When I tell people it's been 6 weeks since the accident, some say "wow! that was fast!" I know what they mean. At times, even to me, it feels impossible that six weeks have passed. But what I really want to say is, "Sez you..." It's been a very long six weeks. And we are now in that phase where we are looking ahead and see only more appointments, more therapy, a long, slow road to that full recovery they predicted way back when.
Dan is doing okay. His physical injuries are still plaguing him. A couple of days ago, for the first time in this whole ordeal, he said "I'm tired of being in pain." It's the first time he's even come close to complaining. I can't imagine living with pain 24/7 for 6 weeks, can you? Maybe some of you do and therefore have a better sense of what this is like for Dan. But it's easy for those of us around him to forget that just because life is beginning to feel settled in some ways, that doesn't mean that Dan is back to normal. Far from it. Other symptoms have cropped up and we are trying to figure out what has caused them and what to do about them.
It's really important to be an advocate for a loved one in the hospital or dealing with a severe injury or illness. There are so many things that can slip through the cracks or get miscommunicated. A notebook and careful attention is required during any appointment or meeting that you can attend. It's key to work as a member of the team along with doctors, nurses, therapists. It's a group effort bringing the patient back to his or her best. It really is. I don't feel in any way adversarial - just that it is critical to be on your toes at all times. It can be exhausting, but it is necessary.
Tim (Dan's brother) is visiting this week. It's so good to have him here! Dan and his siblings lost their mother a couple of years ago so, on that side of the family, it's just the siblings left. I think Dan's accident was a wake up call for a lot of people as to how precious this all is. Tim and Dan are hanging out while I'm at work and later today they are coming over for Dan's therapies. I'll see them in between work stuff and then we'll all leave a bit early today so I can get them back to the marina when Dan is finished. Again, it's good to have Tim here. No agenda, no plans, just two brothers hanging out together. When does that happen anymore??!!
Julia started school yesterday so she is now officially off duty. Her prime responsibility is to focus on a very demanding quarter - 20 credits! - at the end of which she will be a Certified Nursing Assistant. She is very excited about this and very organized. I see a determination in her that I haven't seen in a while. This morning, when we were trying to figure out rides later on, Dan wondered if Julia could help out. The answer? "No!" She's no longer available to us and we are going to miss that... she has spoiled us with her devotion, but now it's her turn. Go, Julia, Go!
That's it for now. Life is good. Life is precious. I'll keep you posted as I can and as there are things to report. For now, the plateau reigns supreme..... Happy Hour anyone?
Love,
Irene
You are such a great team,always have been.
ReplyDeleteCongratultions Julia,only yesterday you sang Beatles songs in your BD suit!
I hope the pain fairy visits Dan in the night Hmmm I can hear Dan now,not too sure about that)...all the pain gone and a loonie under your pillow. Love Ragnhild
Two more days until the ribs will magically stop hurting?!
ReplyDeleteIrene, I can't really imagine what your going through but feel your concerns at the present and for the future from your writing here. Its not clear and your not knowing is always a mind bender. It will work out, maybe a little slower than hoped for but it will come together. I have all the faith in the world about this, you guys will come about and all will be well. Miss you both, time for you both to be here in the land of ya. Our love and strengths are with you.
ReplyDelete