From the Editor…
When it comes to managing expectations, a newly diagnosed PRP patient will eventually realize that the flaking skin cascading daily from their body will fall victim to gravity. While hardwood floors are relatively easy to clean, the carpeted areas of a PRP domicile are more of a challenge.
Over the years I have heard tales of woe that describe how vacuum cleaners purchased pre-onset have succumbed to the rigors of “skin drifts”. Some died a heroes death; others just whimpered.
And then there are those PRP families who have treated their vacuum cleaner as a valued member of the family. These “flake sucking giants” often earned nicknames of endearment and strength.
We also know that the mantra for medications applies to vacuum cleaners as well. What manufacturers/models worked? Which models/manufacturers failed.
And don’t forget those handheld portables. I recall a PRP family that lived in a two-story house and kept a second handheld vacuum upstairs. Another “PRP traveler” kept one within arm’s reach of his recliner.
And just for fun, check out the PRP 2020 Industrial Strength Electric Vacuum Cleaner. LEARN MORE.
Please share your vacuum story— the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
Rhonda & Jeff W — Winterset, Iowa
Our Shark robotic vacuum became my new best friend. I called him “Robbie”, and he helped me a lot! We also used a handheld Dyson, and had one on each floor of the house. This was in addition to our other vacuums.
Carol T — Swaffham, Norfolk, England
Oh dear, the dreaded snow trail. While trying to keep on top of the copious amounts of “dandruff” showers around my flat, I decided to lay lengths of dark heavyweight upholstery fabric on the areas I walked on most. Not only did it highlight the “hot spots” but I was able to lift the fabric and shake it out of my ground floor window. For the larger areas of my carpets, furniture, etc I found a combination of a powerful cylinder vacuum cleaner (with variable levels of powerfulness), a lightweight broom-like vacuum (kept plugged in for quick access) and a good old-fashioned dustpan and brush. I also have several ‘magic brushes’ (lint pads) that are ace at clearing areas of soft furnishings that are difficult to reach with the other methods. My PRP journey has certainly been one of discovery as, during the hot summer months when my electric fan was on when my body was on fire, I found the blades got absolutely covered in a dark, greasy coating. When I dismantled it to clean I discovered it was a mixture of skin particles and greasy ointment that had obviously been circulating in the air!!! Yuk!!