2011 Is Here--Life Lessons Learned in 2010

In a few hours it will be a brand new year.  I think we are all amazed that it is already 2011.


This year has held some of the most unbelievable events in my life--as tough as some of them have been, they have each held a reason for change, for growth, to clean out life and be surrounded by positive thinkers and people who choose, repeat CHOOSE- to be positive. 


This time on earth is short and full of life lessons for us all.  We each make a conscious choice daily on how our lives will be lived.  Don't sweat the small stuff; for life is not worth it.  Keep positive and happy, for each moment that ticks by is our LIVES...will you look back and say that you were happy, at least trying to make each day a good one by caring about other people, showing kindness and always being honest??  Try it--you will enjoy a much more quiet and calm internal (and external) life!


 I have learned this past year that although the majority of those I know in my personal life are exactly what they say they are--sweet, caring and loving people.....there are always going to be those that end up turning on another in a moment--surprising the heck out of us.  There is hurt in everyone's life, this is simply part of our learning experience.  We can be the most caring, giving, generous in mind, spirit and wallet; and still be hurt by those we thought were there for the long haul.

Friends that suddenly decide they do not need us anymore and have actually used us up over the years will show their true colors....someday, and when we least expect it.  I am shocked at the hurtful words that have been thrown in my face, and by the people (or person) who have done so is the most shocking of all.  Those I have taken the time to help, care about, listen to, whom I have CHOSEN not to turn my back on when they needed me....in one moment have hurt me beyond words.  My heart breaks when I think of the words hurled at me.  I won't use my platform here to berate the person in particular, it is the lessons learned that are worth writing about.   

Yet how do we truly know when this will happen?  Especially if it comes from a person that has been in our lives, whom has had absolutely no issue with accepting my help, and never had a reason to be angry....it is a life lesson that has taken many years in the making to understand.  I am still not 100% in total understanding the whys this shocking attitude was necessary.  I really don't think I will ever understand.

When is the last time you took it upon yourself to clean up where you live?  Something small and insignificant in life, right?  WRONG.  I was screamed at for cleaning because I had: wait for it....wait for it.....entered a room to vacuum the floor that hadn't been cleaned for 4 months or longer.  Uh huh.  I was berated for cleaning.  Now THAT'S a new one I haven't run across yet!


I am SO DONE with people that are spoiled, feel they are entitled, and have absolutely no sense of manners or respect for elders--or for anyone for that matter.  More than that, I am done with the parenting, (and the parents), that actually allow that type of behavior and do not absolutely insist on a much-needed apology.  So done.  (Did I mention I was done?)  LOL


Time to move on to a fresh year, a fresh start, getting back to work after the Pump implantation, and focusing on all things positive!! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  WELCOME 2011........ 



And as always, Gentle Hugs...

The Nightingale Pledge; Thank You Nurses!

The Nightingale Pledge hold the words that all nurses speak, upon graduation from Nursing School.  These words tell of our profession in its most basic sense. 

Honesty.  Integrity.  Ethics.  Loyalty.  Compassion.  Trust.

A nurse who possesses the above in her heart, mind and soul, is on the path to fulfilling this special pledge all nurses take on that wonderful day.  Nurses before her, and nurses after; have, and will solemnly hold up their right hands and speak these same words.  They mean the world to us.  

When your path crosses that of a nurse, take just a moment to let them know that what they have chosen to do for a lifetime, is appreciated by others.  And that--means everything to a nurse; hearing that the work done, along with the emotional investment given in patient care- has been meaningful to someone. 

No matter what specialty a nurse chooses, and there are many available to us, our profession is a lot of heart.  We want to touch that one person, just as I hope to do in writing this blog.  

Thank you to all the nurses who taught me, took me under their wings, allowed me to feel comfortable in a new environment.  I remember each and every one of you! 

I've been away from a lot of things lately, and my desire was to post here, well...time has absolutely flown this month.  November and December of 2010 are months that have held some of the most eye-opening and growing experiences that I have ever been subjected to.  I am not talking strictly about pain here.  Time to clean up a lot of emotional and personal closets.  Throw out what was stagnant, toxic and cumbersome; allow in freedom of self, people around who are positive, with an outlook of good, not always the sad story that is told again and again.  Nothing changes if we don't make it change!  It takes strength of self, reaching deep inside to find what lie inside us; you may be surprised at just how strong you can be.  It takes being in situations that require you to call upon your ability to adapt.  That ability is amazingly easy to call up.  Much easier than you may think!  

If you are reading, thank you for checking back here with me!  I never intend to allow days to go by without a post; yet this part of life also calls for adaptability--is there internet everywhere you've been?  Try out a few days without being online.  It gets easier.....but it's odd I must say.  

Gentle Hugs-----<3             

                                  THE NIGHTINGALE PLEDGE

    

 "I solemnly pledge myself before God and in
the presence of this assembly, to pass my life
in purity and to practice my profession
faithfully.

I will abstain from whatever is deleterious
and mischievous, and will not take or
knowingly administer any harmful drug.

I will do all in my power to maintain and
elevate the standard of my profession, and
will hold in confidence all personal matters
committed to my keeping and all family
affairs coming to my knowledge in the
practice of my calling.

With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the
physician, in his work, and devote myself to
the welfare of those committed to my care."

*The Nightingale Pledge was composed by Lystra Gretter, an instructor of nursing at the old Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and was first used by its graduating class in the spring of 1893. It is an adaptation of the
Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians.*

*Source: http://filipinonurse.blogspot.com

A Day To Be Thankful

On this Thanksgiving Day, I am so very thankful. 

Thankful for my home, for I have seen those without any place to live....

Thankful for the people in my life that love me, for I have seen those that have been completely abandoned....

For my family, for there are many without anyone to give a damn....

For those I have met with Chronic Pain, for they understand my struggles...

For the doctor who cares about and manages my pain, for there are many patients with no care at all....

For the pain I have suffered, for it reminds me how strong I am.....

I'm thankful for the hard times I've had, for they remind me that the good times are coming.....and help me to see how very blessed I am.....

For the son I was blessed with, for he has given me the purest love in my life.....

I am thankful for my God, for He has listened.....And will forever be there.....

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Gentle Hugs.....

What Does It Take To Secure An Implantable Drug Delivery System?

The answer is: PATIENCE and DETERMINATION! 

As stated in my previous post, I am going through the steps necessary to get the authorization for my Implantable Drug Delivery System, hereon referred to as a Morphine Pump.

What are the steps necessary to get the authorization?

One might think it consists of sitting back and waiting while the Primary Care Physicians office does all the work, and be handed the authorization.  Wrong. 

I have done so much work towards securing this very special authorization, I feel as if I should be paid for my time, the calls made, the research I've done, and the constant contact with my insurance company and PCP's office manager.  It has actually been so far off the mark it could be considered a bit funny. 

I'm not laughing.

There have been five authorizations, all of them incorrect in one part or another.  Started off with giving me the OK to see a Pain Management doctor to do the trial, that doctor being my own Pain doc, which would be fantastic; one big problem with this being that he does not do procedures.  Check off the first autho. 

On to the next, this one referring me to the PM doctor that I was first sent to by my pain doc to discuss the Morphine Pump trial and subsequent permanent surgery to implant the device.  I was happy to see his name and excited to call and make my initial appointment.  Found out that he no longer takes my insurance.  #2 authorization--scrapped.

The third authorization was then for a world-renown teaching University Hospital where I was a patient in their Pain Management Clinic for 3 years.  Having had previous procedures there, knowing the doctors and nurses, and having good experiences with them, I felt excited that this was the place.  I had actually done a lot of research on who put in this device, and this Hospital was listed, accepting my insurance, so everything looked good. 

Hold on a sec, the codes were incorrect.  This particular Hospital uses and requires codes that are different from every other doctor, hospital, and provider.  Scrap authorization 3.  But not to give up yet...

I knew it was time for me to contact my insurance myself to get more information on this situation, and a case file was opened for my situation.  I was contacted the next day by a nurse from the insurance, who had a plethora of information for me.  I am very proud of myself for deciding to get directly involved in this extremely important step in my pain journey.  The sweet, well-meaning, and overworked gal at my PCP's office was truly doing her best, yet I realized that she needed some help and more information regarding this not so often requested procedure.  So autho #3 has become autho #4, soon to be #5.  At least we are progressing!   

In the 'middle' of my quest for a Morphine Pump, is the need to also be authorized to see my regular Pain Management doctor.  This was actually authorization #1, but has gotten a bit lost in the Pump hoopla.  Having medical insurance is something that is very important to me, especially since mine was illegally taken away from me through false pretenses years ago, (this will be a future post btw), and I spent years and a LOT of money just to obtain my medical care, needed medications, and procedures being a cash patient.  If anyone has ever had to pay cash for their medical care, and have been a patient that REQUIRES consistent care; you know how quickly the cash literally flies out of your bank account.  This green-eyed monster who was determined to mess up my life as much as possible sure succeeded in their quest to do so.  I had other plans for that money.  I had a long-standing agreement, (that did not involve or affect monetarily this person whatsoever), for my health insurance to be taken care of by someone who pleaded for me to accept their help in an area that was of extreme importance to me.  People that want to truly and deeply hurt another, will do anything to get that person where it will really affect them.  I can only imagine the 'happy', and 'successful' feeling it gave them, no matter how awful the lies and illegal steps used to take it away from me.  I will never understand people like that.  I digress. 

After I secured insurance again, I knew just how important it is to be involved and helpful to those that are trying their best to secure authorizations for me.  Therefore, I will do anything to help out those that are involved in this seeming never-ending authorization process.  We all deserve to have insurance, and it may not be easy to get what we want and need for our heath care, it just takes a lot of determination and an attitude of being positive and helpful in our personal medical cases.

If you are seeking a special procedure, or anything that needs an authorization; which most visits outside of your Primary Care Physician requires, stay on it!  Do not give up!  Contact your insurance directly.  I find the nurses employed by insurance companies to be extremely knowledgeable and very helpful.  Talk to anyone you can in the Physician's IPA.  It takes determination and a lot of time on the phone.  People are there to help us, they want to get involved and have satisfied customers.  It may seem overwhelming at times.  Hang in there--I believe that I will sooner than later be in the hospital with the Pump trial taking place.  Think positive.  As a friend of mine said about this subject; it does get better eventually, that things sometimes seem darkest before the dawn. 

I just hope it is my dawn soon.  

Gentle Hugs..,.

Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems

Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems are also known as a Morphine Pump.  Although other medications may be used along with Morphine, I will concentrate on the pump specifically using only Morphine.


Made by Medtronics, the Intrathecal Drug Delivery System, (IDDS), is first used in a trial that lasts approx. 3 to 4 days.  The similarities to the trial I had of Medtronics Spinal Cord Stimulator, are the same in that the trial lasts 3 days, and the patient and doctor have an opportunity to see by trial if the system will work for the patient.


Unfortunately, when I had the trial of the Stimulator, instead of innervating (innervation: Stimulation of a part through the action of nerves), the intended area of my Thoracic Spine, I was buzzing in the abdomen and right thigh areas.  When in the operating room, I had to be as awake as possible to respond to the doctor who was placing the leads, and tell him when I felt the stimulator, and where it was felt.  He said that there was a large amount of scar tissue in the area he was placing the leads, which later made a lot of sense, when the innervation was in the incorrect area.


After three days of a buzzing tummy and thigh, I returned to the doctor's office, and the leads were pulled out quickly through the incision in my upper back.  It was not a successful trial.  That was very hard for me to deal with, as I was at the end of what could be done to alleviate my Chronic Pain.


Forward to the present, and now I have the opportunity to try a different method of pain relief, in the Implantable Morphine Pump.  The pump was first suggested to me by my wonderful Pain Management Doctor.  He stated that I was an excellent candidate for the pump, and then began the journey that has brought me to now.  I began at a doctor he referred me to, who did implantation of pumps, and we had a very expensive, yet very informative meeting and discussion about what is expected during the trial, what the hoped outcomes are, and left me to think about this possible procedure that could actually get me back into LIFE again; including my dream of returning to work as a nurse.


Next post:  What it takes to secure a pump trial!    


Gentle Hugs...

Unecessary Judgements; More Than Just Medications

A friend and fellow blogger on the subjects of both Chronic Pain and Depression, had this to say in response to my Series post #3 about chronic pain, the medication needed just to function, and the judgmental attitude many have, especially those who have never experienced daily pain themselves.  To quote Caf of Rellacafa for her awesome insight on this issue:

" I hate the stigma attached to needing painkillers, especially when the condescension is coming from those who have never experienced the kind of pain that the person in front of them is in. It frustrates me to no end that I have to visit the doctor every few weeks for prescriptions because they have tight laws regarding painkillers. These laws were made to prevent people abusing them, however this can cause much more extra stress for those who truly need them! I think that, in general, society needs to stop being so judgmental. Suffering chronic pain might make us need medication some or all of the time, but that doesn't make us the same as a thrill seeking street user!!"

• STIGMA
• CONDESCENSION
• FRUSTRATION
• TIGHTENING LAWS/DEA
• ABUSE VS. COMPLIANCE
• STRESS
• JUDGMENT by
• SOCIETY 
• SUFFERING PATIENT

 

Take a look at these key words from Caf's comment.  Are these comforting words?  Do you see anything resembling calm, peace, understanding, or any type of positive 'world of words' that anyone would like to live in? 

The entire discussion regarding medications for daily pain goes on and on, off in many directions, and brings anger, judgment, and sometimes understanding.  This subject brings emotions out of people- (Oh boy, does it!) some become outright mean and feel as if they have the right to put us down.  

The RIGHT?  Well of course!  This is still America, isn't it?  Free Speech and all that?  C'mon, we all know there is a subdivision within that right to speak out that really doesn't need to enter the,"I am right, because I believe this, therefore, if you don't agree with me, you are wrong."  

Reminds me of religion.  Man-made and flourishing, underneath is the sad fact that, "If you're not with me, you are against me, and what I believe."  With all the abilities we have now to write anything, (well almost anything) online, and our words are seen by so many people, it is a responsibility of the writer to allow discussion, comments, and whether or not we agree with them, those words need to be put out there for everyone to see.  A dialogue is the only way that the old-way of thinking can be worked through.

 

Everyone has an opinion.  A strong belief in something.  Yet do we really need to berate others personal choices?  Such as the GLBT community has been fighting for years, chronic pain patients have been fighting too.  We want others to just accept us.  No matter who you are, that is one of the most basic of human emotional needs.  To be accepted for who we are.  What we choose to do with out bodies, is our business.  I am an openly bisexual woman, I have been out since 17.  I accepted it about myself then, I do now, and never found a reason to hide who I am.  And it was the 70's.  Nuff said, eh?

 

No matter what is said about needing to have Pharmaceutical intervention as one of the ways to help a patient, in pain, every day, I know what works and doesn't work for me.  I don't care anymore what anyone says regarding that issue.  It is MY life, MY business, and if you would like to sit down and talk with me about your personal feelings about medications; please do so!  

 

A relative of mine found it necessary to berate me for certain things in my life.  To this day, I do not understand why that person thought they even knew me now, enough to write negative things.  I was taught by my mom that if you don't have anything good to say about someone, don't say anything.  Keep the heavy opinions to yourself. ( Miss you so much mom!)  That person would have not used those accusatory words to me if my mom was still here.  

 

Words can hurt.  A lot.  Do negative, accusing, 'you don't live like me, do like me, think like me,' words give positive feelings to the recipient?  Never.  They lead us to wonder why those words were so necessary for us to know.  Why?  I have so much on my plate in life, and have for years just trying to get through each day in pain; I have the type of heart that knows only words of encouragement are useful to anyone.  Letters from 'unknown' senders falling in that same category.  Why do people find it necessary to tear up another?  I am mature enough and I like myself enough to not let that bother me any longer.  Let those that have NO IDEA what my life consists of, or who don't care to even KNOW me, have their 'perfect lives' seem even more perfect (to themselves) by putting another person down.  Go for it!  Anything more?  I'm ready.  Give it to me.  I'm just trying to live a life that allows me to get through the day without crying from pain, exhaustion, spasms, and many nights that see no sleep.  I am the perfect person to write crappy words to of judgment.  Yep, exactly what I look forward to in a letter.  Really ups the mood.  

 

Now, I look at the words that Caf wrote above, and realize the Chronic pain patient already goes through enough with societal judgment.  

 

Let's not hurt those we know with words.  

 

Let's not hurt anyone, period!

 

I am a dreamer, aren't I.....     

 

 

Gentle Hugs...

Monthly Notations

Today is the monthly game of picking up my presrciptions, hand-carrying them into the pharmacy, discuss the length of time (if any) for them to be ok'd through insurance, and back again to pick them up.  Maybe I'll stop by my son's house and swim a bit.  I could use some sun.

Not much to say this morning in the way of a long, informative post.

This about sums up how I feel today:

I have PMS.....
And GPS....
I'm a bitch....
And I will FIND YOU!

HA! ;-)


Gentle Hugs...

Chronic Pain Series #3--Educating Others About Your Medications

     Do You Have Issues With Others Regarding Your Pain Medications?


Have you found that some of those around you do not understand, or, may have negative attitudes towards your choice to take medications as a part of your Pain Management regime?


Let's talk about this issue. 


As my blogging on this subject of Chronic Pain has reached nearly three years, of those that have told me their stories, those I know personally, and myself included, all have a common thread running thourgh this journey in pain.

We have people in our lives that disagree with our decision to take medications for pain.  I have found it is those that are the closest to us that seem to be bothered the most. 

All this is, is un-education on the subject.  Pure and simple.  If we have doctors who hesitate to prescribe pain  medications, or have a predisposed attitude towards the incorrect belief that all patients will become 'addicts', then how can we expect the medically uneducated to understand anything about our decision to take these medications? 

We can't blame them.  Yet we can change this.  By educating those that love us.  Those who truly care, and because of not understanding the entire picture, simply need us to sit down, and have a very open conversation with them.  It is time to teach, to educate, to explain. 

First, they need to understand WHY you are taking these medications.  What is your diagnosis?  Your prognosis?  Your history of surgeries, procedures, years of complaints of something wrong in your body; do they know about all of this in your life?

This is YOUR LIFE!  You are not your pain; you have pain.  We are not defined by our pain, yet it may be at a level in which you can no longer do certain things anymore due to your pain.  That is when I do feel that I am, at that moment, defined by my pain. 

Pain has kept me from many special events I had been looking forward to attending.  Unable to leave my home, at that one moment, at that one time of day, that second in which I realize that there is absolutely no way I can first of all, do what it takes to prepare myself to go, then the drive there, and straight into the event. 

That feeling is overwhelming, as we grieve the inability to do what we were looking so forward to doing.  As those types of situations arise, the medications we take are a huge section of our relief of pain program.  If those that were looking forward to us coming, do not understand our inability to make it; along with not understanding or agreeing with our choice to take medications, we then have a responsibility to talk to them, and speak openly.  Then possibly there comes the 'b' word, 'but', as in, "But I don't agree with your choice to take medications".  That attitude conveys to us immediately that there is a wall up in the other person, before we can begin to breach the subject with them. 

We, the people who live in pain on a daily basis, and the pain has interrupted and affected our lives to include our friends and family; want nothing more than to have open minds on both sides, so we can teach and have an interactive conversation.

Looks like another post to examine more closely, exactly how to start this needed conversation.  Also, some of the most important issues we must discuss with those that love us; and what to do when you have a 'but' that keeps you from feeling able to speak openly.

Big subject.  If you have experienced negative attitudes and incorrect beleifs surrounding your medications. please feel free to let me know your story in comments.  Always feel free to email me also; but leaving a comment allows others to read your stories, and together we are stronger, with a plethera of ideas from others just waiting to be shared.

Let's start a discussion on this subject.                             

 As Always--Gentle Hugs...

Top Ways To Easily Help The Chronic Pain Patients In Your Life

                      Interested in how you can help the person in your life that suffers from daily pain?

                      EXAMPLES OF HELPFUL THINGS YOU CAN DO
                                              (#2 in Series)

• Start by knowing what the patient really needs in the help department.  For instance, some people can cook themselves and enjoy doing so; as a result, bringing cooked meals is not of much benefit to that certain patient, when to others, a cooked meal can feel like Thanksgiving.  Can you help with laundry, or pick up medications?  Just ask!     

• Make, or keep contact up.   Has time elapsed since you have talked to or written to the patient for what you know in your heart is too long, or are not making a true effort to respond when the person themselves has reached out to you?  An email, a letter, a call; all these ways of communicating shows that you have not forgotten us.  Most were there while we were in the hospital, what happened?  We are daily patients.....Please don't just show up at a funeral and then regret the time that passed, the LIFE that is passing by, while holding on to old, immature grudges.  Be non-judgmental.  Please.  We've heard it all, but being judged is something pain patients do not need from people that love them. 
•  
• Ask if you can help with any errands.  Sometimes going out is impossible when pain is high. Stopping by the market on the way home after work may be a common errand that does not put you in great pain---why not buy an extra of something that you know 'your pain person' can always use or likes particularly.  The stop to deliver the surprise does not need to be long and drawn out.  That is an unfounded fear, that visits to the person at home will be too much time that no one has.  Don't worry, most of us worked or still work, and we understand!         
•  
• Don't get mad when we must cancel plans.  This happens to emotionally crush the patient already; for the patient is in high pain, and not feeling physically up to even get ready for the event we wanted to attend. This hurts our hearts, we feel like we have let others down.  Just let us know that it's ok, the day will go on without us, and remember to try and tell us what it was like.  We are still interested! 
•  
• If you are lost for words, talk about you and your life.  Your life is both interesting and important to us.  The last thing we want is for the entire conversation to be about our medical life. 
•  
•  Remember common interests you have (or had) with the patient.  The patient has in most cases, had to leave a job, profession or activities behind, and crave connection still in her or his areas of interest.  Just a simple chat about your shared passions will uplift you both.  If you are family, bring the latest batch of pictures!    
•  
• Drop magazines off that you are finished reading that you may otherwise throw out, a book or CD that you enjoyed, or that has helped you to feel encouraged when you have faced hardships.  On certain days we can have the same pain levels as, and feel exactly like how we did in the hospital.  The continuing feeling of "people care", and "they have not forgotten about me", could be solved in these simple ways.  
•  
• There are times when we either can not, or don't want to talk.  Please understand that pain is tough to live with and being available all the time to talk is not an option.  This is not personal in any way towards those we love and care about.              

Gentle Hugs...

Examining Chronic Pain Series: #1 Daily Patients

                                     
                                           WE ARE PATIENTS-- DAILY

 
 Deep, in the bones of my Thoracic spine, pain is hitting me hard today.  I know that many other pain sufferers will understand this type of pain.  For caretakers, family, and friends of a person in pain most of the time; this post may give you a glimpse into a world of our pain.   It is not simply to hope that we can explain the actual pain.  Being a patient on a daily basis brings many other issues to the front in our lives.  

Patient***#1) One who is sick with, or being treated for, an illness or injury. 2.) One who is receiving medical care.***

So, we who have daily pain, are patients ALL the time.  If you do not suffer from Chronic Pain, think of the last time that you were a patient.  Saw the doctor for that earache and were on antibiotics that made you ill, or the rash on your arm that will not go away, to a hospitalization for a medical issue that was serious- or possibly life-threatening.  You probably received a lot of attention from your support system, and were 'cheered on', brought food to, had visitors, and got calls from those that care about you; flowers and get well cards.

I've been in that type of position medically; during and after back surgeries.  I saw the people that really cared for me in those situations.  When there is something acute happening to someone we love, we are usually feeling a bit of worry, concern, care, and these manifest in acts of kindness.  This is normal human behavior.

The patient then goes through a phase of rehabilitation, and eventually, (hopefully) returns to a good state of health, and move on with their lives.  (I am obviously looking at the best of outcomes here for example only.) 

The calls come less often, the cards stop, you have recovered and no one needs to go out of their way for you now.  The illness, surgery or other medical issue is gone, and often forgotten by some.  An ACUTE medical problem has been addressed, and you are no longer a patient.   

What happens to the CHRONIC patient?  I write in pure truths here and I believe that most people would rather turn their head than become involved in that patients life.  (Of course save for our partners that are involved with us on a deeper level.)  It is not a terminal diagnosis.  It is a diagnosis that simply make us patients every day of our lives.  Another deep belief of mine:  Most people that shy away from Chronic Pain/Illness patients, have deeply-rooted fears that they too, may someday have the same problem.  That scares them.  It is easier to pretend that it is not happening, than it is to make a concerted effort to connect with the patient.

There is a lot to cover on this subject.  I'm going to break this up in upcoming posts.

Also, I have been looking into Medical Coding and Billing as a possible option for me to work from my home.  I found a great .org site with tons of information on this medical profession.  Having a thorough knowledge of medical terminology would help, and I found out that there is the ability to focus on a certain specialty!  Hmm wonder what I would focus on.....they told me that “Students learn about acute and chronic patients during medical coding certification.”  Well well....I may be discovering the perfect job for my given situation.

The Only Constant In Life....Is Change!   


Gentle Hugs ------<3


Next post--Top Ways To Easily Help The Chronic Pain Patients In Your Life

     

  






Gentle Hugs...

The Cabin With The Hearts

ENJOYING WHERE I LIVE

In Southern California, we are having the weather that make the many visions of beauty, beach sunsets, pure blue sky, and enjoyed by people ranging from CA natives, to the visitors and tourists who fall in love with this beauty, and vow to return; next time to stay.

With the desert, the beach, the mountains all within an hour away from Los Angeles, and a lot in between, we have so much available to us, places to enjoy this unbelievably beautiful weather.  Clear and crisp in the early mornings, flowering trees and shrubs beginning their spring blooms and leafed up for summer shade...a bit warm in the daytime, and evening is, well, (yes I am going to say it,) PERFECT!!

The smell of BBQ's around the neighborhood fill the warm evening air, voices drift along the slight breeze.  I have beautiful light purple flowers on vines growing all along my fence, I'm still not sure what it is, and all that does to me is grind in how far away from gardening I have gotten due to my pain.  I vow on a few sweet pea seeds though, my favorite flower and one I grow every year, in every house I live in, save for surgery years and the last really bad pain years.  I will attempt it before it gets too hot, and will plant an Autumn batch to give me December and January flowers.  They do adore cool weather, after all.  The more Sweet Peas are cut, the more they give me, and nothing beats a fresh cut bunch of them in the house. 

This is the kind of day that many people head up to the local mountains.  From Mt. Wilson near L.A., to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, not to forget Wrightwood, are all favorites of both locals and visitors alike.  During this time of year, to be able to go up the windy roads to a cabin and spend a few days up in the forest, is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy this weather. 

There is a cabin up near Big Bear that I absolutely adore.  When we pulled up and I saw hearts carved into the darling wood fence and bench that ran along it; I fell in love immediately.  When one has a cabin up in the mountains, it is truly hard to find a 'bad' one.  But then there are the really, really great cabins--and this is one of them.

After marveling at the outside cut-out-hearts fence, once I entered, it was pure quaintness and beauty.  Warm colored wood floors, wood plank walls, a darling tiny cabin kitchen, with a huge heavily lacquered table nearby.  I ended up loving the table so much, we went to Mexico to get a wood table as close to that one as possible.  Still haven't lacquered it yet....

Of course the center of the home was the wood stove fireplace.  With a fire constantly burning day and night, giving the already warm-feeling cabin a soft glow, I was struck by the, "I must get a cabin up here" wish-bug.  Time for a walk out onto the heart deck.  

A small bit straight out the deck, down a few stairs, and there was a babbling brook.  (Could this get any better?)  Well, maybe an old swing out in the middle of the forest by the water.....  

Nah.  Hold everything.  It couldn't be.  Yes.  There was an old wood swing in the middle of the forest.  By the water.  I looked back to the little cabin so busy with smoke chugging out the top, dinner simmering; swinging slowly, I thought the beauty of this area has to be experienced by everyone who visits Southern CA.  All this beauty, set in perfect areas, with perfect weather to accompany.  This is just too nice to keep hidden.

Everyone who comes to L. A. must go up the hill and see Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear, with the darling little towns in-between.  There are tons of spots to easily pull off the road and take a leisurely picnic lunch in the forest.  Within minutes, you can be back down the hill into city life again.  There are little cabins that can be rented in both these towns.  Book early for heavy vacation months.  It is truly gorgeous up in the San Bernardino mountains!

Nothing beats the idea of a heart-carved fence....and a swing in the forest, to relax...even in pain.       

Gentle Hugs...

An Empty Spot Now on the Recliner

I have written 5 drafts and they get too 'wordy', yet I need to get this written down.  I simply don't want to revisit the details.  I do every day anyway.   

There is a very big empty spot at the foot of my recliner where my last puppy was lifted up to, each time she wanted to come up.  And there is a huge empty spot inside of me. 

My sweet, blind, 14 year old Jack Russell finally had her day arrive.  It was the day that she would see again.  She crossed over to where her eyesight was perfect, she was lithe and limber with the energy I knew in her so well up until last year.

I can handle humans all bloody, I love surgery, and death is not scary.  I have been present quite often at the exact time of death when in Hospice nursing.  Yet put an animal on TV and show them abused, or see the puppy mills; I hold a hand over my face.  I have great empathy for people, but the animals get me in the pure love area....especially dogs, with their unconditional love and care for us.

I had been crying all through the night she was sick and just kept vomiting, the poor thing.  I fell into my bed after a night of emesis cleanups, and doggie consoling, I was obviously exhausted.  I knew she was too.  When I woke up that next fateful day--she was lying in a very odd spot, and was very light when I picked her up.  I had her try a tiny bit of water, and after just a few laps, it came rushing back up.  Poor baby.  I could see the depressions in her head and face showing her state of dehydration.
 
She was very anxious and would do her 'normal' cry she did, to let me know she was hungry, had to go out, etc., but this cry escalated to sounds of pain and being uncomfortable.  I felt so helpless!! 

I knew when she couldn't keep the water down we were in big trouble.  I called my son who was at work, and he came as soon as he could.  It was late evening, so we just had the one ER Vet Clinic to go to.  We knew, even before leaving, that we would not walk back in again with her.  We took that very few but precious moments with our dog to cry and say goodbye here, in privacy, but we had to hurry for her sake. 

When the ER Vet saw her, she asked if we wanted to euthanize her, well, of course I didn't want to, but I had to.  Her diagnosis was 'failure to thrive', a diagnosis seen often in Hospice, and in Nursing Homes.  Bodies start to shut down eating and drinking when it is getting ready to die.  I noticed that for the past 4 days, I had been finding her milk bones given as a treat for going outside, in weird places around the house, and for her not to eat those, something is drastically wrong.   

It absolutely breaks my heart to see my son cry.  I know it hurts every mom when we see our children show the deepest part of themselves, crying from pure sadness and loss.  It made me cry even more.

We spent a little time with her in the room, saying goodbye, stroking her silky fur and telling her what a fantastic dog she had been in our lives.  The doctor came in with the famous pink see-through liquid, 3cc's.  She just looked at us and asked if we were ready.  We must have answered yes through our sobbing, and she inserted the needle into the IV catheter and slowly began to push the medicine in.

I don't do real great at that particular time with animals.  Her blind eyes were open the whole time we were there waiting, and although she couldn't see at all, the glazed look that comes after the medication has worked, was too much for me to handle. I looked at the vet and softly asked her, "now?"  She waited a moment, took her stethoscope off from around her neck and listened to Roxy's heart and lungs.  Then she looked at me and nodded.  That's when I saw Roxy's eyes change totally.  The amazing thing is that I saw the difference even in her white-blind eyes between that very moment of being here, and the very moment of passing on.

I tried to close her eyes but they wouldn't stay shut.  I told my son I was starting to freak out, but at the same time, I didn't want to leave her.  We stayed in with her another 5-10 minutes, and then felt we had to leave.  Yet the minute we got in the car, we both started to sob again.

I have been crying for a week.  There is such an empty feeling not only in my house without my shadow following me everywhere, but also a true empty feeling inside of me.  Like something was literally pulled from me.

Where is the soft fur to touch?  The darling head that laid on my lap?  Where is the sound of her nails on the wood floor?  What do I do when it's dinnertime and I've been feeding 1,2, and 3 dogs for the last 14 years?

That kind of habit is not easy to adapt to.  My sleep is now every other night, the sadness is overwhelming, and in the middle of all these feelings is the familiar pain, lurking in the background, just waiting to pull me down when I am otherwise very fragile.

Why do I still sit on my recliner adjusted to accommodate Roxy so she could curl up and keep me warm?  Habit?  Even ingrained into my body movements and mechanics?  Yes.

My sweet, old, blind baby is gone.  She gave us 14 years of love and tenderness.  Just as I told her before and after her shot that night, thank you for loving me so very much honey.....for so very long.  

As we turned and left, I took one more look at my dog laying on the table so still. I wanted to bring her home, hold her in the blankie my son wrapped her in for the ride there, and chalk it up to the flu.  As we knew we would, we walked in the house empty-handed, in tears.

All there is now, is a very empty spot on the recliner by my legs.  It's no longer warm and soft there. 

I miss her so much that it hurts.

Goodbye Roxy....God how I love you.     




Gentle Hugs...

The Character of Strength in Chronic Pain

In the 17+ years of pain I have endured since my first back surgery, and for years before that-- during the undiagnosed and misdiagnosed reasons for my pain since I was in the Cheerleader hazing accident in High School; I have seen a strength inside that I never knew existed.  I've been a strong-minded woman my whole life, which means that I believe in telling my life truths, pushing through the pain--just to live, and absolutely amazing myself when I make myself do things like get ready and leave for a semi-lengthy drive to go pick up my prescriptions. 

Today was that day for me.  I was amazed at what I did, considering the past 5 days I have been dealing with a lot of high pain levels that left me so exhausted after 3 days straight; I slept through an entire day.  Between the physical toll pain takes on the body, plus the draining effects of medication; equals a very tired body and mind.  I'm surprised my head was so together today as laying down to sleep last night hurt so much, that after an hour I decided to get up again, and from there just stayed up.  This is a recipe for disaster, missing an entire night of sleep while still continuing to experience high pain levels, and on top of that, needing to get out and deal with what even 'normies' call a hassle.

I am certainly not tooting my own horn here.  I am tooting a celebratory horn for all my fellow pain sufferers that continue to fight on through the pain, to accomplish life's 'chores' that must be done that day.  When there is no one to help.  When we are left to use our natural strength.  There is a 'wordless' feeling I have when I feel this strength kick in.  Today that feeling kicked into high gear as I was dressing, knowing I should be taking it easy, yet I had no choice but to do what lay in front of me.   

Chronic Pain gives those of us who suffer daily, an opportunity to view ourselves as extremely strong and competent humans.  We may go out before the world with a false smile, to simply make everything 'easier', and smiling seems to push pain a little more in the background.  On the outside, the smile=strength.  On the inside, strength is carrying us through extremely painful moments.  On the inside--the pain.

You can pat yourself on the back a bit more please.  Let yourself know that you are proud of handling your life in strength; with strength.  Doing the things that must be done on your own, and with active, gnawing, deep, piercing, strangling, sword-like, constant pain.  Now that deserves a horn toot or two!

We who experience Chronic Pain, have built into us a certain very special attribute.  Strength.  I truly believe that it was bestowed upon us when our lives turned 180 degrees, leading us down this path of pain.  We have been blessed with something wonderful.  Recognize this in yourself, and give yourself as many kudos and horn toots as possible.

We walk an unusual path.  We have developed many coping mechanisms.  Being present, being in the moment, and being strong, will serve us to our benefit.  Since we truly live daily in our pain, many times by the second; this has given us a highly unusual way of living in the moment--something that many people strive to do in their lives, reading books like 'The Tao of Pooh' to try and achieve this which we were given the ability to do.  We do it naturally.  We live in TRUTH.  In the MOMENT.  We are STRONG.  

It's in there--you know this in your heart.

 Gentle Hugs...and may your day be a tolerable pain day.....of course no pain is my desire for all....but I know who I am writing to and we all know better.  ;-D

Is It Legal To Carry Your Controlled Medications With You?

This question has been posed to me in emails, and this deserves a post on the subject; obviously many people are interested in this, and need a bit of teaching to understand this question.  There is much to know if no one has bothered to instruct you.  This subject has also been heavily searched.  What is most interesting is that these are pain patients, managed by pain doctors.  The doctor ‘should’ instruct each patient regarding carrying these meds, what needs to be done to keep everyone comfortable and safe; talk about the laws related to prescriptions; and answer your questions.  Ask your doctor any and all questions related to these subjects.   

Carrying Your Medications With You—The Basics

Keep each medication in the original bottle it came in.  Do not place the pills in one of the generic pill holders, labeled each day of the week, or times in one day, etc.  These are great for home use.  Actually, they are convenient to carry with you, filling what you think you will need for the time you will be out that day.  Here's what is wrong with not having your meds in labeled bottles:

#1.  The medications are not labeled in any way, and you cannot prove that they are yours, or not yours.  You may have your meds confiscated simply for not keeping them in their own bottle.  These are hard to replace, and it shows what level of understanding and commitment by the patient of keeping their meds safe.    

#2.  You may lose the meds if the top of the plastic holders decide to open, and yes, this does happen.  On the other hand, the top may be very hard to open, especially with Arthritic hands; and in doing so, the pills can fly all over.  They do go everywhere.  Keep them away from the bathroom--then you are really stuck with nothing.

 #3. What happens if you are gone longer than you had planned?  Life sure gets in the way, so any car trouble, traffic jams, missed flights, longer than planned evenings that somehow turn into the next day, all these issues must be thought about so that you are always prepared.  Possibly the unmarked meds you brought for a day are not going to be enough. 

What Do The Police Require If Your Medication Is With You?  

Having a very close friend who is a law enforcement officer, I was able to sit down and clear up others questions.  It was a great conversation, and I learned what I had not already been taught or learned on the job in nursing, or from my pain management doctor.

If you need to show your medication bottles to the police, for whatever reason, please remember-- you have the right to carry these needed medications.  Kind of ties in with the Medical ID Bracelet too, in that you are a serious and responsible patient; you are learning to balance the need for pain relief, with the fact that MEDICATIONS MUST EACH BE IN THEIR  PROPERLY LABELED CONTAINERS-- PER LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Security Prescriptions are so hard for your doctor to re-prescribe again if they are lost, spilled, get wet, etc.  Treat those Prescriptions like gold, filled yet or not.  I don't want to bring everything I have with me, but I bring three days extra at all times with me.  Raised in Southern CA, spending lots of time directly on top of the San Andreas fault....which by the way, is considered extremely 'overdue’ for a large quake, having lived through many earthquakes I must take this seriously.  I respect Earthquakes, and have enormous respect for the Ocean.  I’ve lived in Southern CA all my life (minus Expatriate time in Taiwan), and I have learned to keep 3 days of basic supplies in my car as the experts suggest it will take that long for help to arrive to stranded motorists.  Sad to say but right now, my E-kit contains: Jumper cables, flashlight, water, collapsible dog water bowl, sneakers, and a blanket.  Not a full kit per CA quake standards!  However, it’s much better than nothing.  Next, I need to focus on some nibbles for my little kit.      

Sometimes it is so much easier to just put what we know we will be taking like clockwork that day or two, into one pill bottle.  I'm like every other woman with a 10 lb. purse, and the less I have to stuff in my handbag, the better.  Yet if some policeman was going through your things and found one bottle with a lot of different pills, they don't like that.  It is illegal.  There is no proof of a prescription in your name, even if the bottle is for one of your meds, it is certainly not for any of the other ones.  It could also point to drug-dealing, on either side—you the seller, or you the buyer, believe it or not.  Oh, we know we're innocent, and simply trying to be able to live some semblance of life.  If medications are of benefit to you, you must have them with you everywhere you go.  In the pill bottle each medication originally came in.  

How To Transport Your Security Medications Safely & Legally

Keep all pills in the bottle they came in.  That is THE ONLY place that you are legally allowed to carry your medications.  The original bottle must have all the normal information on the label that is printed by your pharmacy.  Sometimes the size of the bottle changes from month to month, and I simply use the previous month's smaller bottle to carry that certain medication only, if the newest bottle is too large to carry with me.  That bottle has exactly all the information on it that the police require, just the fill date is one month behind.  No worries using that bottle if it is smaller and works better for you.   

"Can I carry them in my purse legally to my pain doctor's appointment?” asked one curious person.  Sure, you can!  This is not an open container of liquor, like an open bottle of wine from dinner needing to be carried home in the trunk, separated from the driver.  We are just fine to keep our medications, in the correct bottles; in our purse, backpack, etc.  We don't have to be separated from these medications.  This is not just regarding going to your pain doctor, either.  You can go anywhere with these medications.  These are YOUR medications.  They are prescribed by a physician who manages your pain issues.  They are legal.  Just make sure to follow the tips above, and there should never be any problem with carrying your medications, especially your security prescriptions.  They are simply part of the arsenal in the treatment of chronic pain.  We should feel fine in carrying the chemical part of that arsenal with us if we need to do so.  It is our responsibility to carry them according to the laws governing controlled medications. 

If you have further questions or concerns about this subject, please discuss it with your treating doctor.  It always comes down to the relationship you have, it must be very open, and you should feel safe talking to her or him about anything to do with your Chronic Pain.  Not just how to carry your medications under the law; everything that you feel affects your pain and your doc must know these extenuating circumstances.  As this post shows, treating pain is a multi-factorial issue between your physician and you; the treatment does not stand alone with just taking medications.

Educate Yourself!!  Learn how to protect yourself and your medications!

Gentle Hugs...

For The Best Pain Relief; No Chasing Your Pain Allowed

We all do it.  Have a headache?  Menstrual cramps?  Is that knee acting up and aching?  Then it's time for a few Advil, Tylenol, whatever.  And we try to take something to help our pain and discomfort, but it's not easy to always have something with us.  Meanwhile, time is passing by, the headache is double in nature and is becoming a migraine, simply because the issue was not addressed chemically when it was at it's most receptive: When Your Pain First Begins.

I am addressing the issue of taking medications to alleviate/lessen your pain, with the spotlight on medication management of Chronic Pain.

When you first feel pain, that is the optimum time to take your medications.  If you have a 'BTP' medication prescribed, (Break Through Pain), usually you have some leeway in how it has been prescribed by your doctor that manages your pain.  Break through pain is felt at times, despite being on a controlled release medication; the pain literally breaks through that medication's effectiveness, which then requires the Breakthrough Pain Medication--which is usually an instant-release in it's chemical makeup.      

Using your BTP medication, along with a long-acting one; (these can be labeled as: Long-Release-LR, Slow Release-SR, Controlled Release-CR), is the most effective way to battle your chronic pain.

Usually, these BTP meds are written to take every 4 to 6 hours.  When the pain hits, try to take your BTP medication ASAP.  Don't wait to unload the groceries, finish that sinkful of dishes, attend to that stack of paperwork.  Put yourself and your pain issues first.  If you do not have your pain under control, you won't be of much use to anyone; especially yourself.  The entire process should take you less than five minutes, a mild trade-off for ignoring your pain and then suffering needlessly for hours.     

This is a situation in which taking your medication immediately means exactly that--right away.  Waiting will only serve to perpetuate the entire pain cycle.  You must take your main medication if that has been forgotten and skipped, and/or focus on your breakthrough pain medication as your next line of defense.

Keeping on top of that pain is imperative.  If you wait to take your meds at the first sign of BTP, you will experience the terrible seeming non-response of your BTP meds.  They are in there working, but they are now fighting a battle much bigger than when it first began.  The time for meds is when it starts to hurt.

Called-'Chasing The Pain', failing to address your pain immediately will only result in the never ending cycle of pain, medications and other modalities you use to help such as heat and ice, pain that is not responding, waiting in more pain until it is time for another dose, and the cycle continues.

If you take medications for your pain, keep them with you if you aren't at home; and the most important to remember is that taking them at the first twinge of pain is the answer to better pain control.  Keep on top of your body's signals.  Pain is always the indicator of something wrong.  Tend to your pain.  Pay attention.  No Chasing allowed!   

 
 Gentle Hugs...

***NEXT POST--IS IT LEGAL TO CARRY YOUR SECURITY MEDICATIONS? ***

How Obtaining Your CNA Training Can Help You Become a Nurse

I am pleased to offer this guest post, written by Sandra Stevens from CNA Training Help.  As a nurse, what she says is so true, in many of the aspects of looking at how becoming a CNA can benefit a person; on their way to possibly continue towards nursing.  This is an excellent post.  Enjoy!

 

You can benefit by including CNA training in your plan to become a Nurse.  Training to become a certified nursing assistant will provide you with the skills you need to assist patients in a variety of healthcare settings.  You can complete CNA classes in just a few weeks and with an investment of $1000 or less.

If you decide to work as a certified nursing assistant before becoming a nurse, you will gain a great deal of valuable experience.  This experience will help you to successful complete your degree to become an LPN or an RN.  The experience working in the healthcare field will be valuable when you complete the clinical portion of your nursing course.

When working as a certified nursing assistant, you will learn to help patients maintain dignity even when they are very ill.  You will learn to protect the privacy of each of your patients.  Your work as a CNA, will teach you how to provide compassionate care to your patients.  You will be able to develop a good bedside manner which will be equally important when you become a nurse. 

If you want to become a nurse, starting out as a CNA will be able to prepare you for working in a variety of healthcare settings.  You will learn how to work and interact with other healthcare professionals in order to provide ideal care for your patients.  Your work will provide you with the opportunity to observe the many tasks and duties of a nurse.

If you decide to obtain your CNA training before applying for nursing school, you will get a taste of what it is like to work in the nursing field.  Of course, your duties as a CNA will be different than those of an RN or LPN.  You will, however, still get an idea of whether or not a career in nursing is really right for you. 

When you train to become a CNA, much of what you learn can be carried into your classes to become a nurse.  You will learn basic patient procedures in your nursing assistant classes.  The class will teach you a basic overview of the organ systems and how the human body works.  You will even learn some medical terminology.  All of this knowledge will help you to better be able to successfully complete your coursework when the time comes to enter nursing school.

In order to be a CNA, you will need to demonstrate your ability to maintain the safety of your patients and to protect their privacy.  You will learn to receive instructions from your supervisor.  All of these skills will come in handy when you do your clinical rotations for nursing school. What you learned in your training and work as a CNA, can also be carried into your career as a nurse.

There are many ways in which obtaining your CNA training before enrolling in nursing school can benefit you.The CNA Salary and payscale structure isn’t so bad and can be a good career on its own. You should give this option a chance if you want a career as a nurse. 

This is a guest post by Sandra Stevens who is a blogger over at http://cnatraininghelp.com She writes about all topics related to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.

 Thank you Sandra for such an informative and very true article.

Pain Blog Carnival at How To Cope With Pain

Over at How To Cope With Pain, an excellent dot org site concentrating on the subject of Chronic Pain; March 2010's Pain-Blog Carnival  is hosted.  Spotlighted are various blogs that focus on writing about the subject of pain; from migraines to gastrointestinal pain.

I am thankful for also being included in this Carnival!  They chose my post about the reality of filling monthly medications.  I received a lot of emails from those that understood exactly what I go through every month, and shared some interesting experiences related to the filling of medications.     

Humanity is bound by the issues we have personal experience with; and usually these are issues relating to some type of struggle in our lives.  Those that share the same struggle are immediately understanding of our lives.  By coming together, such as in these blog Carnivals, we have the opportunity to read others' words and feel something inside ourselves that we recognize.  By reading and keeping in touch with those that do suffer from the same issue as yourself, you create a support system outside of family and friends.  Online relationships built on common human struggles, are fantastic to find, and just need attention like anything else in our lives that we value.

I value my online relationships.  Thank you all for giving of yourselves to me.  For opening up to me and sharing your personal struggles and successes. 

Gentle Hugs as always...  <3

Why You Should Wear A Medical ID Bracelet

Medical ID Bracelets are often seen on patients with Diabetes; a very rare blood type; or those on a blood thinner.  These types of diseases are very sensitive to what type of treatment may be given them in an emergency.  The Diabetic girl needs Orange Juice with sugar, Stat; or her insulin!  Do NOT give blood type ___to patient #2!!  No Heparin for Mr. L on thinners.

What about those patients who take ongoing medications of any type, for any reason?  Just as the patient senarios above, those on meds must have this information available to First Responders, an ER, or even for the layman that happens to be there if something happened that they can attend to.

Wearing a Medical ID Bracelet identifies you to Medical Personnel as a patient, first and foremost.  They are made aware that you are under a doctor's care.  This is highly important for the nurses and doctors to know in an emergency.  They should be able to get in touch with the doctor, to discuss treatment options when they are made aware through your bracelet- that you are on medications.  You are not a blank slate for them.  What medicines you take gives immediate information to the medical staff that they need to know; "Are you taking any medications?", is one of the most important questions to hopefully get a clear answer to, from any patient that is new!  It fills in the highly important area, Medications; in your chart, and guides the care plan and what medications to add, and in the case of the Chronic Pain patient: Keep giving.

It is highly important that patients who take ongoing, daily medications for pain; not stop them abruptly.  If opiates are used in your total treatment plan, you must take the steps to be certain that you will never be in the situation to not take it.  If an accident, for instance occurs, you cannot speak for some reason, and you see everyone in the ER zooming around, it is chaotic, and you just can't get the words out of your mouth.  Now you forget the names of the meds you take everyday.  That medical team has the right to know that you are taking medications on an ongoing basis.  Especially Opiates, any Anti-Convulsant used for Nerve Pain, possibly anti-depressants, benzodiazepines for muscle relaxing and anxiety; (both common in Chronic Pain)any meds you use on a PRN basis, ***(PRN--As Needed**), as in those to sleep, or for anxiety.  These are all medications that are critical to continue as you have been taking them, with no abrupt stop. 

It is the responsibility of the patient to have some method to let medical personnel be alerted to the fact that daily medications are part of your life.  I just received the ID bracelet I ordered through Amazon.  They have a great selection of Medical ID Bracelets.  One style has a USB piece that holds your Medical Information on it, and if the First Responders or ER has a computer, they simply insert this into the USB port, and up pops all the information they need to treat you as if they knew you as a patient!  This style says it is Waterproof.

I opted for a slim, (about 1/2" wide) stainless steel bracelet with a clasp that opens up, which holds a water-resistant paper made to bond with the ink, making it a waterproof paper chock-full of Medical Information.  I would recommend never removing it, ergo the waterproof and resistant designs; and much less chance of then forgetting it.  It was reasonably priced, and shipped quickly.  They also carry the more-often-seen simple chain with a metal piece that is usually engraved with the patients medical condition.  It is hard to list multiple medications on this style of ID bracelets.

Wearing an ID bracelet is responsible, safe, calming, and more than helpful; and if you were unable to speak for yourself, your bracelet could do a quite a bit of the talking; giving imperative information to whomever you are blessed enough to have take care of you.

This is dedicated to all the wonderful nurses I have known, from back in school--and throughout my career, and those working hard to heal this world; one special patient at a time.  Remember...Nurses R Angels!!!  

    
 With Gentle Hugs...<3


Wearing a medical ID bracelet is a good way to get the health care providers your information. And having affordable health insurance is a must!

101 Blog Posts Every New Nurse Should Read

I'm happy to report that 'Shauna's Life In Pain....' blog, has been featured over at NursePractitionerSchools.org, in a wonderful list of blogs that have posts recommended for all new nurses.  The Authors chose my post about the reality of filling monthly meds for pain patients.  She noted that I had the unusual viewpoint of both a nurse and a patient.  The list is extensive and you will find a plethora of reading material, along with 101 new blogs to discover!  Thank you for including me!!  


And as always... Gentle Hugs...<3

Me And MY Spine Leading The Blind?!

It must be an odd sight. We do make quite the picture....there’s me, limping along, with the very unstable spine of mine making any walking feel quite scary. On the end of the leash I hold is my baby; my last of the three Jack Russells I have raised and trained with love, one of them, the result of our ‘wife’ and ‘husband's’ loving efforts. They did a great job and gave us four beautiful long-tailed pure Jack Russell puppies. We had to keep one, and NO tails were docked as we got them ready for sale. Now it’s just one.

Our walks are much slower now.

I have loved them all—deep in my heart. They have all been family members, accompanying us on long drives to many various campgrounds on the beach in Mexico during vacation time; deep down South into the Baja Peninsula, always ending at a place on the ocean.

File Under--"And Other Fun Things Jan. 2010"

 ***I'd like to add here, 3/7/10, that I did some research on the attribution of this 'speech' to Mr. Vonnegut.  Here is a link that will lead you to the actual Author; who is not Kurt V., and her explanation of how the mix-up first occurred.  This is a correction as to the original Author of a newspaper column, Mary Schmich; her name hiding behind Mr. Vonnegut's, who never spoke at the previously reported MIT---ever, and through the miracle of Urban Legends and mass forwarding of emails, Ms. Schmich's words became--Kurt Vonnegut's.  Unwittingly he was the author of a newspaper article he did not write, and the Commencement speaker at a college he never spoke at.  Instead of deleting the words that I was so drawn to, I decided to make the correction, give credit where credit is due; and apologize for the incorrect attribution(s).
 Seattle Times Concerning Correct Attribution of 'Speech'

Gentle Hugs......


Welcome 2010 !

As I was reading my favorite Blogs, one does tend to lead to another, flying I go from link to link; finding new writers to read, newly-discovered pages of words, and the many ways of expressing themselves is perused.... and sometimes even more of a find is in the comment section. This certain comment on the blog, "One Sick Mother", caught my eye.

The writer passes along words from one of my favorite writers. I would have liked to have heard such a commencement speaker as Mr. Kurt Vonnegut. In these simple yet boorishly true statements, you do not need to look too deep so see that he speaks with the strongest undercurrent of all: LOVE.