Bob and I waiting in exam room for one hour, before doc came in was excruciating to both of us
I have for now rigged the house, for use, neither bathroom has doors wide enough to allow walker and no access to shower or tub
Thank you to Debbie from Just Breahte for suggesting the sponges that I add water and it is shampoo and body wash, dry and no rinse for baths. Beau got a bath with the sponges and wow.
So far, my make do grab bar/foot stool and rails is working.
Doc visit for Bob is not good. He got out of bed on March 29 and could not longer walks, and 5 weeks today, he has been unable to walk at all without a walker.
With a walker, he struggles to move from bed to bath to sofa and breakfast bar, once a day outside to the pool.
At the visit with the Orthopedic doctor and his assistant said they were shocked to see him in a wheelchair and sees no reason for it and Dr. say he MUST have therapy 5 days a week, 3 at their facility, 2 on a bike, or 5 at their facility. He will continue to worsen with out this and it might not help, it will take 6 weeks to know.
Just getting him in/out of house and car 4 times to get in the The office, was almost impossible, both for him and for me.
His appointment is not until May 9th, to be assessed by a therapy nurse to what he needs and can do. She will decide that, and then therapy starts.
I asked if they had an in -home therapist and she said she could refer us to home care, but they don't do it in-home.
As of now he is refusing to have anyone come to the house. The next step is a neurologist, he is refusing to go. Since he is cognitive there is no way to force him to do anything.
As of now we are once again waiting. I will not be blogging, except for updates if anything changes.
36 comments:
Hari OM
Oh Sandra... all my POTP is focused your way now - for Bob but also for you. Having 'been there done that' I can feel the angst in my own body for you. The stubborness of men to assist their own health is the greatest pain of all...... The blog can wait. Praying something occurs to move this along for you both. YAM xx
Hello Sandra,
Thanks for the update! You and Bob are in my prayers.
I have a stubborn hubby waiting to go to the doctors, but at least he is able to get around slowly. It is a shame they do not do the in home therapy, it would help you a lot. Take good care of yourself!
I'm so sorry that the update is not a happy one. It's hard enough for you just dealing with the things that Bob can't do on his own but to have him refuse outside help is not doing either one of you any good.
This is such a difficult time, Sandra, and it leaves us all feeling powerless in being unable to help in any meaningful way. The best we can do is to send our very best wishes, but I’m sure that is cold comfort dealing with these difficult issues as you are. Stay strong if you can. You will need all the strength you can muster. Hugs - David
Sad, hard, stress overload. Depending on his insurance: any chance of a social worker to review the overall situation? Yes: in home necessary, the
"refusals" on this would seem to put question-marks around cognitive abilities. As his caregiver you'll be of no help, no use if this situation does you in ... ! Not meaning to be preaching here, but first/foremost (been there, done that) the caregiver must care for themselves and must be in control, as hard as that may be, must seek outside help to get to that point. KNOW that this is said with best intentions, hopes and prayers for YOU!
I am truly sorry for how difficult all of this is for YOU. I am praying for an intervention of some sort to help take some of the burden off of you, even for a little while weekly so you can get out and take care of things/yourself. I am sorry to hear they do not have in home therapy available. I still think your primary care doctor needs to be involved in this and can order additional helps...but of course I don't know the whole situation. I will continue to pray and ask God to provide what YOU need to help Bob and to take care of YOU before you are the one who is down and in need of assistance. (((hugs))) and many prayers.
Sandra, if prayers and well wishes could help you and Bob navigate this very difficult time, you certainly have them. It's understandable that all of your energy and time is focused on Bob, but hopefully, you can find some time for yourself and perhaps someone to talk with during these very difficult days.
I'm so sorry to read this and learn what you're going through. What would happen if you were to pretend to be hard-hearted and tell Bob to 'do it himself?' Would he then realise he's being unreasonable.? I do hope you find some help - you can't keep on doing everything yourself.
This latest setback(s?) is so unfair! I can't help but wonder if Bob doesn't notice what all this stress is doing to you?
I really shouldn't point fingers, but that doctor and his assistant don't sound especially sympathetic. I suppose that's not in their job description, but a little empathy might go a long way.
We're all praying for you hard.
Sandra, I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I hope he changes his mind and agrees to in home therapy. We used to have that for so many of our patients and it can be very helpful. That would take away the stress of getting out several times a week.
In the meantime, I'm praying for you both.
Oh Sandra....I'm so sorry! We are going through difficult decisions with Larry's Dad right now. I will be praying that Bob loosens his thinking cap and allows help to come in...not only him that nees it, but you as well. I'm praying!!!
hugs
Donna
Big healing hugs to you both. You especially. Him being stubborn won't help one bit. You need to get him to the places he needs to go and if in home care is available he had better say yes. You need all the help you can get. More healing hugs and prayers, my friend. ♥
Sandra I am so sorry Bob is being so stubborn about PT...
as I told you in my email...it can work wonders no miracles but it can surely make life easier. Sending lots of prayers to you for strength of mind body and soul
Hugs Cecilia
So sorry about this update Sandra. I know how difficult this must be for Bob and for you! Sometimes our loved ones do not quiet understand how much more difficult things can be due to them not wanting to do what they need to do to help. I'm praying about this and hope that Bob will realize that seeing a Neuro doctor might be the best thing for him. Prayers and more prayers. Please keep us updated.
I’m concerned about both of you! God has placed you on my heart during your absence. I know things are getting rough. All I can do is petition God on your behalf. May you feel God’s comfort, strength, and hope as you proceed with these difficult decisions.
Such a difficult situation for you, Sandra. It does sound to me like you will need some kind of help and adjustments in the home even if Bob resists the idea. As I don't know how these things work where you live, I can't really give any useful advise, though.(Here, an occupational therapist and/or a physiotherapist would be able to visit and make suggestions.)
We are so sorry to hear Bob is not doing well. Our paws are crossed that the therapy can help him.
Oh no. Just one bad thing after the other. I do think you should sign up for home therapy.
Sending our love and prayers to Bob and to you, Sandra. Hang in there.
OH Sandra... Sigh , I am so, so sorry . I have been thinking a lot about you especially and Bob too. I pray that there will be a breakthrough and Bob will be willing to accept help.
You my special friend need additional help and some love too.
Continued prayers
Thank you for this update.
(((hugs)))
Sue
I'm so sorry that he's struggling so. Sending well wishes and continued goodness your way. The sponge idea is brilliant.
Sending prayers and hugs. I'm sorry they don't have in-home PT. That was invaluable for me when I broke my hip. She came a couple of times a week and I did the exercises in the meantime. What would home care consist of? Even if Bob says no maybe if you went on strike and it were a choice between some home care or nothing? You need to take care of yourself too. I keep thinking of Dr. Spock and his "cheerfully firm". Anyway, plenty of prayers and hopes for you. Thank you for writing,
Well that update sucks. I really hate it that you are dealing with so much and Celesta and I sure send tons of love and hugs your way.
Everyone has already said the things I would say...Bob's refusal for any kind of home aid seems unreasonable...maybe his cognitions isn't quite enough to realize how dire the situation is. Also not wanting to see a neurologist. It is scary for him to have to admit he has issues.
And as for you, Your love and devotion for Bob is commendable and understandable, but if you stress yourself out, then the caregiver you are will not be very helpful. Is there something akin to respite care so you can take a break?
I give you a million hugs and have you in my prayers. May God sustain you through this hard road you are in/on.
I know you are feeling so overwhi=elmed, please do not feel obligated to reply...it would just be one more thing.
Woofsand wags from Dalton & Benji to Beau!
Thank you for the update, Sandra, Im sorry it’s not a happy one..
How difficult it must be to deal with all these and I’m so sorry with that.
Sending thoughts and prayers to Bob and you. I’m keeping praying for you both.
Do take care good care of yourself.
(((Hugs))
we are so sorry.. and wecry beacuse life puts a big rock into your way and we hope so much there is another way or a solution for you and your bob... biggest hugs and power from the universe to stand all that...
Oh Sandra, I am a fixer, and I want to help so bad, yet I don't know what I can do but pray. Pray I will. You are between a rock and a hard place. I have no answers why. I just know it is hard for you right now.
I can't believe they don't have no house PT. I will give you this piece of info. Rick and I went to a Senior Expo Wednesday. Supposedly there is a ton of help out there. Rides, food, people, etc. Can you call your counties senior services?
I am so very sorry.....you are so loved and prayed for. Wish there was something I could do. i love you, Sandra.....
Gosh, what a lot to deal with! Being a caregiver is very trying. 💔 🤕 Remember you are loved and prayed for daily. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date on the circumstances. May the Lord send you some help soon. Love.💝
Oh dear I am so sorry to hear how bad Bob is and how hard it is for you to care for him. I wish you could get some in home help. May have to go over Bob's head. Try hard to convince him. I have similar problems in keeping Bill active. At least he can move under his own power now. Wishing you all the best and hope things improve.
Please know we are thinking of all of you at this time and sending POTP and big hugs your way. Phod and Lady and the Rivers
Sorry for the delay in commenting. We echo ALL the thoughts given here and hope you can find a solution. Lots of prayers, hugs, and good vibes headed your way. Maybe your son could talk to him, sometimes they will listen to someone other than their closest companion.
Woos - Misty and Timber
Glad the sponges worked for you. Wow, that is a huge workout they suggested. Praying he will be able to do it. He needs to go the neurologist. I'm sorry that he is refusing to go. This is way too much for you to handle. My heart is aching.
Sending you hugs, prayers and lots of love.
I’m so sorry to hear about Bob’s challenges. It must be incredibly difficult for both of you, but I’m truly inspired by how you’re adapting the home to make things work. It sounds like you’re doing everything possible to keep things manageable. I'm also glad that the sponges have been a helpful suggestion – every little bit counts, right?
I can’t imagine how tough those visits and transitions are, but I hope that the therapy, when it starts, will bring some improvement, even if it takes time. I’m rooting for Bob, and for you too, as you navigate this journey together. You’re showing such strength and resilience in the face of a tough situation.
Sending warm thoughts your way, and I’ll be looking forward to hearing more updates as things progress.
Sandra and Bob, prayers for your both. Please, if possible, heed what Ann at Zoolatry wrote. Lots of love coming your way. Amy and pups
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