Medical Spouse/Supporter's Pending Open Heart Surgery

[The Albatross]

Very glad things are going well Tornadic!

 

[MrMoonlight]

So happy to hear that @Tornadic Thoughts ,! you both have been through so much. big hugs :hug:

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

Hey Honey(s)...we're home! ?

Made it safe and sound and got him situated and surrounded by all the things he needs/wants. He had the best nap he's had all week. Bless his heart...for real.

Then I got the car unloaded, dishes put away, laundry started, had to go to the store to get 9v batteries for the back-up thingy on the lift chair that was no longer working (that he had bought for my late mother when she needed it), then popped into the farmers' market for fresh fruit, picked up our box of local veggies, got all that sorted and put away, and will soon throw some quick and easy dinner together then crash hard and stay put for a while.

I'll be anxious to see how my body handles the transition back home once the adrenaline hangover kicks in. You know how folks speak of having "sea legs" after having been on a boat for a long while? I feel like I have "elevator legs" at times...like I'm continually arriving on the next floor or something, even when I'm sitting. I used to pay good money to feel shit like that. Hahaha But now I'd rather not. I'm thinking a magnesium flake soak with some rosemary is in the cards tonight, if I can lift the damn bucket. lol

There's no place like home...

(((Hugs)))

 

[Teasel]

Really pleased for ya :D

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

Wow. Que the song, "Running On Empty"....

It's much simpler to be a care partner in the hospital when there's a whole team of folks contributing to each and every detail and help is just around the corner, regardless of how minimal the need. No wonder I felt I was doing so well while there, as we had 24/7 access to a whole village of helpers. Once at home, it's a whole new scene.

This is the time and place when I fully realize just how much he does around here to keep things going so smoothly. I thought I was pretty well prepared and thought we'd covered all bases, but dang. He's still doing well and we're both okay, but I feel like I hit a brick wall today. Must pace thyself. It's so damn easy to forget/dismiss self when trying to ensure the safety and well-being of another.

 

[Tinyflame]

Hope you can let the parts go which can wait, for the time being @Tornadic Thoughts . And also get some rest. Xox

(A big stuffie held to the chest helps for reducing pain coughing, too.)

Glad all went well so far. :hug:

 

[ladee]

When your anxiety settles down some, you will figure out how to pace yourself. You don't have to do it all. Remember that you have to care for you too. You can be good to you too!!

Glad hubby is still doing so well. Good time to pause and be grateful!! Thinking of you. Heart hugs. Tell him we said HI and take it easy!! Both of you!

 

[The Albatross]

This is the time and place when I fully realize just how much he does around here to keep things going so smoothly.

Yup. Good acknowledgment. Pace yourselves and prioritize whilst recovering.

 

[Teasel]

I feel like I hit a brick wall today.

The other thing is PTSD spoon theory and how in an emergency like having hubby go through heart surgery, adrenaline will help keep you doing what needs done, then when emergency lessens so does the adrenaline.

I found it like that when I was caring for Dad anyhow.

So yeah, self care is a priority too
Wellest wishes :hug:

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

Thank you all. ((((Hugs))) It's simply yet another AFGO scene...Another F'n Growth Opportunity. Ha!

Feeling a little more like myself now. Still super tired and moving in s-l-o-w motion, but definitely more human.

I still can't believe I managed to carry all the shit I carried and walked all the steps I walked each day...who the f*ck was that?

Husband is still doing incredibly well. I'm trying really hard not to be a helicopter wife, and so far haven't heard any complaints.

Getting back into the groove of my own self-care routines as I help inspire him to be mindful of posture, stretching, walking, and such.
Every reminder to him is a note to self, so luckily, it helps us both. May we continue to feel that way as the weeks go by. :)

 

[Tinyflame]

I think that's the best case @Tornadic Thoughts , where both people can come to understand and care for both of themselves better.

And it's easier to make changes when those we live with do, too.

Take care of yourself, and try to rest, too. He has an amazing spouse. :hug:

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

He had his first follow-up appt. with his regular doc today. It's the first time I've accompanied him to see this dude. He got a good report, yay! Blood work results aren't back yet, but everything else checks out.

However, the scene left me saddened and concerned, as there was a soda and snack machine in the lobby packed with all the sugar, salt, artificial colors and flavors one could ever wish for, most of the staff I encountered were wearing strong frangrances, and all (including the doc) but one of the office staff were rather generously obese...and these are the folks giving others advice on how to be healthy, ay?

I'm incredibly grateful for their expertise and time, but it still disturbs me that they are representing the "health and wellness arena"...most likely because they allow me the opportunity to look in the mirror regarding my own revolving door struggles with weight/food/sporadic health issues/etc., and they serve as a harsh reminder that just because one may know better, doesn't mean they're going to/able to actually do better. Blah humbug. Mirrors, mirrors everywhere.

We enjoyed being out and about with different scenery for a while. Took a nice walk after dinner and ended up getting rained on. No rainbows, but we had hummingbirds swooping and hovering close by. It's so nice to be back home surrounded by all the things we love the most. He said to say hi back, @ladee , and says thanks to all for the well wishes and thoughts.