I *think* this is the forum for this discussion - if not, suggest where I ought to post it. [View all]
I'm 61. Up until about a year ago, I enjoyed my retirement. My wife, 72, has always been in decent health. That changed about two years ago. She has become infirm. She has fallen several times. We've called the paramedics six times in the last year because we can't lift her. The worst is when we can't get her off the toilet. (Sorry for bringing that up.) Before he knows the extent of Kathy's needs, the leader of the paramedics crew always greets me with, "How's Kathy doing? What do we need?"
On four occasions they've taken her to the hospital. On three of those occasions, she was kept at the hospital overnight, suffering from dehydration. On the fourth occasion, they kept her for three days. Again she was dehydrated severely, and had a frightful UTI. The doctor told me and my sister that those two things explained her loss of control of her limbs, her speaking gibberish, and other problems that manifested themselves.
My sister and I have begun to call around to try to find visiting nurse organizations and other services. I have yet to call our medical insurance to learn if they have such a program, and if so, what the cost would be.
The point of this post: to try to expunge some of my anxiety. I used my whole session with my therapist yesterday to talk about this horrible anxiety. She had a good deal of insight, and as she explained it, I scribbled as fast as I could in my journal. She's wonderful. (If anyone in coastal Southern California needs a therapist, send me a message.)
Do you have any experience with such a situation, either as a spouse/partner, a doctor, or a visiting medical professional? I'd appreciate any insight you can share.
Thank you.
PS I've posted this in mental health because I am bipolar, have ADHD, have extreme anxiety, and other problems. Ooh, so much fun being me. I know that many of you understand.
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