What to Do When the Storm Comes

         My heart goes out to everyone who has been effected by these heavy rains.   We, in Scioto County, are now seeing the tumultuous rains that have caused devastation in other counties and states.  The only thing people can do is heed the information and advice given to them by their local officials and weathermen, then prepare the best they can.

         One of the most difficult places to be in is to know a storm is brewing, but not know exactly when it will hit, the level of force it will have when it arrives, or the damage it will leave in it’s midst— whether the storm comes in the form of a natural disaster…or a chronic disease.

         When word began circulating there would be torrential rain that could cause flood waters, the first thing most people did was watch the weather to see what their meteorologist was predicting would happen. They gathered all of the information so they could know what to possibly expect and how to prepare.  

This is exactly what you should do if you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness.  Talk

with your doctor about what symptoms are possible with your disease and what treatments would be recommended.  Research those treatment options so you know what medications you're comfortable receiving.  Glean from the advice and encouragement of individuals who have been on a similar medical journey.  The more information you have about what could happen, the more prepared you will be to face

the storm.  

         Once people knew how to prepare for the potential flood waters, then they took action.  They may have gathered supplies in case they had to remain at home for an extended period of time due to bad roads.  They could have had to book a hotel to escape high flood waters that could potentially cause damage to their house.  Or some maybe had to take the same precautions my household did.  Which was make sure the sump pump was turned on and working in the basement as well as keep an eye on the rising creek waters around our property.

         Whatever the action people had to take against the severe weather is what lessened the the trauma it caused.  The same rings true when you have a disability.  Trials are sure to come when you have a chronic illness, but if you prepare, the heavy burdens will lessen when difficult times come.  The first action I recommend and it’s the most powerful and effective preparation of all— is prayer. Ask God for strength and perseverance to overcome the mountains before you and I promise He will give you exactly what you need. 

Secondly, I urge you to write down everything you can about your medical care.  There’s so much to recall and no one can remember everything, especially during a crisis.  What I suggest is creating a “Medical Album.”  Simply purchase a regular picture album, take 3x5 cards and write your medical information on them, and then place them in the plastic sleeves.  

I have 3x5 cards that list my physical stats, diagnoses, medications, allergies, surgeries, and every physician with their contact information.  You may find a better system works for you when it comes to recording your medical history, but the action of having important medical information on hand for your doctors right when they need it, will decrease the impact of the storms your disease may cause.

The most important preparation these flood victims did was gather their loved ones close for support and to make sure they were safe. They knew these were the people who knew them the best, and would “hold their arms up” when the storm came.

         Just as the most important action for the flood victims was to hold tight to their loved ones, when you suffer from an illness, you must do the same.  It doesn’t matter how old you are, when you have a disease, you need a support system. 

         When the burdens of your disease become too much to bear, allow your family and friends to “hold your arms up” for you.  Allow them to be an extra set of ears for you at a doctor’s appointment. They may need to take care of you while you’re sick.  Or you may need their advice when you’re unsure of what treatment to take or what doctor to see.  Whatever the case maybe, use your support system, because God gave you exactly who He knew you would need when the waters begin to get high. 

         It’s difficult to know a storm is coming, but when it hits what will really matter is how you react to it— whether it comes as a flood or a disease.  The key is to know what to do when the storm comes. Get all the information you can. Use your resources and get advice from others who understand. Then take that information and put it to action so you can withstand the strongest of impacts. Lastly, cling to your support system God gave you so they can help "hold your arms up," through difficult trials.  If you do these things then when the fiercest of storms come in your life, you can look it directly in the eye and boldly say, “Because of God’s strength- I am the Storm.”