Relief

Do you know how hard it is to watch a loved one suffer? I have watched my husband suffer with a chronic pain in his hips and left calf for years now. We finally found a doctor to diagnose the problem. Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD. He recently went through a procedure that removed the 100% blockage from his left leg and returned blood flow. He is feeling much better now. His hips still hurt him when he walks too far, but his leg is no longer bothering him. I was worried sick. Literally. I’m a high strung person when it comes to worry and stress. Though he was not worried, I worried enough for both of us and our son.

It was up to me to take care of the dogs, feed and water, make sure there weren’t any accidents from our elderly dog and tend to all the household chores, after spending all day at the hospital with my husband, these simple tasks were monumental for me. Needless to say, the household chores did not get done. I managed to microwave myself some food, but did not get the dishes done. I was so tired and still worrying because he was not home with me where he belonged.

Our elderly dog, Chloe, was worried too. When I took her out to tinkle, she noticed his truck was home, but he was not, she fretted all night about him coming home from work. Neither of us slept well.

The following day gave us much relief, he was released from the hospital and allowed to resume almost all activities. Mostly, keeping me sane. I fell apart once we were home, and went straight to bed. Between fibro and IC, I was a wreck. I had stressed so much about his health that I over looked my own. My blood sugar was too high, my body was rebelling, but he was home and I could fall apart, so I did. Chloe on the other hand was excited and followed him all around the house. She’s a daddy’s girl.

It’s been two days now and I’m still achy and having to take medication for pain. My bladder is in a flare-up and my back has started having spasms. I do deep breathing exercises, sniff calming essential oils, take my medications, but nothing can ease the mind when my husband is incapacitated.

I welcome comments on how you cope with such turmoil.