He got discharged yesterday and is still quite weak and after spending the day with him, I do see that he is now altered. The phone rings and he just stares at it. I say something to him and he looks at me like a deer caught in the headlamps. The doctor did say he thinks that along with Mike’s heart issues, he is also experiencing TIA”s (micro-strokes). Home Health was here, they will come twice a week to care for his leg. I got a big lecture about tough love and practicing it with Mike which I will do my best to stay tough and not wait on him hand and foot like he is used to having people do for him.
He does perk up when company arrives, but it is in the down time, the private moments that I see him unlike I have ever seen him before. Just staring off into space, not focusing on anything in particular or just sleeping deeply most of the day. There is a big list now of all that is wrong with him now. The new medications he is on will help him sleep, help with the inflammation of his belly and also his hyperglycemia and other issues that have arisen through all of this chaos.
I am sorry, I know how hard it was for me to see that happen with my mom this past year. It was a function of the cognitive dissonance she already had, pain from a broken hip, and too many surgeries. She was thrown out of her routines, and had little control, which for a woman used to being very independent and taking care of herself, was very hard.
Hopefully tincture of time, your love, being home with the cats and puppers will help Mike.
This is a tragic turn, but not irreversible. Is there counselling that can be provided through the health care?
I thought he was going to die last night. 🙁 I woke up to labored breathing as if he was having a heart attack. I flipped on the lights and saw Kota over there with Mike just pacing and whining. It was hard for him to talk, and with his hearing aids out, he couldn’t hear me at all. He needed to use the bathroom but with the leg off, he couldn’t manage to get to the facilities. I ran in and grabbed what he needed and soon he had the relief he needed.
He shouldn’t be home but the insurance ran out and they discharged him based on the fact that we can’t afford for private pay care. Isn’t that telling? They care for him and do all they can with him until the insurance stops then he is kicked to the curb as if his pain no longer matters? God Bless America’s health care service. Sorry, I am a bit cynical anymore when it comes to health care.
Here’s hoping that he returns to you. I am so sorry that you’ve had to go through all of this.