Joan I know exactly what you mean about the anethesia. 2 years ago last month I had surgery on the carotid artery on the right side. I tried to tell the anethesiaologists that I didn't want the kind you inhale. They both were pooh poohing and that they had never had any such thing in x number of years. I remember waking up in ICU and my doctor telling me he had to go further up because there was more plaque than had showed up on the tests. I also remember being sick. I was supposed to go home the day after surgery because that is the norm for people. Not me! I was in there 5 days because they couldn't get my blood pressure down BUT the thing was I don't remember being moved to CCU or how long I was there before I woke up and realized I was in a different place. I figure I lost about 3 days! I have the carotid test every year now and when I go to my doctor for the results the first thing I say to him is "Please tell me I don't need another surgery". The only way I would have another one is it I am guaranteed in writing that I will get the local anethesia. I sure don't want 2 of us who can't remember anything!
I am facing the same issue as Joang. I need surgery on my left shoulder, probably a total replacement. I have already had the right one replaced, so I know what I am facing. It was almost a year before I was pain-free. At this point I don't know how I am going to get care for my wife. She is being reconsidered for hospice, so if she is approved I will get 5 days respite for the period of the surgery and a couple of days after. I could probably handle things with hired help morning and evening. Unfortunately, my kids will not be available to help until next summer, and I'm not sure I can wait that long.
If I needed surgery, I would have to put my husband into a dementia ALF for a respite stay. Apparently, it is what some caregivers do when faced with this situation. Joan, if you feel you won't be physically/mentally ready to take care of Sid and your Dad when your sister leaves, perhaps you should consider this option. Not only would it give you more time to heal, but would give a "preview" of what placement could be like.
Marsh, even if your wife isn't accepted back into hospice, you could do the same. I just think that recovering from surgery is enough of an issue without adding caregiving (even part-time) on top of it.
I have more help coming. After my sister leaves, my son is coming, and when he leaves, a dear friend is hiring help for me if I still need it. Which reminds me, I still need to call my insurance company to find out what kind of in home help they are going to allow me. I have a month to get ready. Surgery is on March 7th.
When everyone leaves, there is a bus and driver here to take me shopping and to the doctor. Therapy services are right here at the ALF next door. They'll even come to the house if I don't feel well enough to go to them.
Does anyone have any idea how much I DON'T WANT TO HAVE SURGERY. I can't even stand to think about it.
Joan, JUST IN CASE no one thinks to tell you, we're giving you respite from your blogs for as long as you need it. You do not have to worry about typing with your left hand....and a few right fingers. Just take care of yourself and all of us will work diligently to take care of one anotehr and to keep the roof on the Alzheimer Spouse house. We promise, no big parties while you're away!
My long overdue surgery last August is what prompted me to place my husband and as soon as I made the decision I knew I would not be bringing him back home. Since my surgery did not solve the problems it is a good thing I had not planned to do so. Take care of yourself, Joan. You are no help to Sid or your father if you are not 100% yourself.
I keep trying to explain to people it's okay for us to survive, and even thrive, while on this journey. Now if I could just get to the thriving part!
When I entered the hospital for my knee replacement, one of the many people I had to see was the anesthesiologist. I asked her if I could have a spinal, and she said yes, of course, no problem. They knocked me out the way they do for a colonoscopy (i.e. just with a shot), and I remember a few bits of mutterings, then I woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed. I wouldn't have anything else if I could avoid it!!
Joan ... take care of yourself, please. This is one of those times when you really must place your needs ahead of those of others because, as Weejun wrote, you're no help to Sid or your dad if you don't take care of yourself first!
Joan - I'm having surgery in 6 days. I am not looking forward to it. I hate even the idea of surgery. Yet, I have to have it done. Walking is very difficult and there is no other option. My doctor says I will have spinal and "twilight" anesthesia. But, this is only IF the anesthesiologist is able to do it because I have screws in my spine. Hopefully, things will work out the way we want.
You will all probably find this post elsewhere as I just typed it and now I don't see it. I'll get the hang of this eventually, please bear with me.
Joan, do you live in a CCRC? If so, I thought the main selling point of these communities is the care they offer you when these kinds of situations arise. How else can they justify the expensive buy-ins and the large monthly outlays? After reading about your upcoming surgery and "how are you going to deal with your responsibilities when you can't move your main arm without excruitiating pain?"; I'm thinking that maybe the expense for a CCRC may be justified. But, what about you?? mothert
I had a knee replacement Dec.22,came home Dec.24,I had a spinal and would never have general anes. again if I could avoid it.No sore throat or dry mouth afterward which was always a big problem for me.I was instantly alert after the surgery.While I could hear the saws and goings on but I was relaxed enough so they didn't bother me. I did worry about my husband being home alone,but had 3 or 4 people stop in each day to check on him.He did not do as well as I hoped,but didn't want anyone to stay with him.He's fine now and seemed to enjoy waiting on me.I did have the freezer stocked with frozen dinners but he had a hard time with the microwave,but we survived.I go to PT 3 times a week and that is helping him being with more people,the therapists make a fuss over him. Good luck,Joan with your surgery,I kn ow youwill be OK.Look how you manage all of us.