It's been a long time since I chimed in here...

And even longer for my warrior(ess)...

Some of you may remember me as one of many caregivers who read and post here.

I'll give you the skinny for the last year. December 27th she was hospitalized with an upper respiratory infection. December 30th to rehab due to pseudo-exacerbation. Discharged from rehab on February 11th. On April 3rd she had some minor, but necessary, day surgery that kept her hospitalized, again, till April 8th with, again, a pseudo exacerbation. Rehab, again, from April 8th to May 23rd. Home, happy, then, until she started having issues transferring into and out of the car. Many falls, visits from the EMTs to pick her up. Pretty much totally housebound after so many falls.

In October, with assistance from her kids and other family, I bought a handicap accessible van so we could get out... for doctor's appointments as well as some fun stuff.

On November 1st she rode her Hoveround to town, about 4 blocks away. She stopped at Starbucks for a latte and scone, then to the drugstore to buy some birthday cards, then to Whole Foods to pick up something of her choice, rather than mine, for dinner. Like everyone she wanted to be a "regular" person. She was gone about three hours...

When she got home, she was, obviously, overtired. I had trouble helping her transfer to her wheelchair, then to the toilet. Getting off the toilet she turned, as she always did, to grab the vanity for stability, and missed it. Down she went.

A trip to the hospital, just "to check her out," with the EMTs, showed TWO (yes, you read that right, TWO) broken femurs, just above the knee. She is now non-weight-bearing for at least six weeks, and then therapy, hopefully, can begin... Meanwhile, she is back in extended care for what will seem to be (as a matter of fact is, right now) an eternity.

I'm not sure what is worse, having to worry about her at home or worrying about her care at the facility.

So much for my saga... I hope your year has gone--and next year will go--better for all of you.

Keep your chin up, as my mother used to say to me. Some days it's just harder to do that than others...

Best,

Peter_H

[mrsmike]

I can't find the words to express how sorry I am for both of you! An unbelievably unlucky year. My prayers and good thoughts are being sent your way. May things turn around for the better for both of you.

[greaterexp]

Hidden , how sorry I am for both of you. You’ve had such a rough year.

Our thoughts and prayers are truly with you for a much better year this year. You show great love and compassion by remaining steadfast through so many trials. God bless you both. Give that lovely woman a hug from us. I wish we could hug you, too.

[Bygonelines]

Peter_H - I am so sorry that you and your wife have had such a difficult year. I will be praying that this year is better for you both and that your wife heals quickly. I will also pray that you continue to have the strength, courage, and love to stand by your wife. I know it is as difficult for you as a caregiver as it is for your wife, just in different ways. I was a caregiver for my mother for many years (she had MS) before I was Diagnosed. So I have been on both sides of the wagon so to speak.

[jimeka]

Hidden havent heard from you in a while, I just hope that your wife recovers from both broken femurs, I hope that they mend well. You must have a wonderful relationship with your wife you give new meaning to in sickness and in health. Like the others you will be in my prayers, God bless you both, Jimeka 🦋 🌈 🤗

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

Aww Peter_H what a rough year for you both. Sending prayers for you both. Be sure to tell her that we are all thinking of her. Hopefully the family will jump in and help you both. Family can be a blessing during times like this. Lynn

[Morllyn]

So sorry to hear of all of your stresses and pains. I hope that the healing goes quickly and she gets home just as quickly

[Royjr]

Hello Peter, sorry to hear about what you’ve been dealing with so I pray🙏🏽 for both of you to get through this little stretch.

[erash]

Sending you blessings 🙏🌈

[bxrmom]

Hidden I'm so very sorry about the struggles your wife has gone through this year. I hope that she recovers quickly though I know nothing ever is quick.

Gentle hugs,

Jessie

[Hidden]

Thank you, everyone, for your good wishes. This is going to be a long, drawn out affair. I can only hope, as you all have, that her recovery goes smoothly, without more incidents.

Again, thank you all very much!