YouTube Comments. I am always learning something

Since starting YouTube, I always enjoy receiving comments. I used to loathe a negative comment, but as the years have passed, I actually appreciate them.

People tell me all sorts of things. And as far as the negative comments go, they range from attacks on my channel to making fun of how I speak with a tracheostomy tube to general hatred. I usually allow all comments unless it is a vile off-the-wall comment. Attacks against me, I mostly leave up to allow others to see what I have to deal with while being a YouTube vlogger. The one exception is if the original comment elicits one or more replies from other YouTube viewers which are not kind. Slander gets deleted.

 

As for the negative comments, I read them and think about them. If someone took the time to post something, there is usually a grain of truth in his words. I use the comment to try to change my character and become a better person.

Recently, someone said I appear to be passive aggressive. I was unsure what this term meant. I looked up the meaning and laughed. I may be many things, but being passive aggressive is not one of them.

I do not like to be angry or mean-spirited. I try my hardest to give people the benefit of the doubt. If someone does do something against me, I try hard to move on. I like the scripture verse, “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). I try to love people and appreciate even the bad things which may have arisen due to the person’s actions or words. I remember the Scripture verse, “God works all things for good” (Romans 8:28).

The one thing I wish I could change about the world is people being mean. I know I cannot change the world, but I can change myself. I try every day to be kind and to rid my character of anything which is not full of love, peace, joy and kindness. However, after reading the comment that I appear passive aggressive, I will work even harder on my character to be a better person.

The hardest part of having a YouTube channel

As much as I love YouTube, and enjoy the people I meet, there is also a part of me which is shattered into a million pieces. People find my YouTube channel, and share their lives with me. I am always grateful to be privy to this information. However, many times, folks tell me of things which did not go right.

I cannot tell you how many times I wish I could have changed things; how many times I wish I could have intervened.

Today, a sweet soul left this comment on my YouTube channel:
 “My father had a stroke at the age of 80. He had a tracheostomy and after a few days hated the prognosis of having his lungs cleaned,. It was uncomfortable. The doctors removed it and he passed away 48 hour later, with morphine. Im shocked and confused.”

I cannot tell you how my heart breaks and tears run down my face. If only this man would have been able to talk to someone who was knowledgeable about tracheostomy tubes. There are many different methods to clearing the lungs. Many times, patients are not offered these alternatives.

I wish I could have changed the outcome of this situation. I cannot imagine the pain it must be to lose a father. Praying for this family. May they find peace and comfort in the days, weeks and months ahead. May the father’s memory be a blessing.

After a short break, back to the stress of life

Recently, I took some time off from YouTube. I was burned out. I did not edit videos or start new YouTube videos. It was nice to just live my life without being under pressure to help people. My Life with a Vent YouTube channel has become a resource for many people to ask questions and request videos about various respiratory topics. I do not mind do this, but the stress it creates can be immense.

People will contact me and say they have to make a MAJOR decision about a medical issue. Can I do a video as soon as possible to help them sort things out? What people do not know is it takes about a MONTH to create a video. It takes time to research the subject, create a script, film, edit and upload the content. I have limited energy and fatigue quickly. Plus, I have a life to live such as going to doctors’ appointments, emergency department visits, having blood work done, etc. By the end of my week, I am crawling through my life, clawing to get through the day.



 

After spending some time off, I have to get back to my YouTube channel. Someone asked me to do a video on a subject I have almost no knowledge on. The person needs the video ASAP as he needs to make a decision if he wants to have the procedure done.



I am humbled people seek me out to help them through their journeys. I often beg God to let me quit this job, but I know, if God has allowed this YouTube channel to turn into what it has become, I should not hinder that. I need to serve others and be grateful I am able to help people. Now it is time to get going and create a new YouTube video.

So much paperwork!!!

Lately, my life has been full of stress and craziness. I had an infection, and had to fight to get antibiotics for it. There were problems with my doctor’s office getting the paperwork, and then the pharmacy had issues too. Finally, that hurdle was cleared.

Next, I have had issues with my insurance. I prefer to not go into the the details, but in general I had to submit 26 pages of documentation to proof my medical issues. When that was done, without warning, I was sent another large packet of paperwork which had to be completed in ONE day.

After frantically getting that done, it was submitted on time. In classic form, I was never contacted about the outcome of the case. Another medical company alluded to it in a correspondence I received. So, unofficially, the paperwork was accepted, and my insurance continues on.

When I thought I had all that resolved, then another issue came up. I had to submit more paperwork. I had to outline medical expenses and submit receipts for medical items and services I need. Thankfully, that was only about a 4-5 hour setback.

When I thought I had all that done, I got a call from my insurance. This was an interrogation call to make sure things I had submitted were accurate. The call ended I think on a good note. There is one more form I have to fill out, and then may be I am done with this craziness for a while.

There is no guarantee when my insurance will throw me another curve ball. I am happy this is all behind me, but I know at any moment, my insurance may again require mountains of paperwork and proof of my medical conditions.

I am so tired. I wish there was an easy way.