What If?

For years, our younger daughter has been asking me to document how I bandage my fingers. What if you can’t do it and need help? she asks. What do I need to know?

So, last week, while she was visiting for the holidays, we finally got down to the nitty gritty. I reviewed all my dressings, what I use for which kind of ulcer, and she took videos of me bandaging my fingers. Right now, I have five ulcers, with various issues, so it was a teachable moment, as they say. I also guided her as she bandaged one of my thumbs, so she could get the feel of the process. Which she got, immediately.

But we didn’t stop with my bandages. She created a computer file, and we went over all my medical issues, medications, doctors, and more. It was a lot to discuss, and it was exhausting to pull all that information out of my head, but very important and well worth the time and effort.

You never realize how much you do automatically for self care until you have to stop and explain every step, especially for a disease as complicated as scleroderma. And if, God forbid, I became incapacitated, it’s very reassuring to know that she’d have a complete written and recorded explanation of what help I would need. I certainly hope she doesn’t have to access any of that information anytime soon. But at 71, I know I have to be realistic and prepared for more help than I am accustomed to. And I am extremely grateful that she has insisted that we create this manual—and finally did.

Wishing you, Dear Reader, and your loved ones a healthy and fulfilling New Year. This one’s been a doozy. Here’s hoping 2026 is a better year for all.

Evelyn Herwitz blogs weekly about living fully with chronic disease, the inside of baseballs, turtles and frogs, J.S. Bach, the meaning of life and whatever else she happens to be thinking about at livingwithscleroderma.com. Please view Privacy Policy here.

Image: Jesse Cason