The Calvary Has Arrived..

And not a moment too soon if you ask me. My husband's caretaker started yesterday! I was so happy. Finally, I don't have to struggle to do everything. Only small things like, starting the tube feeding, giving his evening insulin dose and checking his evening glucose levels. What a difference! I feel better already! The hoops jumping is pretty much over at this point.

It was an experience that I hope no one has to deal with again.

She has experience taking care of total care patients. She's been with the company for about 6 years. She feels comfortable using all of the medical equipment that he has and seems to have a good grasp of what she's supposed to do. She was available because her last patient just passed away not long ago. She seems very responsible and he seems to like her.

I told her my expectations and I think she's relieved to learn I'm not a stickler for perfection but that I do expect his needs to be met. I think it will work out. She'll be coming in on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:30am to 6:30pm. On his dialysis days, she'll come at 8:30am and stay until he gets picked up and then she'll return between 3 & 3:30pm to 6:30pm. Perfect!

I'm so relieved that the burden has shifted a little for the better. My husband and I needed this time together. I needed it in order to accept the fact that he is where he is within his illness and he needed it in order to know I'm not going anywhere.

I'll return to full time work next week and our lives will continue as before with a few changes. He's less of a help than he used to be and he's pretty much totally dependent and I intend to render the best possible care that I can.

Physical therapy will start next week. What do I expect they asked? I'm not sure. I don't want to give up, but I want to be realistic at the same time. I don't think he'll ever get back to where he was prior to this recent illness. Anything will be a plus. I just pray that he'll get what the Lord intends.

Updates to follow.