Tomtemor wrote:Noel+ wrote:As for your hubby: the appointment takes so long due to the healthcare plan, right?
The good news! The treatments for rheumatoid arthritis have greatly improved over the last 4-5 years. My parents were on pain meds only, but they have better options now. Both of you are in my prayers for comfort, strength and peace from God! HUGS[/color]
Yes, it takes so long because of the national social healthcare. Everything is wait, wait, wait. We have been three years on this journey and hubby finally hit on two young drs who actually LISTEN and seem to care. I feel like we are on the right track, just wish the train were a bit faster. They prescribed anaprox, something I used to take for cramps and PMS but only 500 mg, I know he can safely take more so I told him to supplement it with the over the counter version, 250 mg. The drs here are not big on prescribing things because of expense, we pay a percentage and after a certain amount, the rest is free. He was on a low dose steroid from the eye dr that was a "miracle cure", but they would not prescribe that. He has to wait to go through the arthritis clinic and have ex rays. Right now he is just trying to function and keep working.
As much as it pains me, I have decided to not bring up the christmas decorating. I will do what I can with what we have a in the christmas in july bag, but I cannot bring up the big box from the basement myself and he says he finds the prospect "terrifying..........". It is not worth it. We did buy some new Christmas stars, swedish thing, to go in the windows and a few things from the store. We even bought a plastic advent candle holder (cannot say "wreath" since it is a rectangle) I can use in the kitchen. The important thing is that we are together.
We all know Christmas is in the heart anyway.
Thanks for verifying my suspicion the delay was due to the healthcare system. Sweden is not alone: England/Canada/France are bowing under the weight of a 'free healthcare plan. And now America is going forward with Obamacare. The word "free' blinds people to the fact that care will be denied on a cost analysis basis and the timeline will be absurdly slow. Canadians come to America for good care. I am so very sorry for the pain your DH is experiencing due to delayed proper care. And you are right about the medications!
Most of all as you stated "Christmas is in the heart" even without decorations. I am happy you have your Christmas in July bag and some new items to display. Bless your hubby's heart for wanting to carry the heavy box for you but honestly admitting the prospect is overwhelming. It takes courage to admit pain is so high you cannot perform a task for the one you love. What a good man you have Jennifer!
As always you are both in my prayers as I ask God to fill with you such joy, peace and hope that the decorations you have will glow within. Hugs!
Im all set ,house cleaned , decs all ready , fridge full but please pray as weather is very strong winds here today and Dads connecting flight leaves Athens at 8pm and arrives here 9pm and its differcult to land here when the weathers so severe . So prayers needed for a safe and on time flight . Hugs Cay friends 
I don't drink eggnog.
Sometimes my parents send some in their christmas box and I have to think long and hard before I use it up. I have a box of white chocolate I am thinking about using in a fruit salad this year for christmas dinner. 
