Melody,

I think you probably spoiled Alan from the very beginning. Maybe this last hospital stay really was extremely difficult and feels like the "last straw";( you know the one that broke the camel's back).

Hopefully you and Alan can work something out where he takes a little more responsibility; like your idea about handing him the phone when the p/t person calls. It's a start !!!!


Gerry

To be quite honest, I did not spoil Alan. I was told by his podiatrist 'He must not touch the floor, until the foot ulcer is COMPLETELY healed. Because we tried various shoes and orthotics, it would heal and then return. It would be debrided, and every single day I had to change the bandage after doing the saline wash, putting on medi-honey (or whatever other ointment we were using). I could do that in my sleep. Before the foot ulcer, he used to do security work and I would meet him for breakfast after he completed the night shift, then he came home and went to bed.

But once he got the foot ulcer (because the stupid people at the cariac rehab place made him go on a treadmill and he COULD NOT FEEL HIS FEET, so he never knew he was developing a foot ulcer), well after that, he had to keep off of his feet.

And because the weather here in Brooklyn is absolutely nuts, last night his sciatica kicked in and he was a goner. He could not sleep. I gave him one of his prescribed pain meds which he NEVER takes because it inhibits the inability to go to the bathroom, well last night we had no choice. It did help. We are now awaiting a call to let us know when the physical therapist will come. Nothing more I can do to make this man do ANYTHING because he can't get up off the couch. I have been there. I have had sciatica, bad knees, osteoarthritis, etc.
But I'm different. For whatever reason, I'm like the energizer bunny. I keep going.

I hope this back thing passes because I remember what I went through. I once had 3 months lying on my couch (20 years ago) and I could barely move. The key to helping one's back is exercise but no one wants to do anything because it hurts. Last year I had to go to Physical Therapy three times a week on my knees and on my back. I went. It helped tremendously but it hurt like heck.

At least Alan will get someone to come to the house.

be well

Melody
P.S. Alan has the phone right by the couch. I meant what I said. He has to arrange this.

You probably have already found out more info about the catheter but just in case you haven't, it is called a coude catheter.

The tip is narrower than a standard indwelling catheter and slightly bent at the very tip. No blades. It makes it much easier and less uncomfortable to insert in patients who appear to have some sort of urethral obstruction (usually men with enlarged prostates).

Welcome MissusH.

Hi there. I just this minute saw this post. and you'll never guess what happened today. The physical therapist came to the house (after the visiting nurse came three days ago and pronounced Alan as needing in home physical therapy). Well, the PT guy came and watched Alan move and walk and listened to all his tales of woe and that he has PN and all that stuff and the guy goes "He does not need "in home P/T". He needs to go on an outpatient basis."

He was polite, courteous and then left.

So on Monday, I will be taking Alan to the senior center two blocks from our home where they have an recumbent bike (because Alan will not go for out patient P/T it's too many co-pays). So hopefully this center will let him go on their bikes and such. I joined last year but went for quite a while and watched all the 80 year olds jump on top of chairs and work out like they were 25. That will not happen with Alan on Monday.

I will make a video if they let him go on the bike. He did it in the therapy room at the hospital so he can do this.

I really thought he could get in home P/T. Guess I was really mistaken

Melody