Many of you have commented on my positive attitude to my situationn, but I'm not sure I'm giving you a very balanced picture of my rehab. There are in fact all kinds of challenges and frustrations too.
At the heart of it, I'm not in control. I can't get up when I want or go to bed when I want. I can't easily move around or reposition myself. It's all the hospital schedule. I've had so many different nurses I've lost track, and they all have different ways of doing things. I don't always remember what I'm supposed to remind them of. Then they leave and I'm stuck.
As we get nearer the 'going home' date, they are focussing on a few skills I need, and making me do as much as I can myself. To be honest, it's hard and tiring when you're sitting in a wheelchair. Some of the things they're pushing me to do in physio seem impossible, and it's physically exhausting. I can't do it and then I feel like a failure.
These stubby fingers don't help either. I'm typing this blog entirely with the baby finger on one hand.
We now have to follow-up on all the equipment at home as I mentioned yesterday, and that's all going to fall on my wife's shoulderss. It's a lot to arrange. I'm getting tired just thinking about it. So things are often very difficult, but we're making the best of it and trying to focus on the possitives - I am still alive after all!
You have been through the wringer- quite an ordeal. It all takes time.
ReplyDeleteSounds like cliches, but hang in there, stay strong, and don't give up. And God bless your wife!
ReplyDeleteAs my older sister who is 82 often says, "Any day on this side of the grass is a good day." May each day give you progress and one thing to see that pleases your soul.
ReplyDeleteI do some what understand where your coming from in this post as I had worked with accident and stroke victims when I was younger as a nurses assistant and it isn't a easy thing to see these people like yourself go from perfectly able to do things for them selves to 24/7 care . I am glad you are getting better and we all are cheering for you to get home and be more comfortable with familiar surroundings that sooth your soul HOME and your wonderful wife and family !
ReplyDeleteHang in there, stay positive.
ReplyDeleteMy good wishes to you and Mrs FG
All the best Jan
I can only imagine the frustrations and difficulties you are experiencing these days FG. Somehow you and Mrs. FG are doing the best you can to adapt and cope.
ReplyDeleteThe fact you are blogging again is wonderful as I see it. The result the same regardless of how many fingers type it. You give us hope FG.
Take care!
You don't have to say it Stew. So many of us have family, and occasionally personal, experiences with your situation. It is frustrating beyond belief at times. My daughter had a hellish time after her accident.
ReplyDeleteI think you just confirmed what we already knew. You are a very strong person. You are fighting a tough fight but sharing only what you think we want to hear. Today you shared the hard things amd it only makes me humble. We think of your accomplishments every day.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine what you're going through. But please know all of your blogger buddies are here cheering you on every step of the way! You are inspiring all of us!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being honest with your feelings Stew. That in itself is a big step forward. Accepting the reality of your situation can't be easy and not all days can be the same aboard the emotional roller coaster you are faced with each and every day. I am a two handed typist and just typed this entire last sentence using only my little finger. My hat is off to you Sir.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was helping my mother go through rehab one of the hardest things to learn was to wait for her to help herself. I know she got frustrated when something was too hard, or she thought it was something she couldn't do. I would wait then help her a bit at a time, or show her another way to get something done. I think it helped her progress in her recovery rather than depending on me to do things for her all the time. I know it will be a challenge for your wife as well, but you both will find a way to do things together that will work for the both of you. I am confident about that. - Margy
ReplyDeleteWe all see the good side to your words, and the huge challenges you are facing, Maybe when you are home and can come and go more to your own timing, life will be brighter. I, too, tried to type this with one little finger. HARD beyond belief. So I admire you more than ever. Thanks for sharing some of the difficulties, otherwise we would not know the limitations that hospital and rehab life imposes. I truly wish with all my heart that once home, you will find things easier. I can hear it now " Mrs F.G . did you say 9a.m.? I have been waiting for an hour already". Keep smiling, I think you are a miracle to have come this far, and to keep us updated daily. Many wishes from a day down here in N.Z. blue skies,some clouds, a few spits of rain, and for both of us, a regular visit to our G.P. In his waiting room, I thought of you, and wondered how I would be? XXXX and a few hugs too.( I have been told a hug is worth a LOT of words).
ReplyDeleteYou have been through way more than most of the rest of us ever have, or maybe ever will FG. I think I can imagine what it's like ... but I really can't imagine since I've never been through what you're going through. The words and photos you share in your blog reach out and touch people's hearts and minds (they sure do mine) and even though I may never meet you (or Mrs. FG), I have a warm spot in my heart for both of you. Today's post is very much appreciated. Sometimes we bloggers share only the good sides of things. You have a really crappy and tough road ahead. Stay the course. Know that a whole lot of people are pulling for you (maybe they/we are quite literally pulling you along, or we would if we could). Feel free to share the bad times any time FG. We'll listen with love and care.
ReplyDeleteHello, I am sure you have your good days and bad days. I remember helping my mother with her wheelchair and hospital bed. She had both her legs amputated from the knees down due to her diabetes and she was legally blind. It is a challenge, stay positive. I think you will be more comfortable at home. Enjoy your day and weekend!
ReplyDeleteYou amaze me, FG, and I have been certain that underneath all your positivity, there has been a great deal of sadness. I am just so glad you made it through the difficult times and will now have a chance to live at home once again. I feel for your spouse's journey, but I am so glad you have her to help with all your difficulties. As Ann said, though, "stay the course." Please.
ReplyDeleteYou will hang in there and figure it out because it's what you do!
ReplyDeleteHugs and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you Stew for honest feelings, the challenges you face are amazing but you are making the best of it. Keeping that positive attitude will get you going.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I was ever so stressed as when I was changing my husband's catheter after his surgery. I know it's not easy.
ReplyDeleteWhat does one say when one reads of such a life altering situation? Your honesty is the best gift you can give yourself and us. Each day brings new challenges and new victories. Hang on to the victories.
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering if you could transfer yourself to and from your wheelchair...I did not see how it would be possible but was hoping to be wrong. I had to use a wheelchair some just to be able to do cooking etc...a person cannot carry things and use a walker....anyway, it was hard enough to transfer back and forth from things with a good leg/not paralyzed.
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