Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: Health

  • Infection Invaders: Trying to Stay Together In Light of Many Different Infections!

    So, I’ve been a little trapped here at the hospital. Faced with a large kidney stone, Picc line infection, as well as a pretty bad UTI, I’ve haven’t been feeling the best. I will need several weeks of IV antibiotics at home and hopefully home tomorrow after a new picc line and clear cultures.

    I really hoped to avoid the chaos of all of this, mostly the IV antibiotics because they are both expensive over time and require a lot of attention. Hopefully they will come in the form of the “squeeze ball” and not a pump. Either way in creates a lot of medical trash and organization in dealing with various infections.

    Next, is to figure out how to keep practicing getting up and using my strength to make sure I am still able to get up and down from the toilet and such. This was the final straw why I ended up coming to the hospital, I was unable to get off the toilet and needed lift assistance, well this, and the major infections.

    Finally, I have to figure out what is next with the kidney stone. Apparently, I will have to have it “blasted” to get rid of it, but I was told that shouldn’t be a big deal.

    My biggest focus right now is getting up and being strong enough to get home, as I am feeling the need to get home and organized- I ordered a bunch of stuff, including my Zeen, and want to try it all out!

    Looking through the week, I am excited to have lunch with a friend and then an awesome facial scheduled for my niece’s birthday at the end of the week. I tried to cancel everything else going on in order to organize myself.

  • Removing the Toxins: Norwex Products that Have Changed My Life!

    Several years ago, I discovered a new product line that grew my interest. Looking for something different than the chemicals I was using for detergents and cleaning products, I found Norwex. I have always had problems with scents and chemicals but loved the effects of things like Downy or dryer sheets. At the same time, my health was declining and I found a connection between these chemicals and how my body was feeling. The first change was getting rid of dryer sheets and I started using dryer balls to help “fluff”my clothes and laundry.

    Once laundry was situated, I began tackling kitchen messes with microfibers. I know some people just can’t do microfibers as the “freak” people out by their feel, but luckily I am not one of them. I ordered the classic kitchen cloths and began using them all the time. With the Baklock anti-bacterial treatment, it meant that I could essentially clean with only water. I then got the basic package of kitchen cloths, glass/mirror cleaner and duster mitt. The duster mitt was a total game changer. I managed to throw everything in the wash each week.

    Around this time, I also decided to tackle the bathroom needs and ordered towels with baklock. I hated using older towels that either smelled right away or never actually dried me off. As someone who struggles to shower due to energy conservation, I need to make every movement count. The towels wash so well and never smell or feel “gross.” I later added on a hair wrap, which also was a total game changer, even with short hair. I continue to be impressed with how well the towels have held up to regular washings and use.

    My “girl” Kathy has been wonderful and helps me gain more Norwex products. Through a regular cleaning club, I earn free products by ordering several times during a series of a given season. I also try to take advantage of things like mystery packs.

    Now, I use washable napkins instead of paper ones, I ordered special sink mats for Christmas and found that I love the refrigerator mats. All of this truly helps cut down on toxins like bleached paper towels or chemical cleaners.

    It’s important to note that using reusable products like microfibers really don’t take more time to clean, I simply throw them into my regular weekly washing. I just got a deep cleaning product for the microfibers, but haven’t tried it yet.

    I am looking to get a new mop system for my floors and now is the time for you to try some Norwex products that will help you at home, and help me get what I need as well.

    Have you tried anything from Norwex before? Let me know! Link for shopping below!

    https://www.norwex.com/?r=jyiasns&s=kathymagaha&store=us

  • One More Surgery Before The End of the Year!

    Nothing like finishing the year with an unplanned surgery. Yesterday, I ended up having a surgery biopsy of an artery near my left temple in an effort to learn more about a new possible diagnosis. All went well, I was thankful for my friend to take me and despite being a late add the day after Christmas, I made the most of it. Here is a link to the condition they are “treating for.” Basically, it’s yet another autoimmune issue.

    The hardest part continues to be taking such high dose steroids again. I needed a iv dose on top of everything else so sleep is hard to find. Luckily the pain is well managed with my usual and just a little extra Tylenol. The results will be pending until I follow up with the rheumatologist on Tuesday. still figuring out transportation for that trip too.

    In the meantime, I have a long awaited neurologist appointment on Monday to hopefully establish local neurology care and possibly go back to botox shots for my migraines. I made this appointment over the summer, so I hope it will be worth it. I’ve heard good things about the provider. Its hard to keep my expectations low at this point with a new provider, because even those that weren’t able to make much of an immediate difference, usually have something to give. For example, the neurologist I ended up working with in Florida was convinced I had MS, but his help really came in finding me a way to attain my amazing power wheelchair.

    And it goes like that. Some providers have the clinical experiences and are up to my challenge and others have a human side that rise to meet me as well. There are few in between that possess both features and for that I am most grateful. Either way, I have learned to not burn bridges for you never know when you may need them again. Chronic diseases cause extreme burnout for the patient and the providers, but with some patience, it can be managed.

    For this weekend, I will rest and recover, from Christmas, from surgery, and from chronic illness. I am working hard on a reflection of the past year, so that will be coming up. I think I am finally ready to embrace a New Year’s tradition that doesn’t work around a school calendar!