as i was signing out i looked at my avatar and realized that picture was taken on our farm in our quonset-- it was a good day we had decorated the quonset with lots of fabric for a special occassion - and it looked like a beautiful pastel tent inside.. but now it wont be ours anymore another fatality of the stroke.... oh yah forgot to add had my hemoglobin checked again 9.1 will need another blood transfussion soon.. darn stroke gets to dictate my health too-- if i stress to much and i am- due to the pending surgery and the move then i can actually stress down my hemoglobin and go anemic - crazy huh..nancy

Nancy: you can give the Lovenox in the thighs or "love handles" if Dan has those anymore. It is not so much what he is missing as to his health. Hopefully the supplemental feedings and hydration will stimulate his input by mouth and keep those poor intestines working. Maybe even remind them that that is their job.

In the meantime, just think of the Gtube as a help. Getting over a hump. Use it if you have to, keep it patent if you don't. A little insurance. I am betting that the extra nutrition and hydration will make a huge difference, take something off his plate, so to speak. Without the pressure, Dan will hopefully be able to move forward and concentrate on other things. Praying for both of you. I love your Avatar- you look so happy, comfortable, at home. Debbie

Nancy, I pray for you and Dan all the time. I know about how the stroke rules your life as it does the same for Mike, me and 99% of the people on here. We take one day at a time and try to make a happy situation out of a living hell. Keep up the fight. Stay strong. Don't "Let" stroke take more than it can! Don't give in to anything you don't have to! You have to take care of yourself first and stressing isn't gonna help anything. If you get sick who will take care you? Fight girl! Fight Mr Stroke and show him he aint gonna take no more! You got this, you are a very strong and loving wife and caregiver! Never give in to nothing!!

Praying for both of you!

Nancy, you are so strong to be able to do all this, I'm amazed. I know you don't FEEL strong. I mean, I know my friends must think I'm strong and wonder how I do it, but I FEEL weak and shaky and floundering. You are a hero, I guess we all are, but people like you are what gives us hope we can do it all.

I'm so sorry to hear about your blood transfusion situation, I don't understand why stress would affect your hemoglobin, unless you are losing blood to an ulcer or something, but evenso, I know know one needs that kind of problem, even if they are not a caregiver. We will all have to be prayer warriors, praying in a group for each other, because we all need God's help just to make it thru the day.

HI Nancy--think of you often and wishing you well. You continue to amaze me with all you have/are juggling. I hope you get your health on track. One day at a time....just a cliche but sometimes it's all we can do, right? Take care, Cindy

First, take care of yourself you know what you need to do daily to keep your body in shape to avoid hospital procedures when you are the only carer for Dan who can't care for himself!!

Second, can a little rolled wire fence (chicken fence wire) be erected to give the dogs a little run area somewhere near the patio where Dan can see them????

Do you have any room in the back yard or beside the condo they could run and play which they need??? Them being out loose is asking for trouble I think but they are so used to having plenty running room!!

Where do you have the RV parked?? I can't get in my mind how your property is set up and if you have a wooden fence??

If I can send you anything let me know before it gets too cold up there? I haven't forgotten what you did for me!!

Nancy, it is a new world we live in now. I too had to give Larry the Lovenox shots in the stomach when he had a blood clot episode. First time for everything! I also had to learn how to do the blood draws for his INR when he was on Coumadin. Thank God he is on aspirin only now. I never thought I would be barbering, shaving, clipping ear and nose, helping him to shower, etc., etc. I am no spring chicken and the energy is draining from me every year. I need to exercise but can't seem to fit that in anymore.

You are young and need to take care of yourself. This stroke brings about the unexpected. I never thought Larry would have the swallowing issue as he passed all tests when he was discharged from the inpatient facility. He needs to eat 2800 calories a day. lol He can't do it!

I hope Dan makes the turn around with his G tube. Have a good week and enjoy your new home. (I like your Avatar)

Julie

Thanks guys -- life goes on with or without our permission ---- oh and i had the day wrong dan has surgery tomorrow AM for the peg tube ... good thing the hospital keeps us on track .... yippee ki yi yay as dan would say...nancyl

Hang in there Nancy, this may be what makes things get better.

You know I will be concerned and praying for both of you. Let us know soonest. Debbie