It's been just over 8 months since we came home after 7 months in the hospital. The biggest things I have learned are that recovery continues, long after the first few months and that the work the caregiver does is far more important than anything I can do. My caregiver is the best of course, and she puts in a lot of hours while I just sit. I do get out to ride up and down the cul-de-sac any day that it's not raining, and we're now getting a few actually warmish days.
My physical recovery has surprised me. I now routinely transfer using the slideboard at physio. My balance is so much better than before, and I can reach for things I couldn't even get close to 3 months ago. I try to lift a few weights every day, but it will take a long time to gain back the strength lost in those fateful 7 months.
The biggest progress is in arranging homecare. From week one when we had no help to now is a huge relief. We hired our own morning help in week two, but I still don't know how we survived those first few weeks. By Christmas we were getting some evening help, and now we have help seven days a week, from Care Partners in the evenings (except that they seem to be unable to find anyone to help out on holiday weekends, which are very difficult), and the VON in the mornings. My life is enriched by seven younger women, all of whom have young children, telling me their stories. And Mrs. F.G.'s life is enriched by not having to struggle to get me up and put me to bed every day. I'm still doing battle with Care Partners over weekend scheduling, but I'm making progress.
We keep astonishingly busy, not just with physio in Owen Sound twice a week, but other medical appointments and various events we get out to. At the moment we're (Mrs.F.G. that is) very busy getting flowers and shrubs in. It's a wonderful time of year to work outdoors. I do get downtown to have coffee with some retired Bruce Trail buddies (6 of us), and usually ride home myself afterwards.
So in case you've been wondering, we're doing quite well. Progress is slow but steady, and sometimes surprising. Mrs. F.G., my caregiver, works far too hard, but I seem to be a high maintenance patient. At least I appreciate it.
Good to hear you are getting out and about. That freedom is quite a treasure isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThis is good news. I still can't imagine seven months in a hospital! I'm happy you are open to getting help. A friend of ours will only allow three days a week help. Too expensive. He still has the nerve to say she doesn't have it that bad, she gets out to a couple meetings a week. Grrrrrr!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that things are still improving and you and mrs FG are getting help.
ReplyDeleteJust want you to know that I still pray for the two of you most mornings when I'm out walking!!
Good to hear you are making improvements and getting stronger! Mrs FG is a wonderful woman!! You are blessed to have her in your life:) I know how difficult it is to be the solitary caregiver and incharge of almost everything:)
ReplyDeleteI think that you are both incredible! Keep up the struggle!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. I was just sharing your experiences and challenges with my husband. You constantly amaze me. I'm so glad you and Mrs. FG have assistance. That is so important for both of you. - Margy
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you're still progressing and that Mrs. FG has some assistance.
ReplyDeleteSounds good. I'm always amazed at how upbeat your attitude is.
ReplyDeleteMrs F G., to know you have help, and are SO appreciated, each " Thanks" is wonderful music to our ears. F.G. you amaze me with your progress, rich spirit and outlook on life every day, not as it was but how it is now. And to have younger ladies come and brighten your day with a lot of support, their stories are a huge bonus. And if that one sentence was taken out by itself, some of us would be left wondering??? I am referring to "My life is enriched by seven younger women", and yes, they have youth, outside lives and tales of their families, all giving you news and views of their days. How wonderful to be able to share with them some of your stories too. We continue to be in a mess, not asmuch as 2 weeks ago, the new shower is SO wonderful, grab rails and lights still to go in, butit was suggested that it could well be a "communal shower". I told the builder and floor layer that I would find them both a towel and shampoo very quickly!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear that you're still making progress and managing to maintain a positive attitude. Finding consistent help seems to be a problem everywhere, it certainly is in the UK.
ReplyDeleteHello, I am glad to hear you are making progress. Having extra help with the care givers is great for you and MRS FG. Stay strong and keep well. Happy Sunday, wishing you a happy and a great new week!
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time. It is good that you're making progress.
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to hear how much you have improved in these months. And caregiving is a hard task, so kudos to Mrs. F.G. for all her efforts. Thank you for the update, although it was evident to me that you were doing quite well. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou and Mrs FG are a fine example to not only others in similar situations but to others everywhere both mentally and physically. Through your blog you are able to reach people and people are able to reach you and I think here on this Planet we call that communication. Your past has been in communication and by golly you are still at it, moving forward, and doing well. We need more people like you and Mrs. FG in this world.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Those caregivers are angels for sure.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear things keep improving...you are blessed to have Mrs. FG, but she is very blessed that you still have your mind and can help with phone calls, and making decisions.
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