I'm glad to say that things are going along pretty well.
I am irrigating
Steve's catheter every morning and that seems to be keeping the sediment buildup
in check.
Steve has finally acclimated to the bi-pap machine and we only need
to adjust it once or twice a night because it moves and causes an air leak.
When there is a leak the noises it makes sounds like Steve is a one man band.
It's entertainment while we sleep.
Caregiving is a full time job that is
both exhausting and physical and we are concerned about the toll it is taking on
me. Steve had a regular doctor's appointment this month and the doctor saw the
progression in Steve and also how hard it is for me to manage him physically.
Therefore he contacted hospice and arranged for a house visit.
Although
Steve's disease has progressed he did not qualify for hospice yet. I guess I
should be happy but I guess I was hoping for some help. The hospice organization
is wonderful. We are now in "Transition Hospice" which means a volunteer will
come and stay with Steve for 4 hours a week to allow me some respite. The only
problem is that most of the volunteers are snow birds and they have flown the
coop. We are hoping that they will recruit some nice, new folks and we can start
the program soon.
Meanwhile I have contracted with a home health agency to
come in several mornings a week to help with Steve's personal needs. That starts
tomorrow.
In several months Hospice will evaluate him again. The
criteria they look at is weight loss, loss of appetite, bed sores, pain and
several other things.
So, yes, I am happy that Steve has not reached that
stage.
We are looking forward to an uneventful summer. We have learned
to accept the hot and humid days of Florida. Hopefully there will not be any
hurricanes anywhere nearby.
Both girls and our granddaughter will be visiting
soon so that will definitely brighten our days.
Fran
