[tshadow]

My new "home aid" is actually a nurse, and I have to say, she is the best thing ever to come along in my life.

I had such a bad attitude...

I was thinking that I didn't even want to go through the process of meeting a new person again, training a new person, dealing with all of the accusations of: "you're not so sick, I have seen people who are paraplegics, etc." Or worse, people who asked me for money, or took things from my house...So I was a real stinker when it came down to it...

And surprise. First, she's a real nurse. She's doing this in her later years. She likes a slower job now. I don't have to "train" her at all. When I'm in high pain in the AM, can barely talk or walk, I don't have to do a thing!

Today we had the BEST day together. We laughed so much. She's been here one week, and I swear, I am doing better today, because of her.

I would really like it if anyone who can't prepare their own food, go to the grocery, change their bed, do their laundry, or rub lotion on their body, if you could talk to your doctors and get a home aid from disability, work comp, or private insurance, IF that is possible for you, PLEASE do try, as she (as well as the dry heat of the desert) has turned me from a primarily bedridden person, to a primarily up & around person. Today, I was in high pain in the AM, and she started at my neck and worked lotion all the way down, and without meds, she relieved so much pain.

I thank God, thank insurance, and whoever else - thank HER, I am so thankful for her. I want everyone to have someone like her, so that you all can heal more also. I share this only so that if it is possible, you can go to your docs, and get a prescription, and get some help also, if you did not know it was available.

Again: disability, Medicare, Medical, social services, work comp, private insurance - I think you should check out all of these sources through your doctor or through a social worker for care.

God bless.