Please Send Love & Hope

[katidid]

Hi lovelies, I hope you are doing better than many of us in the states. As I’m sure all of you know by now our country is at a breaking point. Perhaps you’ve seen the pictures of fires, violence and chaos in our cities.

I’m in LA bordering along Long Beach. For the last three nights it’s been non stop sirens and helicopter patrols. Sadly, I’ve gotten a bit used to that since we’ve patrolled since our COVID stay in place order almost 3 months ago.

Night before last my neighborhood was hit and it’s been days of nonstop violence all around us. The National Guard is here now. While that has calmed things down - thankfully - the stress of COVID life and now this immediate threat to our home and neighborhood has me tipping over the edge.

Stress is my #1 trigger running a current toe with exertion. But unlike exertion, intense stress triggers my seizures. As some of my pals on here know, I have CNS Lupus. Seizures being the most extreme symptom.

They have been under control for a long time, but I started having small ones - along with those annoying daily headaches and occasional migraine - since Jan when my father died and the pandemic ramped up. Admittedly, I have been avoiding seeking medical care. I’m petrified of going to the hospital.

But I’ve had three rounds of back-to-back seizures over two days. This hasn’t happened to me in 13 yrs. I did consider going in, and then we got the emergency lockdown order. Otherwise do not leave your house. In a city like LA, given our sad history, we take this seriously.

But, ultimately what stopped me from going wasn’t the lock down it was that I couldn’t emotionally handle see beaten and bloody ppl in the hospital. Also, huge groups of ppl who have now exposed each other. The most susceptible.

So here my husband and I are. Truly trapped and conflicted. I’ve made the choice to risk staying home but I know my autoimmune issues need attention. But, I’m just too scared.

What would be so helpful right now is your love, encouragement and prayers. For my country, my family and myself. The isolation as a chronically ill person is making me sicker. But the amazing ppl here always make me feel that there is more light than dark.

And for anyone in this group who lives in the US. Stay safe, take care and let’s help each other heal.

Thanks for reading this and much ❤️❤️❤️

[svfarmer]

Hi it all sounds pretty full on in your neighbourhood- must be awful witnessing all the violence etc - firstly I’m so sorry for the loss of your father and that your seizures have returned- I’m sending positive thoughts to you and a big hug 🤗- take care xx

[katidid in reply to svfarmer]

❤️

[CarolMcl]

Hi, I can't even begin to fully comprehend what you are going through, such a frightening time. Please accept my condolences, so sad to lose a parent. I really hope your seizure activity greatly reduces, thinking of you, please take care and stay safe. Big hugs xx❤️❤️

[Roarah]

Taking an ambulance to the emergency department would be lower risk than not seeking medical care in a real emergency. If you feel you are really in need of medical care call 911. Take care.

[KayHimm]

My heart goes out to you, katidid. With your seizures and other lupus issues, this violence in our country is a serious threat to your health. I hear the helicopters for the first time in my NYC neighborhood. It is terrifying.

Is there any possibility of your leaving for a calmer place?

I am so glad you posted. We all need support.

Take care. Don’t hesitate to reach your doctors for a video session. A lot can be assessed that way.

Xk

[katidid in reply to KayHimm]

Thx (as always!). LA ❤️ NYC. I am looking into going to New Mexico. Coordinating health care should work given everything is mostly emedicine and my mom has a rheumatologist that would be willing to “substitute” (for cash of course 😂). But it’s an option. Too much sun BUT, very quiet and secluded. Gonna look into it. Tjs

[KayHimm in reply to katidid]

Think it sounds like a good plan. Good timing with telemedicine if you need your doctors.

Be careful in that intense sun. Message me if you go and I will recommend some defenses.

Take care. 💕k

[katidid in reply to KayHimm]

You rock, thank you 🙏

[Oshgosh]

I’m in the UK

I will keep you in mythoughts and prayers

You really need to work out a plan with your husband about what will happen if you get very Ill very quickly.

Take care

[katidid in reply to Oshgosh]

🙏🙏

[Hidden]

What a nightmare it is. Thoughts with you🤗

[katidid in reply to Hidden]

🙏🙏

[Foggyme]

A heartbreaking read katidid, for oh so many reasons!

Sending big hugs, love and encouragement from across the pond...and sincere wishes that your health picks up again very soon xx

[katidid in reply to Foggyme]

🙏 your words and thoughts help so much ❤️

[7Angie3]

Hugs, love and prayers from Australia. I’m watching events closely and feel for you. There is good advice given already...an escape from your current environment sounds like a good idea provided you have ready access to medical advice and care. 💕

[Hidden]

Sending ❤️ back at ya

[Froggie70]

Sending you a huge hug from Scotland. This must be terrifying for you on top of everything else you’ve been going through. Please accept my condolences, I lost my Mum in February, I know nothing I say can ease your pain but I understand and you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe and take care 🤗🙏

[Oshgosh]

He are you today ?

[katidid in reply to Oshgosh]

Medically stabilizing. Getting apts set up. Neuro is going to have me come in vs go to hospital and called in an emergency Rx that got delivered to my house. Thank goodness for the good doctors out there! But now I, like the other 350MM of us just wait. Announcement soon that is going to calm things down or truly send stuff over the edge. Praying that we don’t fall over the edge. Helicopters out and military (National Guard) in streets. We’ve all been told to prepare. 😞

[tjo52]

Sending much love to you ❤..we will come through this..there are lots of good people doing good things admittedly it might not feel like it at the moment but things are going to get better..

It must be really frightening for you..please take care and remember sunnier days will come..

Thinking of you all in the States 🧡🧡❤

[MEGS53]

I'm sending you huge cyber hugs! Take care and stay safe, xxx

BTW, I just love your photos.

[katidid in reply to MEGS53]

🙏❤️

[CecilyParsley]

My American friends keep me updated on these issues that we do not get to see with our biased media. There is so much rage and distress and people need to be truly heard at last. Sadly they are not. I feel so very sorry that you are caught up in this. It looks and sounds terrifying. To be so unwell and in lockdown during this is amplifying everything. I send you big hugs and the hope of a better tomorrow ❤️🌈

[Roarah in reply to CecilyParsley]

Thank you for not focusing on the riots and unrest but being able to see the real issues that created this long needed protest against systemic racism in my nation. Xo

[CecilyParsley in reply to Roarah]

No thanks necessary. I am horrified by what I see. People say all lives matter but I do not see white people having to defend their right to live without prejudice. Believe me it happens in the UK too. The lurch to the far right in both our countries will be a stain on humanity in the history books. George Floyd mattered. Every single unprovoked act of violence against unarmed citizens by the police must be protested and denounced. We are with you Roarah every step of the way. Stay safe xx

[katidid in reply to Roarah]

Just in case it didn’t come across, my mention of the latest steps to control the situation in LA and LBC (I can only watch other cities) are steps taken to control looting and violence as a result of rioting. Both of which I want everyone to understand are NOT protesting. Our protesters are, as @Roarah said, are out there to demand changes to systemic racism and to remind us all that black people in America are unfairly and disproportionately being abused and dying. It is my position that this is not all lives matter, but 💯 black lives matter. I hope the world understands that we are intentionally differentiating because that’s the issue.

My post was about my health, yes, but I hope that it is also clear that what is happening to our country makes healthy people sick and sick people sicker. But I need to call out my horror (truly) the statistics in the US regarding COVID deaths. This is also a matter of race. Black Americans were hit so hard and shouldn’t have been. But our system(s) doesn’t provide them with equal access to care across the board, both preventative and acute. I could go on for hours about this but I’m sure everyone understands.

For the future, let’s hope substantial changes come for all the disadvantaged. With respect to this group, my hope is that all people with Lupus and chronic illness of all races and genders can som day get the global attention and quality care we (all) need and deserve.

❤️

[Roarah in reply to katidid]

Oh I never assumed you felt otherwise and the up rise is scary and dangerous. I was just glad that someone from across the pond did see that the protests, not the looting, was long due sorry if you felt I was making a pointed remark to you, that was not my intention at all.

And again please do at least call your doctor if you are suffering. When I lost some vision in my left eye last October I called my stroke clinic and they asked me to go to the er. I did not even need to be triage the person at the desk had been sent my medical file with picture. I walked through the er doors and a nurse said are you, Laura? and escorted me to an examining room a stat. If your doctor calls it in they know it is probably serious and you can avoid the waiting area. Please take care of your self.

[katidid in reply to Roarah]

❤️

[Poshcards]

sending huge hugs, I have been watching on tv, stay safe and you must go to hospital if you really need to, youe health is till a major criteria xx

[LalSD]

hello Katidid, Very sorry to read and hear your note. Not sure how assuring but we send our love and prayers out to you. For your country to find unity again and sense of togetherness. Our thoughts and prayers with you, your family. Lots of love, Lxx

[Maureenpearl]

Hello Katidid, so sorry to hear what is going on in your country.

Father God i'm asking for peace and unity for the US. I pray you will give wisdom to the president and Governors of each state. Father i'm asking for supernatural healing for Katidid, fill her with peace and calm her fears now help her to know the best decision to make now. In jesus' name. Amen🙏🏽❤️

[Gmagolf]

I’m so sorry. My heart breaks when I see the rioting and destruction in our beautiful state. I live in Riverside County, near Lake Elsinore. It’s so unbelievable what’s happening. I am very lucky as I live in a golf course community so I do get out in the fresh air to golf. helps with the depression so much.

I guess Long Beach really got it. Stay well, stay safe and pray for our country.

[katidid in reply to Gmagolf]

🙏❤️🙏