helpless and some of us can still kick your arse (we may meet you in the ER after but we still won't take your crap and you NEVER know which one of us you will get. Maybe, someone with PTSD or a mental condition. So be very very careful! Also, some of us have some mean back up. ;-)
NOTE*** Now and then you just have to be more than honest. Sometimes, it is not so bad other times BRUTAL. People complain when I use caps, thinking I am yelling. Well, note to those: when you do not have the ability to use Bold or Underline or Italics, you work with what you have. Or maybe you are in a rush and just do it for emphasis. Here in this lovely blog, I have the benefit of all those fancy items so I will use them. If I use caps here - yes, I am yelling. Thank you for your attention. On with the show.
One thing I hate most, (well there are a few) but let's start with this. People on disability who CAN work. I hate that. FYI, so does the rest of the working world of tax payers! They sit and watch TV all day, get fat (because they don't have Zeal - http://eurekasprings.zealforlife.com) and suck off the system because they are LAZY! Here I am, wanting to go to work more than you know and I can't because I can't sit for more than 30 min at a time, forget about standing. I have to adjust and lay on my side etc. There are so many people in my area that just make me sick. I worked all my life. When I was really small (under legal working age) I swept at the shop. I helped Mrs, Pat file things and got her coffee. Then I worked while in High School and never stopped until forced. To spite having three. Count em, THREE major spinal surgeries. Everyone told me over and over, get on disability. I refused. Get off your lazy butts and go back to work. Don't make others pay for you to sit on your arse and get fat. I fully intend to go back to work once I am fixed. Being here all day stinks. I have no outside contact with the world. No watercooler gab or a drink after work with your co-workers. NOTHING! I am so thankful Taylor is here. She keeps me sane (ish). Stop sucking off the system and people who actually contribute! It is enough!
Next, we have the people who look at you like you have four heads and tail when you park in a handicap spot in a nice car. Excuse me? Handicapped people do not have the right to ride or drive a nice car? REALLY? Did you ever think that MAYBE we worked for it and made excellent money BEFORE we got damaged? Or MAYBE we actually worked and SAVED money? I don't know call me crazy but I DID!
The rolley car carts at Wal-Mart. See, I can not walk far. I need them. Most of all when I shop once a month (I get a lot, my kids like to eat). People look at me like I am playing or taking a cart that someone might actually need....GUESS WHAT? I NEED IT so back the hell off! I swear next time I get the "eye" I am gonna go off and Heaven help that poor soul.
For now that is all I have encountered as problems with my disability. Sad really, how people treat each other. Personally, I could care less but the fight I have is for others. NO ONE wants to be disabled or deserves the evil eye (ok some people do but that should have nothing to do with anything related to a disability). You have no idea how hard their life might actually be. You have no idea how your actions affect them. That look you give them may be the last nail in their coffin. Chill out. Worry about yourself. Be kind. It is not hard to smile or to help or to just not be a whack off. Remember, the world is ugly. Don't add to it. Be considerate, compassionate, caring and most of all HUMAN!
Have a wonderful day - end of RANT - thank you!
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