Markbreton
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2006
- Messages
- 102
- Reason
- Loved one DX
- Diagnosis
- 02/2006
- Country
- CA
- State
- Ontario
- City
- Smiths Falls
Up until 2 weeks ago Tammy was still able to walk short distances using her walker, use the toilet (had a raised seat), sit in the shower, sleep in our bed. She got really sick stopped eating stopped having bowel movements and looked really terrible. I had to call 911 and get an ambulance to take her to emergency. Tammy was an ICU nurse at the hospital where she was taken and they all knew of her situation. Anyway she had a bowel obstruction and a viral infection. When I brought her into emerg the Dr. informed me to contact the family as this could go either way! Well, IV antibiotics along with stomach and bowel drainage, through her PEG worked. She was in ICU for 6 days. However, she lost a lot of ground due to this. She now requires 24 hr care, spends all her time in her electric wheelchair or hospital bed. I had to order a lift for transfers, which still has not arrived. The PEG is not as effective and we are waiting to have a J-peg inserted. She is on morphine every 4 hours for pain. Her neck and back are extremely sore due to her head drooping. Neck braces are not comfortable and she cannot tolerate them for long periods. She has a head support on her wheelchair but that, as well, is not comfortable. Her breathing has gotten worse and we have an appointment for a consultation for a vent, tomorrow. Tammy wishes to go on a vent and with her insurance plan she is entitled to home care 24 hrs/day unlimited.
I had an emotional breakdown when she came home as the support was not in place for her and I was caring for her 24 hours a day. I had to get up every hour to turn her or add blankets, remove blankets, suction etc..... plus care for her during the day. Physically and emotionally I had hit a wall! I went to see our Dr. and she was so upset that they released Tammy without the support having been put in place so she took the issue in hand and met with Tammy's case Manager, primiary home care nurse, support workers etc. at our home (Yes she did a home visit!) and deligated some tasks. I now have night respite coming in 5 days a week along with daytime help 4 days a week. This is the max. that the CCAC can provide so we are just waiting for final approval from the health insurance for help the rest of the time.
When I hit the wall, I said things that I should NEVER have said to my wife...it got so bad that I took a mouthfull of pills and it was swallow or spit. God gave me strenght to spit and I then immediately called our DR. She saw me right away and put the help plan in place. As hard as it is for me to say these things it's important for caregivers to know how difficult things can get....please do not wait to ask for help...like I did. I just thank GOD that Tammy knows that the things I said were due to my emotional state. I love her more than life and only want the best for her.
Mark
I had an emotional breakdown when she came home as the support was not in place for her and I was caring for her 24 hours a day. I had to get up every hour to turn her or add blankets, remove blankets, suction etc..... plus care for her during the day. Physically and emotionally I had hit a wall! I went to see our Dr. and she was so upset that they released Tammy without the support having been put in place so she took the issue in hand and met with Tammy's case Manager, primiary home care nurse, support workers etc. at our home (Yes she did a home visit!) and deligated some tasks. I now have night respite coming in 5 days a week along with daytime help 4 days a week. This is the max. that the CCAC can provide so we are just waiting for final approval from the health insurance for help the rest of the time.
When I hit the wall, I said things that I should NEVER have said to my wife...it got so bad that I took a mouthfull of pills and it was swallow or spit. God gave me strenght to spit and I then immediately called our DR. She saw me right away and put the help plan in place. As hard as it is for me to say these things it's important for caregivers to know how difficult things can get....please do not wait to ask for help...like I did. I just thank GOD that Tammy knows that the things I said were due to my emotional state. I love her more than life and only want the best for her.
Mark