Last Thursday I went to the ER for myself with shortness of breath. They changed my blood pressure medicine and sent me home. Friday afternoon I saw my PCP and almost collapsed walking from the waiting room to his office. My BP was 90/50 !!!!!! After checking me over, he called the ambulance and sent me to the hospital. This started a chain of events in caring from my wife. My sister was with her while I was at the doctor, so I called her and told her she was now in charge. Unfortunately, she has her own health problems and can't do much. She was able to get one of the women who helps me in the mornings to stay overnight. Another one was able to stay over Saturday and into Sunday until my daughter could get here from Massachusetts. On Monday I had a heart cath, which was normal, so I was sent home. My daughter stayed until Thursday morning and then took the bus back to MA. My PCP had no explanation for my symptoms except that I was worn out from taking care of my wife. I feel better now, so maybe a few days in the hospital was all I needed. My meds have been changed, but I'm not sure that makes much difference.
Marsh, so glad everything worked out well. It sure does prove that we all need a back up caregiver plan for emergencies (which I don't have). Will work on that.
I am so sorry that had to happen. Glad that nothing serious popped out with the heart cath. You have enough on your plate to deal with. As has been said many times here in the posts. A backup plan is almost always necessary when you are the sole caregiver. Hope all continues to be good. Prayers to you and your spouse. It was great that your daughter could come to help on short notice and that others also jumped to help. That was great. take care and God bless. Bruce D *
Sorry that you had that episode but am glad you are feeling more yourself now. I hope that you will be able to get more rest in the future. The responsibility does weigh heavily. This past autumn my car was hit by a speeding vehicle, and as I was being placed on a stretcher, I remember thinking, "But who will take care of Eric?" It wasn't until I was in the ambulance that I remembered he was dead.
Mary, I remember when you told us this in a message at the time. What a scary feeling it must have been for you.
March, when our bodies wear out, they let us know that they need a rest. I'm so happy that you had help with your wife. I hope that you continue to feel better.
Marsh, so glad it wasn't heart problems. I am facing hip replaxement. Caregivers all on standby and I look forward to a chabge in scenry and maybe A little rest such as it will be. Take care.
Oh my.....maybe you need to check out a ALF and fill out their paper work so you at least have a place where your wife would be cared for on a temporary basis. On Tuesday I start respite at a ALF and several months ago when I visited the ALF to see if I would want to use it for my dh as a respite place for me, I immediaately told my daughter if anything happens to me my dh is to be put in this ALF. But, you can see how something can happen so quick and create problems for both of you. Hope things improve.
I don't recall how far along your dw is, but you might want you doctor to sign for her to have an evaluation by hospice. They have the names, information and whatever for various visiting nurses that you might need in case of an emergency for you and/or your wife.
I am relieved to know you are doing well Marsh ((hugs)) I remember the time I had to release myself from the hospital against doctors orders because I HAD to take care of Lynn. That was my "wakeup call". I am glad it worked out that your sister was able to be there. Please do take it easy and continue to update us on how you are feeling. ♥
I often wonder what would happen to Art if something happened to me. Would he step up, find it somewhere inside to take care of himself? But, he would never know how to pay the bills, what to pay - he never did it anyway. I just pray I stay healthy. If I get sick, then maybe we both will depart like in Leisure Seekers.
Marsh: Glad this turn out to be a "non-event". I wasn't so fortunate a few years ago & ended up with a triple bypass. Our condo manager, as part of hurricane/emergency planning, demanded a back up plan for all residents who would be unable to care for themselves in the event of their mate/prime care giver being disabled by health issues. She wouldn't accept just my daughters names, as one is in Oh the other in NY. "Give me the name of who to call if they're putting you in an ambulance" she insisted on. Thanks to our manager's foresight and planning the plan worked until our daughter arrived on scene the following am. Just received Dx that I have to have a corneal transplant, one of our daughters will spend a week post op helping out. Only problem the scheduling nurse informed me the the surgery is based on availability. I looked at her availability? ? You just said MD is available, I'm available what's the issue?? Availability of cornea tissue from the eye bank they won't know until 24 hrs pre op if they have one available. Booked flt for my daughter today, Airline rip off - cancelable ticket prices off the walls expensive.