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What is on your medical calendar for December?
I hope during this holiday season you will spend more time decking the halls than walking any in a hospital or clinic!
Please share your calendar with us so we can support you through the good, the bad, and the in-between!
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23 Replies
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Hi @Colleen I hope this month will be filled with more holiday activities rather than medical appointments. However, being the end of the year, it’s often a time of both extremely busy or slow schedules for appointments.
I have some usual appointments and lab tests coming up. On Wednesday, I have a dental appointment because I cracked a tooth while eating a soft taco last Saturday. Unfortunately, my dentist isn’t available until Wednesday.
Right now, I’m relaxing on the couch with a cozy blanket, watching a Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s my jam to put on my pajamas early and unwind, especially since our days are getting shorter.
A fellow columnist who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) shared a column that resonated with me. I’d like to share it here because I found myself nodding along with so much of it. It also serves as a great reminder to slow down, even when the world around us seems intent on keeping us constantly busy.Here’s the link to the column; let me know if you have any takeaways after reading it.
https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/columns/2024/11/29/takes-force-nature-fortify-me-against-ms/
multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com
It takes a force of nature to fortify me against MS
Columnist Susan Payrovi finds that it takes a force of nature — namely, the dark and cold of approaching winter — to fortify her against MS.
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@jen-cueva thank you for sharing that column! I really appreciate her imagery and the encouragement the column offers towards surviving these darker days. I made a mental note when she mentioned how she makes sure to take in a little sunlight every day. Sometimes I become so busy with chores around the house and by the time I realize I haven’t stepped outside, it’s dark already!
There is an element of peace that can be found in the dark. I arrived at Mass a half hour early on Sunday. The lights were off except for dull path lights to the altar. You could see, it just wasn’t bright the way it is during Mass. I found it comforting and easier to focus on my prayers, and to be honest, disappointed once all the lights were flicked on.
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Hi, @Colleen yes, I thought the column would offer so much that many of us can relate to. I found her tips about sunlight excellent, too. But I always try to open windows and blinds when I wake up. The permission to almost allow ourselves to slow down hit me the hardest.
Darkness does offer a sense of calmness at times for me, too. I have also heard it helps with mental health, so I looked to find something, and this was one of many articles that popped up. Give it a read, and let me know your thoughts.
https://darksky.org/news/darkness-for-well-being/
darksky.org
If you’ve ever stood under the stars and taken a deep breath, you might have noticed the therapeutic effects of natural darkness. Research has shown that connecting with nature has many positive…
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@jen-cueva thank you so much for sharing the article, “Darkness for Well-Being.” I’m sending it to Cullen in case it’s focus on mental health might come in handy for a future college paper.
It was so interesting because I’ve mainly heard about the negative effects on darkness, especially this time of year. People talk about seasonal depression because of days getting darker early and remaining dark longer. I think many are failing to do what the article suggests, look up and appreciate the natural light provided by the moon and the stars!
I think light can sometimes overstimulate us and distract us from quiet time that we all deserve. That must be why when the church lights went on I felt annoyed. They distracted me and chased my peace away!
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@Colleen Yes, I, too, usually only hear the adverse effects of the time change when it becomes dark so early. But after reading that, I am trying to keep that as a reminder to slow down. It is so challenging when the world around us only tells us to keep going and do more each day. It’s the pressure we put on ourselves and the society we live in today.
I’m also trying not to be on my electronic devices after a specific time. But that is a work in progress. I am good with getting in my comfy PJs early, LOL.
Just as I started to work on accepting this time change, I heard yesterday that Elon may be working on keeping us in the same time zone all year. So, stay tuned.
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@jen-cueva I had heard that too about Eon working to keep us in the same time zone. We’ll see how that goes. The early darkness is hard on children and sometimes the elderly. My parents have definitely felt the effect of it.
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Hi @Colleen , yes, I have heard that many different age groups are affected by it getting dark so early. I think of myself as a kid and remember playing outside “uinmtil the street lights go on.” However, when it gets so dark when the kids come home from school, they don’t have that outdoor playtime.
It affects me, too.
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Colleen, It’s been a while – almost 4 weeks since I had to see a doctor. We’re here in FL with lots of sun and blue skies! I have only my allergist to see and my dentist for teeth cleaning, and that’s it! I’m thrilled to do NOTHING and have all those doctor appts behind me for the next 4 months at least. Life is good! Merry, Happy, Joyous! May it all be yours!
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Hi @Terese Tuohey , I bet it is fantastic not to worry about those appointments for several months. Sunshine and blue skies sound perfect to celebrate the Christmas blessings this year!
But I can bet your “NOTHING” means your social calendar probably gets busier.
Enjoy the months off without pesky appointments, extra love, hugs, and joy coming your way this holiday season. 🤗
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@Terese Tuohey I could envision you smiling as you typed this update! What a great way to end this year and start a new one! I know all too well how wonderful this break must feel for you! Relax and enjoy all this season has to offer!
I squeezed in one important appointment for myself before the end of this year. Today I had a heart ECHO. I’m not sure what doctor is going to review it since mine passed away, but it’s done. A promise I kept to myself. Tomorrow Cullen comes home for winter break and my other son, Aidan, arrives on the 18th! I can’t wait to spend time with both of my son’s together!
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@Colleen ,congratulations on keeping up with self-care! I’m proud of you for squeezing in your Echo.
How exciting that Cullen will be back home tomorrow and Aidan next week! It doesn’t seem like Christmas time is almost here. Do you and the boys have any unique plans, you three, while Aidan is there with you, too?
I bet your parents are also thrilled to have you all there with them this Christmas season! What’s your parents’ favorite tradition at Christmas? Because your mom enjoys singing, do they have any carolers in your neighborhood?
Who is cooking Christmas dinner? I know you will have those stockings ready. Do you continue to do several as you overload them? What are some of the things your boys enjoy receiving in their stockings?
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@jen-cueva I will be doing the cooking. I’m thinking prime rib this year. I’m a little disappointed. I thought Aidan leaves Christmas Eve, not Christmas night. We will have to celebrate early I guess. We are thinking about going to New York City for a day or 2. We’ll see.
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Hi @Colleen , prime rib sounds great! That’s what KK and I thought about, too. But then Manny decided we were doing a Brazilian steak house for our Christmas Eve dinner, so there was already tons of meat. We may do seafood on Christmas Day, but we also have brunch with her cinnamon rolls and quiche.
How far is NYC for you? That would be cool! Whatever you decide to do, I know it will be full of joy and making new memories together! Merry Christmas, Colleen, to you and all of your family!
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I pray you all have a merry Christmas. I’ll be switching over from subcutaneous delivery to IV delivery of Remodulin within the next 2 weeks. They’re adding Winrevair to my treatment as well. I’m pretty excited. I can tell the Remodulen is a game changer but in the 5 months I’ve been on it the delivery site pain has become tortuous. I’m at a low dose of only 25 and we’re taking it up to near 100. Winrevair is supposed to be very helpful as well. My pressures are extremely high so I’m really on board even if I’m in the hospital thru Christmas. Until then I’m ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. God bless all of you and ill try and keep everyone posted.
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@John Caraway I respect your positive attitude! You are putting your health first which is the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas. I’m hoping for you that the treatments start making a difference and in the new year your test results will start looking better. Thank you for ringing the bell for the Salvation Army! That is important and awesome too! Please keep us updated.
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Wow, @John Caraway , you are still kind and thinking of others despite all you are dealing with and the change in your PH treatments. I hope the IV remodulin and Winrevair will be the treatment regimen you need. Maybe Santa will be the one to grant you these two treatments, and you will update us with some positive news within a week or so.
Bless you, my PHriend. Please do keep us posted. Merry Christmas, John!
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Dear Colleen and Jen, I’ve been given an early Christmas gift – I can switch from Coumadin to Eliquis! I’m delighted to forego the finger pricks and weekly reports, and to enjoy a diet where I don’t have to stop and think if I’ve had too many leafy greens that day. I hope to start next week, and be celebrating Christ’s birth with family! Wishing you and all the folks on the forum the very best of the Christmas Season!
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@Terese Tuohey you must have been a very good girl this year because that is such a great gift! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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Hi @Terese Tuohey , what a wonderful early Christmas gift you have received. Eliquis will be so much easier, and fewer finger sticks are always a plus! Thanks for sharing!
Wishing you and your loving hubby a Merry Christmas and many more blessings in the new year!
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Thank you @jen-cueva and @Colleen for both inspiring and encouragement – they both touch me.
I know so many people who have seasonal depression from the lack of sunlight. One woman who worked with me really had a rough time. I bought her one of those lights that ✨️ that help like having sunshine. They do work!
For the last 2 years we have tried to travel in our motorhome down the Coast to San Diego but 2 years in a row I ended up in the hospital and had to cancel 😞! Well 3rd time we hope is a charm. We have the motorhome almost ready and plan to head South after Christmas 🎄 😀
Sending out warm wishes ✨️ Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 and a New Year that is full of Joy 😊. Lots of ❤️,
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Hi, @carol-volckmann ,like you would think, many are affected by what is now termed as “SAD,” Seasonal affective Depression. I know when we were in Ohio and IL a little through the years, that was an actual occurrence. My late MIL dealt with that. They moved from Southern California to a small quaint town in Ohio about 15 years ago. That was a huge event, and she suffered each year. It broke my heart and the year before she passed away, she told me how hard she struggled.
She was always so chipper and upbeat in California, but when winter came that first year they arrived in Ohio, she was literally a different person. She managed to endure it for about ten years, so I applaud her for that. I thought that town, or rather village, was so charming, especially during the holidays. However, getting outdoors in the winter was not very enjoyable for me either.
I’m so excited and hope to see you here in 2025, Carol! Take great care of yourself and each other so you can make that trip in the upcoming year!
Until then, enjoy the little joyful moments and find time to rest. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and whatever else you may celebrate this time of year!🎄💜🤗
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Hi Jen and Collleen! I have attempted to post on the forum several times, and had to change password again to be successful. However, I read the posts and keep up with everybody!<div><div>
I don’t know how i got so unlucky, but there are 10 medical appts on my calender for December! Three of them were my husband’s and the rest mine. When this week ends, I will have gone out every day for appts – the week before Christmas! Sadly, John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in mid-October, which adds stress for both of us.😞
All my appts. have been basically good, except for the main one – echocardiogram and cardiologist f/u on December 9. We had the “difficult talk”. My lung pressures have increased to 100. My main worry is that it is caused by my mitral valve, and I am too high risk with poor heart anatomy for replacement at this time. I am trying my hardest to stay upbeat and get peace about this whole thing. I am truly living the saying “each new day is a gift”. 🙏
The encouragement and concern I find here is so appreciated. I know each one has been touched by PH in some way, and you understand. I can feel the kindness from each one.❤️
Wishing every one a blessed Christmas, doing the things with family that makes you happy! 🎄 Be safe as we enter a new year.
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Hi @DeLois Tweedy , I am happy to see you again, and I’m sorry you had some trouble posting. If and when that occurs, please email me, and I will happily update for you. I will also investigate to see if we can figure out what is causing the issue. It can be frustrating- I know.
Aww, you poor, sweet lady. I am sorry to hear that your hubby, John, was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. That only added to the extra appointments this month. I bet you both are beyond exhausted and ready for a little break, my dear PHriend.
I was truly concerned to hear about your increased pressures, especially knowing that if it’s related to your mitral valve, surgery may not be an option for you. However, I believe in hope and faith, so I will keep you and John in my prayers.
This issue may not be related to your valve, and perhaps one of the newer PH treatments could be beneficial. Will your cardiologist perform a right heart catheterization (RHC) to confirm the pressures, or what did they say regarding your candidacy for surgery? What and when will you see them next?
I’m thinking of you and holding you close as you continue to be optimistic and enjoy this holiday season, my PHriend. May you find joy and peace in all you have managed especially over the last two months. 🤗🙏
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