Friday, October 13, 2006

checking in

Hi you all.  I wanted to check in.  

Today was a long day.  John went to get blood here at the local hospital.  Two bags.  He has been needing two bags about every five days.  His Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) never did go away.  He had a test yesterday from the home healthcare nurse (she comes three mornings per week).  She tested John to see at what stage the AIHA is at.  We will get the results on Monday, because John has an appointment on Monday at Hershey Medical Center to see Dr. Claxton.  He actually has several appointments, so we are going up to Hershey on Sunday night and returning on Wednesday.

I am wondering how aggressive Dr. Claxton is going to be to try and continue to improve the AIHA.  I hope he will be aggressive about it.  John is having somewhat of a hard time.  He is weak and tired a lot.  He has to lay down a lot.  Especially after about day three of getting his blood, two days before he needs some more, he gets very weak.  He also has to use his walker and get pushed around in a wheel chair a lot.  I was hoping for a little more than this for him by now.

Don't get me wrong.  We are both still thrilled with life, and enjoying life every day.  We are spending some wonderful time together.  And if it is the way it has to be, then at least he's alive.  But I do hope they can make him even better.  

Things are kind of hard for me right now.  I am so backed up on EVERYTHING.  You can't be away from home for about 7 1/2 months out of the year and not be backed up!  I feel dreadful, I just can't get done what I want done. 

And to top it off, yesterday (Weds) I had the worst asthma attack I have had in years.  Actually, a day long of asthma attacks.  I ended up having to go to the Emergency Room Wednesday night.  I am now on Prednisone (a steroid) and Zithromax (an antibiotic).  I have a bronchial infection.  Of course this whole time I didn't recognize I had bronchitis.  I was just pushingmyself to get everything done.  I don't have time to stop and rest. 

This morning (Thursday) was no exception.  I had to take John to go get his blood.  So after I got home from the Emergency Room last night, I got a few hours of sleep, got up, and went back to the hospital with John.  The whole procedure at the hospital took six and a half hours.  I was having to use my rescue inhaler while there.  The hospital doctor is allowing me to take four puffs on the inhaler every four hours.  I have been doing that a lot today.

I wanted to get so much more done today, but I have to pace myself with the bronchial asthma.  Oh well!

Okay, so that's about the situation.  I'm somewhat tired.  But never defeated.  I'm still taking things one day at a time, one minute at a time, as John advises me to do.  The brightest moment is just around the corner...

Krissy :)

28 comments:

  1. Well, I sure understand the bronchitis, inhaler, Z-pack and all the other stuff that goes along with that.  Since August 14th when I woke up sick on the cruise..I've been on 3 different antibiotics, the prednisone thing and inhalers.  And not only has it not gone away, it's now worse.  Really discouraging.  Poor John, I bet he is just worn out.  Wish you could both go to the Bahama's for a long overdue rest.  Take care Krissy and give John an extra hug from me.  Linda in Washington state  

    ReplyDelete
  2. Poor You and poor John too. It must be so hard for you to cope with all this Krissy. I do hope John's AIHA will start to improve, it's been a long hard road for you both. We can't have you going sick too so just try to pace yourself and don't overdo things. Most stuff will wait till tomorrow. With love and prayers for you both. Jeannette xx  http://journals.aol.co.uk/jlocorriere05/Welcometomytravels/

    ReplyDelete
  3. You and John just take one day at a time.  I know you are probably at a point of exhaustion and frustration.  Make a short list of important things you want to get done in one day.  And tick them off as you complete them.  It will give you a sense of control in your lifeand make you physically see that you are making progress and accomplishing things.  If five items are too much, kncok it down to three.  If three are too much then just insist that you do ONE important thing.  I guarentee you that this works.  I've done this over and over again myself when I start to feel over-whelmed by my life at the moment.  I'll pray for you and your husband so that you both may get through this difficult time the best that you can!

    Susie
    http://journals.aol.co.uk/susanebunn/ItAllStartsAfter50/

    ReplyDelete
  4. God Bless you for your positive attitude that is like a shinning light for the rest of us.  Sometimes you have to just let the 'stuff' go and take care of yourself too !  It won't do either of you any good if you are sick.  Take good care !  Love and prayers, 'On Ya' - ma

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi, Krissy...

    Thanks for popping by my vlog (video blog) and leaving a comment. I'm very glad that it has inspired you to think about creating your own vlog postings too.

    If you have any questions about creating, editing, uploading or embedding your video masterpiece into your AOL Journal, then just ask your questions in a comment on mine, grab the alerts and I'll try to answer them in my next posting.

    The same goes for anyone else who'd also like to add video to their blogs (also known as 'vlogging'). Here is the link to my vlog where you may post your questions:

    http://journals.aol.co.uk/davethesod/mish-mash/

    Take care...

    ReplyDelete
  6. You need to allow yourself rest time just like he has.  Otherwise, you will get sicker than you are.  Don't worry about the stuff that you need to do.  It will be there. It ain't going anywhere.  Enjoy your time with John.  
    I really admire you.  I will keep you in my prayers.
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  7. ((((((((((((((((((((KRISSY)))))))))))))))))))JOHN)))))))))))))))))I am so sorry you both have to go through so much.Just know,I am praying for you,we are all here for you.We love you both.Krissy,you need to get some rest.I hope you get to feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are so strong, but somehow you must take time for yourself.  Doing things around the house is nice,but you do not have time to be sick byourself.  Please take care of Krissy too.  Hugs and prayers,     Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  9. You need to allow yourself rest time just like he has. I am so sorry you both have to go through so much.Just know,I am praying for you and John.
    Thanks for keeping us posted!
    {{{Krissy}}}

    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  10. You sound exhausted. I feel for you. I hope John's appt goes well on Monday. It is great that you're making the most of your time together, even if John isn't doing as well as you had hoped.  I hope he continues on the road to recovery.

    May God Bless you both!
    HUGS
    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  11. i am sorry that you are now sick you sound so tired.  take it easy you do not have to get evverything done all at once, pase yourself.  yes  lets thank god that john is alive and pray that he gets better really soon
    take it easy and get some rest
    noelle

    ReplyDelete
  12. still praying for you both.  i like your last paragraph...tired but not defeated!
    gina

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yesterday is over. You can;t change it or do anything about it. Tomorrow hasn't come yet. You have no control over it. So just deal with today. Know that we are all with you and John in heart. Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am not surprised at all that your body is finally feeling the effects of your months-long ordeal.  You have done such an awesome job taking care of John; now you HAVE to take a little time for yourself.  Please rest as much as you can.  Jae

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sometimes our bodies just say -enough- you need to rest. Give yourself plenty of time to rest. Pick one or two things you think have to be done and let the rest wait... Believe it or not, it will still be there waiting when you are better!

    You guys hang in there and enjoy whatever the day offers.. just because you are together it is a good day!
    http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind
    http://adventuresofaneclecticmind.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. One minute at a time, is the only way to do it hon. I'm so sorry you had such a rough time of it. I pray John gets stronger soon. As far as being backed up with everything goes, I can only imagine how rough that is. I HATE disorder, hate getting behind on anything - but ill health, family problems, etc, get in the middle sometimes.  Those asthma attacks are horrible. Our oldest son has had to go to ER many times because of it.   YOU matter too! Don't forget that. lol >>>
    I had better remind myself of that! It's so easy to neglect ourselves while taking care of others. But we can but do our best. BIG HUGS to you. The two of you are always in my prayers - and thank you for keeping us in yours.
    Love
    Barb- http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/THROUGHGOD'SEYES
            http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/HEYLETSTALK

    ReplyDelete
  17. Krissy, you know I've said it before but I'll say it again.  Please remember to stop, pause and smell the flowers.  Take a moment for yourself.  You have to allow your body time to recover from the day.  Keep yourself healthy and strong!!!!!

    Now go take a Calgon Moment  :-)

    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello Krissy,  Thanks for the update.  I`m sorry to hear that you`ve been unwell yourself.  You`ve been so busy that you`ve not had time to take care of yourself.  I do hope you are feeling much better after that nasty asthma attack, my son used to have them and I know how scary they can be.  Also I do hope John will start getting a little stronger everyday.  Take care.

    Hugs

    Sandra xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Krissy...
    PLEASE take time to care for yourself.    I'm sorry you had to go through that.

    Love,
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  20. You are a remarkable woman.  Your spirit and the love you give is an inspiration to me and everyone who reads your journal.  May God bless you and keep you in His care as you continue on this journey with John.
    Love,  Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  21. Krissy,
    Look after yourself as much as you look after John. I hope the AIHA can be knocked into the dust, once you hear the lowdown on Monday. You're having a hard time at it - both of you. Thanks for keeping us posted and - keep smiling!

    Guido
    http://journals.aol.co.uk/pharmolo/NorthernTrip

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for the update. Take care of yourself, things take time to get done right now your health is priority so take it easy on you.
    :) hugs. I hope the dr has something aggressive he can do to help John.
    best wishes and prayers
    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  23. Krissy..an asthma attack?....OK..that is very scary...Oh Krissy...I know your just tired...John too....John will get better soon...he will....hopefully by Christmas....you will be over the worst of it...praying...-Raven

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm so so sorry. I know you have so much going on. I'm happy that John is alive though of course. It has been so hard on you. Just take it one day at a time. Do what you can. Things will always be there. Love you both. Hugs and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Krissy, I am sorry that John is like running on empty for those last days before he gets blood.  I was really sorry to hear that you had such a time with your asthma.  Oh Krissy, you've got to take care of you! But I sure can understand the feeling you must have of wanting to catch up on things after being gone so long.  I think it's beautiful the devotion that you two have for each other.  Rare in this day and age, kind of.  Good luck to you both this next week!  Hugs, Merry

    ReplyDelete
  26. Amen on getting backed up on everything! Besides the medical and real time issues the "stuff" that just keeps growing is maddening. You two are an inspirational.
    Patrick

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your right, One Day At A Time!  Stay Positive.  :)
    http://journals.aol.com/mrsm711/LatteDah/
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  28. Does life EVER act on schedule? lol we're lucky to breathe, considering.  Find all the positive balances to the negative ones, you'll even it out.  xoxo Love you hon, CATHY

    ReplyDelete

I would love to hear from you. Now is your chance! So what do you want to say?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...