R had doctors' appointments last Tuesday and Wednesday, and there is so much daily stuff that has to be done with only me to do it, and the taking to appointments as well (all of R's doctors are at least an hour away), that I didn't even give a thought to whether or not I would make any of my traditional foods for a proper Thanksgiving Day meal. Thank goodness for sisters...my one sister that lives within an hour of me actually brought a box of her home-cooked food to us at the doctor's office on Wednesday afternoon so that we would have some special Thanksgiving Day food. What would I do without my sisters, and especially the one that lives closest to me?
As of last Tuesday (November 20), R's blood work was "better, but not normal", according to lab work done on the 20th. We will take "better", and hope that things continue to improve.
Time is a funny thing. The days each seem to speed by from morning to dark, yet at the same time, the minutes and hours can seem to stretch out into days'- long brackets. I don't think I knew that a person could be so chronically, bone-deep tired and weary. I seem to be going full speed most days, and then there will be a day or two thrown in the mix somewhere that I am just collapsed in a puddle in the middle of the mess.
R has an appointment next Monday, December 3, with a Nephrologist (kidney specialist). We are both apprehensive about it, and yet I will be relieved to have him seen by someone who can hopefully tell us what is actually going on with his kidneys. He is still retaining a ton of fluid, even though he's on a daily dose of Lasix. He has developed another edema blister, this time on his left foot. I'm still cleaning and dressing the wound each night on his right foot from a huge edema blister that got broken.
I look back over the path my life has taken to this point, and still can't figure out how this is where we have landed, at least for the near (and maybe far) future.
*I haven't been on the bike/trainer in at least 2 months, maybe longer. I just got on it today and rode 1 mile, 9.20 minutes, avg speed 6.7. Piddly amount, but at least it's another beginning. Wasn't sure I would ever get on it again. I have to say, though, my knees were so much better when I was riding more days of the week than not.*
6 comments:
this has got to be so rough on both of you - he for it being his body and you as caregiver - hang in there - keep trying to exercise it is supposed to help reduce stress
Love you, girl. It is stressful in the extreme, and takes a great toll on caregivers. Rest when you can...exercise when you can...sew if it brings you comfort.
Angie, I am concerned for your health, as well as your husbands. Caregiving is the most draining thing. It takes all your energy and emotion. Are there options for you to have help periodically so you can take breaks to refill your bucket?
I wish I was near and could provide some relief on an errand or a meal. You must take a day or two off because if you get tired your immune system may get weaker and you will be good to no one if you are ill. Is there a friend or can you hire a helper once a week?
Sitting here reading this post I am saddened to hear of your and your's husband's difficulties at this time. How draining for you to be his caregiver and do everything else as well and how difficult for your husband to be experiencing all his health problems. There is nothing one cay say really is there to bring a smile to your day. How wonderful of your sister to think of you both and cook some Thanksgiving food for you. Please take care, Angie♥
Following along with you. Thank you for the updates. A candle burns brightly for you and R! Sending everything I can think of but mostly just love.
Thank goodness for sisters! Sending yours hugs and a big thank you for being there for you.
Hang in there, "this too shall pass"...but hurry!
~Sherry Q~
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