It's been some time since I've posted, and it hasn't been a very "good" time. I've been in the hospital three times since mid-September with those famous MS complications. All three times were basically because of increased weakness in my legs. In the past, I've been able to stand, pivot, transfer and back into my chair. Now the bathroom has become my nemesis......not being able to get up from the toilet and back to chair.
First time when my chair's footrest assembly was broken, I'd also forgotten my phone, couldn't get back into my chair and was stuck in the bathroom from early Friday evening until about 4:30 pm Sunday afternoon. My daughter's son had a "midget" football game against the local team, so we'd made arrangements for her to stop in for a visit. Thank heaven my garage door opener worked from one end of the house to the other to let them in....and....what a sight for sore eyes....and sore butt from sitting on the toilet lid all that time.
Bathroom was the problem the next time too since I was afraid to use it not being able to get up alone and unfortunately had a mess. This miserable disease just continues to chip away at our dignity and well-being.
This last time, the weakness was "all over". Turns out I must be bleeding somewhere and had lost half my body's blood supply.
Had to have three transfusions.........wow, I sure warmed up!!!! Now I'm off the coumadin and supposed to eliminate the Aleve, but it's the only thing that even begins to take the edge off the never-ending pain.
A catheter was left in this last time which is a blessing for me since I'm unable to tell when I have to "go". I'm also on lasix which is helping with my legs swelling. Having some problems with the "other department" and am praying it's only temporary. I'm working with a different Home Health Agency this time and they seem more efficient than the last two. At the moment an aide comes in twice a week but we're working on one coming every day just for a couple hours to help me get up, dressed, bathed and going for the day. Doing that myself takes hours and uses up all my energy so I'm wiped out for the rest of the day. A lymphedema specialist will be treating my legs also.
My friend/helper took my little dog to her house all three times. I was so thankful to have a place for "Tasha" to go where she already knows the people and feels comfortable. Sally.......I can feel your pain in having to rehome "Pal". But I also know how tough it can be taking care of them. Tasha was never completely housebroken since I got her when she was two years old, so I'm always using my grabber with a tissue between the "tongs" to pick up her presents. Just glad she isn't a German Shepherd!!! My friends actually kept her at their house a few extra days after I came home from the hospital. It's those simple, everyday things we normally take for granted, that are so frustrating not to be able to do anymore or with great difficulty.
It seems I'm really being tested right now and being forced to make some changes since I still live alone. It's really hard asking for help, but I'm learning. If it means I can continue living in my home....alone....it's worth it. Guess I'm not doing the greatest right now, but I've survived 36 years of living with this beast and don't plan on giving up any time soon!
Tom..........I have a Phantom 600. Bought it gently used with 11 miles on the odometer and now have 206, all in the house. Every section moves, gel cushion for the seat, $7,000 out of pocket but new would have been around $26,000!!!! Yes, it's really fast which I like. Was always known as a "leadfoot" when I could still drive.!
That comes from learning to drive in New Jersey where it's "GO" or be run over!!!
Thank you, my friends, who read through this long post. It's sure nice visiting with others who understand. Take care everyone.....
