Hmm, what's the saying - When it rains, it pours. Well, I'm soaked. First, I find out that I'm not feeling as great as I thought. Apparently, I'm okay if I'm resting, but yesterday I tried to resume normal activities, and it didn't work. Although my shingles rash is drying up, the burning keeps on burning, and I'm exhausted.
Okay, so today I had a care meeting for my father at the ALF next door. You think I could tell it was bad news by the way the nurse, PT, and director looked at me when I walked in? Bottom line - my father has maxed out in "assisted" care, and needs a nursing home. So now I have to find a nursing home for him.
Both my father AND Sid's lift chairs are broken. Both need new ones. Medicare won't pay for Sid's - long story. I have my mother-in-law's old one in the garage. Works better than the 2 broken ones. I'm getting it cleaned for my father. That will save me time and energy trying to find another one. I'll deal with Sid's after I get my father's taken care of.
Then I come home, and there's 3 phone messages, all related to Sid's care. Someone needs an apt. to come out for more follow up. Someone else needs more information on him. Someone else needs me to call them back about whatever.
Did I mention that while I was out doing errands today, the "check tire" light came on? Got out of the car to find a huge nail in my front tire, and it going flat fast. Off to the mechanic immediately to get it fixed, and while I was there, got my regular maintenance, since it was time. Put me an hour behind in everything. Just as I'm pulling into my driveway from my Walmart shopping (after the mechanic), my cell phone is ringing. It's the PT wanting to confirm that I was coming to my father's care meeting in - NOW. Off I went to that meeting.
Oh Joan, I felt like I just read an excerpt from the diary of Superwoman. But I know that at times you (we) just keep on going, because if we stop we just might not go again. I'll pray that after you take care of everything you mentioned you get a break (I'll pray REAL HARD!)
Joan, when you get over the shingles, ask about getting the Shingles Vaccine. I got me ane DH one last year. I dont want to have to deal with that. All you that are reading this, GET YOUR SHINGLES VACCINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joan, I am so sorry you had such a terrible day. I hope today is better but honestly you have such a lot of responsibility being a caregiver for 2 people, how can you be anything but exhausted? And dealing with Shingles on top of it all!
I only have dh and myself to care for and at times it's overwhelming. I've always been very independent, worked ft, handled finances, engaged workmen when something needed fixing, etc but caring for dh, and all the doctor's visits, bills, meds, the house,etc. I am finding it difficult. Some of it is due to emotions as I watch his ability to many of life's activities decline and the anxiety I feel about his disease getting worse.
There are some things that I have to do today and tomorrow no matter what, including a meeting about Sid's November respite stay and an apt. with a hospice evaluator for my father. Visiting my father and bringing him his supplies - haven't seen him in a week. Post Office - need to send out some scarves - way overdue on that one. But after that, I'm hoping to be in for the duration. I have got to get more rest. I canceled Sid's late afternoon podiatrist apt; canceled the family dinner scheduled for Monday at my house; canceled Monday's dominoes and mahjong, and instead, made a date with my bed and pillow. Hopefully.