Prayer to the gods & goddesses of cooking

Dear gods and goddesses of cooking,

I'm glad that my offering of heavily smoked, buttery, very crispy, bone-in chicken breast was pleasing to you. (To any mortals who are evesdropping on this letter, please refer to yesterday's post.) But the snickering I heard from "on high" all night long about my way of getting your attention - smoke pouring from every window - was "over done" (excuse the pun). So I am writing to let you know that I have accepted your apology, and the new stove will be delivered tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Joan

PS - Please send my thanks to the gods and goddesses of creative cleaning. I am a follower of their teachings: "When the cleaning gets tough, the tough replace."

Home

Foreshadowing

The Husband and I have a morning ritual, which I love. He reads me interesting news articles from the morning newspapers while we both drink coffee and eat breakfast (and take medications). This morning, he read a letter to Dear Abby or someone from a husband who wanted to know how to tell his wife that she's a lousy cook. Good cuts of meat come out burned or tough like shoe leather. Of course, I was convinced that HE wrote the letter, which he didn't (at least not this one) and we both had a good laugh.

We have a lovely Dutch Country Farm Market nearby, where a group of Pennsylvania Dutch travel to Delaware from Lancaster to sell great meats, cheeses, baked goods, etc. When I go to that market, I buy everything and leave smiling. This weekend, I bought a bone-in chicken breast and searched the internet for ideas for baking it. I found what sounded like a great recipe - first brown the skin in butter before baking the chicken breast. It would make the chicken nice and tender. Sounds good to me!

At this point I need to mention that we have very sensitive smoke detectors in our house, which will go off when we make toast. Of course, that point is irrelevant for this story, so maybe this is a red herring. Maybe not.

Yes, those of you who understand foreshadowing know where this story is going. Remember the letter in the morning paper?

The buttery chicken breast, once in the oven, spit that butter all over the oven, and soon the oven was smoking and the smoke alarms were blaring. I opened all the windows and turned on all the fans. Ironically, The Husband was napping (he claims) and says he did not hear the alarms (he claims). The jury is still out. I think he was writing a letter to Dear Abby.

The chicken had not finished cooking, but I couldn't stand the noise and smoke any longer so decided to pull it out of the oven, pop open a bottle of wine and finish off the Oreos. Oreos and Beaujolais makes a great dinner.

Home

Delaware Area MS Chat Friday: Music as Therapy

Delaware Area MS On-line Chat
Friday 13 November, 7:00 - 9:00 pm (eastern time)
Chat Topic: Music as Therapy

The Fall 2009 edition of Momentum, the NMSS magazine, has an article about the therapeutic effects of music. What do you think? Does music energize you? Soothe or relax you? Do you use music as a complimentary approach to symptom management?

Let's chat about this and anything else that comes up.

If you want to connect on-line with others with Multiple Sclerosis in Delaware and surrounding areas, please join us THIS FRIDAY any time between 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Show up when you want, leave when you want. Chat from the comfort of your own home.

If you are uncomfortable typing, you are still welcome to come and watch the conversation.

If you have trouble seeing, you can increase the font size in the chat room by going to the top menu and selecting Options/Increase Font. Each time you select that option, it increases the font by one point.

To attend, go to the right margin of this blog and click on the coffee cup or "Enter My Chat Room." Then follow the directions. (You must have Java enabled.) I'll see you in the room!

Home

Modified Chat Schedule for Nov and Dec

Delaware Area MS Chat - Modified Schedule 2009
(Next Chat: Nov 13)

There will be ONE chat per month for November and December, on the second Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (or longer if people want to stay).

Future Topics:

November 13: Music as Therapy
The Fall 2009 edition of NMSS' magazine Momentum has an article about the therapeutic effects of music. What do you think? Does music energize you? Soothe or relax you? Do you use music as a complimentary approach to symptom management?

December 11: Managing Holiday Stress
Yes, it's that time of year when the world falls apart. As Mandy Crest notes: "The physical manifestations of MS are varied, but most of us have one thing in common -- we can't keep up the pace we once did. Not without consequences, anyway." Let's share tips about managing the stress of the December holidays.


If you want to connect on-line with others with MS in Delaware and surrounding areas, please join us on the dates listed above between 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Show up when you want, leave when you want.

TO JOIN, go to the right side of my page (above the backyard bird pictures) and click on "Enter my chat room." Then follow the directions.

Home

Delaware Area MS Chat Friday: Halloween Party

Delaware Area MS Chat
Friday 23 Oct, 7:00 - 9:00 pm (east coast time)
Virtual Halloween Party

Let's have some fun! Come in virtual costume and bring virtual treats and drinks. We will have virtual prizes for the most imaginative imaginary costume and treats.

If we feel like it, let's talk about the masks we wear. Do you mask your symptoms? Do you hide your problems or symptoms to protect your family and friends or yourself?

Again I will refer to a quote from Shauna's Bugs Bikes and Brains : "Anyone who has ever gone through a serious illness has probably been told that they are "so strong," when in fact, that strength has been mistaken for a patient's need to not inflict any more emotional pain on those surrounding them."

If you want to connect on-line with others with MS in Delaware and surrounding areas, please join us THIS FRIDAY between 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Show up when you want, leave when you want. You are welcome even if you don't live in Delaware.

TO JOIN, go to the right side of my page (above the backyard bird pictures) and click on "Enter my chat room." Then follow the directions.

Home

Another Fun Chat!

Thanks to the eight chatters who kept me laughing last night! We had two new chatters from Delaware, Gina and Cheryl.

Among other things, we discussed transportation options (from DART Paratransit to vehicle modifications), Medicare (had lots of questions but no answers), and the University of Delaware MS Assessment clinic (lots of positive feedback for that program). There was also some discussion about boning a duck and power tools, which sent me into fits of laughter. I guess you had to be there...

As promised, here is additional information about a few of the topics.

Go to the DART Paratransit website for eligibility requirements and application:

http://www.dartfirststate.com/information/paratransit/index.shtml

Under the ADA, there are three categories under which a person can be eligible for ADA Paratransit Services:
1. The person is unable, as the result of a physical or mental impairment, to independently, get on or get off a bus on the fixed route; or
2. The person needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance and is able to get on, ride, and get off a bus, but such fixed route bus is not available on the route when the individual wants to travel; or
3. The person has a specific impairment-related condition that prevents travel to or from a bus stop in the system.

Delaware SCAT (Senior Citizen's Affordable Taxi) Program: http://www.dartfirststate.com/information/programs/scat/index.shtml

The SCAT program provides a 50% discount on taxi fares for senior citizens AND persons with disabilities that can't operate a motor vehicle. The taxis are private-owned companies and the Delaware Transit Corporation does not guarantee wheelchair accessibility of the taxis.

University of Delaware Physical Therapy Assessment Clinic for people with MS:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/DED/programs--services/living-with-ms/healthy-living/pt-assessment-clinic/index.aspx

http://www.udel.edu/PT/alumni/newsletter04/msclinicupdate.html

You can read about my experience with the clinic: http://shortinthecord.blogspot.com/2008/03/university-of-delawares-ms-assessment.html

NEXT CHAT: 23 October.

Home

Delaware Area MS Chat Friday: Transportation

Delaware Area MS On-line Chat
Friday 9 October, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Chat Topic: Transportation

Do you have transportation issues? Do you still drive with no problems, or do you need alternative transportation options? Do you have modifications in your car? Do you use paratransit? What success stories can you share?

Let's chat about this and anything else that comes up.

If you want to connect on-line with others with Multiple Sclerosis in Delaware and surrounding areas, please join us THIS FRIDAY any time between 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Show up when you want, leave when you want. Chat from the comfort of your own home.

If you are uncomfortable typing, you are still welcome to come and watch the conversation.

If you have trouble seeing, you can increase the font size in the chat room by going to the top menu and selecting Options/Increase Font. Each time you select that option, it increases the font by one point.

To attend, go to the right margin of this blog and click on the coffee cup or "Enter My Chat Room." Then follow the directions. (You must have Java enabled.) I'll see you in the room!

Home

Changing of the Guard

The summer clothes have been washed, ready to be put away.

Where once there were cheese and fruit plates for dinner, now there are hot soups and casseroles.

Pansies have replaced petunias.

Time to set up the light box to ward of seasonal affective disorder that comes when daylight savings time ends in November, and review energy management techniques for the upcoming holidays.

Although Autumn came a few weeks ago, it is beginning to feel like it. Welcome, October.

PS. I took this photo with my Olympus camera that lets me get close ups of cute things.

Home

Thanks Chatters!

Thanks for another interesting Friday night chat! We talked about everything from music to MS Clinics; from cruises to six degrees of separation; and from mystery books to MS books.

Here is a list of the titles we touched on with any details I could find.

Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness: A Reluctant Memoir by Richard M. Cohen (2004, Harper Paperbacks)

The First Year: Multiple Sclerosis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Margaret Blackstone. (2002, Marlow & Company)

Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies (2007, Wiley Publishing)

MS and Your Feelings – Handling the Ups and Downs of MS, written by Allison Shadday a licensed counselor who also has MS (2007, Hunter House Publishers, http://www.hunterhouse.com/)

Women Living with Multiple Sclerosis by Judith Lynn Nichols and her Online Group of MS Sisters (1999, Hunter House Publishers, www.hunterhouse.com, ISBN 0-89793-218-8)

Living with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Overcoming the Challenges by Patricia K. Coyle and June Halper (2008, Demos Medical Publishing, http://www.demosmedpub.com/)

JUST FOR FUN: Stephen White is a best selling mystery author who has MS. In his Dr. Alan Gregory mystery series, one of the main characters has MS. These are wonderful mysteries and I highly recommend them for fun. You can see more at http://www.authorstephenwhite.com/

Don't want to buy books? Take advantage of lending libraries from various MS organizations. MSAA has the most extensive on-line inventory which can be found at http://msassociation.org/programs/lending_library/

Note that the Delaware NMSS chapter has transferred their books to the Delaware Public Library System but has a lot of brochures available.

NEXT CHAT: 9 Oct 09

Home

Delaware Area MS Chat Friday: Books!

Delaware Area MS On-line Chat
Friday 25 September, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Chat Topic: Read Any Good Books Lately?

In recognition of the upcoming National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., (to be held this Saturday), let's chat about books. I'd like to know if you have read any good books about Multiple Sclerosis, if you have any books that you recommend to the newly diagnosed, or if you read any books that have been particularly helpful to you.

Of course, we can also discuss mysteries, romances, and biographies, or anything else that comes up not related to books. After all, this chat room doesn't like too much structure!

We'll chat about this and anything else that comes up.

If you want to connect on-line with others with Multiple Sclerosis in Delaware and surrounding areas, please join us THIS FRIDAY any time between 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Show up when you want, leave when you want. Chat from the comfort of your own home.

If you are uncomfortable typing, you are still welcome to come and watch the conversation.

If you have trouble seeing, you can increase the font size in the chat room by going to the top menu and selecting Options/Increase Font. Each time you select that option, it increases the font by one point.

To attend, go to the right margin of this blog and click on the coffee cup or "Enter My Chat Room." Then follow the directions. (You must have Java enabled.) I'll see you in the room!

Home

I Guess They Saw Me Coming

Autumnal Equinox: The day of balance

(I'm recycling last year's post because this is still true.)

Today is the Autumnal Equinox, the day when there is equal night and day. A day to honor the balance of the natural world and think about balance in your life.


But balance is challenging when you have MS. There are "physical-balance" challenges, like trying to walk when you are dizzy or can't feel your feet. There are "time-balance" challenges when you want to do activities but can't fit them all into your day because you have no energy. There are "emotional-balance" challenges of trying to appear like you are able to cope with your illness in a very healthy way, when the reality is that you just want to scream.


Breathe in! Breathe out! I wish you balance on this first day of autumn.

Home

Well, That Explains It!

For a while in the summer, I would fill our bird feeders at dusk knowing that many birds came to our feeders early in the mornings. But often I was puzzled to discover that on some mornings one of the feeders was already empty. Were they really eating that much seed in the mornings or overnight? This happened more than once, so I didn't think I was imagining this.



Well, last week this mystery was solved when the culprit and her babies showed up just after I filled the feeder!

Home

You should see my brain

Ah yes, the "But you look so good" dilemma we all experience. I feel like crap but that feeling is invisible (this is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness week, by the way, so I'm rambling about this). Be sure to check out their website at http://invisibleillnessweek.com because they have some great seminars this week (September 14 - 20).

"How are you?" many ask me.
"Fine," I lie with a bright smile.
"Terrific, I'm glad that you are doing better. I'm glad that (fill in the blank) is working for you. I've been so worried."
Or on the phone they say, "Oh, you sound chipper! I'm so glad you're better. I've been so worried."

Years of training in customer service have taught me how to sound good on the phone regardless of how I feel. Even though I want to strangle the customer I'm smiling as I speak. Years of frightening or worrying my friends and family have taught me to sound positive when answering the "how are you?" question. Years of feeling lousy have taught me not to push my negativity onto others. Years of living with my good, caring husband have taught me that I should be a good, caring person, also (or try to be). Regardless of how I feel.

I saw a button somewhere (and help me find it again if you know where it is) that said something like, "I look good, but you should see my brain!" or "I may not look sick, but you should see my brain."

It's not helpful to tell everyone everything. And dealing with other people's reaction to "I feel like crap" can be just as exhausting. "I'm not strong, I just can't deal with your reaction." We feel that we have to comfort the people who get upset when we are feeling bad. So we filter our responses, we are cautious with our words. It saves relationships, people don't avoid us, people enjoy our company.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

Is there?

Home

The Good Mistake

Have you ever made a mistake that turned out to be a very good thing? I just did.

The Newark (Delaware) Film Festival is happening this week, and the movies are unique, important, thought-provoking, relevant, and sometimes just fun. They show a mix of locally-produced films, foreign films, and award winning films. So this event is a "must do" for me every year. It's enjoyable, and I always see friends at the theater.

I bought additional tickets on Friday. I didn't check the tickets. It was hectic and a bit confused at the box office, so I didn't check the tickets, I just tucked them into my bag and went to see "No Denying - Liberation," a series of stories about Delawareans who survived the Holocaust and the soldiers who were part of the Liberation forces. Touching, compelling, intense. Amazing.

Fast forward to Saturday. There was a walk-a-thon to raise money for the assisted-living facility that is taking care of my sister-in-law in New Jersey. We packed up my rollator and water, and headed to NJ. Thanks to the rollator and cooler weather, I was able to walk two miles (the real walk was 4.2 miles, be we took a few short cuts). Two miles! I used to walk 6 miles with no problem, so it was nice to be out and about again. It's amazing how this rollator has opened up opportunities for me. I'm no longer afraid to go out of the house. I did have to stop and sit a number of times, and had to lean on the walker when my leg turned to rubber, but I did it! Of course, it was exhausting. But fun.

Saturday night I was getting ready for Sunday's movies, and was reviewing the theater tickets when I discovered that two were missing. I realized that I should have counted the tickets while at the box office. Shame on me. Big mistake. So we re-planned Sunday's movies and opted to skip the film at 9:00 am.

Thank goodness I made that mistake! I was unable to get out of bed until 9:10 am this morning. I used a week's worth of energy at the walk yesterday, and am definitely paying for it today.

We plan to see just one film today, "Food, Inc.," a documentary about our food supply.

The moral of this story is, "mistakes may be hidden blessings."

Home

Delaware Area MS Chat Friday: How was your summer?

Delaware Area MS On-line Chat
Friday 11 September, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Chat Topic: How Was Your Summer?

Remember going back to school and reporting on how you spent your summer vacation? Let's do the same this Friday, but without the pressure to have correct spelling or grammar! How did you stay cool? Did you travel, and if so how did you overcome any accessibility or fatigue problems? Was it a summer to forget, or the best summer ever? Come share your stories.

We'll chat about this and anything else that comes up.

If you are uncomfortable typing, you are still welcome to come and watch the conversation.

If you have trouble seeing, you can increase the font size in the chat room by going to the top menu and selecting Options/Increase Font. Each time you select that option, it increases the font by one point.

If you want to connect on-line with others with Multiple Sclerosis in Delaware and surrounding areas, please join us THIS FRIDAY any time between 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Show up when you want, leave when you want. Chat from the comfort of your own home.

To attend, go to the right margin of this blog and click on the coffee cup or "Enter My Chat Room." Then follow the directions. (You must have Java enabled.) I'll see you in the room!

Home

Hummingbird Lunch Break

Enjoy my video of a female ruby-throated hummingbird having a free long lunch at our hummingbird feeder. If you watch closely, you can see her tongue darting in and out. Now you know how I spend my time.

If you see nothing below, go to
http://www.blogger.com/video-play.mp4?contentId=66bea077e92c472b&type=video%2Fmp4



HOME

Medical Marathon Finally Finished

CAUTION: This post contains TMI. As Jen says, TS. LOL!

I want to share this story in case other people experience or have experienced something similar. I've never heard of a fatigue exacerbation, but I may have had one.

Background: My fatigue became so bad in June that I just wanted to die. I wasn't suicidal (takes too much energy), but I was hoping and praying that I would just die. Just not wake up. I couldn't stand the thought of living out my life in such a miserable state.

I cancelled a cancer-screening colonoscopy (the one you get as a prize for turning 50) because I hoped that I did have cancer and would not treat it then could die. That's when something woke up in me, and I asked my husband to get me to a doctor to get this depression under control and to see if there was a non-MS reason for my fatigue.

He went with me to see my primary care physician (PCP), and I'm now on depression medication which made me more tired at first, but I didn't mind so much. I think I'll be on this med for a long time because I'm enjoying birdwatching again. And I don't want to die anymore. Success there.

To make a long story short: In the last three months, I saw three doctors; had numerous and extensive blood tests and urine cultures; had four ultrasounds, one mammogram, one colonoscopy; and underwent a thyroid-nodule biopsy. All the lumps, cysts, and nodules are benign. I'm now on prescription-strength Vitamin D and a thyroid pill to suppress the growth of the thyroid nodule (no, the thyroid was NOT the cause of the fatigue), as well as the anti-depressant.

I have to conclude that the almost three-month severe fatigue episode was caused by the MS after all.

I want to thank everyone who's been keeping an eye on me and keeping my spirits up these last two months. I couldn't have gotten through this hell without you. If you see someone who is in crisis, don't hesitate to check on them. It will be appreciated.

Home

Why Are We Afraid to Listen?

This is a very good description by Brian Donohue from New Jersey of our current debate on health care. Everyone is yelling, but no one is checking facts or listening. This is about a the town hall meeting in New Jersey where a disabled woman continued talking even though the crowd was yelling over her. This is a sad time.

http://www.nj.com/ledgerlive/index.ssf/2009/08/health_care_reform_town_hall_n.html

Stress Testing My New Ride

Last week, I received my new "rollator, " a blue walker with big wheels and a seat. I decided to get this when I realized that I've become terrified of leaving the house due to my unpredictable and severe fatigue. I was avoiding any activity other than a grocery store or doctor's office. This assistive device is helping me to overcome my fear by providing me a place to sit when I get tired.

So yesterday, we took it to Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch island to stress test what I've affectionately named "The Rollinator." Wow! This is terrific! I was able to sit as soon as I felt tired, over and over again. It gave me more support than a cane when I started having trouble walking. The bigger wheels survived the wooden walkways, gravel, grass, bricks, stones, and a few musket shots.

However, I learned that "handicapped accessible" is relative. This fort was built after the War of 1812 on an island in the Delaware River and is only accessible by boat. It housed prisoners during the Civil War. Obviously it was not designed for the disabled. They have done a great job trying to make it accessible, but it wasn't easy to get around. We often had to pick up the walker to get over thresholds, and I couldn't go to the second or third floors of the main building. But the rollator did enable me to visit something I wouldn't have gone to otherwise.

Home

No Chat This Week

Because of the end-of-summer rush for vacations and school preparations (and my husband's birthday), the 4th Friday chat in August is CANCELLED.

Next chat September 11, Patriot Day. See you in the room in September.

Home

Good Day After All

This started out as one of those days - a sumo wrestler sitting on my body when I woke up. I was very, very tired and very, very grumpy.

But I had coffee with a girlfriend at 10:30-ish (I had apple-pie-flavored coffee, yum!), went home and took a very long nap, then went to dinner with my book group. The food was terrible but the conversation was great. I wouldn't have gone because I was so fatigued, but they all sent e-mails encouraging me to show up. Plus, I had nothing for dinner anyway.

So although the day started out lousy, it was a nice day after all. But only because of the kindness of friends. Now, can someone send me more spoons...

Home

Another Great Chat Thanks to YOU!

Thanks to the chatters who joined last night's Delaware Area MS Chat. We continued the access- ibility discussion from the last chat, but focused on problems at doctor and dentist offices that people in wheelchairs face. This includes arms on dentist chairs that don't raise making it difficult to get into the chair, and doctor examination tables that don't lower making it impossible to have a complete examination. We also touched on mobility issues like scooters and driving problems. But we started with a "Hot Flashes and MS" discussion that ran until the guys showed up (chuckle). What a fun night! Thanks everyone.

Because of the end-of-summer rush for vacations and school preparations (and my husband's birthday), the 4th Friday chat in August is CANCELLED.
Next chat September 11, Patriot Day.

Home

Delaware Area MS Chat Friday: Follow-up

Delaware Area MS On-line Chat
Friday 14 August, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Chat Topic: Follow-up Chat on Accessibility

If you attended the last chat with our two guest speakers, come share your stories about any changes you've made or any suggestions you've implemented regarding accessibility as a result of the information learned.

If you didn't attend the last chat, we'll let you know what you missed. We'll chat about this and anything else that comes up.

If you are uncomfortable typing, you are still welcome to come and watch the conversation.

If you have trouble seeing, you can increase the font size in the chat room by going to the top menu and selecting Options/Increase Font. Each time you select that option, it increases the font by one point.

If you want to connect on-line with others with Multiple Sclerosis in Delaware and surrounding areas, please join us THIS FRIDAY any time between 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Show up when you want, leave when you want. Chat from the comfort of your own home.

To attend, go to the right margin of this blog and click on the coffee cup or "Enter My Chat Room." Then follow the directions. (You must have Java enabled.) I'll see you in the room!

Home

Another One Bites the Dust

Last May, we lost a tree to a tropical storm. On Sunday, we lost half of another tree to a more localized storm - one of those summer afternoon thunderstorms with severe winds. When we bought this house, there were four trees in the back yard. Believe it or not, beavers took down one of the trees many years ago. Of the four, only one is still intact. The birds are not happy.

Yesterday (Monday) was the hottest day of the year, and The Husband chopped up the tree limbs to take to the yard waste recycling site. I was able to help with two truck loads, then the heat took its toll on me.

This morning (slightly cooler), we finished raking the last bits of the tree and began putting the bigger pieces of wood in our neighbor's yard (they have a wood burning stove) when both of us were bit/stung by bees. TWICE each. He got bit/stung first, then I got bit/stung twice and the bee continued to attack me. I yelled for help, and he came to help and got bit/stung again. So we both have two bites/stings. OW!

Home

Hey, I Feel Good!

Yes, believe it or not, I FEEL GOOD today! That is NOT a typo: I feel GOOD! Woo hoo. The humidity is low, there is a cool breeze, and last week's non-MS medical marathon (3 doctors, one prescription, four ultrasounds and a mammo) is OVER. I have NO medical appointments today. Phew!

I was sitting outside counting hummingbirds and enjoying the morning when I decided NOT to waste this day doing chores. So I'm writing to you and watching the clouds. I'm sitting on the back deck making sun tea. I want to share this fun video with you and I hope it makes you smile.

If you don't see the video below go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVFj-_SDIHE




Home

Coming Soon...

A post. I promise.

I'm on Day 3 of a FOUR day medical marathon. Talk to ya'll very soon.

Better Day

Thanks, everyone, for your supportive words on my last blog post. I appreciated hearing from you very, very much.

Today, I had a chance to sleep, sleep, sleep for 9.5 hours before waking up to some uplifting music. Then I had a nice chat with my Life Coach (better than a psychologist) and watched the Space Shuttle return safely to Earth. No medical appointments today. The car is out of the shop (I broke down on Wednesday due to a faulty fuel pump). The insurance company finally paid the neuropsychologist's bill (two years late).

All is well.

Home

Whine Time

I just need to whine. A lot. I don't normally blog like this, but I need to write and whine for a moment.

This fatigue is so constant and so intense that I just can't stand it much longer. When I wake up, either after a good night's sleep or a nap, I feel like a sumo wrestler is sitting on top of me. It takes a while for him to get hungry and let me up.

I had to cancel the appointment with the endocrinologist for my thyroid because he's not in my health insurance network. After almost two hours on the phone with insurance and trying to find a new doctor who could see me in a timely manner (one doctor's next opening was October, on November, one next February), I got a new appointment with a new doctor. But I broke down in tears on the phone at one point. Waaaaaa And I have good health insurance!

Humidity is 87% today. "Air you can wear" as one weatherman called it. I can't even fantasize about getting relief by traveling to Seattle (my sympathies go out to all my Washington State friends).

Okay, I'm done whining. I know there are lots of people who have much more severe problems (losing jobs, losing homes, deaths of loved ones, impending surgery) and to you I send my love. Thanks for letting me have a moment of "poor me" time. I'm done. Now I'll go take a shower and brew a pitcher of iced coffee.

And yet the flowers bloom.

Home

Delaware Area MS Chat: Follow-up Information

What a great chat last Friday! Thanks so much to our terrific guest chatters, Carol Cave and Vickie George. This was one information-packed chat thanks to everyone who shared their stories including Barb and Dave. As promised, here is a summary of the contact information.

Carol Cave, Delaware National MS Society: Carolyn.Cave@msdelaware.org, phone 302-655-5610.

The NMSS can provide financial assistance for almost anything that would make one's home more accessible including grab bars, roll-in showers, ceiling track systems, and ramps. They partner with Easter Seals and work with "ADA knowledgeable" contractors to help you determine what is needed. They can also partner with the Paralyzed Vets and Independent Living.

Vickie George: info@yesyoucanusa.com
Web site: focusmobility.com (now offering up to a 20% discount to anyone who participated in this chat). Vickie is a great resource for ideas and welcomes e-mails or calls.


Vickie's expertise comes from living with progressive MS since 1995, and her own efforts to make her home accessible. Her list of items that she actually uses includes:
Levered door handles, portable ramps, threshold ramps, automatic front door opener, fold down grab bars, "tush push" seats, roll in shower, widened doorways, portable bed handle, infrared keyless entry system, and an automatic door opener.

Life Alert services: DE NMSS has free activation coupons for Lifeline services, 1-800-797-4191. Life Alert, phone number 1-800-360-0329. Both can be activated with a pendant or watch.

Easter Seals allows you to borrow equipment before you buy.
Abledata.com (does not sell products; rather provides information about products)
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative: DATI.org
Van Conversions from Trooper, PA, for driver seat modifications (contact Vickie for phone number)
Wireless keyless entry systems can be purchased from Home Depot or http://www.keylesspro.com/

Phew! I think I captured everything.

Next chat: August 14

Home