Storm preparedness

"Quick, get ready!  The next Winter storm is rapidly approaching," says our local TV meteorologist.  With that warning, people take heed and run to the nearby grocery mart to stock up on bottled water, milk, bread, and any other essentials necessary to survive.   To be honest, our state of CT has not been really experiencing much in the way of bad Winter weather this year.  However, the way the weather gets updated every ten minutes on the news, each snowflake gets coverage.  I feel they go a tad overboard.

I do prize our state for being prepared with sand trucks on the roads as well as providing school delays and closings in a timely manner.  This is safety first which matters for everyone.  This year we are getting more sleet and ice over snow accumulation.  However, February is not over and neither is Winter.  There is still room for a doozy blizzard.

While other people are preparing for the impending storm, I am running around getting ready myself but in a different way.  First, I do NOT need a paid TV meteorologist to tell me about a storm front moving in.  My head and body shout that news quite well, thank you very much.  Twenty-four to forty-eight hours in advance I experience body aches, chills, vertigo, and a very grouchy head.  An oppressive fatigue takes over, and I move no faster than a sloth.  I feel absolutely awful which makes it difficult to get a million little things done.  My mind can't process well either. (Heck, this is nothing new!)  My husband and I know the drill by now, so we just jump into that as early as the first signs and symptoms.

While others are buying batteries and bottled water, I am assembling my tool kit for surviving storms with chronic M.  This bag of tricks consists of :

water and or ginger ale to keep hydrated and help calm my queasy tummy
ice pack for head and neck
herbal warmer for body, especially feet
healthy snacks with protein and low carb to easily digest
appropriate M meds to deal with the attack
peppermint oil for comfort
biofreeze roll on to ease stiff shoulders and neck

Over the years I have learned what has been helpful or not so that I could have a "go to" list and have it handy without thinking about it too much. After I jump around finishing chores and food prep, I settle down and get my body quiet to wait it out...

The barometric pressure change is the culprit, but mainly it is how fast it changes, not necessarily the number itself.  When it fluctuates too quickly, all heck breaks out.  The cold temps really affect me which is why I stay indoors with my heated herbal bunny. My head hates wind and cold no matter how many layers I wear. Thank goodness I never was a winter sport person!  At least I feel I can take some control over the situation with how I  manage my self care.

Many of my family and friends who live with M.S., chronic fatigue syndrome,  arthritis, asthma, and many other immune issues experience these troublesome symptoms when the weather changes, no matter the season. Facing the storm head on emotionally gets me to a place of acceptance while preparing myself as best I can.  For those of you in the same storm boat, I understand and am with you.

Why can't I get paid for predicting the weather?  That would be nice!  For now, it is what it is. I feel lucky to at least take some walks around my development if the temps are above freezing.  These walks can be refreshing especially if I am recovering from a M attack.  I am mindful of the sun glare which in Winter can be intense.  My normal sunglasses don't help much, so I limit my time outdoor.  All is manageable for the most part. 

  Stay warm and safe throughout the remainder of this Winter season, and I hope all of you can even enjoy some quality time outside.  When necessary I will sip my hot coffee inside and be thankful I persevered yet another Winter storm.