Best Things Ever / Lessons Learned

[Sailorluna]

Hi all,
I was just thinking that maybe we could start a list of things we have learned or items we have discovered that have been helpful for pain relief, relaxation, healing... whatever. Just kind of a mishmash of good stuff.

I'll go first.... Calmoseptine. This magic lotion is an excellent barrier cream for if you have leakage - anal or fistula. It is sold behind the pharmacy counter at Walgreens here in the US so you have to ask for it. I don't know who mentioned it here a while back but I have been grateful every day since.

Heating pads. I bring one to work and keep one at home and spend a good deal of time sitting on them everyday. It helps with my fistula pain but when the stomach pains are bad it is a gem there as well.

 

[KWalker]

This may sound obvious but for me something that made a huge difference was NOT cheaping out when buying toilet paper. I used to think that there's no point in buying the expensive stuff when I use it so much that it wouldn't last but the cheap stuff is always less soft and caused me irritation. I also went through it simply because it was so thin that more was required. After switching and getting the good stuff it not only feels so much better and doesn't bother me, but it actually lasts longer as well because it is thicker so not as much is needed. I always just look for it when it goes on sale and its quite worth the price in my opinion.

 

[Gwen pippy]

I know this may sound odd, but learning to say NO
NO I can't or don't want to eat that.
NO I can't do that right now, I will when I'm ready.
And also learning to talk about my condition and not being embarrassed.
Oh and the best only don't tell the hubby hahaha is I told my in-laws that I had removed all the doors in the house and couldn't get them replaced as the guy who was to fit them was away, they wouldn't come visit thinking I had a curtain up instead.
Well I was in a flare and we only had one toilet. naughty I know but it helped.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

I'm learning not to stress if things don't get done or aren't perfect. I've always wanted to do like my mom did when people came over and the house was **** and span. But, since I've had this flare & I work too it doesn't always happen.

Also, for Christmas I usually make baskets for people (friends & neighbors) to give away and always put something small that I've cross-stitched for them. But, this last Christmas I didn't put anything homemade in there because there wasn't time & I wasn't feeling good either. Sad to say, I don't think anyone even missed that cross-stitched stuff...

 

[GutlessWonder86]

After my 3 surgeries the last 2 years, I've cut back on making holiday gift baskets full of cookies for family and friends. I explained to them that dealing with a nasty wound that wouldn't heal, being hooked up to an IV at home, plus I was sore and tired they understood. My nieces and nephews still got their gifts as I bought them around May/June as I like to plan ahead of time in case something happens to me.

When I was younger, say in my late 20s early 30s, I was able to multi task and do so much--clean the home, run errands, go out with friends,e tc. but then when the stroke hit 8 yrs. ago and I had problems after surgery 2 years ago, I learned to just take it one day at a time. The housework will always be there and if it's not Martha Stewart perfect, who cares. I listen to my body now and don't push myself if I feel like crap.

I've also noticed that I am not one to take crap from medical students or residents (doctor wannabes in training before they go into a private practice). When I was a kid my folks always told me to respect this people but after attending a few CCFA meetings and when I worked at the hospital I frequented, I learned that as a patient we had that right to toss them out on their butt for any reason--especially bad bedside manners. I did that once to a 4th yr. resident who had greasy hair and smelled bad. He wanted to do a rectal on me (I was admitted for a DVT) and I was like, I don't have an @ss and if you read my computer printout you'd see that. He was still insisting on doing it so I said very firmly LEAVE, you are not touching me. YOU SMELL BAD too. My BFF was with me when this happened and she was rolling on the floor laughing because she couldn't believe I stood up to him. His reply was that he was doing a 12 hr. shift and didn't have time to wash.

I was like, there was no way in hell this idiot, 4th yr. resident, who should be on his game before graduation, can't even read my info sheet, was going to touch me or give me a diagnosis without even examining me.

I don't take too kindly to stupidity any more. I mean, if medical personnel don't know something, don't BS me because I will go postal on their @ss. If they are upfront and honest about not knowing anything and at least take the time to find out or refer me to someone who does, I have more respect for them because they actually do care about their patients instead of the almighty dollar.

 

[Grumbletum]

Learned it from here and I always do it now. If I have a GP or GI appointment, I write down a list of symptoms and questions to ask. It's easy to forget something ( especially when you're on something like Pred! ) I take the list with me and note down important stuff the doc says.

 

[Sailorluna]

I learned the hard way that doctors are human. They don't know everything. You have to question things that don't seem right. They may not like it, but better they be annoyed with questions than that you suffer needlessly.

 

[Tiffany]

Keep my washroom well stocked with things I need durring a bad tummy day. I always have lots of tp,baby wipes, my favorite mags or books, and a cloth to wet and put on the back of my neck, I also usually have my Iphone to keep me busy lol or incase of emergency...never know what will happen in the bathroom.