I once told our granddaughter a few years ago that we were celebrating Larry's stroke anniversary. She made a face as she didn't understand the reason to celebrate. Well we celebrate LIFE and take the good with the bad. I celebrate him being home this past year for the holidays and being here instead of in a hospital or SNF. I celebrate the fact and thank the good Lord that I can take care of him.

Larry is doing well although he has had a few health issues recently. The latest was a UTI but that is resolving. He also is trying to adapt to a new sleep mask for his sleep apnea.

I have had to change doctors recently as he was assigned to a doctor in the SNF who only saw him once the two months she was in his care. I had to keep her when Larry was discharged from the SNF for follow up. Larry ended up in the hospital last year as he suddenly could not walk and had back pains. We waited 5 hours in the ER before a doctor saw him as there were several others who came in with worse issues. His doctor had him admitted for observation. He had an MRI which showed some arthritis but no kidney problem. The doctor came rushing in that day and stated "I only have 7 minutes". She gave the diagnosis, etc. and yelled a question at Larry. That was the last straw as I have since changed Larry over to my doctor who luckily is in the same group. All of Larry's info after seeing this doctor was on the computer and easily transferred to my doctor. Praise the Lord!

I also had problems with a urologist recently. I noticed Larry's urine was cloudy and called his urologist. His nurse called back and said the doctor said he would not do a culture unless Larry had a fever, blood in urine or discomfort. Larry had none of these other issues. I called back 2 times later and said the cloudy urine was still there three weeks later and still he did not call Larry in. I finally took Larry for his physical at Larry's new doctor and the urinalysis showed he had a strep infection. He is now on a med which is taking care of the infection. So happy he has a GOOD doctor now.

I just find it is so hard to change to a new doctor and I have had to do this twice. The doctors who are in the same hospital group stick up for each other. They will only say he or she is a good doctor. lol

So, with all of these years of care I have found you or your caregiver are your own best doctor. If you feel something is bothering you or your loved one, you just have to either trust the experts or get a second opinion. I pray a lot also. : )

Julie