I have been helping several people at my place of employment with their own medical needs. I am pleased to be able to guide them to solutions with a my personal experience and a quick Google search for their specific need. I wanted to take the time to include some tips by my Tyvaso nurse advisor and me.
If using oxygen – small kit with chloraseptic throat spray, lozenges, small pack of
wipes and saline nasal spray – oxygen and some nasal sprays are very drying, even on the throat. This kit also helps those using inhaled medications. I have a kit like this at work and my friend’s house.
Tyvaso users- Electric hot water kettle. – use one that heats quickly. while brushing teeth, heat water and make a cup of tea. Drink warm with sugar or honey just after inhalation treatment to soothe throat and help keep BP normalized.
Mio lemonade/Lemon Juice – I try to drink at least one up of some form of lemonade to cut the mucus in my throat.
4 – 6 oz grape (purple) juice. Well, this is to help with depression, sleep and blood pressure. It also keeps your pipes going. Some medications are drying to the whole body. The purple one has the best benefits.
Herbal teas – this has become hard. Because of the medications that are being taken, I have to avoid certain herbs and fruit. I have found that I really like Market Fresh from English tea store. It has bits of everything in it.
Set up your Tyvaso supplies before you go to bed, this helps cut down on the feeling of time wasted. I usually have my round filters, medication ampule and plastic parts all in the same area.
Put your compression socks on within 30 minutes of getting up. The compression earlier in the morning helps with emotional stability (like a Thunder shirt for a dog) and keeps the swelling down a little bit better.
Have a back up set of medication in various places. I have one with my wallet, a week supply at a friend’s house that I stay with frequently, my purse, my oxygen backpack, and even in my pocket.
If you need to carry a rescue inhaler, make sure to take the time to invest in uniforms(scrubs). I love the pockets. You can also put your oximeter and a days worth of medication in your pockets.
Purchase a finger oximeter. Put that in your pocket along with the rescue inhaler and a lip balm.
Sleep – This can be most elusive due to the stress of being sick and medication side effects. CBD products do help. My doctor has stated that she is all for the CBD products as long as it is not “inhaled” or has the THC. So, get the one without the T. Buy a reputable brand. Do your research. I found that I like the products from CBD Distillery. They have been verified and I have used the sleep products for months. CBD is also good for inflammation. I do avoid melatonin. It can cause vivid exhausting dreams defeating the purpose of taking it.
If you experience GERD or respiratory issues, invest in a wedge for your bed. If you have a bed that adjusts up automatically, then this is not for you. Try to get a 30 degree incline.
If you can, invest in a grounding sheet for your bed. This only helps if you have a fair amount of skin exposed while you sleep. If you wear a full set of pajamas to bed, this would not be a good investment. There are other grounding products available. I also have a grounding yoga mat. Amazon has various grounding sheets and Earthing.com is where I normally buy my grounding products. I have found that this simple product helps with sleeping and arthritus pain.
Stay hydrated – nothing like stating the obvious. But it is easy to lose track of time and forget to drink liquids.
Invest in extra chargers – What do I mean? Well, I have a portable oxygen system. I have car charger along with the normal charger. I have taken the time to have a charger at work and one at my friend’s house. That way I never have to panic that I might run out of air because my battery is running low. The same thing goes for other medical equipment.
With regards to medical equipment, that is a financial thing you need to discuss with your family. I have purchased a back up nebulizer and oximeter that I keep at friend’s house that I spend time there frequently.
Popsicles- What? Why? Well, I have found that popsicles are the only thing that help with medication induced hot flashes. There is actually several articles out on the web regarding this. I found that I like the ones made from whole fruit.
Watermelon- This has been my miracle cure for leg cramps. It hydrates, provides fiber and tastes great. I found that one serving a day is all that is needed. For some reason, it works better than a banana each day.
Most of all, breathe, breathe, breathe. I am always being reminded to stop and take time for myself. I still push myself too hard to serve others.
I hope this has been helpful for you. May God guide you to the right health care team.