I have a person here cleaning my home today.

[ThomCat]

I can't do it by myself anymore, haven't been able to for quite a while actually. I get so upset when I can't keep this place as clean as I'd like.

A wonderful, amazing DUer knows someone here in NYC who has a nanny/housekeeper who was interested in some extra work, so one referral later and I here we are.

The cleaning person speaks no english, and I only speak english so we can't communicate. But she's very friendly, thorough, careful, and my cats like her. :)

This is going to be money well spent. And I hope she desides to keep me as a regular client. I'd love to have her come back here either once ever two weeks or once per month.

My new roommate appears happy to do the regular day-to-day stuff between her visits, so it looks like this is all working out. :)

So, do you tip a housecleaner? And how much? Even though this is her first time here I'm definitely giving her a holiday bonus.

[flvegan]

1. I'd love a nanny/housekeeper

that would give Happy Endings.

Sounds like you've got it good, though. Send her to my house next, thx.

[DS1]

4. Why don't you just bill LM while you're at it

:crazy:

[flvegan]

5. What do you think I'm asking her to get me for Christmas?

:shrug:

[ThomCat]

6. I think you're too old for a nanny.

:P

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear ThomCat!

Oh, that is wonderful!

I am thrilled for you...you've been through waaaaaay too much, sweetie!

I do tip mine, esp. at Christmas...

I am unsure as to how much is appropriate, however...

I normally give her an extra $10 or $20, on top of what I pay her...

BTW...you have mail!

:hug:

[ThomCat]

7. Now that I have a new roommate paying rent

his rent is paying for the cleaning. :)

Having a disability is far more expensive than I think people realize. There's a lot of people to pay for all the help you need. But this seems like it will work out.

Things are definitely looking up.

:hug:

[NewWaveChick1981]

3. I'm glad you found a good housecleaner, TC!

:hug: I'm sorry that you aren't able to do those things any more, but since you've got a good person who sounds trustworthy, I'm happy for you! :) I have no idea if you tip a housecleaner since I've never hired one, so maybe a DUer can give you some insight.

:hug: :pals: :)

[ThomCat]

9. Trustworthy is definitely an issue

with the meds I have lined up on my counter.

But her only interest in those was to make sure she lined them up right after cleaning the counter. :)

I don't test people, but I notice things. And I definitely notice that she's a very good person.

[Aristus]

82. Trust is no problem with our housekeeper. She bought the business from a family member

and has her complete trust, so she has ours, too. We've always tipped our housekeepers at Christmas. We had one housekeeper for so long that at Christmas, we were tipping her $100. We've had our new housekeeper less than a year, and are tipping her $35. Next year it'll probably be more. Our first housekeeper had to clean up for four (including my step-daughter and baby grandson) but now there's just two of us, so it's not as big a job, even though we live in a bigger house now.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

10. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[RetroLounge]

11. What the f*ck is your problem?

You know nothing about it, yet, you snark in here anyhow?

Asshat.

RL

[Perseid]

14. calling people names is wrong

ethically speaking

[RetroLounge]

23. Ethically challenged may be more accurate

Sheesh. Have you ANY idea what Thom is going thru?

RL

[Perseid]

16. I have no problem, and didn't snark

what is your attack mechanism set on?

[RetroLounge]

24. What's your compassion mech set on?

Yeah, thought so...

RL

[Midlodemocrat]

26. Obviously zero.

What a major asshole. I'll make sure to remember this.

[RetroLounge]

37. Oh yeah, duly noted...

Not just the original post, but the lame replies too.

RL

[hisownpetard]

12. WTF??

[NMDemDist2]

15. I have to echo the WTF here

are you unaware that Thom is dealing with a new disability and that a housekeeper is a necessity for him?

and the woman is probably very grateful for the extra money especially so close to the holidays

it sounds like a win/win situation to me :shrug:

[flvegan]

27. *scratches head*

Huh?

[Shakespeare]

28. Are you deranged?

Because that certainly appears to be the case. Your breathtaking rudeness (and borderline incomprehensibility) aside, you clearly know NOTHING about Thom's situation, or you wouldn't have said what you said.

Go find a puppy to kick, you loser.

[Midlodemocrat]

29. LOL.

I :heart: you.

:rofl:

[SallyMander]

32. WOW

What a flaming pile of horseshit!!!

ThomCat, i don't really know about the tipping question... how long is she there? If she'll be back again before Christmas you could always get a gift certificate or something... :shrug:

[ThomCat]

40. She's here for 5 hours

and the plan is once per month right now. So I won't see her again until after the New Year. I also think she's party of the russian Jewish community, and it's Hannuka right now. So this is the good time to give her a bonus even though this is her first visit.

She seems very happy with it so I guess I did well. :)

[SallyMander]

44. Oh, perfect!

I'm sure you did well, and i'm sure she appreciated it. She probably wasn't expecting a bonus on her first visit! :)

I laughed when i read your post about your kitty and the vacuum -- my dog is VERY suspicious also... but he's so funny, he follows me from room to room with it. Like, he hates it, but he's too suspicious to let it out of his sight! :rofl:

Hope the kitty has recovered by now! :hug:

[Haole Girl]

64. You know, Perseid ....

Even though my PMs are turned off, and I'm not around much, I'm still placing you on ignore. That was just a crappy thing to say.

WTF is wrong with you?

[NMDemDist2]

13. a good housekeeper is a treasure

I usually 'pay' them by the hour then add 15-20% as a tip

so yes, a tip is a good idea, especially since it's her first visit and she's running into deeper dirt than she'll have to deal with when she's coming in regularly

[ThomCat]

17. I guess the rule is, when in doubt add a tip.

:)

She's definitely earned it. And, yes, she'd definitely finding some trouble spots that haven't been cleaned in a long time. She's moving stuff and cleaning behind things that I couldn't hope to move.

I can't tell you how excited I am to have this place really clean again. :)

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ThomCat]

19. Given the amount of money I have to spend

just to survive with my health issues and disabilities, I'm pretty close to living in a hovel. I'm a capitalist's dream. I have to pay people to do everything for me.

It's a good thing I earn pretty good money, because it flows like water into other people's pockets. And it's a good think I don't mind sharing an apartment my entire life, becuase I'm never again going to be able to live alone.

I understand your point about the disparity between rich and poor. I grew up dirt poor on public assistance. I finally made it middle class and now my disability it taking it all away from me. Despite my income I'm one paycheck away from homeless, and I think I'm doing a pretty good job juggling everything to stay on my feet.

[NMDemDist2]

20. ok you really are an asshat

I have cleaned houses for a living and hired housekeepers and still do

none of them lived in a 'hovel' most just enjoyed setting their own hours and being able to make some $$$ without a 9-5 grind

or they were underemployed and the extra cash was a God send.

the gal who cleans my house right now (or to be specific helps me clean my house as I work right along side her and clean as much as she does) is a friend of mine who's trying to put her life back together after a bad breakup. she's thrilled to hang out and help and get a wad of cash at the end of the day.

you have some pretty archaic ideas about folks who work in the service sector

[Midlodemocrat]

30. Honey, don't compliment

the asshole. She'll be inclined to hang around and we don't want her.

:bounce:

[flvegan]

36. No, no, no...a few more posts

and I'll have a new favorite flamewar.

The Great ThomCat Housecleaner Lounge Flamewar

[Midlodemocrat]

39. I am SO glad I stopped by.

I was running the Wrestling Tournament Hospitality Table and came home for a breather.

This. Is. Fucking. Gold.


And, BTW, flvegan, I'm different than you.


:rofl:

[flvegan]

42. Oh, yeah? Well, I read like no other. I read everything.

[Midlodemocrat]

43. I especially love reading the back of the cereal box.

Great stuff there.

Should I call Will Pitt and ask him to join that thread?


:rofl:


This is fucking awesome.

[flvegan]

49. be a foolish robot

Pitt would be embarrassingly outclassed, obviously.

[Midlodemocrat]

51. I think he's lurking, but is too ashamed to stop by.

Published books and all that. He's a poser.


:rofl:


Dear God. Where is sniffa????

[flvegan]

54. But, he's no poet.

It's a Quiet Morning.

The shame is his.

No flames please. n/t

[Midlodemocrat]

63. He is no poet, but does he know it?

[ThomCat]

65. I can't believe I started a flamewar.

:P

[flvegan]

72. A multi thread flamewar, Thom. Take a fucking bow!

[Midlodemocrat]

74. This is a work of art, Thom.

Have you been practicing?


:rofl:

[SallyMander]

77. A toast! To ThomCat's very own flamewar!

Cheers!

:toast:




:rofl:

[NMDemDist2]

81. with not only deleted messages but with deleted subthreads!!! woohoo

:yourock:

:rofl:

:hi:

[WolverineDG]

125. Me either!

:hug: Thomcat!! Glad to hear somethings are starting to look up for you. :) :loveya:

dg

[Madrone]

35. Methinks someone is seriously misreading the situation.

I would imagine ThomCat would trade the discussion of how much to tip a person providing him a service with the use of his own legs, ability to clean his own house, lack of excruciating pain, and the choice of taking drugs to help with the pain while destroying his liver or suffering in a way unimaginable to the rest of us and forgoing the help the drugs bring - in a NEW YORK MINUTE.

This is not a person nonchalantly discussing how many pennies to toss on the ground in front of the hired help, Perseid. This is a person suffering through a horrible illness and the loss of their independence trying to determine what he can do to show his appreciation to the person that's helping him with things he cannot do himself. Things he would RATHER do himself.

Please understand.

[ThomCat]

45. Wow.

You really have my situation in perspective. :hug:

I sometimes wonder if I share too much here in the lounge, but this thread is reminding me that there are wonderful people here. :)

[Madrone]

55. I don't post much, and we've never communicated before,

But I've caught a lot of what you're going through, and my heart goes out to you. And I have a great deal of admiration for your strength, your resolve, and your ability to seek out the positive and retain your humor. You are definitely a shining star.

FWIW - I really don't think Perseid is an evil person ... I think there's a definite communication breakdown. I think he/she means well but communicates his/her thoughts poorly. And I think he/she knows nothing about your plight so viewed your thread as a haughty "pennies for the hired help" attitude and took offense to it - as all of us would in different circumstances if we didn't know the real story (or the person posting it).

My best to you. :hug:

[hippywife]

88. I think you are right, Madrone.

If the rest of us weren't aware of Thom's sitch, we would probably read it differently, too. I would hope we would have the sensitivity to ask a few more questions before throwing down with the attitude, tho, too. But we all have bad days and everyone else came to Thom's defense because he's such a sweetie. Such a sweetie, in fact, that he's not snarking back, even tho he's the one in the position to do so, if he so chose. I give him many kudos for that. It's no doubt the measure of the man he is and he stands tall in my estimation for it.

[ThomCat]

99. Thank you.

I'm just not very good at snark. :)

:hug:

[kmla]

119. That's OK.

Much of us make up for your snark shortcomings by being extra snarky.:D

It all balances out in a snarky yin-yang way.....

Glad things are working out for ya!

[SallyMander]

46. Word

You responded with a lot more class than i did. ;)

[Midlodemocrat]

47. Seriously. All ThomCat has been through, I would

help him out in exactly a New York Minute if I lived nearby.

[ThomCat]

69. Thank you, Midlo.

:hug:

[Writer]

126. I would, too.

[RetroLounge]

41. Wow, seriously, your resentment seems misplaced

Did your housekeeper spank you or something?

:eyes:

You need help.

RL

[Shakespeare]

61. WTF is your problem?

Thom is disabled, and needs help. AND he wants to make sure she's well compensated. This isn't a class issue, you nimrod.

[redwitch]

93. There is nothing wrong with cleaning for a living.

It is honest work, helps others, and can be better than lots of other jobs. Thom needs the help just now and she is glad of the work. You assume an awful lot about people you don't know. Shame on you.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

122. what the hell is wrong with you? a disabled person cannot have household help?

you're both sanctimonious and not very bright.

[hippywife]

21. Glad things are working out for you, TC!

And hope you are doing well today. :hi:

[ThomCat]

22. Thank you! I am.

:hi:

Only one of my three cats is terrified of the vacuum cleaner, and I'll calm her down with lots of cuddlng as soon as the evil noisy thing goes away. :)

I have a surprise birthday party to go to this evening.

Overall, it's a good weekend.

[Midlodemocrat]

25. I give the lady who cleans my house a bonus for the holidays.

I pay her $90 to clean the house, so I give her another $100 at Christmas. I think that one week or one every other week's pay is sort standard.

Glad it's working out for you.

[ThomCat]

34. Ah, that's good to know.

:)

I think she may be Jewish, so I have to find out if I would give holiday bonuses for Hannuka and the High Holy days.

[Midlodemocrat]

38. I try to give it early in the month if she shows up.

That way she's got a little extra for Christmas gifts. She works for a bunch of us here, and we all try to do that because she's such a treasure.

She takes care of a huge number of her extended family, so we all try to help her out when we can.

[SeattleGirl]

31. Glad you found someone to come in and clean, Thom.

I used to have a woman come by every two weeks (right now, I can't afford it; can't wait until I can again). I gave her a bonus for the holidays, and also gave her a raise every year.

[ThomCat]

52. She just left.

My cat's are exploring to see what's different. Even the scaredy cat is calmed down. All is well. :)

I couldn't afford this if I didn't have a roommate. I'm very glad this is working.

And I owe this to a DUer who PMed me after I posted something here in the lounge. :)

[SeattleGirl]

62. My cats always made themselves scarce (they do that with everyone)

but the dog just loved the woman who came to clean. If the dog had her way, "A" wouldn't do any cleaning; she'd spend the entire time playing with the dog!

[Parche]

33. Send them my way!!!

How are you feeling!!

My place needs a good cleaning :hi:

[ThomCat]

56. I'm in a lot of pain today, but feeling too good to care.

That's what painkillers are for. :P

I'm off to a party so I can have 4 year old climbing on me. :)

[terrya]

48. I hope she works out for you, ThomCat!

It sounds like a terrific situation. :-)

[ThomCat]

58. Surprisingly enough, this seems to be working out to be

the best case scenario. How often does that happen? :)

[terrya]

70. The best case scenario doesn't work out every day, that's for sure!

I'm happy to hear it, Thom! :-)

[ashling]

50. I was half asleep one evening a few months ago when

my wife asked me to check to see if the front door was locked. I told her that it was and that if we were lucky somebody would come over and clean the house. She thought that sounded like a god idea, so we left it unlocked. However, those people haven't come over yet!
:rofl:

[ThomCat]

59. Yeah, where are those house elves we all want to have

move in? :P

[AlCzervik]

53. good news and i hope it all works for you.

:hi:

[ThomCat]

60. Definitely!

:hi:

[Zornhau]

57. That sounds like you found a good person to help you

I may do the same for Lynz at some point since I'm not too much help right now (not that she'd let me though). Be sure to tip her if she's doing great :D

[Midlodemocrat]

66. How's your hand, handsome?

And did you change your name so I will stop stalking you? Because, as you can see, it didn't work.


:rofl:

[Zornhau]

75. it still hurts

I think I'm having a reaction to all the tylenol in the stuff I'm taking, I;m getting itchy again :( And had to take another trip to the ER this morning for the pain :( It's been a long week...

I changed it so it would be a bit easier to say @ meetups

[SarahB]

86. Try to get a different narcotic.

A lot of my patients are surgical and I deal with acute pain issues A LOT. Frequently they're switching around between Percoset, Vicodin, or Dilaudid until they find something that won't make them itchy. In the meantime, take a little Benadryl. That may help.

[Zornhau]

91. did that

I'm on tramadol now... I think it as the tylenol, at least I hope so. Thanks dude

[ThomCat]

100. I hope the tramadol works.

It's good for muscle cramps (I know people who swear by it for severe periods) but when I took it for pain it didn't do much more than aspirin.

It's definitely the safest and most mild of all the painkillers I've ever used.

[ThomCat]

67. Right now you've got an excuse.

I hope you do half the housework normally though! :shakesfingeratZornhau: :)

I hope you hand is hurting less and healing more. :hug:

[Zornhau]

73. I do my share

and I can still do most of the laundry, but the cleaning for the parties has stresses Lynz. Luckily we have family close to help.

[AnneD]

68. I would tip....

the equivalent of at least 1/2 to one cleaning. Good reliable house cleaners are hard to find. I have found that tipping those that work for me (tipping is not common here outside of a salon or restaurant) helps me get that last minute appointment, a lagniappe when I purchase something, a nice table. It makes for a nice relationship. BTW, be sure to keep her on a regular schedule, even if things are clean-give her work (make it up if you have too-cleaning air filters, change bulbs, wash fixtures). She needs to be able to take care of her family and might drop you if you are an unreliable job source.

[ThomCat]

71. There is absolutely no doubt that there will be regular work for her.

I have 3 cats, and I'm pretty helpless at this point. My new roommate has expressed a willingness to keep things clean, but he's a middle aged divorced guy. How clean are they known for being? :P

[AnneD]

89. I know this sounds crazy.....

but you have some time on your hands....Have you thought about teaching your cats to use the toilet. I actually had a cat that used the toilet (urinated)-He taught himself. In fact-it was a funny story as to how I discovered it. I thought my ex husband was urinating in the toilet and not flushing. Goodness knows how long this went on. Then one night I heard what I thought was water left on. I jumped up out of the bed, ran to the bathroom, snapped on the light....And there was my tom, Charlie squatting on the toilet, looking up at me, annoyed at being disturbed. I said the first thing I could think of..."you can live with someone for years and still not know them" and snapped off the light and went back to bed. :rofl:

[ThomCat]

101. That's awesome!

I doubt my fat old cats would cooperate with that kind of training. They have a very clear idea that about where their litter box is, and where my funny shaped litter box is. They don't use mine and they wouldn't want me to use theirs. :P

[BarenakedLady]

76. I'm glad you found someone to help out.

While I was in my deepest depression, we hired a housecleaning service just to keep up with the place. It was very helpful in a difficult time. Sorry, I don't remember what I tipped though. My memories of certain times back then are hazy.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

103. I am very glad that time passed.

:hug:

[Redstone]

78. I don't know if tipping is standard, but it couldnt hurt. Especially if she does

such good work that you want to keep her as a regular.

Redstone

[ThomCat]

104. Agreed. I'll pinch on extras somewhere else

to make sure she gets adequately thanked for her work.

[Aristus]

79. My wife and I have a housekeeper who comes in twice a month.

We hire her to hit the high spots for us; vacuuming, dusting, cleaning the bathrooms, and so on. We don't expect her to tidy up the messes (we clean up before she arrives. :-) ) or do the dishes or laundry or anything like that.

It's a big help. She doesn't speak English, but her husband does. She cleans while we're at work anyway, so I don't get a chance to practice my Spanish. Her prices are reasonable, and we're giving her a nice Christmas bonus this year.

[Midlodemocrat]

80. Elitist.

:hide:

[Aristus]

84. Having a housekeeper doesn't me me elitist.

Appreciating intelligence, reason, knowledge, good food, fine wines, excellent micro-brews, recycling, social justice, proper spelling and grammar, and environmental conservation...

THOSE things make me elitist. B-) :P :+ :smoke::hippie::silly::crazy:

:hi: Midlodemocrat!

[Cabcere]

83. Sounds like a great arrangement, ThomCat!

:D I'm so glad things seem to be working out for you - you definitely deserve a break. :hug: Peace!

[ThomCat]

105. I certainly appreciate a break.

I just came home from a friend's birthday party, and I can't tell you how wonderful it is to come home to a place that's as clean as I want it to be. :)

:hug:

[applegrove]

85. I cannot aford a housecleaner but that is one of the first things I will

do if I get more permanent work. I'll hire Molly Maids or anyone. Just so I don't have to do it myself. Because I am not good at it.

[nadine_mn]

90. Not sure I trust Merry Maids

Have you read the book Nickel and Dimed - the author takes minimum wage jobs to see if she can survive (she can't) - anyway one of the jobs was w/ a Merry Maids type place and eek the horror stories (they reuse the same rags for toilet and kitchen).

I would rather hire someone not associated with a chain I guess.... where the bottom line is such an issue.

[applegrove]

97. I never heard that.

[Midlodemocrat]

112. Not only that, I hired them once when I was recovering from

surgery and had a new baby. They advertised that they would do all sorts of cleaning, baseboards, blinds, etc.

Did none of it. They were awful.

[ThomCat]

102. That was my concern too.

I'd like to know that the person doing the work is getting the money, not some corporate owner somewhere.

The chains I spoke to charge over $100 per hour, and their people still made barely more than minimum wage. There was no way I was going to support that type of robbery. And then, all the horror stories I've heard about housecleaners were about chains forcing their people to cut corners to keep costs down. Some of the stories were damned scary, like using the same rags for the bathroom and then the Kitchen, and not changing out dirty water so that they were basically moving the dirt around.
:(

[SarahB]

87. I'm glad you have someone reliable to help.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

106. Hi SarahBelle!

:hi:

I am too. Finding a housecleaner has been a big concern. I'm so glad I got this lucky.

:hug:

[SPKrazy]

92. Nice Post Hitler

J/K

I don't know about tipping

I would imagine that is a personal decision

:hi:

[ThomCat]

107. That's true.

It also seems to be very cultural.

Coming from a dirt poor background I only knew about tipping at the dinner and barber shop. :P

I'd rather err on the side of being generous though. She wouldn't be taking this extra work if she didn't need the money.

[nadine_mn]

94. Oh ffs - you shouldn't have to justify hiring a housecleaner

Thom - after reading all the posts I want to first say I am sorry to hear about your recent disability and that you are in pain...

big hugs :hug:

That said, who the hell cares why you hired a housecleaner - it is an honest profession that does not need any justification. It shouldn't matter if you have a disability, have children or are just lazy (that is my category) if you have the funds (which fortunately you do) and someone is willing to work - that is the nature of the service industry.

Am I elitist for getting a manicure? Having my haircut? Paying someone to change my oil? Paint my house? Cook me a meal at a restaurant - yes I am elitist for going to Burger King!

I doubt that you are smuggling in undocumented workers and making them work for their trip as slave labor - if you are then I would agree you are taking advantage of someone.

I worked with elders and people with disabilities and the goal has always been to help them remain as independent as possible - an important piece was scheduling house cleaning, meal services and nurse visits.

As far as tips = no fruitcake, a bonus is nice...since she just started I am not sure what to give. I always give my hairstylist the equivalent of a salon visit around the holidays. She is an angel with my hair.

Take care hon and glad to hear it is working out for you

[SPKrazy]

95. i agree if that is what he was doing

more power to him

:hi:

[Midlodemocrat]

96. I pay someone to clean my house.

She is well compensated. I treasure her and the job she does and would never take advantage of her.

She actually 'loves to clean', which for someone like me with three kids, a full time job and a traveling husband is an unbelievable Godsend.

I don't think it makes me elitist in the same manner you indicated. If I pay her what she asks for, give her raises and toss extra at her occasionally, it's a win-win.

[nadine_mn]

98. wait...when did I say it was elitist

please re-read my post - I was reacting to the comments by some (now deleted) that having a housecleaner makes you elitest...to me that is an absurd argument.

[FloridaJudy]

109. When I was in college

I worked as a housekeeper. Nothing wrong with it. It's honest work, and paid better than many work/study jobs.

Now that I'm older, I've considered finding one for myself as soon as I get a job. If you pay them a decent wage and treat them with respect there's absolutely nothing wrong with hiring housekeepers. Lots of people could use the extra cash, and I'd prefer to scrimp in other areas. I know a woman who canceled her cable and uses the $75 to hire someone to come in for a day a month to do the heavy cleaning. That's better than the average "white collar" wage for this area, so more power to her.

[Midlodemocrat]

111. You didn't. I was agreeing with you.

[ThomCat]

108. All very good points. Thank you, Nadine!

:hug:

I think we both made good enough impressions with each other that she'll keep me as a client. I'm very happy about that. :)

[fudge stripe cookays]

110. Glad it's working out for you, hun.

The last two years I've considered doing the same thing, as the constant exhaustion from the MS made it really hard to stay on top of things. Nothing to be ashamed of, and DEFINITELY nothing to have to justify to anyone.

My new doctor up here put me on a drug normally used to treat narcolepsy, and it's given me some of my life back. I can actually do all the things I need to do on weekends and don't need as many naps.

Let me know if you figure out the tip thing, since I may still need to know in another year or so!

[ProfessorGAC]

115. Hey, Cook!

How's it goin'?

I'm really worn down from the nursing duties due my wife's MRSA. The IV schedule prevents me from getting uninterrupted rest. So, i feel your pain. Literally!

What's the new med you're on?
The Professor

[fudge stripe cookays]

128. Hey doc!

:hi:

It's called Provigil. I'm so happy with my new doctor up here. There is actually a center for neurological disorders up here that specializes in MS, and he wanted me to try this stuff.

The first week, I was like the Energizer Bunny! It was so nice to have my life back! I can go to the grocery store or Target or something, and not be completely bagged halfway through.

See if maybe your neurologist might try you on it for awhile. I'm pissed my old doctor didn't even try it. Another friend of mine with this says she's been on it for a few years and swears by it.

[ThomCat]

116. I'm waiting to see if she'll keep me as a regular customer.

She comes from Brooklyn, and I'm on Staten Island. I'm in an easy place to reach, but it's still going from one borough to another.

I tipped her $40, this being her first time but also being right before the holidays. She did a wonderful job and really seemed to be looking to concentrate on stuff I can't do. If she keeps me as a regular client I'll probably tip her and extra $20 each time, and an extra $100 at future major holidays.

This level of service and consideration is really worth it. And as long as I have a roommate contributing rent I can afford it. :)

I really hope your MS is manageable. I have watched MS progress in a few people I know, and it's similar in so many ways to what I'm going through. :(

:hug:

[fudge stripe cookays]

129. Doing better, and I"m hoping for the best for you.

Now that ya got that zippy new scooter! The cooler climate up here is doing wonders for me. It's amazing.

[ThomCat]

130. I don't have the scooter yet.

The dealer seems to be playing paperwork games, probably to deal with the insurance company. I'm waiting. :(

[fudge stripe cookays]

131. It won't be long now...

Keep your chin up, buckaroo!

[LostinVA]

113. You tip a housekeeper if they do something special for you

And, if they're good, you usually give them a birthday and holiday bonus.

[ThomCat]

117. I thinkshe definitely qualifies as doing something special.

She didn't pry into my disability, but she zeroed in on the stuff I can't reach or move. She saw me doing some sorting of stuff i can reach and then spent some time helping me get to stuff to sort to either throw away or donate. She seems to understand what I'm doing and what I'm dealing with. I'm betting she's had other clients with disabilities before. :)

Her main client, during the week, speaks english and translates for her. If Natalia keeps me as a client I'm going to have to find out her birthday and confirm whether or not she's Jewish.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

114. glad you found someone. sorry i am a lousy friend. i really am overwhelmed w. work

[ThomCat]

118. You are NOT a lousy friend. You're busy with Grad School

and you're a very long commute away by public transit. Please don't beat yourself up. You're awesome. :hug:

When you have time again I want to see you some more. We'll catch up. :)

[La Lioness Priyanka]

120. anytime after dec 18th

:)

[RainDog]

121. I've taken a long time out from DU

and just recently started posting again so I don't know your exact situation, TC (but, hey, there's a DU avatar you might like with your name sort of on it) but I do know that online people can and often do misunderstand. I've been guilty of that recently myself with one of my pet peeves... creationism. You are so goodhearted to respond with kindness to this misunderstanding. I wish I would follow your example more often.

I hope you are able to manage your situation with this new help, and if I could afford to have someone clean my house right now I would do it too. I have the use of both legs, but sometimes life gets overwhelming in other ways and it's smart to get help when you need it.

[ThomCat]

123. Hi RainDog!

:hi:

I'm glad you came back. :)

I really appreciate people standing up for me and helping me here. It's very nice to see. I am not one to attack so I'm a pretty easy target otherwise. :shrug:

I'm only snarky when I stand up for others. I guess many of us are that way. We defend each other more than we defend ourselves. I'd be standing up for all the people on this thread too.

I think this probably was a big misunderstanding. Someone posted without thinking to edit first and said some stuff that makes a good point but says it is a very, very wrong way. This too will pass, people here tend not to hold grudges, and we'll all chill in the lounge. :)

[RainDog]

124. Hi back

:hi:

...although I may have to block DU on my computer to make me stop procrastinating here... but who can resist a thread titled "My cock is bigger than yours?" I find it hard to see sarcasm when it's about fundie stuff because the sarcasm sounds just like the real thing!

If it's not too much trouble, would you mind bringing others up to date about your situation?

[ThomCat]

127. Sure. Update:

It's already common knowledge, so there's no harm is re-posting.

I have had a disability for 15 years because of a warehouse accident that damaged both of my knees. They never healed, but none of the doctors or tests could identify why.

That turned into a back problem. 2 herniated disks in the lower back, 3 degenerating vertebra in the upper back, and curvature developing from muscle strain. But there were other unexplained pains and issues to couldn't be explained. Heavy meds became necessary to loosen muscles and relieve pain.

A year ago I started losing the use of my hands because of pain and stiffness. And then it spread to other joints. Physical therapy didn't help at all, but was able to document the symptoms and the speed and severity of the decline. Those results let to the right tests and I was diagnosed with either Psoriatic or Rheumatoid Arthritis. At this point they are identical and it's impossible to say which one I have, but my clinical diagnosis is Rheumatoid until something else develops.

That arthritis has spread to throughout my fingers, toes, feet, wrists, ankles, one hip, one shoulder and one elbow. So I can't stand or walk without pain, I use crutches if I'm walking more than a few steps, and I'm now getting an electric scooter for walking any distance at all. In physical therapy they measured my hand strength loss from 25 Kg of strength(normal) to 7 Kg of strength so, with the pain and stiffness, I'm losing the use of my hands.

With all of this, I'm losing the ability to take care of myself. I can rarely handle a knife well enough or safely enough to cook for myself. I can't hold dishes well enough to wash them. I can't do laundry. I can't shop. etc. So I'm now paying people to do all these things for me, and I have rented out my second bedroom so that I have a roommate around to help me. He gets a discount on the rent for providing the extra help I'll need around he house. And the rent money helps me afford all this other help that I need.

I often post about good and bad days, and new development. The lounge has been here to witness all of this and has been a huge source of support. :)

Edit for spelling.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

132. I'm so glad you found someone to help you out!!

I hope she works out. And it's so good you have such a thick skin. What is up with some asshats? (As an aside, that asshat should be really happy that I didn't stumble upon this thread earlier. There may have been a tombstoning. LOL)
Dude, I'm also glad you are going to a party tonight. That sounds like fun! TAke care of yourself, and if you need anything, you know where to find me!! :hug:
Duckie

[Blue-Jay]

133. Count your silverware before she leaves.