Merry Meet and Merry Part, and Merry Meet again

Monday, March 12, 2012

Remain Calm and Carry On

The good news is that my darling husband did not require surgery. He spent four days in the hospital and is now on the mend, though he still has a ways to go to recover from this very odd event. A follow-up visit this week with the gastro-intestinal doctor will hopefully give us a better idea of what went wrong and how to care for the problem of diverticulitis. We were very lucky, as left untreated he could have had a very serious, if not fatal, situation.

As for my brother, we needed to go to the Emergency Room on Friday night due to complications of his kidney catheters. After this latest incident, it is now very apparent to me that we will be dealing with this kind of thing for a long time to come. He has a serious kidney disease, as well as heart disease. Recovery from two strokes in October has been slow, with some effects pretty much permanent.

Learning to be a full-time caregiver was not a role I expected. It has changed everything in so many ways. I am now known as "the sister" at all the various doctors and hospitals. No one remembers my name. But it is what it is and for whatever reason this happened, I am doing the best I can.

Spring is coming, the birds are filling the skies and trees. Waking up to birdsong this morning was a delight. Of course I completely forgot about setting the clocks ahead this weekend. And I caught a bad head cold, too! So hey, what can you do?  Just follow the Queen's advice as stated in this post's title.

11 comments:

mxtodis123 said...

Glad to hear that hubby is on the mend. When my hubby's illness was at it's worst many years ago, I, too, was thrown into the role of caretaker. It wasn't easy, but I reached out to a care giving group I found and made many friends in the same position.It really helped to talk to someone who understood.
Mary

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Glad your husband didn't need surgery after all. Diverticulitis is nasty though when it flares up -- I had a friend who had it once. He'll have to be careful what he eats and hopefully it will remain at bay.

Being a caregiver is an endless and often thankless job. Get as much time in for yourself and your needs as you can!

Sandy Sandy Art said...

Glad your hubby is on the mend, Robin. Sorry to hear about "the brother" though. Glad you are taking the queen's advice and are trying to stay calm. I'm sure you know, stress can cause disease. Garlic tablets can help, when taken with food. I swear by them. Hugs and Smiles, Sandy

Ashling said...

First--so glad your husband is improving, and taht soon you'll know what to do so there's no repeat.

Dealing with your brother's health and becoming a caretaker unexpectedly is a real challenge, but you're bringing such a good attitude to it. I'm often reminded that many times we don't ask to be priestesses; we're told it's time to serve, whether by a gentle tap on the shoulder or a less-gentle smack upside the head. Sounds like this is your time....remember that the One who has called on you can also lend you the strength and wisdom and peace to answer that call to serve; it's important to ask for that help.

Jeanne said...

So very glad to hear that Hubby is didn't need surgery! Here's to hoping that he mends quickly and without any more incident.
I do hope that the medical issues that your brother's dealing with subside. I know how hard it can be to be a caregiver and see someone you love struggle with health problems.
And Ashling gave some very sound advice! The One who has called upon your services can also give you the strength, the courage and the insight to help those in need around you.
Sending love and healing energy your way. ♥

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

great news about no surgery for your husband. there will be changes for him to stay well and they are doable in the greater scheme of things.
so sorry about your brother though. As the others have said, you will need to draw strength from others in the same situation and also on the gods. the higher purpose is hard to see from the fox holes of doing....but know you are not alone. If you need to "share", please do so my BB. I was in your position for some years and learned alot about myself and the world that I would otherwise not have learned.
much love and light, Oma Linda, a fan of yours sista

Anonymous said...

Robin, I am so happy to hear that your husband did not have to have surgery and wish for him continued healing.

My heart goes out to your dear brother and all you and he are going through. Robin, you are a true warrior and I know he is so grateful to you. Warm hugs to you, my lovely friend.

Magic Love Crow said...

Robin, it is so good to hear from you! I have been thinking of you a lot! I am happy to hear that your hubby didn't have to have an operation! My mom has had two operations because of her diverticulitis. I forget how many feet of intestines they had to take out. They will probably say a lot of different things to your hubby, but it's all a learning game. Different things help different people. I know a lot people will say, don't eat, nuts, any fruit with seeds, like strawberries, cut your red meat down and so on. My advice, live your life! Drink lots of water. Eat smaller portions. Make sure you are going to the bathroom everyday, number 2! Get some probiotics in your body everyday, (I take pill form, one a day, 3 billion live cells in the one I take.)! I wouldn't take any kind of fiber drinks. I know some doctor's say to, but if you don't drink enough water, they can do more damage to your intestines, then good! I could go on. See what happens, if you need someone to talk to, I am here ;o) I am so sorry for your bother! Take strength from everything you can! And remember, we love you and we are all here for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Great that Your husband is better and to bad about Your brothers problems. I guess his recovery from the strokes are slowly because of his other problems.

But You can't do more than Your best and never hesitate to ask for help if it feels it just is to much, sometimes that's the hardest thing to do and do take time for Your self every now and again too!

Take care!
Christer.

Aine O'Brien said...

So glad to hear that your hubby was treated in time and no surgery is needed!

It is very tough to be the caregiver, but when this happens, we just do what we have to do - because it's what we do. When I think of you I send you the energy of strength, which you will need lots of.

It's important for the support person to have support, so I hope that you have someone you can go to and can complain to. Of course, that's what we're here for!!!

*hugs*

Alexis Kennedy said...

WHEW! (((((Robin)))