Friday, May 24, 2013

Well... it's that time AGAIN!

And what time might that be? Hospital time, of course!

Ron's managed to stay out of the hospital for a grand total of 18 weeks. That's 4.5 months. Doesn't sound like a long time, does it? It doesn't feel like one, either. In the 4.5 months that he's been home he's fallen three times (a couple of them could have been bad) and not felt too great overall.

He's in the hospital now because his potassium level was dangerously high. It's down some today but they're doing a 24-hour kidney function test since they think he's had too much trouble with his potassium lately. He doesn't drink more than the specified amount of liquids in a day, we stay away from the "known" high potassium foods (bananas, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, etc.) as much as possible, and he's eating healthier at home (when he feels like eating). He doesn't "go" very much and it's really hard for him to get the job started and to finish. I frequently have to ask if he's OK in there. His blood pressure medication was changed (again) in January but that was after his last potassium problem. I'm not sure what the culprit is this time. Maybe his kidneys have finally decided they're done.

In addition to his regular problems, he's been having problems with his mouth, throat, and esophagus. He says they feel like they're on fire. He says he's having trouble swallowing and feels like food gets stuck half-way down. The doctor has scheduled an endoscope test for next week.

I feel like all I ever have to say is something negative. Or, I sound jaded and calloused. I'm not. I'm more tired of anything else and I feel guilty for being tired of this whole process.


5 comments:

BB said...

I totally get how you feel Teresa! You're doing the best you can in spite of all his ailments and hospitalizations. You've nothing to feel guilty about!! Hugs to you sweetie!

Southhamsdarling said...

I certainly agree with Barb my friend. You've been through so much with Ron and you must try not to feel guilty for how you are feeling. You have no reason whatsoever to feel guilty. You have and are doing the very best that you can in very hard circumstances. Poor Ron. It's a constant battle really , isn't it? Take care and I send prayers and blessings for the two of you x

Pat said...

I will pray for both you and Ron.

not displayed said...

Sometimes the only place you can say what you need to say but can't say out loud is here on your blog.
You are doing the very best you can and being tired is completely understandable.
It doesn't make you bad, it just makes you human.
Make sure you take care of you too.
Sending hugs

Anonymous said...

But you had such a long stretch of quiet at least.