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Hi, Nancy.
Marlene has given you a very good picture of the caregiver's job. I am sure that part of the reason I am still here is that my husband was such an attentive caregiver--never missing a doctor's appointment, lab test, or treatment and spending all day, 6 days a week for 42 days with me when I was in the hospital for my transplant. There is so much to know and so many details to keep track of that it really takes multiple sets of eyes and ears to keep track of it all.
How much help you need, as Marlene said, does depend on how you do both in the hospital and once you're released. In contrast to John's situation, I did all the maintenance of my central line myself, could shower alone (but preferred to have someone around just in case), and relished my time alone. Hospitals are noisy places. I remember enjoying the comfort of sitting by myself in the quiet at home. Even though I couldn't do the cooking, cleaning, errands etc., I didn't need much supervision once I was home.
Regards,
Ruth Cuadra
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Diagnosed AA 10/96, MDS/RA 6/98, MUD/BMT 10/6/98
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