Hey Mel:

I was on the IV's in the early 90's. Two good things I recall about the infusions were that, my healing improved dramatically and it helped the weakness considerably. I had lower body weakness at the time and at first the doc said he thought it was from steroids. After I began the infusions that totally went away. (Now I have upper body weakness.)

I don't know what slow nail growth has to do with connective tissue disease, but mine also began growing like mad and were very long and strong. Overall, I felt a lot better. Some of the neuro symptoms cleared up. I would do these again if I could...

Glad Alan is getting a pump. He is one lucky guy to have you running interference for him.

Cathie

Thank you Cathie:

I only wish that someday, there might be someone to do this for me, (god help me, I hope I don't need any interference). See, there's usually one spouse that Does stuff. I'm that spouse. Comes easily for me.

I thought, when I got older, my son would be there for us. But that is not to be. Takes a lot of getting used to believe me.

Oh well, when I'm not fighting waterbugs or ants, I'm cooking up chicken and patatas. Just made honey teriyaki chicken. Alan about went out of his mind when I gave him a sample. I wish I could use Sesame seeds but he's got diverticulitis (never had any problems with that, they found it during a routing colonoscopy) so that means no seeds, right?? But a sesame chicken is to die for if you know how to cook it.

Hopefully the pump will arrive and I'll know what do to about it.

Hope you're in fighting form today!!! lol

Melody

I just called to confirm Monday's delivery and the woman said "You are getting a delivery of a Gemstar Pump and Gemstar tubing, along with the Gamma and other things. You are getting a delivery, not Fed Ex.

I asked "do I have to do anything with this pump, like charge it or anything?" and she replied "No, it's a battery operated pump".

So I just have to call and confirm which nurse they are sending over.
This should be a little odd because I haven't spoken to the Visiting Nurse Company since the Leaky bag thing.

Oh well. At least things are set up.

bye for now, Melody

I have nothing to add about the pump as I had no idea what this was but want to add to you that your amazing. I think this when ever I read your posts. Your husband is lucky to have you. I can't imagine with your own issues doing all you do for him. I know in the past you said you had some help but is there any family or others that could do more? You have an awesome spirit and helps me try to feel positive. Ok now go pamper YOU!

You read in one of my posts, that I had help??? Let me know which post, so I can call that person up!!! lol

No, there's nobody. I'll be brutally honest. When family members found out about my son being aspergers and having a gambling problem, not one person ever asked about him in 5 years. People are just not comfortable.

And forget about asking us if we need any help. I believe people have their own issues and their own stories and their own needs. I found that out years ago.

So I've learned to payfor what I can afford, cook all meals (and Alan now gets more involved because I would kill him if he didn't). No really, he's a lot more involved in helping me because no one can do all these things. But I am the one that makes the appointments, speaks to the doctors, orders the stuff, helps the nurses when they need help with the stuff, (holding a pole, or holding his arm, or whatever). I mean, someone has to do it and I'm here so I'm the one.

Take for example what I did today. I had to go on the avenue to make a big wash. So I put the clothes in the machine. The wash takes 35 minutes. I went to various produce stores because vegetables can vary by $.69 cents a pound, so I walk up and down and check and get the best value. Then I got stuff in the hardware store. Then I went to the supermarket and bought other stuff. By the time I get back to the laundromat, my wash is ready to go into the dryer. I put them in the dryer, then I go to the fish store, and I even had time to get my eyebrows waxed. That takes all of 5 minutes. So I take my parcels, go back into the laundromat, take out my clothes, put them in the bag, walk home. Then I started to cook dinner. I said to myself "Am I tired because I did lots of stuff today?? or am I tired because I'm almost 60 and when you're my age, you get tired".

I hope I got tired because I did lots of stuff today.

I just fed the King, and I will now eat my fish and salad. And I'm hungry. Boy am I hungry!!!

lol, Melody

see the charger hook up pic...

http://www.hospira.com/hspcadin/hspc...IPSGemstar.pdf

It's like a re-chargeable toothbrush, you should get a cord with it and charge it overnite before it's needed...to be cord-free during infusions. -j

Don't think it has a cord. Actually, when the lady told me "you are getting a gemstar pump, I distinctly asked her "do I have to charge it or something?" and she responded "no, it's battery operated"

Maybe she really doesn't know, but she was in the pharmacy department and they are the guys who prepare the Gammaglobulin.


P.S. I just took a look at the link. If you think I know what to do with this thing, forget it. When the guy brings it, of course I will ask him. I wish I could just hand all this over to Alan, but he can't even operate a remote correctly, let alone give him reign over an infusion pump. Now that would be funny!!!