Do you use the drive-thru more after a PH diagnosis?

[Terese]

Jen,

I don’t know about PJs, but I have used the CVS drug store drive thru more than once for my meds. Mostly though, I am happiest with home delivery for my groceries. Kroger is wonderful for online ordering and home delivery. And for $59/year, all I have to do is order at least $35 at a time to get free delivery. And what’s $35, bread, milk, yogurt and some hamburger or chicken? Kroger is nation-wide, but under several different names. Don’t know what is in your area, but you can look it up at Kroger.com And I have gone to the door to pick up that delivery in my PJs!

Hope all is going well for you! Hugs!

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Terese Tuohey, those CVS drive-thrus are lovely! I also use Ralphs, which is our Kroger store delivery here. Walmart also has a similar plan, and I purchase all of our cleaners, paper products, etc., at Walmart, so it’s handy, too. Walmart offers a disability and senior discount, but it’s like that, too, anything over $35.

But SBUX is my drive-thru treat while I am out, and I try not to go stir crazy inside. Hehe.

Thanks for sharing your experience with Drive Thru and other resources. Now I wonder if SBUX has any freebies today. I’ll look shortly.

[Debbie]

I always use a drive thru if it’s available. I also changed post offices. One had quite a few steps to get in (old historic building) and now I go to one in a shopping center – no steps. Walmart had a pharmacy pick up parking space, but that ended quickly. Too many people using it for parking and not pharmacy. I use a car wash instead of washing it myself. That’s a drive thru, right? Hehe.

[jen-cueva]

Hi, @Debbie Moore. That’s why Walmart no longer offers that drive-up pick-up pharmacy option. I noticed they weren’t offering it, but I didn’t know why. That’s too bad.

Yes, a car wash is a drive-thru, and I use that, too, although Manny prefers to take it. 😉

Yes, the post office change makes sense. I shop in person based on who usually has parking available, not a mile out. There are so many logistics in our everyday lives that many wouldn’t think twice about. Maybe I need to write about this because PH does affect our daily tasks and outings.

[Roger Bliss]

I don’t do fast food because I am celiac. I do almost exclusively use the drive up at the bank and pharmacies.

[jen-cueva]

Aww, I didn’t realize that you have celiac, @Roger Bliss . Maybe you’ve mentioned it, but my forgetness is worse as I age.

That explains why you take certain supplements, etc. Thanks for sharing; the bank and pharmacy drive-thrus are so convenient. Well, unless you are in the dump truck, is that an issue?

[Roger Bliss]

Dump Truck doesn’t fit in most drive ups.

[jen-cueva]

LOL @Roger Bliss, I thought I responded to this last month. But I must have read it and been distracted, and I never told you how funny yet true your statement is.

Do they have a lot of drive-thrus in your area? I don’t know why, but I thought maybe it was about fishing and fresh fruits and veggies. I think it was maybe you or someone I’ve met from Alaska who eats fish and reindeer sausage for breakfast. I know you eat a specific diet you can tolerate. What is your favorite meal to eat?

[Roger Bliss]

Most of the pharmacy’s and banks have a drive through. Don’t eat fish or reindeer sausage for breakfast. Bacon, eggs, home fries and sometimes grits for breakfast. Must of been someone else.

Good drive up story…….Back in my mushing days about 35 years ago, farmers would give cows, horses etc that died of natural causes to the local mushers for dog food. I picked up a couple dead cows at the port in Anchorage that died while being transported. They put them in the back of my pickup. We got hungry on the way home and stopped at a Burger King drive through. Guess it’s unusual to drive around in Anchorage with a couple of dead cows in your pickup???? Anyway, when I got to the drive up window the guy working there eyes got real big. He asked me about the cows…..lucky is was after we got our food. I told him ” didn’t you hear Burger King is trying to save money and your going to have to cut up your own beef. Where do you want me dump them.” He started screaming for the manager and said something about calling the cops. That was my cue to take off. The cops never did show up or go after me. Got out of that one.😇

[Col]

What a great question and honestly I really appreciate all of the great ideas! Sorry about the dump truck not fitting in the drive thry, Roger, lol!😁

I do get most of my groceries delivered from Walmart; it is so convenient and they will instantly correct anything that isn’t right.

Jen, very guilty as charged on the pj trips through the bank drive thru! 😊

I have to just say something to each of you. Initially, I was hesitant to join this group; I tend to be private and have a hard time sharing at times.

Each of you are so special; kind, knowledgeable, courageous, brave and resilient. Thank you for taking me in as one of your own. It means the world to me!💙

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Col, you are too funny. But you are also so very kind and caring.💜

If you get groceries delivered from Walmart, do you have Walmart Plus? If you do, tell them you are disabled, and they will give you a cheaper subscription. It is offered to the disabled and senior citizens. FYI. Then, anything over $35 is free delivery. I order most cleaning and household supplies monthly or when I forget something we need.

We are like an extended PHamily, and I’m overjoyed that you feel so welcome here. We pride ourselves on being supportive as we are all in this PHight together.

Thank you for taking the chance to step outside your comfort zone. We are grateful you found us and allowed us to support you. Your vulnerability is appreciated- I know it’s challenging at first. I too, was more private I think before my PH diagnosis. Now, I speak at conferences with HCPs, researchers, and others so others behind us won’t feel alone and overwhelmed.

You contribute and offer much for our members here, too. Thank you. 🤗

[Rayetta]

I have used the drive thru a lot more since my PH diagnosis. I use my pharmacy drive thru at Walmart, fast food places (I know that I shouldn’t be eating at these places, but when my energy is gone, cooking is not going to happen) and my bank drive thru. I also have ordered my groceries on line and picked them up rather than go in and shop for myself on multiple occasions. It all depends on how I am feeling and how much energy I have whether I go into a place. I find drive thru really helps me conserve my energy and even helps when I have used up most of my energy.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Rayetta, I do more drive-thrus, especially on bad days and when trying to conserve my “spoons” for something planned later. Most days, if I go to get groceries, I try to do more than one task while out. Those days, I am not making dinner.

I feel like I just spent all this money on food, and I am too drained to cook. Do you also experience this issue?

I never used delivery or as many drive-thrus until COVID. Once, I was pretty much-getting everything delivered when I was on lockdown!

[Rayetta]

I can relate to the going out and buying groceries and then not cooking dinner. I usually stop for fast food on those days, because I know by the time I get home that I am going to be worn out and I still have to put groceries away. Some days I don’t even get them all put away. I put away the items that need to be refrigerated and frozen and the rest get left until I have energy again. Life is so much different for me now than before I got diagnosed. I am lucky enough to live in an apartment building that has grocery carts at the entrance to help get my groceries from my car to my apartment. I live on the second floor and this would mean multiple trips if it wasn’t for the carts. I really don’t know how I would handle it without the carts. I would probably have to have them delivered or hire a neighbor to help me get them in. I really miss the old me before this disease! I was so active and had energy, now it seems energy is hard to find and once found it doesn’t last long.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Rayetta, Oh, you are not alone, my PHriend. Often, I leave the heavy bags, water bottles, etc., in my car until my hubby or daughter gets home. I’ll take in the cold things and put them away. But like you share, the other groceries are often put away slowly or the following day if there is no one to help.

I am honestly amazed at how others get things done when they have no one at home to help. Is it just that you don’t have any other choice? I am inspired, but I also know how exhausted I get, and my daughter and hubby are here many times to help.

Thankfully, you have carts available. Is there an elevator to get your groceries to the second level?

Your words speak to me and undoubtedly many others after a PH diagnosis. Powerful- thank you for sharing and sending you a little extra spoon of energy this Monday, my PHriend.🤗

“I really miss the old me before this disease! I was so active and had energy, now it seems energy is hard to find and once found it doesn’t last long.”

[Col]

Hi Jen and Rayetta,

Rayetta in so pleased to make your acquaintance! What a wonderful idea to use a cart for taking groceries to your second floor apartment! Brilliant! This is why I love these discussions; I absolutely always learn something new everyday!

Jen, thank you for the Walmart tip! I had no idea they do free delivery for the disabled and senior citizens!

Ladies, I definitely do not cook on the days of groceries or laundry. Conserving energy is a non negotiable piece to PAH.

Today I actually made dinner at noon today and then knew it would be ready when my Mom would like to eat. Lately I am taking an afternoon nap; my energy has been at a new low lately. I think it has to do with my titration up with Winrevair and a strange side effect I have developed; excessive sweating.

Life is a new journey every day. But I wake up and am thankful and grateful. I try to calm the voice in my head that tells me I’m not enough anymore; but Jen, since you recommended therapy, I’m really looking forward to it.

My phfriends and phfamily meam the world to me here.

I wish everyone a beautiful day tomorrow after a restful night! All of you are so brave, resilient and so courageous.

💙🫁💙🫂

Colleen

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Col, You are on point as you share not making dinner on laundry or grocery shopping days. Yesterday, I did two loads of laundry. My hubby and I then had dinner (picnic style) on my blanket at the beach. I needed a reset, so we put it in our comfy clothes because we both were exhausted. But I needed to hear the waves and touch the water and the sand.

I took a book to read after we ate. He had pizza, salad, and calamari from his favorite pizza spot. I didn’t eat much except the calamari. I wanted to chill and read my book, but there was no cooking or dirty dishes.

I’m sorry you are experiencing excessive sweating. I experience that off and on during the day and nights, but mine is most likely the culprit: pre- and peri-menopause. Was that a side effect that anyone mentioned with Winrevair yet? Did you share this with your PH nurse or team? Also, maybe add to the topic where others recently shared about Winrevair updates. I know my heart can also cause increased sweating at times, especially when it is working harder.

What did you make yesterday, Colleen? Do you do most of the cooking? On many Sundays, we have a late breakfast/brunch, meaning Manny does. Then, we often have a later lunch and early dinner combined—I refer to that as “Linner,” hehe.

I’m so happy yopu are looking to start therapy. I hope and pray you find someone with whom you will feel comfortable and get the benefits. It does take a little time to see if you will work well together. If not, don’t give up, try another one. You got this, my PHriend!🤗

I need to grab a few things at the grocery store this afternoon. But since he is grilling chicken, we will have a bagged salad and a veggie or microwaved or air-fried potato. 😉

The Walmart Plus is discounted for us, but you will get free delivery for anything over $35. You probably have to ask. One sweet customer service lady shared it with me and said they don’t tell most people.

[Col]

OMG, Roger, when I read your story, I snorted, laughing at your Burger King adventure! You are hilarious!

Life must be quite the tale to tell in Alaska!

Jen, thanks fur your message. I did check with my local Walmart and they do not do free or discounted delivery for disabled ot elderly people. But the customer service agent gave me 10 dollars off if my next order! So that was nice!

I’m sorry that you have had excessive sweating at times as well. Mine is when I really push myself and I tend to do that. The cardiologist never heard of it but documents everything to send back to the makers of Winrevair. I am currently the only patient on it in the office.

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of stomach problems again and pain in my intestinal area. I bought a back brace (thanks Amazon Prime, lol) and it send to help. My chest pain has increased and the doctors are telling me to slow down. Yeah, right. Do they knew me, 😆? Or it cud be one if the other drugs I take or interactions. #sigh # shrug

I’m happy to hear you had a peaceful day at the beach with your hubby. And the awesome advice you give to everyone really helps, so thank you.

And Jen, I went out on my first date in over a year since my engagement ended. He seems nice, an actual gentleman. We’ll see what happens.

Ironically my ex, Harry, contacted me the next day. Irony at its best👌.

We’re coming up on the 1 year anniversary of my Dad’s sudden death and I’ve been trying to cope. Mom and I are taking off to the beach on the 16th for a few days to just be nice to ourselves and try to relax and renew our complete exhaustion lately. I’m excited. The Dr asked that I not travel that far but I have one gesture for him, lol. This is my life and I’m going!

How are you? How are your husband and daughter doing?

In so happy autumn 🍂 is coming. Night’s like tonight are a gorgeous blessing. 😊🫂🙏💙🫁💙✨️

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Col , LOL—yes, @Roger Bliss, it makes us crack up. But he is also a busybody and keeps on going. Sounds familiar, huh?

I’m thrilled about your date, but take it slow. I know it’s easier said than done. I’m guilty, too!

I am sorry about your side effects, but happy that you’re keeping your PH team updated.

The beach is always a great place to rest. How far will you be traveling to the beach? Just be sure you have plenty of meds and backups. I also usually check the area where I am headed for the largest hospital and whether they offer a PH center. It’s much better to be overprepared. Will you and your mom be driving?

I hope this trip will help you both and offer some peace, as I’m sure it’s still heartbreaking without your dad. Lean on each other and your closest friends and PHriends to help get you through a difficult season.

Thank you for your thoughtful words. My hubby and daughter are doing well, thanks. My daughter is getting ready to move out later this month. But I think it will be good for her. Thankfully she will only be about 20 minutes away. 💜🤗