Holy smokes, where did the past 35 days go? I ask the question, “What day is it?” more than I’ve ever done in the past. The days/nights blurred together during the first few weeks of Mr.’s return home. We got through those stumbling, bumbling, and mumbling (swearing) moments until desperation led us to find a way to better sleep with the help of an expensive solution called, the “PureWick”.
Sleep (uninterrupted for over 6 hours) is a wonderfully healing thing! When I’m sleeping (not snoring…) I hear my nose whistle, thinking it is Mr. Whistling for help, I yell to Mr., “What do you need?” Hearing nothing but soft snores from the other room in response, I doze back to sleep until the cats wake me for breakfast.
So many moments I’m reminded of how far we’ve come. It’s been 7 months and counting.
Einstein had it right when he said, “The distinction between the past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.”
Yep…
And I wonder how much of that blur of where the time goes illusion is drug-induced? (If the picture fits, use it!) On a side note, it’s fun to hear how many different ways medical personnel pronounce Oxcarbazepine. Did you get it right?
Mr.’s life involves Home Health therapies popping in to keep his progress in the ‘insurance-covered’ mode.
He’s learned to do transfers, stairlifts, showers (more on that in a minute), wheelchair sit-ups, wheelchair ramps, functional things like putting away dishes, getting in/out of the car, etc. So much more. The left neglect/paralysis residuals in his brain continue to play tricks on Mr.’s progress.
Our wall is covered with objects for him to find and search for to continue practicing waking up on the left side. Throughout the day when he’s in the hospital bed, Mr. practices as I rearrange the objects to keep them “interesting”.
My mind wanders as my eyes follow the sun on the left side of the room noticing photos I hope he sees again someday, fondly reminiscing moments where life was different. Wondering…will we travel again someday?
Time flies. That trip was I think 7 years ago…
In less than a week from the date above, we experienced our “we got this, cocky moment”. We attempted our 3rd solo (aka, without any therapist assistance, or 2nd pair of hands) showering attempt. With the equipment placement marks on the floor, it should be easy…
It is easy with 2 people assisting. This time, though, it was just me. It ended up in what we successfully call, “Controlled, Relocation to the Floor”, “CRtF”. All of the equipment alignment failed and moved with awkward transfers. Thankfully, the gait belt didn’t fail, and Mr. and I communicated as we slowly lowered our tangled bodies to the floor. I kept thinking, “Look for a safe landing, go slow, keep calm, keep his head safe!”
I had my cell phone in the room and it was within reach. I called our first line of help, but they didn’t answer. I called them again. Again, no answer. PANIC…deep breath…I called our second line of defense, and thank goodness she was there, and came right away after hearing my distressed voice and tears on the edge of bursting over the phone!
Whew…I sighed telling Mr. we did not need to call the EMTs! I looked down at his left side contorted into a position it hadn’t been in for over 7 months. Oh…dear…I hope he’s not hurt!
Whew…our helper made it there in record time and we got Mr. back up off the floor, onto the transport chair, out of the room, onto the stairlift, and back to his bed.
We’ve since decided not to do showers on our own and we’re saying goodbye to this system and have ordered a different one. A success story in the works to share at another time!
I’ve earned a few titles during this past 35 days. I’m a pharmacist (assistant).
And a pioneer woman…affectionate name given to me by Mr. as he praises me for hauling wood to our fireplace and keeping the fire going.
And…there’s the ever-present, Whistle-Responder, who, by the way, just heard Mr.’s whistle which wasn’t damaged by the stroke. Yep, that’s him I hear calling me for assistance.
Time flies…and I’m off again until the next moment to spare to write a post. I miss you all dear blogging buddies! Take care and keep your rooting team in your corners of the blogosphere – I know I appreciate you more than words can say!
We are right out here rooting for you guys! I was thinking a day or so ago that we hadn’t heard from you and hoping progress was being made. It must be exhausting, but each step forward, regardless of how many backward it took to get there, must feel good. I hope things get easier soon, and that someday you guys get to go on another trip!
Thank you so much for the update, Shelley. I have been wondering (and praying) for the Mr’s recovery and for you in your multiple roles. I wish you all the best along this journey, and I do hope you will travel again to a place with warm sand.
Oh, Shelley, you are doing an amazing job wearing all those hats. It’s a lot. Of course, you do it willingly and lovingly…but I hope you have some support for yourself as well. I’m thinking of you, sending you good vibes, and praying that things will get easier for both of you!
I’ve seen the ad on TV for that device, I hope it works good. So good to see you back, Shelley! Hi from Florida, heading home Friday, hugs for you guys!
It’s good that you two know how to get him back on his feet. Mary and I were never good at that, so I do my best to keep from falling.
His left side being contorted might actually be the sign that it’s starting to come around.Let’s hope.
You’re doing well!
Thanks for the update Shelley. Good to know you are doing OK
Shelley – a year ago you would never have guessed how you would be taking the concept of multi-tasking to such a high level. But here you are and absolutely acing it. Together you have made it this far and will continue to take big strides in this health journey. You know we are rooting for you on the sideline.
Thank you for the update and God Bless you and Mr.
Thanks for the update. No question, recovery is a slow, one-step-at-a-time process. Cheers to your aid, assistance, persistence, patience, and strength.
Thanks for this update with photos to help explain what is going on. I know it’s a slow process and one that seems to progressing along… as it should. You’re doing a great job of showing support and planning and a sense of perspective. I don’t think I’d be as strong as you in the same situation.
You and Mr are winning. Slowly but surely, you’re winning and that’s definitely something to be proud of. I think of you often and know that you’ll update us when you get the chance. Keep up the good fight!
Great to hear from you. You’re doing an amazing job wearing all those hats. I think of you often and continue to hope for the best for your family!
I really have no words other than you go girl! Amazing set of therapies. Be sure to be kind to yourself, Shelley. Praying for you both.
I praise your strength of character and resolve. You are an amazing woman, don’t ever forget that. I am glad he is home and in time things will get better. We are all praying for both of you.
It sounds like you’re both doing an amazing job! Don’t forget to take a little time out for yourself when you can. Take care.
Shelley, sending hugs and prayers your way, for both you and the mister. You are such an angel to him and also very courageous and determined to do what it takes to keep your husband on a path toward recovery. As a few other commenters have already stated, you are amazing!
I saved this post for when I had time to reply, Shelley (or should I say Pioneer Woman?). I too am just watching the time fly like crazy! Catching up on my blogging buddies today. I miss you out here but, wow, you are doing great work with Mr. My guess is you’re stronger and more creative (and probably patient too, minus the occasional “darn it”) than you ever thought possible! I love hearing about Mr.’s progress, and I know you’ll be through these particular woods before long. So much rooting–and praying–for you both from this particular corner!