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Whatta day... Hubby just wasn't right today. It started yesterday with a fall. Didn't hit his head or anything, just not real "with it". Had some confusion going on today. Didn't know if he took his meds or not, even tho the "Friday" pill section in his plastic thingy was full. Asked me what day it was several times. I had to shower him and get him dressed for for Dr appt. He's just too weak Like taking care of a 90 yr old. Since his fall, I have to shadow him everywhere he goes , very unstable. Made it to Dr's office, as hubby now walks with a slow shuffle, everything takes forever. HP is teaching me patience. He weighed in at a whopping 139.5 lbs, has lost wt since he's been home. Sleeps a lot and hard to get him to eat much. Dr. thought his confusion could be due to the ammonia level in his blood creeping back up and sent us to lab for bloodwork after appt. By this time A and I are both exhausted. Dr. said he'd call if it was an unsafe level but didn't hear from him, which is more worrisome. No explanation. 2 days ago A's knee started swelling. The Dr removed (via needle) about 1/2 cup of fluid from it. Dr. said the color of the fluid didn't look right either (Sheesh!!), so that's getting sent for testing too. I think if A's confusion continues tomorrow I'm just going to take him back to the hospital. He'll hate that but something is wrong.
I'm trying my best to not get overwhelmed, but it's difficult. Right now hubby is almost an invalid. I take him to the bathroom, get his water, walk w/him wherever he goes, answer same questions over and over ..and still have laundry, dishes and a mess of a house, bills to pay and errands to run..(that's when A fell, when I was getting meds at Walgreens, the ONE time I left)..and let's not forget Louie the terror!! Plus Fatgirl and cat. Son is in school all day, daughters are back to work..so, I'm it. I'm not sure how to take care of me beyond sneaking in a hot bath at night. Son did stay w/Dad so I could go to my f2f on Tues.. I missed weekly meeting w/my sponsor though, couldn't leave A alone. A's family (in Michigan) keeps calling and making me repeat same things over and over to each person, so I did designate that I would call his sister nightly and she could call everyone else and report. I understand they are concerned, but I don't have the time stop what I'm doing and chat 4x a night. My girls call also to check, plus alanon friends... LOL, maybe I should just report on my answering machine.
I just have to get used to this routine, it's a far cry from being all alone during the day. And I used to think I was lonely? Calgon, take me away!!!!
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
((((((christy)))))))) Im not very good at this but wanted toshare with you that I know what your going through. In Dec my hubby the A went into hospital second time for liver problems due to drinking. He was in and out of hospital and nursing home for 7 weeks. He like your hybby was confused and so was I until I like you found out the ammonia levels were so high it was cooking his brain so to speak. My hubbys recover has been very slow too. But he is better now. Im so glad that you talk on this message board. I didn't and I wish now I had. I did vent in chat room and got alot of support especially very early in the morning. I thank my HP for the help and support I got there. I think you are doing great . One day at a time and this too shall pass helped me alot. You and your family are in my prayers love ya Beth
((((((Christy))))))) Gosh your plate is full. The dishes and laundry will still be be there tomorrow. How Important is it -with the housework? care and wishes~
Tea is right, dishes can wait. It's hard not to be overwhelmed. But remember you must make time to take care of yourself too. No sense in 2 people being sick, then what? Prayers to you and yours.
Live strong, Karilynn
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
I can only imagine how overwhelming this must be for you.Please try to ensure you do get that hot bath every night....and a few nice bubbles or some nice smelling oils wouldn't go amiss either.
Christy is there some way that you can get some respite for yourself with a carer to come in so you are not doing it all on your own? Please take care of yourself as well. Your needs are as important as anyone elses. Hugs and thinking of you. Luv Leo xx
Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Is there any respite in there. Can your daughters or anyone come over and help with the housework. I can understand you do not want to leave it. If I leave my dishes my whole house goes awol. I have a certain amount of housework I have to do each day especially with caring for pets.
How about your husband. Could someone from AA come and visit him and give you a respite. I am sure the fall has you worried and you want to hover around him a lot. I am glad that you are using the board to get it out what you are feeling. I am sure it is hard to deal with your husband's relatives and I am glad for you that you set limits with them.
I know asking can be difficult but how about asking for some help with say getting the groceries. One of the reasons I became very very angry at my boyfriends mother was she never offered any help at all when he was sick. Some people are clueless. If she were approachable I would ask. I felt deeply resentful that I was left alone to take care of him.
I am sure a lot is coming up for you helplessness is a huge trigger for me.
Christy, everyone had good encouraging words for you! I really don't have anything different to say, except, just try to simplify for now, until hubby gets better.
Use disposable plates (get the good sturdy ones) and cups when possible. And just eat simply, too.
You're probably already doing this, but it's just an idea. Make it as easy on yourself as you can right now. Make sure you eat right, and try to get enough sleep, so you don't end up sick as well.
