I'm Back

Well, did you all think that I flew the coop, abandoned ship, or just got the hell out?? Don't think that I haven't thought about it. I guess I'd be surprised if any of you continue to read this blog considering my last "pull the band-aid off the wound" entry. Things are difficult and I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I only feel guilty when I see how much more difficult Larry's life is. Because I see him everyday, his condition appears constant. However, his muscle condition continues to deteriorate and he's having more difficulty eating. When I feed him, he has to be reminded to chew and swallow his food if he doesn't nod off first. He is getting more contractures(means that his body is getting more rigid and he can't straighten out his legs). His legs are constantly in a fetal position and it's very painful for him to be turned from one side to the other. In addition to all that, he's getting more pressure sores. Now do you see why I feel guilty when I think of myself.

I contacted another hospice company.They came out and talked to me and observed Larry and were very kind and compassionate. They told me what services they could provide and assured me that Larry's comfort is priority. After thinking about it for a couple of days I had more questions. They said that a skilled nurse would see Larry twice a week and that he would get a bed bath twice a week. With home care that Larry is presently getting a nurse sees him 3 x's a week as does a CNA 3 x's a week. So what would we gain from this hospice? I need to look at more hospices. It's very time consuming and very difficult to recite the same story over and over again. The consensus seems to be that this is what Larry needs. I'm working on it.

I was able to get away for a couple of days earlier this month. I went down to Austin to visit my sister, niece and nephew. It was great to see them and we went to San Antonio to visit Sea World. It's so fun to be around those kids. I was able to do this because the boys stepped in to care for Larry and I am presently quite unemployed. So if anybody out there needs a really skilled, and I'd like to think quite competent sales representative preferably in the healthcare industry or any industry for that matter-I am ready and available. I need a job!! Not only for the economic reasons but to give me something else to do than hover around Larry all day.

Our weather is starting to improve. In fact, Chris is outside now raking up all the muck from winter. After this winter, I don't know if I can continue to live in this cold and snow. I'm tired of shoveling and maneuvering our steep driveway. Who knows?? I have other things on my plate right now. Well I am going to sign off now. I will try and be not so delinquent in my postings. Until then...pass on the Larry love.

Gail