Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Tough Decisions

   I am glad that I got to get away for a few days with my kids in October. They took me to Branson for staying with my 12-year-old grandson, who tells me he was going to drive me nuts before the summer is over. He doesn't, but he does make life interesting. 
  We got a wake of call when we went to see the neurologist about hubby's tremors that I  wasn't liking and wanted to know if they were related to Parkinson's which has been ruled out. That had been said more than once at the nursing home by the medical staff. To see the hands shake even using both when trying to take a drink was hard to watch. Unfortunately, it is related to his liver which is in the process of shutting down. Then to get a phone call where he refused to get out of bed and wouldn't eat breakfast or lunch.  I knew it was time to put him in hospice. It is bringing in extra eyes to watch what is going on. They will re-evaluate him in 6 months and if he hasn't shown any improvement then he will remain in hospice because we don't know when the liver is going to completely shut down. We know the portal vein is blocked and he has a blood clot in the liver. They can't put him on blood thinners because of another issue. He has so many strikes against him. His bed was like a roller coaster and uncomfortable when I went to see him.. I just wanted to see if I could get him a new bed to see if that would help with his hip that hurts so that he could sleep better and not take pain pills. Hospice  got him the new bed and a new wheelchair that will actually tilt back so his head isn't hanging down when he falls asleep in it. They were  brought in the night we had signed the paperwork.  I will be popping in and out when I have time which is limited at the present time.
    I think I will be making another baby quilt like the one above after I get through my next craft show. The baby is due in February. I know who I made it for dearly loved it.
  I tried some new tea towels to see how they would do and I sent both to a new home. I thought the black horses looked really nice on the yellow plaid. It is getting late so I need to call it a day, but I wanted to let you know what I have been doing . Prayers are greatly appreciated. Take care.
   

12 comments:

NanaDiana said...

Shirley- I am so so sorry about your hubby's condition. I know sometimes there is just no good outcome to these health issues. I know your heart aches for him and he has been sick for such a long time. I know that YOU are tired and I suspect he is tired, too. God bless you both. I wish I could reach out and give you a real-life hug. I know you must need one.

That quilt is just adorable. You do such WONDERFUL needlework. I don't know how you accomplish all that you do!

I am glad you were able to get away to Branson. I am sure you love the 'job' of taking care of your grandson. I know he keeps you on your toes.

God bless you- you are in my prayers and so is your husband. xo Diana

Debby said...

Oh Shirley, I'm so sorry to hear this. I do know that when Hospice came into the nursing home last year for my mother in law, they were wonderful. The nursing staff welcomed them and worked with them.
I think that was great that they got him a new bed and wheel chair. Those beds they use now in rehab look so uncomfortable. I know they don't use rails now so the bed looks like it has borders. It looks awful.
I will be praying for him and you.
Your work is really nice. I'm glad you have that and your grandsons . We went on a quick trip to Branson this summer. It was hotter than blazes. I bet you had a good time.
Hugs my friend.

Debby said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Linda said...

Prayers for you as you face this difficult time with your normal calm and grace. I can tell you keep your heart very close to the Lord as he steers you through issues and circumstances. You are such a good role model for those of us just a few years away from possibly dealing with the same things.
Love and prayers for you, Shirley! You are a true saint in every spirit of the word!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Hi Shirley. You and your husband certainly have our prayers. I had no idea those kind of symptoms could be caused by liver damage. I know that Hospice is not an easy decision and fully understand the implications of calling them in. They were wonderful overseeing my FIL this past summer.

Be well, stay busy and healthy.
Much Love
Carol

Vickie said...

Dear Shirley I am praying for you both in this difficult time.♥

Charlotte said...

Sorry to hear about your husband. Hope everything works out for you. Keep your head up and keep going. Thankful for your sweet children and grandkids.

Quinn said...

Some decisions are just hard even when you KNOW it's the right thing to do. I hope the way the hospice people listened to your concerns and acted right away to make your husband more comfortable gave you some comfort, too. Lord knows you have had to fight and fight on your husband's behalf for every single thing for so long now!
I'm so glad you continue to work on your creations and spend good time with your family. It's certainly a blessing to have both good work to do and good people around you. All the best to you, Shirley!

MLM247 said...

My heart goes out to you and your husband. It is so scary for you the strong one. I wish I could take away your pain, but I can only say that I care about you and appreciate what you are doing. I am learning such a lot from you as you write about your husband's health situation. Hang on. Hold onto anything at all. Talk with your husband about all those wonderful days when you were young and carefree. Repeating and reinforcing positive memories is supposed to help when things are grim.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I am so sorry about your dear husband. I wish there were something I could do to help you. Prayers will definitely be said for both of you. You are a tower of strength for your hubby and I admire you for all that you do, along with caring for your husband, such as the beautiful needlework that you do and helping your grandsons. I'm happy you got to go to Branson for a little R&R. Take care, Shirley, and know that we are praying for you and thinking of you. Hugs, Cheryl

Gert said...

Oh Shirley, I am so sorry to hear this news. You are such a dear lady and I understand how difficult this time in your life is. Bless you for all you do for your hubby and others. Hospice is wonderful..they will do whatever is necessary to help your hubby be more comfortable. They were so good with my Tom and now they are coming to the house for my sister in law. I'm so glad you were able to get away for a short while. I can see why the family was happy with your baby quilt, your work is exquisite! My prayers are with you and your hubby!Happy Thanksgiving!🦃

Blessings,
Gert

Susie said...

Shirley, It's sad to read about your husband....but I know you have suffered right along with him. Please give him a hug from us here in Indiana. I am sending one to you too dear friend. Remember you are loved and never alone. May God bless all of you. xoxo, Susie