I just read an article on the web about dealing with chronic illnesses and medication WTSHTF. There are many articles like it on the Internet and many of them list some very good advice. Before you think that this is just another piece along the same lines, I want you to know its not. I want to talk about something that I'm not sure I have seen in those other writings.
There absolutely are ways to manage many illnesses. Its also true that diet plays a part in contributing to some of the symptoms of those illnesses. Losing weight and leading a healthy lifestyle are both good places to start BUT they aren't cures for very real chronic illnesses. Also, most medications aren't cures either. They often treat the symptoms and help manage the illness but the problem is still there.
So, rather then list a bunch of remedies for illnesses or even go into herbal remedies (which are also good alternatives) I want to shine a light on other things to consider about chronic illnesses. I DON'T want to discourage finding alternate ways to treat illnesses because some of its been shared already on this site. I want to talk more about understanding the challenges of chronic illness.
One particular disease that often comes up is diabetes or hyperglycemia. The flip side of that is hypOglycemia or low blood sugar. I have diabetes in my family. However, I myself have hypo or low blood sugar. Interestingly enough they BOTH have most of the same symptoms and hypoglycemia can eventually morph into hyperglycemia or diabetes. Personally, I believe that the low blood sugar is a warning sign of future diabetes. The only reason I share that Information at all is because most writers and doctors say that low blood sugar is "easily controlled". They also sometimes say that losing weight can cure diabetes. While losing weight can prevent some of the problems with diabetes it is not a cure. Likewise LOW blood sugar isn't always easy to control.
I am focusing mostly on just these two diseases because they are two with which most people are familiar. Also, they are two which I myself have personal experience. There are many other illnesses out there that are just as important to deal with and I believe that what I have to say applies to all of them but I have to explain it through my own personal point of reference.
With hypoglycemia or low blood sugar my levels can drop so low that I get dizzy and pass out. I can get nauseated, disoriented, slur my speech and begin shaking uncontrollably. If I don't raise my levels quickly I could go into a coma and die. The same is true of someone who has diabetes. It can be scary for the person who goes through it and the people who have to watch it and deal with it. It is simple to say that if I "eat properly" none of that would happen. For the most part that is true. Unfortunately, life is busy. I can't always stick to a strict schedule. I do miss meals or eat the wrong things. I can bring my sugar up but rapid swings are hard on me physically and can take DAYS to get regulated again. During that time I feel weak and tired. I usually rest and take it easy until I get it all back together.
Let me share a normal day. I can't eat breakfast first thing in the morning because I get violently sick. I have to start my morning differently because my sugar drops very low while I sleep. Yes, I check with a meter just like a diabetic. I usually drink something or eat a few crackers first thing in the morning and then AFTER my sugar levels rise I can eat and keep food down. If I went ahead and ate a big meal I would get sick then my sugar would actually drop lower then it was originally. So, my morning starts with a plain cracker or two and a very small amount of juice. Later I can eat breakfast but I usually eat an early lunch instead. In the afternoon I need a snack. Understand that I don't WANT a snack. I NEED a snack. Sometimes I have to make myself eat it even though I don't want it. I eat a good meal for supper and then right before bed I have to have another snack (nothing heavy just some fruit or crackers). Also, something to understand is that "free" sugars are not what I need to eat. They don't hurt me but they bring my levels up quickly but then they also drop very quickly. So, I am supposed to eat a high carb diet which raises my levels slowly BUT keeps them there until the next snack or meal.
Sounds simple enough to deal with on the surface. Usually it is but then there are the days when I skip a meal or the snacks because I'm busy working. There are also the days that I want to eat foods that aren't high in carbs. Its very difficult to control weight when the doctor recommends six meals a day and make 'em contain carbs. Also, don't get too skinny or you don't have anything to keep your sugar up when it begins to drop. i have BEEN super thin (anorexic/anemic) and it really messes with my blood sugar. For a diabetic, there are the same kinds of problems. Fruit is great for most people but for the diabetic it raises their sugar levels. Starchy foods (which are fine for me) are NOT good for a diabetic. That includes breads, pasta, corn, most beans, rice, some peas and a slew of other foods that a diabetic shouldn't eat often but are
staples for Preppers.
In some ways a Preppers food storage of rice and beans are perfect for someone like me but terrible for a diabetic. So there have to be some adjustments on what types of food to store for people with special needs because they need a special diet to maintain their health. Just saying they should lose weight doesn't cure them even though it helps them control some of the symptoms. Just saying to me, with hypoglycemia, to eat regular meals doesn't cure me either because sometimes I eat late or miss a snack.
You still might be thinking "what does any of this have to do with prepping and TSHTF?" because you don't have either of these illnesses. I simply want you to be aware that there are illnesses that others have that won't be obvious. The fact that someone LOOKS healthy doesn't mean they don't have some very real health issues. The fact that they have those issues doesn't mean they aren't hardworking and useful but it DOES mean that there may be special situations that apply to them. In my case, if everyone is hungry it could cause some people to get upset when they see me eating "snacks" or a couple extra crackers before bedtime. For a diabetic you might find yourself angry that YOU have to eat beans again but they get a different "better" meal. When my sugar levels drop you might think I'm just shrugging my duties but the reality couldn't be further from the truth. I am normally one of the hardest workers you will meet UNLESS I have a down day because I miss a couple meals which may be often if there is food rationing. And don't forget other chronic illnesses like asthma. Imagine feeling like you are drowning because you are trying to inhale but you can't breathe. It has to be one of the most terrifying experiences. We need to understand that they have limitations sometimes to prevent that from happening. There are people with arthritis who need to give their swollen joints a rest just so they can walk or stand.
There are just so many illnesses that I can't begin to cover them all. I don't want to imply that we shouldn't expect everybody to pull their weight because I DO believe that everyone needs to work to the best of their ability. I simply want to help bring understanding and compassion to the table. Tempers may be short and people may be hungry And tired WTSHTF but try to remember that just because someone seems to have an extra cracker or an extra break it doesn't mean they are sneaking into the pantry. It doesn't mean they are avoiding work. They just might have a very real reason for what they do. Keeping an open mind and learning the reason may save many problems and arguments from happening during times of stress.
Its something to think about.
Southern Wood Elf