Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Hard Work

This past week has once again proven to be very hectic. Courtney flew off to Florida with 4 of her friends to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios. She has grown up with Harry Potter and has watched the progress of this park for years. Getting her ready and getting her there took alot of time. Sunday we had another substitute aide who really didn't do much. The past few weeks we have been lucky, but of course, the one weekend I REALLY needed the help the most, they sent someone who just finished the training program.
Mike has been "OK". He has his days, like all of us. Some days he's congested/gurgling, some days he's not. If he is, we need to stay on top of it with the nebulizer (breathing treatments) and extra chest PT to insure that he coughs up whatever is in his throat. If he doesn't, then it leads to a fever and even more vigilance in pounding his chest. We do everything we need to do in order to keep anything down there from turning to pneumonia. He also tends to be developing bed sores more easily than in the past. We also need to stay on top of this, by covering them with "Duoderm" which is s product like a second skin. It covers, cushions and protects the sore from opening up, which is something we REALLY don't want.

This is why I feel good about what I do. Knowing how vigilant we are in his care, when Mike's time comes, I KNOW it will be because it's "his time", and not for the lack of care. There will be a time when no matter what we do, it will not be good enough, but I will know in my heart and soul that I did all I could. I will have no regrets and I will never have to ponder the "what if's". Mike is an amazing man who inspires and teaches us everyday. When he gets too tired, we will know.

3 comments:

Carl in NC said...

I like the new Alzheimer's purple color on your blog. I'm glad his brother and nephews were able to reconnect :-).

Take care and God bless,

Carl

Karen said...

Carl -

Thank you for noticing :)!
(I hope you received my THANK YOU).

Carl in NC said...

Karen,
Yes, it was a very lovely card. I am glad to help when I can. :-)

I hope that your summer is off to a good start. Hopefully, it will be a little less hectic...

Thanks,

Carl