Disabled & Barren
Many disabled people have children and everyone's family and experience is different. However, many people are unable to have children - biologically or otherwise - due to health issues. I am one of many.
The Squeaky Wheel SureHands Lift Giveaway!
I wanted to make a quick post boosting the current Squeaky Wheel giveaway for a custom SureHands Lift! Lifts are an incredibly helpful piece of medical equipment for those who have issues transferring, but can be difficult to get!
Wait.
Wait.
Nobody talks about how much of being disabled and chronically ill is waiting:
Spoonie Hacks: PEG tube edition
Feeding tubes are sometimes life saving necessities - but that doesn't mean that they're not annoying sometimes! Over the course of my eight years with a PEG tube, I've developed a few hacks to make everything a little bit easier.
Ask Aunt Lori: most asked questions about my PEG tube
Feeding tubes seem to be something that is very interesting to most people and I've been asked about it a lot! Though there are some that I haven't been asked much, a few come up often.
My PEG tube bumper was put on incorrectly - twice: the second time
I'm still surprised this was ever an issue the first time. It left me wary and annoyed with IR in general. When I was hospitalized for a very bad infection in my abdomen, my PEG tube had to be replaced. It was not in the right position and bleeding and leaking often, as well as causing a lot of pain!
Cease and desist
It's been about a year since I first wrote about Daniel “Rose” Freeman and I still periodically get messages, am told about posts, etc. I've tried to block him as much as possible, but he keeps finding another way.
Recently, I discovered that he has upgraded to libel:
My PEG tube bumper was put on incorrectly - twice: the first time
I had developed some friction irritation from a rectangular bumper on a PEG and requested a round one. My insurance requires me to get my PEG tubes replaced by an interventional radiologist, so I woke up bright and early for my appointment at the local IR clinic.
Chronic SOS - September 10, 2024
For this month's Chronic SOS, I'll be sharing stuff from the Cozy Grove games. As of now, they have a console game and a mobile game, Camp Spirit. I'm a huge fan of cozy games and they're also easier to play with dexterity issues! Having a mobile game is also good for times when my hand pain is more severe or I'm traveling.
My favorite PEG tube products
There is an abundance of products for PEG tubes and PEG tubes themselves! I've had a tube since early 2016 and I've used a lot of products and tube types!
PEG tube basics: care & complications
Particularly because of the location, daily care of your stoma (the hole the tube is in) is required to keep it healthy and prevent skin irritation and infections. Much like the first time you use it, it can seem intimidating but it's quite simple!
Remember to always wash your hands before and after doing anything with the site!
PEG tube basics: usage
Feeding
Using a PEG tube may seem scary and intimidating at first, but it's easy once the anxiety goes away!
Most tubes have adapters with two or three ports; the balloon type has three, and the ones without a balloon have two. NEVER use the smaller port that goes to the balloon; only use the larger ports (they usually have a cap to close them.
PEG tube basics: types and placement
In order to get adequate fluids, nutrients, and medications, a feeding tube may be needed. Most “tubies” have some degree of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and may receive one or more types:
I Have an Immune Deficiency
When I was a kid, I was always getting sick. If something was going around at school, I'd definitely catch it. I had pneumonia, strep throat, and stomach viruses multiple times. It was awful.
Chronic SOS - May 2, 2024
Hey everyone!
Its been a while!
The Road Back to Art
I've started to get back into art.
When I was young, I loved doing arts and crafts; but somewhere along the way, I lost my confidence. I went through a lot of bullying as a kid and the constant criticisms internalized and became negative self-talk.
Chronic SOS - January 1, 2024
I have taken a page from Frida Kahlo's book and rediscovered my love for art while on bedrest. I put my pieces in an album on my Facebook page, but I'd like to highlight a few recent ones today:
Chronic SOS - December 1, 2023
For today, let's keep it serene with some wintry landscapes as I paint my mental journey through my idea of tranquility.
Chronic SOS - November 24, 2023
The holiday season is ready to get BUSY now that Thanksgiving is over! For the final November 2023 installment of Chronic SOS, I'll be sharing some of the funniest commercials I could find - plus a bonus
Spoonful of Gratitude - Day 7
For the final day of the Spoonful of Gratitude challenge, I'm channeling my inner Fraulein Maria and ask you to share a few of your favorite things! I've chosen: music, microbiology, animals, writing, and tea!