Cold Week

Weather in the Midwest can change dramatically from one day to the next, and even within a day. January started out with mild temps and then had a number of days in the 50's and even up to 60! Unfortunately, the saying goes that if you don't like the weather, it will change. Even if you do like it, change will come.

This week has been quite cold with lows below zero. Friday morning, my Amazon Echo reported a wind chill of -34. These are days when I'm thankful that I can stay in my warm home, under blankets, and not have to battle the cold. It has been a few weeks since I left the house, but I can still join in various activities virtually.

I'm not the only one living the quad life who hibernates for winter. Earlier this week, I was messaging with Beth, a friend in Ohio whose son Alex has similar needs to mine. He hasn't even been out of bed in several weeks, but he has an even harder time with temperature change than me.

Their family also has trouble with funding and caregivers, but much worse than me. Other than a few hours a week, they don't have any help. With just Beth and Alex, they do what they must to keep going. At night, Beth sleeps near to her son and has always woke up to any needs, until this week.

When using a ventilator, it really dries out your airway. To counteract this, different humidification systems exist to put moisture in the vent tubes. It works, but water eventually builds up in the circuits and needs emptied out. If left, it can block air from being received or dump water directly in your lungs requiring immediate suctioning. I had both situations happen a number of times in my regular vent years and know the feeling well.

A few nights ago, Alex had the situation where water needed emptied from his vent tubing. He did his regular routine to wake his mom, but she stayed asleep through several attempts. Alex enacted his emergency protocols by having his Amazon Echo call designated people that can help, but Beth woke up before further action was needed, but it served as an alarm to current problems.

I have a similar setup to Alex, but have thankfully never had to use it. Living at home is still generally safer than a care facility, but the shortage in nurses is not just a local problem. During these cold periods, I also think of elderly who stay in their homes. It can be days before they get checked on, and it can result in major health problems if they fall, or similar, and can't get help. 

Spring is about six weeks away and the hopeful warming trend with it. Getting out in the community helps to lighten spirits and remind the world we're still here.