I dedicate this post to the chronically ill, newly diagnosed and their caregivers. You are the Survivors.

It took three painful years to learn I had Chronic Lyme Disease. I’ve had bumps over the years, nothing like Lyme. I’m totally dependent on my husband. Every week he takes countless hours off work. There’s IV Therapy before and after work. Day to-day monitoring the catheter with weekly bandage changes. Out of state doctor appointments once a month, insure medicines are taken properly, on time and everything you can think of.

I didn’t know what life would teach me. Boy have I learned and want to share with you. The ongoing guilt is a challenge for me.Guilt for not getting out of bed, doing laundry, on and on.

I had no concept of how humiliating daily life can get. I march on. At 52, I wear Kotex for daily spills. The agony of not taking extra Kotex on long flight.

I made a list to complete before treatment. HA! It’s hard to prepare for everything when an illness effects everyone different. The post is female oriented, I can’t speak for men. Use your imagination.

Some suggestions will make you laugh and others grateful to know. Here are a few surprises. The list is task you may want to consider.

Any Dental work

Mammogram

Gynecologist

By wardrobe essentials, one size larger, possibly add another half-size or larger.

Shoes become a nightmare, one day your sneakers fit, next day you’re searching for the big ugly pair. Buy a size larger. If you suffer from Edema another half-size makes your day. Edema makes my feet look like melons.

Don’t forget pajamas, undergarments, bra extensions, or Cami.

Your bladder can overflow without warning.

Can’t walk, can’t drive.

Load books, podcast and free College Coursework.

Because the catheter CAN’T EVER get wet, no shower and washing hair a nightmare. I did find a fix. Buy two hairstylist capes with velcro around neck. Wear one backwards the other normal. The backwards one tends to fall forward, I safety pinned arms and pinned back s much as possible. I used 2-1 shampoo, towel close for water in my face and drying towels within distance.

Many households keep rolling due to your efforts.The caregiver will feel like your mother or father at times. Without caregivers, life will weigh you down. Be generous, a thank you goes a long way. Caregivers handle day-to-day task, make appointments, manage medication. Pill maintenance is a full-time job.

I’ll share the next 18-24 month journey to wellness with you.

I can’t express the love in my heart for supporters, friends and followers You’ve stayed by my side in prayer and saying positive words over me.

Xx  Melinda

P.S. The reference learning to fly is Sky Diving from 18,000 feet.

I needed some laughter, the videos will do the trick.Have a great weekend  Xx  M

The trick on YouTube, maybe VeVo. Only difference, taped clock on far right. Click on. Time for Dance Party.

I started at 8:30pm deciding on video’s. After years of enjoyment, YouTube and VeVo are enforcing copyright laws. Somebody has an answer, please leave a comment or email msandorm@verizon.net. The Shania Twain video is an example, of the the copyright screen. I stopped at 1:00am, way past bedtime. I’m praying for progress today. Here’s a snack while I work on desert.

Xx  M

I was thinking about tunes to play, Prince came to mind. He’s Mystical, very erotic with dancers and fans enjoy every minute. Prince supported multiple charities, one supported kids education. He heard the library was closing due to lack of funds. The next day, the library doors opened.

I celebrate the life of Prince and pray the family comes together with hearts of love.

Xx  M

I met with the Lyme Doctor on Monday, arriving home yesterday emotionally and physically drained. I knew music would lift my spirit. The videos are special to me for the message. I’m blessed even when it sounds differently. Thank you for bringing sunshine with your comments.               RIP Merle Haggard.    Xx  M

I enjoyed picking the videos this week, so many great tunes to choose from. The songs have memories attached in my head. The passion of an artist has to shine brightly.  Xx  M

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