Friday, September 09, 2011
Hi,
I've been away for a while. Not because I wanted to be.... but because of hurricane Irene. She knocked out the power for 9 really long days, and the phone and Internet for several more on top of that.
As has been mentioned here on several occasions, weather changes and hot weather can make RA a bit more miserable. I can attest to that. Nine hot and humid days with no air conditioning and barely a breeze were a challenge. It brought on more joint pain and a lot more fatigue. But honestly, that was the least of my worries!
My biggest worry was my Enbrel. It has to be refrigerated. So, I kept the fridge closed and hoped that the power would be restored soon. Then it went into a cooler with those nordic ice packs, then with regular ice.... which of course was almost impossible to find because most of the area was without power.
Luckily, the Enbrel made it through and is now safely tucked away in the once again cold refrigerator. Whew.
I thought I would mention this experience because it was honestly something that I hadn't really considered when I started taking a medication that needed to be refrigerated. Maybe it's time to make a plan instead of having to just wing it.
Ish
While the power was out, we saw a LOT of trucks coming in loaded with generators. But when we inquired at the big box hardware & retail stores, we were told that the waiting lists were so long that we'd be lucky to get one by the end of the year! Yikes! Hopefully now that the power is back on, the demand will tail off. 
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Hi, Ish!
Wow! You have really been thru it. I'm happy you have your electric back. I cannot imagine how you suffered with no a/c in that kind of heat and humidity.
You know, I just took my first Humira shot this week, and I have one injection pen in my fridge. When I put it in there, I did wonder what I would do if I lost electricity. I have some ice packs that you kneed and then they stay cold for awhile that I use at work when I am hurting and can't lay down on the couch with a big ice pack. I was wondering if those would work. This is a good topic you have brought to light. I will be interested in hearing what others might do in that situation.
Blessings,
V
Hi V,
How's the Humira working for you?
Those cold packs that you kneed are a really great idea! I guess if you have enough of them they would see you through a power outage... or at least buy you some time in the search for ice. Thanks for the good idea!
Ish