TEN THINGS I COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT
by Niki Wyre
Welcome to the thirteenth day post for the Wego Health Activist Writers Month Challenge. Thirty posts in thirty days. Today Wego challenged us Health Activist Writers to compile a list of ten things that we couldn’t live without, needed or just loved to make it through life.
Sounds easy enough, right? It actually took some long time in reflection as I reevaluated my life, what things that are important to me, what I could do without, and what things I truly needed or I would be lost without them.
In no particular order, here is my list.
1. My loved ones : I cannot survive with my love and support, from family to friends to my love to my fur babies. I cannot even imagine life without them.
2. Health Care / Medications: I think this is would be on a lot of your lists as well. Even though the medicines aren’t miracle cures they help me keep on going and give me hope for the future. Had I not have medical intervention in the past, I would of died on five or six different occasions.
3. Humor: Humor is truly the salve to my hurting body and soul. I use it to deflect the pain, the depression or remind myself that things could be worse. Laughing releases endorphins that in turn make you feel happier.
4. Electricity / Current technology: Seriously can’t give this one up people. I don’t think I would be able to survive without it.
5. Indoor plumbing: Sounds funny to say it outloud or put it on the list but believe me, not having it, well it’s not pretty. I remember as a child visiting a great great aunt on her little farm. They were proud owners of a rickety old outhouse. I would try to hold it and not drink during visits because I did not want to go into that stinky falling apart outhouse. No way Jose.
6. Internet / Computer Access: Obviously this is a given when it’s how I communicate with the outside world while laid up in my bed, which is the majority of my time these days. Without social networks like Facebook, I would still be stuck as a woman that felt she was alone in her battle with RA. The support groups and the community we have created together has given me a purpose each and every day. I have a group of people that understand what I am going through at any given time. I would also be completely lost without streaming video on Netflix and Hulu!
7. My topical treatments: Whether its my Biofreeze, Penetran Plus, Gellert, Tiger Balm, or prescription Pennsaid, don’t try to take them away from me. I will bite or hit you with my cane. This is like crack for my joints and I need it to make it through, especially on the hard days.
8. Assistive Devices: Like many of you, I am dependent on assistive devices from walking to opening packages or jars. Without my canes, rollator or wheelchair, I would be completely lost. I’m sure I would never been able to do anything but lay in bed or sit in a recliner. These devices help me get to the doctors, visit family or participate in family outings. Not to mention my shower chair, soap dispenser, etc.
9. My Kindle Fire: Over the past 4 to 5 years, my hands have become increasingly worse. Reading is one of my passions for my whole life. I loved to devour books in one sitting, but as my hands got worse they starting cramping then spasming. I would accidently drop or throw the books, losing my place more times than I would rather admit to. it was frustrating. Soon it became difficult to just hold the pages open or turn the pages. One day Murphy surprised with with my first Kindle. It was like he gave me my love back. I could now read and read while only switching books by lightly tapping the turn page buttons. Now that I have the Kindle Fire, wow is all I can say. Now I can not only read books, but listen to music, watch videos or movies, use the internet browser etc. It’s my prreecciiioooouuuusss. (Said in best Golem impression)
10. My house: Whether its the roof over my head, my super comfy bed or the family we have created in our home, I definitely couldn’t make it without the basic necessities it provides. Lets not forget those wonderful appliances!
If you want to see all the Wego Challenge blogs check here.
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