Good coincided with not-so-good this Easter weekend.
Husband, home for a few days from the nursing lodge, had a nasty turn yesterday before his niece, Jane (of photographic talent) came to visit, so he slept throughout and didn’t end up seeing her. He did, however, get up for the next two lots of visitors and it was wonderful!
But, today, he had another nasty turn and I was worried enough to get the ambulance to take him to hospital where he is now being treated by Jane’s husband (of medical and other talents). I love this coincidence and am relieved to know he is in such good hands as it has been several very anxious hours.
Before, when Husband had these ‘turns’ he would recover quite quickly. Sometimes he would feel one coming and warn us by saying, “I think I’m having an attack of the wobblies”. But today and yesterday there was no such forewarning; he just suddenly slumped in his chair, became incoherent, glazy-eyed and unresponsive. Today, when I tried to rouse him, I couldn’t and this lasted nearly two hours. That’s when I called the ambulance.
When the ambulance arrived, one of the attendants knew Jane – another lovely coincidence – and she simultaneously calmed me down (I got a bit teary – oh how I hate that!) and roused Husband enough to get him onto the wheelchair stretcher thing. Once he was more alert he gave me a bewildered look and I gave him one back.
Subsequent tests at the Emergency section of the hospital show no sign of blood pressure, blood sugar or stroke (all of the things I thought might account for these ‘turns’) so it looks like it is yet another symptom of Parkinson’s and a sign that the disease is getting worse despite the medication.
Another coincidence is that Son, who was still at his friend’s place where he went last night, rang me at exactly the same time I was about to ring him. I was going to suggest he stayed another night with his friend, so when he rang to suggest the same thing I thought that was a good idea, but his words disturbed me: “I just don’t want to come home to all that mess of sadness, Mum.”
Wise boy because I was thinking exactly the same thing; another coincidence.
jmgoyder 
My heart aches for you and yours Julie. I’m glad some of your hard moments are filled with the coincidence of loved ones.
You’re very kind, Melissa – thank you. Juliexx
What a lovely photo of your hubby and the furry kids. So sorry to hear that he’s not been doing welll hon. Thinking of you. 🙂
*hugs*
Thanks new friend.
Hi,
What a lovely photo of your husband with the dogs.
I am sorry to hear about this terrible turn of events, it must of been a relief for you to know that he was being looked after by people that you knew.
Yes and yes and thank you!
Ouch. Halfway around the world, you bring tears to my eyes. Seems to me, from the outside looking in, what appeared as coincidences may be help with wings. You & Husband are in my prayers.
What a lovely comment – thank you very much.
My Day had brain cancer and passed in 1993. I still have bouts of sadness that I did not visit him or be with him more before he passed. I always felt that I would have one more weekend. Wasted moments! I’m so sorry for what your family is going through, but I’m glad you have some sweet to savor with the bitter.
Well said and so sorry about your dad – thanks for your thoughts.
All I can do is offer prayer for Husband and you my dear Julie! Your life It’s like a “roller coaster” going up and down. I’m sorry!
Yes it certainly is a bit up and down at the moment! Thanks avian101!
Sorry to hear about these ‘turns’ Husband is having, but glad that he has you there to care for him at this time..
Yes, life is full of coincidences, but I like to think there is a kind spirit hovering and helping you along the way.
Thanks Vicki.
Sorry your Easter and time with your husband was so bumpy, and happy for the good coincidences. A little encouragement goes a long way when you’re under stress. We go to my sister’s house for holidays and take most of the food–she cares for my mom with Alzheimer’s. Mom’s had it at least eight years now–she’s not in the real world very often, but she still recognizes me and was in a great mood yesterday. Laughed a lot. Most of the time, we had no idea what was so funny, but in her world, she was having a great time. We’ll take that.
The ironic thing is that I actually wrote a book about Alzheimer’s in which I encouraged exactly what you do with your mother. Now that Husband’s Parkinson’s has led to a certain amount of dementia too I feel a bit gobsmacked
You’re doing what we do. We try to make her feel loved, but sometimes it’s overwhelming. And there’s always that sense of failure, that what you’re doing isn’t helping her or you sometimes. And for me, sometimes there’s real anger. She pushes buttons on accident (I think) that she pushed when I was growing up. None of it’s easy. Not for her, not for us…or you. But at least we try.
Thanks for your words!
I am holding you in my thoughts, Love and Peace, the other Jane
Thanks the other Jane!
So sorry Julie. This is all just so hard. You are an amazing woman and your inner strength is so admirable. I will keep you and family in my heart today. RL
Thanks RL – I am not amazing. Juliexx
You do not feel amazing right now, I know…but truly your loving spirit comes right through the worldwide web Julie. Just hang in….one step at a time. Keeping you in my heart and prayers.
The reason I know I’m not amazing is I read about people all the time who do ‘it’ so much more attentively. I have to go into the hospital now and I don’t want to at all and it’s hard to admit that but I just am so sick of it! You see, I told you I wasn’t amazing! On the other hand, you are!
Others have already said it all. My thoughts are with you. Keep your chin up.
Thank you so much!
My heart goes out to you. I will keep you all in my thoughts and hope more coincidences help along the way.
Thanks! Just subscribed to your great blog btw.
Saw that. Thanks.
Take everything one day at a time.
One day at a time sweet Jesus
That’s all I’m askin’ of you
Just give me the strength
To do every day what I have to do
Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord, help me today, show me the way
One day at a time
Perfect – thank you!
Dear Julie,
How amazing that the Internet connects us across the wide world, to share both the joyous discoveries you have written about as well as the sad events. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many of us, all wishing you well.
Sue from Minnesota
Thank you so much, Sue!
Lighting a candle for your Hubby, son, and for you, the caregiver, Glad you continue bloggin. It may feel endless somedays, but you are very very strong. We need both rain and sun to make things grow and balance. Thinking of you. – Lorian of DogDaz
Thanks, Lorian!
Tough times, Julie 😦 hope all is ok with your husband this morning
I’ve rung hospital but he was being showered – going in to see him soon. His meds will have to be adjusted and then back to the nursing lodge.
Oh Julie…sigh. Margie
Yeah, sigh all right!
Sorry to hear about these additional challenges. Wishing you the best.
Thanks – you are very kind. I’m kind of getting used to the drama and unpredictability of this bloody rotten disease Parkinson’s – it is the pits!
awww, you are being so brave – God bless you and the family
Thanks!
Jules, can you give A. a big hug from us – we are thinking of him, and thinking of you and M. too. Love you all.
Thanks, Michelle – we are going into hospital this arvo. BTW your blog is so fascinating – loving it! Juliexxxxxxxxx hugs to kids
We send “kisses* and *hugs*. We’re glad that the coincidences helped a bit.
Bella and DiDi
Thanks, Paws!!!
Wow. What a post. I really feel your pain and strength. I know people ask you how you do it, and I can hear you answer, “I do only what I can, and hope its good enough.” I think you are a very special and strong lady.
You are very kind!