Your Thoughts/Prayers/Voodoo Needed

[Temptd2]

This SHOULD be the worst of it, Glenn - once you get her home and things are in place then you should be able to settle into some routine. I hope so anyway! Sending out prayers and hugs - hope everything else goes smoothly.

 

[bigken462]

I just stumbled across this thread. While I have not read through all of the pages, please know I admire your dedication for the love of your wife. I wish today's society still shared your values of taking care of their spouse.


Sir, please know I will keep you and your wife in my prayers. As a career Paramedic, I recognize the stress and challenges you must face daily and I know they must seem horrible at times.

From a fellow brewer, many prayers sir your way.

Kenny T

 

[glenn514]

Today was a futile exercise in attempting to herd cats! Many of the people that "administer" the medical field have tunnel vision. They seem to have little concept for any method other than theirs. And will mistakes ever be admitted? You know better! The ONLY medical professional today that was straightforward and honest was the doctor who performed the procedure to replace my wife's gastric tube. And he even apologized for the bumbling ineptitude of others. I sure do hope tomorrow is better.

glenn514

 

[soccerdad]

Chin up Glenn !

 

[Yooper]

Oh, Glenn, it sounds so discouraging.

I am thinking of you and Marie, and sending you positive thoughts and lifting you up in prayer. I have no words, but my good thoughts are heading your way.

Lorena

 

[GHBWNY]

Hills and valleys, Glenn. Praying you through both.

 

[Temptd2]

Please try to keep in mind - medical staff HAS to go "by the book" and common sense does not necessarily enter into that equation. Having retired from that profession, I cannot even begin to tell you how disgusted I am with the way things have gone the past few years. But we have to deal with it, there really is very little wiggle room to fight it. So buck up and bull forward!

 

[glenn514]

I didn’t have an opportunity to email you yesterday afternoon or evening, but Marie is safely and securely in the house! The two men from the ambulance company, along with Jim Christle, our son-in-law, had to use some large muscles to get her around the corner at the back hallway, but they did it, and she is currently sleeping in the family room.

The home health nurse was here upon her arrival. In fact, she was about 30 minutes early, and assisted me getting everything ready for Marie’s arrival.

Today, another home health person is supposed to stop in to do an assessment. Once that is complete, I have to head to Walmart and buy some supplies. And while the person is here, I need to get a daily schedule of medications. Fun, fun, fun!!!

glenn514

 

[banesong]

Welcome home!

 

[unionrdr]

I hope being home is more positive for her!

 

[Temptd2]

Having her home will make it easier for you to see that she is getting the care you want her to have. But be sure to make time for YOU, Glenn. I know whereof I speak - I took care of my Mom at home here for 7 years. The last year or so was particularly difficult, and I was at it 24/7/365. My "escape" was to go get a fast-food burger and large drink and go park by the ocean and enjoy it for an hour. It really helped me reset my "stress meter" to do that. So please find something that will give you a break and then go do that!

 

[ChefRex]

Peace and strength to the both of you.

 

[glenn514]

The learning curve on this home care is mighty steep! But I am slowing getting better at caring for Marie, setting the feeding pump, preparing her medications, and all those other things one has to learn NOW! And I found out today how to administer one of her anti-rejection medications. Our local pharmacist told me to mix the med with apple juice and a bit of warm water to help the med dissolve. Worked like a charm! The physical therapist visited today; nurse will visit tomorrow. And I have a daughter and son-in-law with me until late Wednesday. They are extremely helpful, and I appreciate it.

glenn514

 

[unionrdr]

I know what you're going through. My MIL was brought home at her own request. It's a lot to learn & help is always needed now & then, so we took turns helping out when SIL had to work, etc. Just keep on keepin' on, man!

 

[glenn514]

Marie had some difficulty yesterday evening, with two episodes of throwing up. Fortunately, the home health nurse, who lives in our fair city, had just left, so I called her back, and she gladly assisted me cleaning Marie up. We ended up shutting off the feeding pump for a couple of hours, so the stomach emptied itself.

This morning's change...the first one truly "solo" since my able assistant and her husband went home yesterday afternoon...went quite smoothly. I did have to change the bottom sheet, and even that went smoothly! Marie was again complaining about nausea, so I had the feed pump shut off for a time. It is now back on, and I will administer morning meds soon.

A CNA will come early this evening to give Marie a much-needed "sponge-bath." Since she cannot walk or stand, that will have to happen while she's in bed. Better that an experienced CNA try that, rather than old fumble-thumbs me!

glenn514

 

[glenn514]

On another matter entirely...I am a retired church musician/teacher in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. For much of my career, I wrestled with the distinction between "ADVENT" music and "CHRISTMAS" music. Yet, in all the stress, strain and huge learning curve, I grabbed my earbuds and my Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD, and have been happily surrounded by some wonderfully-arranged Christmas music on the computer courtesy of Chris Davis!!! Yes, I'm pushing the Christmas season just like all the retailers...but I really needed this musical "kick in the butt" this morning! And all the subtle things Davis does with the carols are amazing with earbuds!!!

glenn514

 

[soccerdad]

not the same thing, but (and a marengo guy will like the Blackhawk shirt)...

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=I'm+a+steamroller+baby&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002

 

[unionrdr]

I like Trans siberian Orchestra for Christmas music too. They rock it great! :rockin:

 

[glenn514]

Marie had a reasonably quiet and restful day today, other than when I was rolling her around, changing her and cleaning her up! She did have another episode of vomiting, so I immediately turned off the feeding pump. The nurse and I are in agreement that we think she's just getting too much formula. I will speak about that with the doctor who will visit AT THE HOUSE on Tuesday.

We received 7-8 inches of wet heavy snow overnight and for most of the day today. It finally quit mid-afternoon, so I went out and cleared off the driveway and sidewalks of that gloppy stuff. The snow in contact with the pavement was partially melted and slushy...not easy for the blower to handle.

glenn514

 

[Yooper]

Oh, Glenn, I wish I was closer so I could help out. I'm thinking of you and Marie, and sending my love and prayers.

We all say "stay strong", but it's ok to fall apart sometimes too. You're going to be ok, and I know it, and I will pray for strength for you as you go through this.

 

[unionrdr]

I remember those days with father & mother in law. We were close, & it was hard to try & keep going ourselves with work, families & take care of them too. It ain't easy all the time. Sometimes you just plain will have to pull it outta the basement. we always found the strength somewhere. So just keep on keepin' on. That's all you can do at this point. Ya gotta be tough for her. Let her know, see that you're not giving up.:rockin:

 

[glenn514]

I got up early to care for Marie. It is now a little after 600am here, and I've already changed the bottom sheet twice! The feed pump is turned off. I will turn it back on in about 30 minutes...after I clean up the vomit from the carpet. Not a good morning thus far.

glenn514

 

[Inkleg]

Glenn, I'm sorry your morning is off to a rough start. I'm also sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I have been here reading every post. I feel the happiness in your words when there is a good day. I feel the sadness in your words when there is a bad day. I feel your love for Marie in your words everyday. Please know we are here everyday too.

 

[Temptd2]

I'm sure, like me, you never imagined yourself being a primary caregiver to someone who cannot do for themselves any longer. In many ways it's a grueling, thankless-feeling job - just know that you ARE making a huge difference in Marie's life by caring for her at home, amongst the things she loves. Accept offers of help whenever you can and give yourself a mental health break often!

Know that you are thought of often by many here and that we all lift you up in our thoughts and prayers and give you strength when you think you have none left. The group prayers and good wishes are very powerful.

 

[beernbourbon]

Amen. Exactly my thoughts. I, like Inkleg, check every day, keeping you in my thoughts, reading, but not understanding. Only those who have walked in your shoes can know the pain, frustration, and hopefully occasional joy at the small things that we all take for granted, that you lovingly mush on through.
Please know, although I rarely respond, you and Marie and your family are in my thought and prayers often.

 

[glenn514]

I think we may have solved the reason for Marie's vomiting episodes. She is a kidney transplant recipient, and must take two anti-rejection medications. At the nursing home, she was receiving one as an "oral suspension," rather than capsules. Here at home, I have the drug, but it is in capsules. I checked with a pharmacist, and was told to empty the contents of the capsules into apple juice and administer that way. Ah-ha! That is one of the few things that has changed since she's been home!! I will make a few phone calls tomorrow, and see if I can figure out either how to administer the capsules via gastric tube, or how to get the "oral suspension" in place of the capsules!!!

glenn514

 

[banesong]

Small steps, and small victories will make your life incrementally better.

Looking forward to the next small victory, and the next improvement. Keeping you in my thoughts.

 

[glenn514]

Today's first change was simple and easy, compared to yesterday's. The things one learns in little steps along the way ultimate make a huge difference. Yesterday, I changed the bottom sheet three times, because I was not prepared for sudden "accidents." I was prepared today! I also adjusted the routine today by turning off the feeding pump 45 minutes before I started, and also NOT putting the top section of the bed all the way flat. Hopefully, that will reduce or prevent vomiting.

Today will be relatively quiet: occupational therapist at 900am and nurse later in the afternoon. Tomorrow, however, I will have one daughter and her husband here...so I'm deep-frying TWO turkeys, because we like leftovers! It's just unfortunate that Marie won't be diving in to the Thanksgiving feast we will prepare. But we will still give thanks!

glenn514

 

[unionrdr]

Do what you can to make her feel at home while you enjoy some company!

 

[GHBWNY]

But we will still give thanks!

Amen, brother. In all circumstances...

Have a blessed day tomorrow. And everyday.