It's been a little more than two months that I have been home adjusting to my new way of life with a vent to breathe for me, a G-tube that takes in all my nourishment (all of one flavor every day) and eight caregivers that divide the hours of the month so that I can have someone with me 24/7.
Can you imagine having someone with you 24/7 and doing everything for you because you are not able to move. Your body's muscles have deterioated and once your body is put down to bed it becomes heavy and then numb as the circulation of your body slows down and then there is potential for skin break down on any bony prominence like your sit bones, tail bone, elbow, back bone or anything that sticks out. This is where the care giver come in to massage, move and do some range of motion to all extremities. This happens approximately every 2 hours. Another importance of comfort are the positioning of my 3-4 pillows can determine how well I sleep. There have been a few nights where I've had a new care giver who did not know about pillow positioning and could not read lips. We were really in trouble then!
I am very thankful for my team of caregivers (Glizza, Andrea, Keith, Keisha, Renee, Sierra, and Michelle. Backups are Natalie, Daniel). Also to Corey of Care Alternatives and staff who have instructed our care givers in the many nursing aspects for care giving and the vent.
I have to thank Jan for his hard work and persistence in obtaining the best care and fixing everything at home for me! Jan totally ROCKS! I LOVE YOU HONEY!
All in all, it's been a tough road, however I am blessed to be here at home with my family and friends.
Good nite Bella, good nite Violet and good nite Spike! Nana loves you all!
Aloha and God Bless
vi
Hello Vi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for that detailed update. You're doing a great job with the computer!! I enjoyed our brief visit earlier this month. I heard you received so many flowers for Mother's Day - awesome!! Thinking of you always and praying that you aren't in too much pain. Love you, Renie
Aloha Vi,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful visit we all had - the OSS gang and then some(more)! The endless laughter and smiles:) My Dear Vi, you are truly Blessed with Angels that continually support and provide bountiful care and love. Enjoy the sweet fragrance of the florals. A Hui Hou!
I Love You Vi!
It is so great to know that after giving so much to life, there are people around you that are making sure you are getting a taste of your caring right back at you. Gives me hope for humanity. Kudo's caregivers. Jan, you are a role model.
ReplyDeleteDon