Is anyone else prepping with a medically dependant person?

[Brent S]

I married a strong, hardworking energetic woman about 15 yrs ago. She was a dedicated nurse, and had two wonderful little kids, full of energy and a love of life. She started having health issues about 13 yrs ago, eventually being diagnosed with an auto immune disease that has been stealing her life a little at a time. She has been thru a lot, and is pretty frail now, and is dependent on serious pain medications and I inject her with roceffin , a very strong antibiotic, pretty frequently to keep her going as best as we can. She isn't very interested in prepping as the thought of trying to survive without her medical network is not viable. I'm just curious if any one of you are dealing with similar issues with a family member?

 

[Gazrok]

I am. We had to put some of this to a test when for a while, we were both out of work, no pain meds for her, and even after hired, time for medical to kick in. Luckily, we had a stockpile of her meds, so it wasn't too bad for too long, but still, a bit of a preview.

All the more reason to prep though. No SHTF here, just bad situations, yet without those preps, she would have suffered. Ways to build up?

Internet meds
Getting 3 month supplies
Getting extra for "trips"

Downside is, most think you're doing this to sell them, etc. if you do it too often. She doesn't even take her allotted dosage. But, we've been in situations too often where we were out of medical insurance, and that hoarding paid off. There really isn't a good method in place to honestly stockpile meds for a rainy day.

Of course, come SHTF though, one of my number one targets is going to be a remote drug store.

 

[Brent S]

I am. We had to put some of this to a test when for a while, we were both out of work, no pain meds for her, and even after hired, time for medical to kick in. Luckily, we had a stockpile of her meds, so it wasn't too bad for too long, but still, a bit of a preview.

All the more reason to prep though. No SHTF here, just bad situations, yet without those preps, she would have suffered. Ways to build up?

Internet meds
Getting 3 month supplies
Getting extra for "trips"

Downside is, most think you're doing this to sell them, etc. if you do it too often. She doesn't even take her allotted dosage. But, we've been in situations too often where we were out of medical insurance, and that hoarding paid off. There really isn't a good method in place to honestly stockpile meds for a rainy day.

Of course, come SHTF though, one of my number one targets is going to be a remote drug store.

Sorry to hear what the two of you are going thru as well. Your right about trying to stockpile pain meds being difficult. I understand there are a lot of addicts in the country, but every time they pass more laws it just makes it harder for the law abiding with real needs. My wife is way past the normal meds, has progressed to patches, which are really bad if she ever has to go cold turkey. You get a physical addiction that you can't just walk away from. I'm not too worried for me but I am always concerned for her needs if tshtf. I guess you have to accept that you prepare as much as you can, and that's about the best you can do. I would grow pot if I thought it would help her, which it prob. would, at least with nausea, but she is tested all the time by the pain mngmt drs., so that's off the table. I guess I'm not looking for answers here, sometimes there aren't any, but it's good to be able to vent a little of my frustrations. I hope the best for you, and have a merry Christmas.

 

[jimLE]

my mom take high blood presure meds.pain meds on acount she has degenerative bone structure and arthritis..pluse other meds.all that is a big concern to me when tshtf happens

 

[Dani]

So sorry for your wife Brent. . . I understand loved ones that are not physically able to help you prep for the future and your poor wife is not able to help you prepare. I am sorry that she is having health issues and I can sympathize with her feelings of " the thought of trying to survive without her medical network is not viable". I grew up with a disabled parent all my life and she has only gotten worse throughout the years. She has many "health problems" that she takes medications for. Big Hugs to you both!

 

[Brent S]

So sorry for your wife Brent. . . I understand loved ones that are not physically able to help you prep for the future and your poor wife is not able to help you prepare. I am sorry that she is having health issues and I can sympathize with her feelings of " the thought of trying to survive without her medical network is not viable". I grew up with a disabled parent all my life and she has only gotten worse throughout the years. She has many "health problems" that she takes medications for. Big Hugs to you both!

thanks

 

[Gazrok]

I would grow pot if I thought it would help her, which it prob. would, at least with nausea, but she is tested all the time by the pain mngmt drs., so that's off the table

Yep, and I will tell you, it DOES wonders for the nausea. If you can find a sympathetic doc, who knows its benefits with eating, it really helps.

 

[Brent S]

Yep, and I will tell you, it DOES wonders for the nausea. If you can find a sympathetic doc, who knows its benefits with eating, it really helps.

Here in ga. The pain management dr's have really strick guidelines, the urinanalysis and blood tests are mandatory here, and often, for her to get the meds she's on. I'm in the middle of the Bible Belt and they think marijuana is evil. I personally think the drugs she's on are evil, I say treat with the minimum whenever you can. There's my 2cents. Wish you both the best.

 

[Dani]

Honestly Brent, I would start checking into medical herbs and plants. I really wish I knew more about them, but I know of someone with cancer who has been treating herself with only natural medicines. Do some research and you and your wife may just be surprised on what you can find.

 

[Gazrok]

Yeah, amazing that they put folks on opium derivatives and then demonize a natural herb...ridiculous.
We do grow medicinal plants, but we're not about to grow illegal ones. With the kind of pain the original poster is talking about though, unless growing weed or opium, other options aren't exactly going to allow functionality. Folks who've never had to live with it, or with others who have it, don't realize that without serious meds, some people just can't get through the pain to function and live productive lives.

My wife has to take some serious meds to get out of bed in the am, but she does, and works each day.

 

[Brent S]

Yeah, amazing that they put folks on opium derivatives and then demonize a natural herb...ridiculous.
We do grow medicinal plants, but we're not about to grow illegal ones. With the kind of pain the original poster is talking about though, unless growing weed or opium, other options aren't exactly going to allow functionality. Folks who've never had to live with it, or with others who have it, don't realize that without serious meds, some people just can't get through the pain to function and live productive lives.

My wife has to take some serious meds to get out of bed in the am, but she does, and works each day.

I'm glad she can still function at least, giving up work was pretty tough on my wifes morale. i hope you have a chance at her improving. i have regular arthritis for a 50yr old thats worked hard all my life, but i can only imagine what trying to live with constant pain would be like. I work at a place that i hear constant whining from coworkers about petty things, i always try to tell people that if youre able to get up, move around, and be in good health, try to remember to be greatful for that. be well, brent

 

[Brent S]

Honestly Brent, I would start checking into medical herbs and plants. I really wish I knew more about them, but I know of someone with cancer who has been treating herself with only natural medicines. Do some research and you and your wife may just be surprised on what you can find.

hi there, I am all for treating things with the minimal dosage, and most simple way you can. i really think alot of things can be helped with diet, and lifesyle, but not all. i still think it wise to use a combination of natural and manmade remedys. we have looked into alot of different things, but not much has made an impact, either natural or manmade. anyways, hope you and your family are well this holiday, and thanks for the input.

 

[OneHitWonder]

I have a small "prepping team" with 4 other teens. One of them has Type 2 diabetes though, so Idk what we're gonna do about that. He has a whole backpack full of nothing but supplies to treat himself, but I don't know what will happen if he runs out.

 

[Brent S]

I have a small "prepping team" with 4 other teens. One of them has Type 2 diabetes though, so Idk what we're gonna do about that. He has a whole backpack full of nothing but supplies to treat himself, but I don't know what will happen if he runs out.

It's difficult to try and prepare for someone that has medical needs, but I can only imagine how scary it is for the person with those needs. It seems like type 2 diabetes is an epidemic in this country now. I know a lot of it is lifestyle, most of us in this country are overweight and eat loads of crap, but not all can be controlled by behavior. I recently learned that a cola has 9 teaspoons of sugar in it, no wonder most kids have problems. If he can, now is the best time to start changing his habits for a healthier lifestyle, get away from prepared foods, exercise, etc. again though, I realize not all will be helped by just this, I wish him and you all well. Brent.

 

[jimLE]

onehitwonder..you might look into Medicinal Herbs to see if any of them can prove to be a pluse for him.

 

[Gazrok]

For insulin needs, check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eva_Saxl

 

[jimLE]

well,i've been looking into herbs.and may of come across a couple for my mom when it comes to her arthritis..but yet i still gotta look into them more..1 is Arnica,another one is back cohosh. also known as black snakeroot,bugbane,rattleroot,rattleweed,and squawroot...i may even come across one that might help me stop smoking..and its called calamus..

 

[Brent S]

well,i've been looking into herbs.and may of come across a couple for my mom when it comes to her arthritis..but yet i still gotta look into them more..1 is Arnica,another one is back cohosh. also known as black snakeroot,bugbane,rattleroot,rattleweed,and squawroot...i may even come across one that might help me stop smoking..and its called calamus..

I smoked as a teen and it took about 11 yrs before I quit. I remember saying that when they hit a buck a pack I would quit! Anyways, I learned the secret to quitting is to break it down for what it is. First, the physical addiction of nicotine, second is the habit of fidgiting with them. The nicotine addiction is pretty easy to beat. When you first quit the cravings are pretty strong, but if you notice them, they only last a couple minutes and then subside. All you have to do is wait it out for those couple minutes, and then you're ok until the next one comes. With each passing day they come less frequently and are shorter. Within two weeks the cravings are pretty minimal and easy to dismiss. The harder part is the habit. (I seem to remember someone recently posted a pretty profound thing on habits). You have been fiddling with the pack, packing the cigarette, lighting it, handeling it as you smoke, etc. You are in the habit of having something to fidget with. So now you need to find something else to fidget with that works for you. I carried lemon drops for the first month, in a small tin box. I had to pull it out, unwrap the drop, put the box back in my pocket, etc. it wasn't a perfect replacement, but within three weeks I was pretty much over it. I still got some cravings, and for a long time, but they were mild and easy to get past. Just remember, whenever you get a craving, just keep thinking that it will pass in a minute or two, and it does. Wish you all the luck in the world! By the way, did I really see 5bucks a pack in a convience store?!!!

 

[jimLE]

i smoke filtered cigars.and their some where around 1.78 a pack with tax..but yet the cigarettes are 5.00 and more a pack before tax..

 

[alabaster]

Yes. We actually have quite a few family members(Mostly elders) who aren't well and need medication for things ranging from HBP, diabetes, and heart disease. It's an obstacle, but I can't stress enough how real the idea of survival really is.

There are all kinds of methods, from stockpiling to lifestyle changes. Personally, I have seen great benefits from holistic approaches. Everything from arthritis to diabetes to avascular necrosis, and almost everything in between. There are ways that we can change our diets & lifestyles(Including exercise), that will help us stay healthy now and for years to come. In my opinion, it just comes down to how bad you want change. Sure there are things that we can't help without medication, but think of how common it is for doctors to prescribe medication these days. How often do they suggest changing your eating habits or exercise routine? Almost never. They always seem to recommend a pill so you can continue living the same reckless lifestyle that got you in the position in the first place.

I've seen dramatic turns in my life, from losing 117lbs, struggling to walk on a walker, I had HBP AND diabetes. I beat all of that and my life has turned around dramatically. I know I'm not the only one, too. It's just hard to convince people these days that technology(Including medical tech) might not be the best answer. We as a people usually feel the newer the idea, the better it is. Often true, but not always.

 

[Gazrok]

I've seen dramatic turns in my life, from losing 117lbs, struggling to walk on a walker, I had HBP AND diabetes. I beat all of that and my life has turned around dramatically

Wow. Congrats on all of that!!!

 

[jimLE]

Yes. We actually have quite a few family members(Mostly elders) who aren't well and need medication for things ranging from HBP, diabetes, and heart disease. It's an obstacle, but I can't stress enough how real the idea of survival really is.

There are all kinds of methods, from stockpiling to lifestyle changes. Personally, I have seen great benefits from holistic approaches. Everything from arthritis to diabetes to avascular necrosis, and almost everything in between. There are ways that we can change our diets & lifestyles(Including exercise), that will help us stay healthy now and for years to come. In my opinion, it just comes down to how bad you want change. Sure there are things that we can't help without medication, but think of how common it is for doctors to prescribe medication these days. How often do they suggest changing your eating habits or exercise routine? Almost never. They always seem to recommend a pill so you can continue living the same reckless lifestyle that got you in the position in the first place.

I've seen dramatic turns in my life, from losing 117lbs, struggling to walk on a walker, I had HBP AND diabetes. I beat all of that and my life has turned around dramatically. I know I'm not the only one, too. It's just hard to convince people these days that technology(Including medical tech) might not be the best answer. We as a people usually feel the newer the idea, the better it is. Often true, but not always.

good going..on the 117LB'S and the HBP as well as the diabetes

 

[alabaster]

Thank you Gazrok & jimLE. It's been tough and there's still a long road ahead, but I just want to say that it IS possible and that people can accomplish whatever they want if they're willing to stick it out and fight what cards are against them. I thank God for it, really. I had gotten to a point of hopelessness and despair. I was in my early 30s when all of that started and it just sucked life right out of me until I started making progress.

Illnesses can really weigh on people and they really weigh on those around them, too. It's not easy to commit to taking care of other people, and it's not easy to ask them too. If we are really dedicated to each other and we are really dedicated to making it, we can both change ourselves, and help others accomplish the same.

 

[Silent Bob]

I married a strong, hardworking energetic woman about 15 yrs ago. She was a dedicated nurse, and had two wonderful little kids, full of energy and a love of life. She started having health issues about 13 yrs ago, eventually being diagnosed with an auto immune disease that has been stealing her life a little at a time. She has been thru a lot, and is pretty frail now, and is dependent on serious pain medications and I inject her with roceffin , a very strong antibiotic, pretty frequently to keep her going as best as we can. She isn't very interested in prepping as the thought of trying to survive without her medical network is not viable. I'm just curious if any one of you are dealing with similar issues with a family member?

Brent I thought I fired this to you, but if I didn't sorry...this is one area that I only have a little info on...but I will keep looking for you.

Here is a link have regarding the subject.

Patriot Nurse...