My city is on fire: Saw my doc again last week and... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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My city is on fire

46 Replies

Saw my doc again last week and she wants to do a bunch of labs to make sure nothing has been missed.. Now we will have to wait to see if my clinic and apartment survives this horrific fire..

look up Santa Rosa Fires California. I was asked to leave voluntarily and I left the state came to my sisters in Oregon.

My sister thinks I should give up my prednisone and use turmeric need I say more on her understanding. She said she had the same thing and tumeric worked.

So I will be as sweet as I can hahah.

I am punchy right now 2 day drive to her home and doing ok on 18 mgs almost all in 18 with the slow method.

I feel very anxious 😩 some of my in laws lost there homes.. My sons neighborhood had been told to soak their roofs.. He is 2 towns away.. The winds are coming back tonight. When someone knocked on my door at 4 a m and I stood on my porch and saw this raging fire on the hillside about 2 miles away I was already packing.. I typically am not afraid of anything but I now know what terror feels like.

Anyway I hope to stay here for a week or so and hope my apartment is still standing when I go home.

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46 Replies
Baileyw06 profile image
Baileyw06

I am so sorry to hear about the fires that are near where you and you're family live.The area is already in my prayers

Hollyseden profile image
Hollyseden

What a nightmare for you and your family. Hope all ends well for you, without turmeric 😐

Klah profile image
Klah

I was just looking at the devastation in Santa Rosa on my iPad!!!!!....horrific! My heart goes out to you. I live in Colorado and have had close friends lose everything...difficult to imagine.

As for the tumeric...I would take the full 18m every morning...more as needed...and try not to have the conversation with your sister!! You don’t have any cortisol to help you thru this....try to get some sleep...thinking of you🙏🏻

Rosedail profile image
Rosedail in reply to Klah

Just a little aside...was just wondering if anyone else in here was from Colorado 🙂. I am not too far from Castle Rock. Maybe we'll organize a little support group some time.

Jo_Lyn profile image
Jo_Lyn

Dear Lin-calif,

I'm over here in Sacramento praying for all of you :-( The devastation is so awful. I've been in California for 68 years and have never seen this type of loss to fire. I'm glad you got away. Stay safe and bless you.

in reply to Jo_Lyn

Thank you for your prayers.. my understanding is it is still burning with high winds predicted. I t is mind boggling... It won't be recognizable once I go home..

CT-5012 profile image
CT-5012

We have been following your awful fires on our UK TV news can't imagine how terrifying it must be to be so close. Thinking of you and hoping your family and friends stay safe.

in reply to CT-5012

Thanks....

Because so many fires were burning no one knew how to get out of town. My neighbor went to get her sister n had to drive thru fire crossing the road. Now that would have done me in.

Once the fire crossed the road they reopened them.

Like I said I was never so terrified...

Hindags profile image
Hindags

So sorry to hear that you had to evacuate. I leave south of San Francisco, some 90 miles from Santa Rosa. The soot from the fires clouded the skies and stung our eyes today. Breathing was uncomfortable. I can barely imagine what it was like for you at the center of it.

Hope your apartment is ok.

Suzanne457 profile image
Suzanne457

Dear Lin-cal....I too am a fellow Californian. I live in the coastal town of Nipomo, not too far from San Luis Obispo. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara and needed to evacuate from homes a few times because of large fires , but never lost a home. Big fires were almost a normal part of the arrival of Fall in Santa Barbara This extreme fire that is occurring in Santa Rosa and surrounding areas now is nothing like any we have experienced in many, many years IF ever ! ! So my dear Californian “ sister” my heart goes to you as well as my thoughts and prayers. Please do let us know how you are doing .

Special thoughts , Suzanne

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Hi Lin- calif so sorry to hear about the situation you are going through. You have had to cope with many things that you have shared on this site so whatever happens you will get through this. As others have said don't talk to your sister re your steroids- just get on with it- you don't need the extra stress. All best wishes to you. Let us know how you get on . X

Dobermanlover profile image
Dobermanlover

Oh my dear - how awful! You just don't need all the worry of wondering whether or not you will have a home to go home to. Makes my problems seem so trivial. Your sister, whilst obviously being there for you in your time of need, doesn't seem very helpful with regard to your PMR. My son lives in California, Santa Monica, and whilst blessed with lovely weather all year round, you are vulnerable to these extremes. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and hope for a good outcome. DL

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

How terrifying Lin- calif ! I am so glad you got safely away! I hope it will be under control soon. How totally upsetting. I bet your stress levels are high.

in reply to SheffieldJane

Hi Sheffieldjane, Actually my stress level is very calm now that I am out of the area.

I am not even tired ...

my sister is off to the gym and I told her not yet for me. We actually seem to be communicating much better today.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to

I'm glad you are getting on better with your sister. My sister and I never speak unfortunately. Well done for finding your inner calm. I hope your home escapes. Take care, this is still a shock even though you've figured out what really matters. Bless you!

-LJ- profile image
-LJ-

Hi Lin, I am also from the area. About an hour away. I have 4 friends who have lost homes😥 More have evacuated. Just waiting. Glad you left! Nothing predictable about this fire. I have never seen such a devastating, out of control Fire. Still raging after 2 days.

I take turmeric, but would never ditch my prednisone unless I had tapered out!!

in reply to -LJ-

My sister clarified today that she wasn't telling me to stop prednisone and she was only sharing what works for her. She does not take any prescribed drugs and uses all alternative stuff.

I personally think supplements are a good money maker and that is all.

bunnymom profile image
bunnymom

Oh Linn hope you can return home soon to your cozy apartment. How stressful. Praying for you.

Marcy47 profile image
Marcy47

I feel so sorry for everyone there. We had wildfires in Spain which came near to us, I had a bag packed and the car ready to go but fortunately the brilliant Bomberos managed to get it under control with the use of water-bombing planes. It did destroy a lot of forest and some houses near Javea though. Hope things improve there soon, we are praying for you.

TooSore profile image
TooSore

I'm so sorry for all you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you

Nanor profile image
Nanor

My friend is visiting her elderly uncle in Sonoma at present. I am very aware of the awful situation that exists from all the news etc. I think that you are a very brave person and I will light a candle in our church here in Ireland....one especially for you and one for California. I am no expert on medications.....just trying to 'brave it though' PMR whilst also being my husband's carer. I wish you well in every way.

Steve2002 profile image
Steve2002

I spent a year in Santa Rosa in the 1980s and have fond memories of the city and the great people. The best of luck to you with everything!

cdenoncourt profile image
cdenoncourt

We here in FL keep saying that at least with hurricanes we have warnings and projected paths. Fire is much more terrifying! You did well to leave. You have anxiety even when far away, but the level of fear is at least subdued. When we returned from evacuation, friends who stayed all said they would never do that again. I hope your apartment is spared. Oh, and I find Turmeric is a helpful addition to, but certainly NOT a replacement for, prednisone. Why not see what you think while you’re with your sister?

Zofitmogelijk profile image
Zofitmogelijk

Hi Lin-Call like we all I do hope the fire is stopping to eat the surrounding, and your stuff will stay safe. About your sister Reckon your right not to argue with her. I ‘ll give you an example. My beloved daughter and I Made a cycletour in Amsterdam and suddenly I bumped into her bike and could not get my steer in the oppositie direction by lack of armmuscles and for the first time she realised this was a serious illnes. I am also to blame because not showing my disease . Perhaps you drop something heavy in front of her?😏

Hope you can go home soon.

T

in reply to Zofitmogelijk

Thanks for the laugh. I shall see what I can drop without breaking anything.

GOOD_GRIEF profile image
GOOD_GRIEF in reply to

Try a sack of potatoes.

in reply to GOOD_GRIEF

Oh great idea can have mashed potatoes.... lololo

PPower profile image
PPower

Hi Lin-calif,

I'm in Oakland, CA and it reeks of smoke here and the air quality is poor. I hope your apt. makes it and you're able to go back home but stay put for a while.

There's so much information on the Internet that people think they have all of the answers but they really know nothing. I guess they mean well...

So sorry that you're having to go through all of this...

in reply to PPower

Ppower it looks like your city is under siege. Hope it gets contained soon. It is the most frightening feeling being in smoke and not knowing which way to go. Keep safe.

Sheilamac profile image
Sheilamac

How horrific! I hope your home escapes! Fire is just the most terrifying thing!

Sending love and hoping you enjoy the turmeric...

Actually taking 1.5 teaspoons a day is now believed to reduce inflammation (but not instead of steroids!) good idea to take it and other anti inflammatory foods as add ons. I used to do this, particularly when I was reducing to help the reduction along. I always thought it helped.

in reply to Sheilamac

Thanks for your info. I told her this morning I have such a cocktail of drugs already that I am extremely cautious of adding anything more to the soup

Rosedail profile image
Rosedail

Oh my dear my thoughts and prayers are with you and your community. I just had a flash back to a few years back when I evacuated for the (much smaller)Black Forest fires here in Colorado and the stress was horrible. Even just the days of waiting for the order and trying to pack up the pets with the hot winds and smoke and embers...spraying the ground with water and watching it dry up before my eyes. I went to my brother's house loaded down with my son and two pets...the 3rd pet I had to leave behind. It seemed surreal but was all too real. In the end, no one near me lost their homes due to the work and sacrifice of so many fire fighters, police and volunteers and mostly sheer luck that the winds changed direction and directed the fire back on itself. But oh the stress and helplessness of waiting.

Of course your sister means well and wants to protect you in her own way but unwittingly she is adding to your stress. How very much like family!!! In the midst of this chaos and worry, I hope you are able to give yourself a gift: create a quiet part of every day and indulge in some sort of daily routine that is familiar and healing to you and that quiets your mind if for only 30 minutes. Block out the news. For me it was "coffee time" in the morning or tea time in the evening. This is the time I took both prednisone and, (somewhat ironically) a turmeric capsule. Even writing this now there's a little voice telling me it seems a bit "woo-woo" and also too self centered during a time of such worry and terror for so many. But, ultimately caring for yourself now, is the wiser approach and may help you be stronger later when you may be called upon to help yourself and others. All my best to you!

Thursday update. The fire has taken yet another whole area of homes. I can't get thru to anyone who stayed behind to know if my place is still there.

I did sleep great last night so feel rested finally yet still feel a bit rattled but I am working on staying calm. I have brought some of my stamp collection and will got thru and get the extras out for my brother in law as he has a small collection.

Thank all of you for your prayers. The one thing I have always know is the good Lord always helps me land on my feet.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Was just wondering yesterday if anyone on the forums was anywhere near.

Don't kill your sister - I've survived 7 weeks in a very restricted space with my husband and restrained myself ;-) If I can do it - so can you xxxxxxx

Look after yourself

in reply to PMRpro

As we all know laughter let's off happy endorphins thanks for the laugh.

I think I will try to stay away from the topic of drugs and supplements......

Looks like I am somewhere where it snows. It will be an interesting ride home but not for awhile. My kitty Nellie and I are doing fine here. She is a great traveler the only issue is she gets car sick about 20 minutes down the road then she is fine the rest of the trip. Normally I would not feed her the night before to save her from being sick but we didn't know we were leaving.

Most cats when you take them into someone's home go and hide. Nellie walks around and tells my sis .... nice place you got..... I am so lucky to have such a great cat.

cctraveler profile image
cctraveler in reply to

Sending you thoughts and prayers from Pacific Grove, California (Monterey Peninsula). I'm so glad you and Nellie are safe. What an indescribably difficult time for you.

kulina profile image
kulina

Hi Lin-calif, so sorry you are going through this but so glad you decided to evacuate and are safe. Sending positive thoughts to you and your family. Yes, it's stressful but keep in mind things are just that... things. They can be replaced, don't allow the stress to make you sick because nothing is worth your health. Yes, sometimes, this is easier said than done but I get the feeling all will be well with you and your home. Stay strong and take your meds, turmeric is not a miracle drug as your sister thinks. But... I think you already know that. :)

Grants148 profile image
Grants148

Lincalif,l am so sorry that you have had to leave your home because of the terrible fires in California, it must be a very anxious time for you.l hope that your home will be safe,it is heartbreaking for those who lose everything.l have seen news coveridge of the fires and they really are terrifying and of course the wind makes everything worse. I hope and pray that they will soon be under control and you will then be able to return home,and that you will be able to get your labs done xx

Zanthy profile image
Zanthy

Watched a programme on TV Trust me I'm a Doctor. They were trialling with Turmeric .Some were given a Placebo some a Turmeric Pill and some given powder. The people using the powder seem to get the best results,but even some on the placebo said they felt better. Bit inconclusive .Doctors thought the best way to use Turmeric was the powder in your cooking .Bit like Russian Roulette take your chances . I would stay on Prednisone it's doing it's job.

peanuckle profile image
peanuckle

Can understand what you have just gone through. Live in British Columbia and we had 150 fires burning all around us this summer. Spent 8 wks indoors because of the heavy smoke. Take care - hope your place is OK when you get back.

ljbrat61 profile image
ljbrat61

Hi Lin-calif,

I am so sorry for you and your city. I am in Southern Oregon and one of my college students is from there too. We have spent the last few days collecting donations of all kinds of things that we will be bringing to the shelters and other organizations to help those affected. Glad you had somewhere to go and I hope your home is safe.

I know this is easier for me to say than for you to do, but try to hold your stress level down any way you can. Stress always increases flare up possibility for me. Try doing something fun, listening to music, laughing, etc. Whatever could take your mind off if it for a while.

Be safe. Stay healthy. Prayers to all those in the fires.

in reply to ljbrat61

Thanks for your advice and all you are doing. Will be leaving Madras Oregon and heading home tomorrow. I take two days to get home. I am trying to keep stress down feel so jangled like too much caffeine. Luckily my Apt was spared but so many are burned out. Just got news one of our bingo friends died in her sleep doesn't seem to end all this sadness.

God bless

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

So sorry xxxxxxx

in reply to PMRpro

Home safe my poor kitty did not enjoy this trip. But we are home and will regroup and hope the winds do not come back.... the fire on the hills above my apt are out so no danger left of my place burning down.

Physically I am doing ok minor joint pains but nothing else.. my doctor wrote to me to stay on 18 until we do new labs in 2 weeks

Emotionally I feel jangled still but feel better being home.

Thank all of you for your prayers.

Linda

Rosedail profile image
Rosedail in reply to

Yes...so so sorry.

Hindags profile image
Hindags

Glad you got to go home. Hope you can find some really deep calm now.

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