Tuesday 20 May 2014

Catch Up

I'm going to do a quick catch up to let everyone know where I've been lately and to apologise for not visiting or commenting for so long.

Harry had to be admitted as an in patient at the Bristol Oncology Centre.  His pain level was way out of control. That was two weeks ago now and he's entering into his third week. I've been spending as much time at the hospital with him as possible as well as trying to keep house and garden up together as well.
I've been very tired but have managed to catch up on my sleep at night.
He is due to be discharged soon...... and he'll now be an invalid so I'll have my work cut out to look after him with my own health problems too. However, I naturally want to do this and will give it my best shot.
He is known as a *bed blocker* and they want him out of that hospital.
The thing is....... I'm having a big central heating change over (boiler update) next week and will have absolute chaos in most rooms. The job is desperate to be done and now is the time of the year to do it. The system is simply gushing out heat in the bedrooms in hot weather and I'm unable to stop it .....perspiring badly as I write this........ or it is too cold in winter.
There is an intermittent smell of gas from behind the boiler so I have just got to have it done. Harry will be discharged very soon.
To make things worse, my new daughter in law's mother had a major stroke over the last weekend and is in a city hospital, lying helpless. Every one is on the verge of exploding with stress and exhaustion.
So blogging has been the last thing on my mind.
I have a phobia about lifts (elevators) and I have to walk up many flights of stairs to avoid them  when I visit these two patients and I am wearing myself out with this and carrying all the washing that I'm taking home daily and bringing back clean things etc, even though this is my own fault as people tell me. So the hospital visiting is not easy .....many because I'm making things hard for myself because of the lift phobia.
Will keep you all posted.
In the mean time Harry's pain level is more acceptable which a good outcome.


22 comments:

mrsnesbitt said...

Oh Maggie my heart goes out to you. I wish I was nearer so I could at least help out in some practical way! If there's anything I can do on a virtual level just give me a prod. Lots of love, Dxxx

Eddie Bluelights said...

Glad Harry is not in as much pain.

Yes it will be a testing time for you, Maggie, I lnpw it is not easy to see someone you love more than anything in the world suffer and deteriorate before your eyes. Plus of course all the other ensuing worries. Thinking of you and saying prayers for you both.#Good luck with the boiler change - hope it goes well and is not too disruptive!
Love ~ Eddie x

Working Mum said...

Oh Maggie, what an outpouring of stress. These things always seem to come in tsunamis of troubles and are so difficult to cope with. Just take one thing at a time and be kind to yourself. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Carol

Rose said...

I do wish there was something I could do, too, Maggie! I agree with Carol that sometimes everything happens at once--you certainly have more than your share of problems to cope with at the moment. Do take care of yourself; is there anyone who can help to give you some relief in caring for Harry occasionally? I will continue to keep you and Harry in my prayers.
Rose

Dimple said...

Well, Maggie, I am sorry you are in this tough place. I agree that sometimes life is that way, and all one can do is persevere. So do what you must and let the rest go (Including frequent blogging and blog visiting!), as you have been. I pray God will comfort and strengthen you and provide all the help you need to get through.

Love to you and Harry~
Dimple

Akelamalu said...

Oh Maggie I am so sorry to hear this. It's good that they have Harry's pain under control but not good that you are wearing yourself out. Hopefully things may be a little easier when Harry comes home at least you won't be going backwards and forwards to the hospital. I hope the boiler work is done and dusted soon. Sending positive vibes and oodles of Reiki to your situation and will keep my fingers crossed for the boiler work. x

Celia said...

So sorry Maggie, I am keeping you both in my prayers, glad Harry got some pain relief. Hope you can find someone to do some of the heavy lifting for you. Hugs.

Gosia said...

Maggie I am so sorry for your husband. But luckily his pain is under control is the good news. You are a very brave woman. Greetings for you and your husband.

cheshire wife said...

Pleased to read that Harry's pain is now better controlled and that you have caught up on your sleep, but what a difficult situation you find yourself in. Life is really sent to try us at times, but I am sure that you will come through with flying colours.

CWx

Secret Agent Woman said...

Oh my gosh, Maggie! First, don't apologize - you need to focus you're energy on your own life right now. It sounds just overwhelming and I hope the boiler gets sorted out and things ease up. You are definitely in my thoughts.

Beryl Ament said...

So sorry. I'll keep you and Harry in my prayers. Sometimes it helps to mentally break everything into chunks and try to deal with one chunk at a time. Harry's pain is better, you are getting some sleep, what looks like chaos with the heating will be taken care of by people who know what they are doing, with Harry home you will have more time and so on. Your new in-law- is not your responsibility though of course you want to be caring. And you are a strong person. I am glad to know where you have been.

Wisewebwoman said...

I wish I could do something for you Maggie, anything. This all sounds so very stressful, one thing on top of another. Try and take care of you first and then you will be in better shape to take care of everything else.

Rest!

XO
WWW

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Maggie, all my love and prayers to both of you. xxx

David said...

Dear Maggie,

If only there was something we could do to help, on all fronts.

You are both in our thoughts and prayers.

(As always)

David McMahon

Bernie said...

Maggie I have been thinking of you so much lately. What a beautiful wife and friend you are. Please take care of yourself and know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs, xo

Shammickite said...

I'm so sorry you are going through so much stress, and you and your husband are in my thoughts.... and I know that doesn't help much, but at least you know that people you have never met are supporting you all around the world! Good luck with the boiler replacement.... once it's done you will wonder why you didn't get it done earlier!

Ayak said...

Just catching up too Maggie and I'm so sorry to hear you have so much stress in your life at the moment. I hope Harry improves but please take good care of yourself too won't you? xxx

Suburbia said...

Hi Maggie

Really worried about all you are having to cope with right now. That's way too much

Take care of yourself if there's any time left.

Much love

S x

Cad said...

So sorry to hear how complicated your life is at the moment, Maggie, but at least getting the central heating fixed will give a positive outcome to focus on.
And maybe the hospital could put you in touch with someone who could organize a week of respite care for Harry, until the heating/boiler work is completed? I know a friend in Scotland who had similar problems, and the powers that be were very helpful...

Hilary said...

Dear Maggie, I'm so sorry you're going though such difficult times. It seems that it never rains but it pours. Please don't blame yourself for the phobia. They have a way of taking control of us and it's not a choice. And please look out for your own needs and health.

Best wishes, hugs and healing thoughts sent across the blogiverse to you and Harry.

dianefaith said...

Thinking about you tonight and hoping that you've had some peace today, that you've been able to breathe deeply a few times, that there have been some rays of sunshine across your room.

Leilani Schuck Weatherington said...

So sorry to hear that "they" have not done a better job controlling your husband's pain. I recall our son patting the subcutaneous morphine pump they had placed for him and saying "my new best friend..." We know how emotionally and physically exhausting this sort of situation can be. You are doing a wonderful job taking care of him... try to take care of yourself too.