Wow! I'm going to have to move to where you are; what fantastic support you are both getting. Wishing you both the best for a smooth time of it!

what a great lineup of services.
you are so lucky that so many people are helping you and your dh.
i think it's wonderful.

thanks for the update.

BEAUTIFUL! Anne, that's awesome. I'm so glad that you are getting all these things that you'll need. It's great when the agencies that are there to assist actually CAN and DO assist!

Now let us know how everything turns out and how you're managing (both you and Russell).

I want to thank everyone for their support and healing prayers, and let you all know how things are at the moment.

My DH had both his knees replaced 5 days ago, and although we both knew it was going to be a big operation with a long hard road to recovery, I don't think he realised just how debiltating the surgery would be.

He actually had quite a rough time for the first few days, due to several complications and also because it was extremely difficult to get his pain under control. He was given a Morhine PCA but unfortunatley due to other medications he'd been on, the Morphine wasn't working at all. My poor hubby was in agony on Monday night, so much so that they took him back to theater and inserted an epidural catheter to numb him from the waist down.

He also lost over half his blood supply after the operation, so he needed to have a series of blood transfusions over the first few days. His count is up again now, and he's no longer as white as a ghost or as cold as a frog!

Thankfully he's starting to improve now. He now has all of his tubes out and he's been up and walking ... albeit very slowly. Today was the first time he tried the crutches (elbow ones) and he did really well.

The doctor said he'd see how DH went over the weekend, and on Monday he could either come home, or he'd be moved to the Rehabilitation Ward for a few extra days of physio. I'm actually hoping that the doctor does send him to Rehab because he's trying to do far too much too soon, and not only does he tire himself out, but he usually ends up in agony at the end of the day. I think a few days of extra physiotherapy would do him good. I certainly don't want him falling in a heap when he gets home.

As DH has been my carer for the past 12 months, we've had to get in-home respite care organised for me. Everything was done very quickly and very efficiently except for one hiccup yesterday when the new house keeper got the start date mixed up and didn't turn up.

All of the equipment and services have been organised through the MS Society, and the people who we've dealt with have been just wonderful. Not only will they care for me until DH is back on his feet..... but they'll also care for him as well.

All of the equipment that DH needs like crutches and a raised arm chair, shower chair, etc, etc,.. has all been arranged by... and delivered by... the MS Society. I can't begin to thank them enough for all they've done for us in this time of need.

Please forgive me if I've missed anything around the forums that you thought I should have replied to, but so far this week I've spent as many of my waking hours as possible, sitting by DH's bedside ... keeping him company and helping where ever I can.

Sending out grateful hugs to everyone ......

My Dearest Anne, I am so glad you had a few minutes to check in. You and DH have been on my mind this weeek.

You are both still in my prayers - take care my friend!

Dear Anne

Thanks for the update! Hugs to both of you. You belong by DH's bedside not here worrying about us or reading the board. There are plenty of others who can take care of your duties while you are gone! Family first!!!

Take care of DH and YOU! You've been through a lot these past couple of months as well!

thanks for the update Anne. continued prayers for you and your dh.

Thank you so much for the update, Anne. I've been wondering how you and DH are doing. It sounds like things are finally beginning to calm down a bit and I hope the rest of his recovery is uneventful and quick.

How are you getting along? This has to be difficult for you as well. I hope your family is pitching in and helping where they can. Wish I wasn't so darn far away or I'd be bringing supper to you and DH a few times a week!!

I may have missed the update but how did your followup checkup go for your bowel issues? I hope everything is OK in that department. You had that done a few days before DH's surgery, right?

I'm praying for the both of you and hope that recovery goes quick and easy. Here's a hug for each of you....

Thanks for the update Ann. I hope your hubby will be well on the way to recovery soon. My SIL had double knee replacement too and it really is a big operation.

Keeping you and your DH in my prayers...