Welcome to 2019 everyone! Christmas was so busy in so many ways. We spent Christmas Day with DD and her family, then they all came to us on Boxing Day and G treated us all to a hot lunch at the village pub. This meant that I could just do a teatime buffet with cheeses, salad, pickles hot nibbles and crusty bread. None of us ate too much and we played games and generally had fun.
On the 27th Dec I had to take G to hospital for some injections in his neck to try to help with the pain. We thought it would be Botox injections but the Consultant gave him 5 injections of anaesthetic; 2 on one side and 3 on the other. The next day he could barely lift his right arm (the good side!) but that gradually eased off and the pain in general has lessened considerably. Unfortunately, the injections haven't made one iota of difference to the pulling of his head to one side. It's driving him crazy and he can only cope by constantly working; either around the garden or shed and going for walks several times a day. To be honest it's putting me on edge too. We can't sit and read or watch TV because he has to constantly fidget trying to stop his head moving of it's own accord which then makes his neck ache. It's a constant struggle for him. We are forced to go out somewhere every day when all I would like to do is to sit and read or do a bit of crafting to relax. I feel mean even thinking the thought but I don't know how much longer I can remain calm and supportive when I want to scream :/
Next month G is booked in for a telephone consultation to see how things are, but we are looking at another 5 weeks of waiting yet. I hope desperately that the hospital doesn't write him off without having another go at treating him.
We are still sleeping apart with me on the floor in the spare room but at least we can toss and turn without waking each other up and we are both getting a few hours sleep each night now. G wakes really early and has to get up but he can cook a bacon buttie without waking me up every time now :)
We have taken the plunge and ordered a new single bed for the spare room so it will be easier for me to get out of it too rather than get onto my hands and knees every morning. The bonus is that I can de-clutter the spare room without him objecting in order to make room!
Speaking of de-cluttering....I seriously need to get to grips with it throughout the bungalow. 'Stuff' has been rammed into cupboards over the Christmas period and I need to sort it out. I am still turning my stash into cash too. I might need to make my new year challenge a de-cluttering one....
Anyone else de-cluttering?
Stay safe everyone and thanks for popping in x
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I am decluttering. Any money I can make will go towards trips to the seaside. My cupboards in the spare room are bulging. The new bed for your spare room will be great for you. A good nights sleep is essential for both of you .
ReplyDeleteMaking cash to pay for trips to the seaside will surely spur you on. Go girl! x
DeleteAfter reading back a few posts I am up to date with your husbands problem. It doesn't seem fair does it that at this age we should have such problems. I am 72 and Tom my husband is 79, he has IPF a lung disease that is progressive. Like you I am sleeping in our spare room, the only way to get a reasonable nights sleep.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you when you said that you do not know how much longer you can remain calm. I've been through all of the emotions from hard to soft and I think that now I have come to accept what is happening and just hope I can remain sypathetic and kind. That's not saying that his coughing and the fact that he gets breathless and is unable to walk far doesn't irritate at times.
After bringing up a family and all it requires its seems cruel that now when we want to relax, read etc that it has been taken from us.
I do hope you can get something done to ease things, in the meantime try to look on the bright side of things.
Hugs
Briony
x
Thanks so much for your comment, Briony, and I'm so sorry to hear that your own hubby is so poorly. You are so right when you say we can only get on with things as they are. It would drive us all potty otherwise. We are both 69 (me last November and G on 9th January) and we feel much too young to cut back our dreams for a healthy retirement. Life can be so cruel in many ways.
DeleteTake care, big hugs back x
I am decluttering and donating like never before. My yarn, fabric and craft stash now all have a proper home in an appropriate container. I am beginning to see a difference and can now see the spare room bed for the first time in about six weeks. We bought a cabin bed as our spare and it has useful storage underneath ( from IKEA).Next will come a thorough clean everywhere-the fractionally lighter days are lifting my mood and energy levels. Sorry your husband is still suffering ( and you too). Could you phone the consultant’s office and ask for an earlier call? Take care.
ReplyDeleteWell done Catriona, doesn't it lift the spirits when you have a good sort out. I certainly will keep trying for an earlier call for G but I'm not holding out much hope :?
DeleteEnjoy your de-clutter! x
My goodness you have been having a tough time of it. I certainly hope they can figure out something to help your husband. Glad to hear you will be getting a bed for the spare room. It can't be good for you not having a bed to sleep in.
ReplyDeleteJanice, you wouldn't believe how much I'm looking forward to having the bed...lol...and I'm praying that more can be done for G.
DeleteI wonder why they did not Botox your husbands neck? My husband was a consultant rheumatologist and he says it would have been his treatment of choice for a dystonia. Could your husband be referred to a neurologist who does believe in Botox? There are also general muscle relaxing drugs too such as Baclofen. I hope he finds a treatment that works soon for him. It must be so painful and exhausting. I hope your GP is being helpful too. It might be worth while seeing them again. 5 weeks before the next consultation seems a long time to wait to me. Rotten for you both too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment Catherine. Our GP's are totally disinterested and just want to give him antidepressants. He tried Baclofen but it didn't help. The chap he is seeing is in the pain clinic at the hospital. G asked to be referred to a neurologist but it fell on our GP's deaf ears. We might have to shout a bit louder x
DeleteWe deculuttered when we moved here 9 years ago, but it still builds up on you. I have sorted all the drawers in my craft room/office, it does feel good once it's done. I am glad you have ordered a bed, you do need you rest and to be comfortable. I understand how you feel ref hubby, when you are tired, it takes away most of your consideration.
ReplyDeleteI do try not to show that it's getting me down because G feels guilty as it is, even though it's not his fault. It's such a struggle sometimes though....
DeleteYes, we moved here 9 years ago too into a clutter free environment but things are slipping. Time for action!
I'm so glad that you are getting a bed for the spare room. You must both be exhausted.
ReplyDeleteLots of decluttering due to be going on here. We are going to buy a wardrobe for one of the bedrooms so need to clear some space.
Hugs-x-
We are, Sheila, I can't wait for Spring so that he can get involved in the allotment! Good luck with your own de-cluttering. I must go and catch up with your lovely blog :) x
DeleteNo matter how much you love somebody, constant medical issues and broken (if any) sleep gets you on edge. While you can let off steam here it will help. The SO has chronic asthma and when he goes through a bad patch it drives me mad BUT we get through it by laughing, when he can catch enough breath that is.
ReplyDeleteYou are right Pam and it does help writing it all down on my blog. I'm hoping the brighter days to come will also lift our spirits and I can squeeze in some 'me' time then.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your hubby hopefully things will improve. Glad to hear you are getting another bed, hopefully you will manage to get a good sleep. A good nights sleep always helps. Take care of yourself and best wishes for the New Year.
ReplyDeleteThank you MM. I know you have your own health worries too. All the best to you and the family for 2019 x
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