Finally, finally I am ready to put away my “Covid Rescue Hospital Travel Bag” and move on. This decision seems to be supported by the fact that I am, gratefully, wearing my mask less frequently, and more purposefully, only when necessary. Proudly double vaccinated, I am making a statement that I am mindful I will not infect anyone, and that I am feeling confident that I, too, am safe.
My “Covid Rescue Travel Bag,” which is, by the way, an adorable red and white polka dot print, has sat in the same place since March of last year. At that time, we thought it would only sit there for a little while, but more than a year later, I finally put it in the closet, in hopes that it NEVER needs to be used. As I mentioned months ago, I believe in having a bag at the ready, having been rushed to the hospital, seemingly every three weeks, for over 2 decades on a regular basis. That bag, also a cute black and white zebra print, contained a phone charger, toiletries, extra underwear, a few “good luck’ pieces, Vaseline for dry lips, eye cream and skin moisturizer, and of course, lipstick and under-eye concealer. Listen, a girl needs what a girl needs!
Over the past 7 years, since my ileostomy, there has been more in the black and white zebra rescue bag, and now it is also filled with ostomy supplies. I cannot stress enough for all ostomates how comforting it is to have your own stash, because we are pretty much guaranteed that the hospital will NOT have what we comfortably use. One is fortunate if they are in a hospital or medical center that even has a Wound and Ostomy Continence Nurse available to assist them, let alone, to have a cache of supplies available. Although our number one job is to AVOID the hospital, it happens!
My plan is to ceremoniously unpack my red and white polka dot Covid Rescue bag and feel the relief of returning to normalcy. I will never forget or minimize the losses that Covid-19 has perpetrated on our society, the death and devastating illness of more than half a million in our country alone, the economic fallout and the psychosocial effect on generations. But looking ahead, with so much work to be done to move on, my efforts will be in front of me, because looking back will slow me down. Since the statistics reflect 100,000 new ostomy surgeries a year, there are many new ostomates over this past period, more struggling with depression and anxiety, and more who need support. I am all in, looking for ways to help those in need. I will be thinking about those ways as I unpack, continue to be prepared, but embrace the better times ahead!
Great ideas thank Ellyn
It’s good to always be prepared. Thank you.
I have never ceased to be amazed how clearly and succinctly you present your information, always in an upbeat and optimistic manner.
I’m glad you never needed to use your bag. Thank you for the help you give to others.
Thank you for reminding me about the limits of hospital care. But filled with joy that you did not need your bag during this mind-blowing pandemic :-))
Amen❤️?✅??
I agree with Jan! Thank you for your upbeat and helpful articles . And so delighted that you were basically ok an@d that you could leave the emergency room to return safely to your home! Stay well and keep on sharing your experience and guidance .
HI Ellyn, I also suffer from muscle cramps, usually when I am dehydrated. I try to drink water as much as possible along with Power Ade. This past Winter, I had a flare up of my Fibromyalgia and it has not calmed down. It hurts all over and is even difficult to get dressed. I went to my Doctor on Monday, and he gave me a prescription of generic Lyrica to try for 3 months. Evidently, it works with your nervous system and coordinates with your anti-depressant. Anyway, I will let you know how it does. Take care my fellow Ostomate!