PREP Crazy preps...whatcha got?

[Straycat]

This is the reason I don't post about what I may or may not have prepped. I was just thinking earlier today about these kind of people. I came here to read this evening and here is a classic example.

In general, I agree with you. However, most of the specific things I mentioned do no one any good if they don't already know how to use them. Not much of a black market for sewing supplies or unspun fiber. Most folks looking to steal preps aren't terribly interested in stealing things that require more work to utilize. (Knowing how does, however, make ME more valuable alive than dead.)

 

[marieb]

I have knitting machines, including a circular sock knitting machine that is over 100 yrs. old. I am stocking up on extra parts, needles, yarn, etc. I can make a nice pair of heavy wool or cashmere socks in 2 hours.

Someone with needles would need a week to make those same socks. It takes me only a few minutes to make a ski hat or a scarf on a flatbed knitting machine. I think items created with these machines will be excellent barter items, especially if the heat and electricity are "iffy". (Only one of my machines needs electricity).

The learning curve for making high quality sweaters, jackets, etc., is challenging. But these items will command a good price when the cheap ChinaMart items are no longer with us.

I also have 2 fold-up looms that make beautiful woven fabric. All of these tools should allow me to make items that will be in demand; and I will not be dependent upon others for a job.

I am saving both high-end yarn and cheap yarn. The high-end yarn will be used to make barter items and the cheap acrylic yarn will be used to make items for the homeless and indigent.

The British are masters at unraveling yarn from moth-eaten sweaters and recycling the yarn for new garments.

marieb

Yarm! And lots of it... My knitting friends and I always joke that there may one day be a yarn famine in the land - and we will be ready for it. You never know when a drought will take out the acrylic crop! And now that I have become a yarn snob (liking only the nicer alpaca, wool, cashmere, etc.) I want to make sure I have plenty stocked. You can make a lot of practical / warm items with two sticks and some string. And, if the yarn does run out, just rip that stuff out and knit it again!

 

[Kook]

Sanitary pads are good to have on hand, because they make the best bandages for a bad cut etc. (first they are sanitary lol....and they are soft and thick) Another thing is a slinky. Not only can it walk down the stairs.lol....but is good for many other things also. We also have a lot of bubble wrap type stuff for wrapping around us over other clothing if no heat.

Reminds me of another weird item I have, a Slinky antenna made from brass which I believe is no longer available. The bubble wrap is great on the windows during the winter, and you can get a sticky side type (same stuff as post-it notes) from Uline.com. It's called 'bubble mask'. Goes up on the windows in a jiff.

 

[SuElPo]

Yes the slinky can stretch a bit, but you can put it in your pocket or any small place, but helps transmit well. Also can be used as a binding aid, and I don't mean a notebook. Fix it taunt from one tree to another ahead of someone chasing you, and uh well. You know!

 

[Kook]

Yes the slinky can stretch a bit, but you can put it in your pocket or any small place, but helps transmit well. Also can be used as a binding aid, and I don't mean a notebook. Fix it taunt from one tree to another ahead of someone chasing you, and uh well. You know!

Especially connected to a neon sign transformer!

 

[Berean]

Shoe insoles. If I replace them, I can get several more months out of my shoes. The arches inside seem to breakdown before the outside of the shoe does.

 

[Rescuedog]

Just got one of my biggest preps out of the way. Had my gallbladder out yesterday! My attacks were coming more frequently and were getting worse each time, ended up in the ER on morphine last week.

Glad it's gone - won't miss it a bit, if TSHTF I won't have to worry about it.

I've had three major abdominal surgeries, this was the worse by far.

RD

 

[twincougars]

Junk! My kids say I am a hoarder; a packrat. I save stuff just in case it might be needed someday! I have a bunch of old DOS computers, 5 1/4" disk drives, ancient motherboards, a pile of old broken wireless telephones, broken this and broken that---might need for parts someday.

 

[Chair Warmer]

Just got one of my biggest preps out of the way. Had my gallbladder out yesterday! My attacks were coming more frequently and were getting worse each time, ended up in the ER on morphine last week.

Glad it's gone - won't miss it a bit, if TSHTF I won't have to worry about it.

I've had three major abdominal surgeries, this was the worse by far.

RD

Rescuedog,

If you wouldn't mind, could you please tell me what made this one the worst. Was it because of the attack or because of the pain after surgery?

See, I'm having surgery next week and wish I knew what to expect. I've never had surgery before. If it hurts much after surgery I'd really appreciate knowing ahead of time so I can get mentally prepared for it. The attacks feel like labor (for pain scale comparison).

Btw, congrats on looking at a future with no more attacks ever again! :-)

I hope you're healing up fast and are feeling better!!!

 

[Samsmom]

Dental floss, lots of different uses, including fishing line.

Duct tape for things that move when they shouldn't.

WD-40 for things that should move and don't.

Field mice for my cats because they'll be too lazy to catch them themselves when their cat food runs out.

 

[Rescuedog]

Rescuedog,

If you wouldn't mind, could you please tell me what made this one the worst. Was it because of the attack or because of the pain after surgery?

See, I'm having surgery next week and wish I knew what to expect. I've never had surgery before. If it hurts much after surgery I'd really appreciate knowing ahead of time so I can get mentally prepared for it. The attacks feel like labor (for pain scale comparison).

Btw, congrats on looking at a future with no more attacks ever again! :-)

I hope you're healing up fast and are feeling better!!!

Hi CW,

If I had known you were having surgery I would have kept my yap shut, I'm sorry! I have had an open hysterectomy, a c-section, and a tummy tuck. I guess this was the worst because I was expecting it to be a "nothing" surgery.

Before you have surgery get a few things in the house, prune juice, ginger ale, crackers, bread for toast, and bendy straws. You will need the prune juice to keep things moving because pain meds will stop you up. Put it in the fridge so it's cold and once you are off clear liquids have a good size glass every day.

Our hospital offers to fill pain meds so you don't have to stop at the pharmacy on the way home. Find out now if your hospital does this, if they don't ask for your scripts at your pre-op appointment and get them filled. Ask for Zofran melt-aways (I got the generic) for any post op nausea, these will make things much more pleasant. I only needed to take them twice but I was so happy to have them. Take your pain meds as prescribed for the first 24 hours, do not let the pain get ahead of you. Put tissues and chapstick by your bed, and something to barf in (I took the tray home from the hospital.)

The pain upon waking was pretty severe, don't let the nurses tell you to go home and take a Percocet (or whatever they are giving you.) I went into surgery at 7:30, was out at 9:30 but left the hospital at 12:30 (they wanted me out sooner.) I stayed long enough for two rounds of IV pain meds and an IM injection of anti nausea. I didn't leave until I was on top of the pain. When the nurse asks you what your pain level is 1-10 (10 is the worst) be honest - they will treat it. The good news is that you don't feel bad for long. I got home at 1pm, took my Percocet and Zofran and went right to sleep, woke up four hours later, redosed and slept comfortably through the night.

I spent yesterday in bed, but got up to shower and wash my hair. Today I changed my bed, vacuumed my room, flipped laundry, showered and I'm back in bed. Have someone do this for you if you can, my poor DH has beed running kids all over and hasn't had a minute. Also at some point crack a window and let some fresh air in - you'll feel like a new woman!

My attacks felt like labor too, only worse. I was living on oatmeal and rice. I'm so glad it's over. let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

RD

 

[Chair Warmer]

Rescuedog,

Not knowing what to expect makes it worse for me too, so thank you so much for sharing your experience, that helps a lot.

Even knowing surgery will hurt bad, I'm still looking forward to having it because the attacks are too painful.

They gave percocet in case I have another attack. Dr said percocet causes nausea too. And I've been eating carefully to avoid attacks. My meal variety consists of rice chex, pears, salad, organic bean and rice burrito, soup broth, plain bread sticks, tomato sauce, plain mashed potatos, and green beans. I'll get the bedroom ready with clean linens and all the other helpful items you mentioned and will have Dh sleep in the spare bedroom for a week or two. And I've set aside a few weeks of comfy clothes (so I won't be running to the clothesline). Surgery is set for Tuesday, and I can't wait to get it done and over with. No more attacks, yay!

Thank you again for sharing your experience and all of your helpful advice!

I am so glad you are through the worst of it now! I know you must be looking so forward to all the good food you're going to be able to eat again!

 

[WildDaisy]

Junk! My kids say I am a hoarder; a packrat. I save stuff just in case it might be needed someday! I have a bunch of old DOS computers, 5 1/4" disk drives, ancient motherboards, a pile of old broken wireless telephones, broken this and broken that---might need for parts someday.

Twin, what instances do you forsee as a use for old DOS computers, old motherboards or floppy disks? I can't see any use for them and think I'm missing something here. Other than nostalgia purposes, but I dont think people are going to barter for that in a SHTF scenario.

 

[Rescuedog]

Rescuedog,

Not knowing what to expect makes it worse for me too, so thank you so much for sharing your experience, that helps a lot.

Even knowing surgery will hurt bad, I'm still looking forward to having it because the attacks are too painful.

They gave percocet in case I have another attack. Dr said percocet causes nausea too. And I've been eating carefully to avoid attacks. My meal variety consists of rice chex, pears, salad, organic bean and rice burrito, soup broth, plain bread sticks, tomato sauce, plain mashed potatos, and green beans. I'll get the bedroom ready with clean linens and all the other helpful items you mentioned and will have Dh sleep in the spare bedroom for a week or two. And I've set aside a few weeks of comfy clothes (so I won't be running to the clothesline). Surgery is set for Tuesday, and I can't wait to get it done and over with. No more attacks, yay!

Thank you again for sharing your experience and all of your helpful advice!

I am so glad you are through the worst of it now! I know you must be looking so forward to all the good food you're going to be able to eat again!

I meant to tell you that the post surgery pain is no worse than the peak of an attack. For me the nausea made it bad, the pain part wasn't horrible. I know things will be uneventful and you'll be feeling better before you know it. I over did it today so I'm resting (in my nice clean bed!)

xo
RD

 

[trgrhppy]

Legally owned Uzi 9m.m. S.M.G. and about 6K rounds of ammo. You never know!

 

[Limner]

I stopped in at a local thrift store months ago, and there was the oddest pan on the shelf. It was aluminum, and the lid was as tall as it's base. I opened it up, and discovered it was an old fashioned 1950's and 60's baby bottle sterilizer. The rack inside holds nine glass Evenflo baby bottles and lids and nipples (which are held in a little rack in the middle; the nipple were brittle, but everything else was in perfect shape).

I asked the clerk how much it was. She told me fifty cents. So now I am the proud owner of a bottle sterilizer. The Dude is WAY past the baby bottle stage, but as the past has shown....you never know when a baby will get dropped in your lap.

 

[Samsmom]

RescueDog, I'm glad your surgery is over and you're doing better. Chair Warmer, good luck on your surgery.

That is a good thought. If you're needing any dental or surgical procedures, get them done now. With Obamacare lurking in the shadows, medical costs are increasing rapidly. Consider it part of your prepping items.

I had a total hip replacement in September and I'm so glad I had it done. The opposite knee is starting to give me trouble and they did an arthroscopy in Dec and trimmed out some torn cartilage. The doc said I would need a total knee replacement in a year or so but they won't do that until it gets really bad.

 

[timbo]

I have an appointment 2/1 for a wrist I fell on (damn ice) last year. It got better, but now......way too much pain and too many restrictions in what I can do.

 

[Shea Grey]

Bibles,cases of them,hard cover ESV's.

bot a 100 year old cider press. totally functional.

every single plastic jug and bottle,and glass, the heavy gauge stuff half gallon/ gallon,gets washed boiled saved and dried.

any old sharpening stone i can lay my hands on,as well as every old knife i can find,OR meat cleaver,found a HEAVY Brit made 100 year old meat cleaver,that could
split the skull of the biggest steer in one whack.

any real rope i can lay my hands on, found a 150 foot bolt of one inch manila, perfect shape,as well as a two inch bolt of manilawith a block and tackle with metal hook.

1000 feet of steel rope with winch.

wheat scythes, in perfect shape.

hand meat grinders, percolators,warsh basins

two man tree saw.

razor wire,razor wire and more razor wire.....barbed wire

paid pennies on the dollar for all of this and that just the tip of the ice berg.and i got word around,that i'm looking for ANY copper pots and copper tubing

and i aint even going to go into the lead and wep's purchases...dont even know what they are,i get confused.

but most important are those cases of Bibles, Shea

 

[Chair Warmer]

I meant to tell you that the post surgery pain is no worse than the peak of an attack. For me the nausea made it bad, the pain part wasn't horrible. I know things will be uneventful and you'll be feeling better before you know it. I over did it today so I'm resting (in my nice clean bed!)

xo
RD

Thanks again Rescuedog, please get plenty of rest so you can be healed up again real well soon!

Samsmom, thank you for the well wishes too!

 

[Chair Warmer]

I have an appointment 2/1 for a wrist I fell on (damn ice) last year. It got better, but now......way too much pain and too many restrictions in what I can do.

Have you tried wearing a wrist support or taking something for anti-inflamation, you can find wrist supports at the drug store.

 

[marsh]

Among my more unusual preps are a packers oven for an open fire and a kit for trapping (snares etc.) I also made a large solar dehydrator from plans from a university extension back in Y2K.

 

[Hansa44]

Thanks again Rescuedog, please get plenty of rest so you can be healed up again real well soon!

Samsmom, thank you for the well wishes too!

Ditto!


Also CW....get all the painkillers you can get even if you have to exaggerate the pain. And store them. (don't let anyone know you have them because they'll start hassling you for some everytime they have a backache or something.)

Timbo's post is a good reminder why you might want to do this. Right now he can get to a doctor and find out what's wrong, but if pain becomes excruciating the meds are good to have.

 

[razerback]

sandbags to put up a emergency shelter

 

[Old Gray Mare]

A mechanical corn sheller, probably 75 - 100 years old or more. It is made out of cast iron parts and has a fly wheel. We get that fly wheel spinning and can take the kernnels off of a lot of ears of corn in an hour.

 

[Grantbo]

I have a positive air pressure bio/chem pet shelter that a customer gave me and that he no longer needed. He thought I might be able to sell it. I haven't tried.

Now that IS really odd.

 

[Mother Love]

A mechanical corn sheller, probably 75 - 100 years old or more. It is made out of cast iron parts and has a fly wheel. We get that fly wheel spinning and can take the kernnels off of a lot of ears of corn in an hour.

My dad has one of these and this year we used it to hull walnuts with. It worked really well too!

 

[timbo]

Have you tried wearing a wrist support or taking something for anti-inflamation, you can find wrist supports at the drug store.

I take anti-inflamation stuff now. I really don't know what is wrong. After the fall, it of course was very swollen and after the swelling went down, it seem to get somewhat better.
In the last about 3 months, it's gotten more restrictive.
Early on, it was only very certain moves that caused pain.
Now it's reversed. I only have very certain moves that don't cause pain.

I'm fortunate to have a health plan that will cover the cost of this (even therapy) so I want to at least see if there is a small fracture or I've torn a tendon.

 

[NamasteMama]

I have a year supply of makeup. A girls got to look her best when the poop hits the fan right?

 

[BadMedicine]

Originally Posted by JC Refuge View Post
"I have a positive air pressure bio/chem pet shelter that a customer gave me and that he no longer needed. He thought I might be able to sell it. I haven't tried."

Now that IS really odd.

yeah, I thought so too. lol. In case of bio/chem attack, kill yer dog/pets and climb inside J/k....maybe

 

[Penguin Zen]

I made up some "Housewives" several years ago when I was doing my reenactments .. I kept adding to my stash thinking it would be a great barter item.

This is a pic of one I got off line just for reference ..

 

[Penguin Zen]

Junk! My kids say I am a hoarder; a packrat. I save stuff just in case it might be needed someday! I have a bunch of old DOS computers, 5 1/4" disk drives, ancient motherboards, a pile of old broken wireless telephones, broken this and broken that---might need for parts someday.

So twin c you can relate to this ...LOL

 

[BadMedicine]

obviously some sort of plad pleasure pocket with built in ligature and sado-masachist tools?

...or is it a sewing/patch kit??? ...because the former would be "crazier" than a sewing kit

 

[Chair Warmer]

"I have a positive air pressure bio/chem pet shelter that a customer gave me and that he no longer needed. He thought I might be able to sell it. I haven't tried."

It might be useful to put a baby or small kid in to save their life.

 

[joannita]

I have a water proof Bible; the pages are plastic; camaflogue (sp) no less! It is one heavy son of a gun, though..

 

[tanstaafl]

I personally think a waterproofed camouflaged Bible beats my fake blood capsules! I make a motion to declare joannita the new leader in the "crazy prep" category.

 

[Penguin Zen]

I just bought a battery operated sewing machine ..brand new for 3.00 at a yard sale ...

 

[L.A.B.]

I modified an All American Pressure Cooker to be combined with a condenser coil, 12 VDC fan motor and 12 Volt Solar Panel to distill brackish or seawater.

I really enjoy shop projects.

 

[Taz]

Last year I woke up in the middle of the night and thought, OMG, what am I going to use to sterilize wounds? I got on ebay and bought a solid brass sodering iron. It had been cleaned up and ready to go. I suppose it has antique value but its in my Medical kit.

 

[summerthyme]

Taz.. I sure hope you meant "cauterize". Because, yes, a soldering iron DOES work amazingly well if nothing else will stop a bleeder.. BTDT on cows a couple of times. But it also delays healing and can cause more pain... definitely not something to be used except in case of bleeding you can't stop otherwise.

Summerthyme