Mobile ordering eases stress for me and my gene-positive wife
It's become a valuable tool as Jill's HD symptoms progress
As my wife, Jill, and I recently made our way through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, I saw her glance longingly at a Starbucks we passed on the way to our gate. We were headed to Boston to visit family but were running a little late. However, a flight delay enabled me to return to the coffee store to pick up some peach tea that brings Jill much joy.
Thanks to mobile ordering, I don’t have to worry about getting her the wrong thing.
Traveling is stressful and has become more difficult for Jill over time. Despite the progression of her Huntington’s disease symptoms, she has vowed to do as much as she can for as long as she can. I want to support her, so I try to keep her happy and do things to reduce her stress. If getting her peach tea from Starbucks helps with that, I’d walk 500 miles to make it happen.
She ordered her drink via an app, and I went to go fetch it. While waiting for the order, I flashed back to the times before mobile ordering existed.
I don’t drink coffee or tea, so going to Starbucks is like visiting a foreign country. I don’t have even a basic understanding of the complexities of the caffeine world. Jill doesn’t like to stand in line, so in the past, I’d be the one ordering. This was always stressful for me because, invariably, the barista would ask me a question about the order. Because I didn’t understand the various nuances – trust me, buying bottled water is so much simpler – I’d usually have to call Jill to get the right answer.
Thus, mobile ordering has become a godsend that we’ve both embraced. I can bring Jill what she wants after she places an order, and I feel wonderful knowing that she’ll receive the perfect mix of peach and tea.
After I picked up the drink and handed it to Jill back at the gate, she said she was grateful for my willingness to make sure she is taken care of. Then she said something I’d never thought about: Mobile ordering has made her life easier. I never considered how stressful ordering could be for her.
Jill experiences increased anxiety due to Huntington’s. She explained that, even though she knows what to order, the stress of ordering out loud in a crowded place among people who are in a hurry can cause her to panic.
Mobile ordering gives her time to figure out what she wants and to order things the way she wants them.
As we waited for our flight, I thought about how a day will come when I’ll have to do all of the ordering for Jill, due to her disease progression. We’re not looking forward to that, but at least she knows it will be easier for me than ordering in person. The mobile option has already proven to make both of us happy.
Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.
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Comments
Ezmie Miller
I to am struggling with my husband having hunington chorea, and his 2 boys also carry gene, how do you manage the nonsense change in attitude from one minute to the next (3stage)?
María Rosario Lorena Read Corbella
I'm fasting for anxiety management
MB
My husband just completed a full round of TMS which was recommended by our psychiatrist at our local center of excellence.
It has had amazing results in his anxiety. He always used to worry about his stomach whenever we went out. He hasn’t asked me for a Pepto since! We even took him off one of his anxiety meds.
Andrea Peska
For families who suffer from Huntington's, and for those who suffer from other debilitating conditions, you are amazing heroes. I hope the day comes soon where these debilitating diseases are a thing of the past. I write as a attribute to the memory of my family members who were heroes despite struggling with Huntington's.