A Vignette….

Who cares for the caregiver?

So, what happens when the caregiver needs care?

                  I had not thought of that, but then a few weeks ago I fired up an existing condition in my lower back. I knew it was there but hadn’t thought much about it. My GP ordered up and MRI and x-ray and it showed two discs bulging and one out of line. The GP summed it up as “degeneration.”

                  Given the state of our health care system, I couldn’t see a spinal surgeon until July 30, more than a month out. The pain killers ran their course, which was fine. I don’t like being dependent on drugs.

                  But I began to understand what life as invalid could like. No trips to the gym. No hikes or even walks around town. No sleep – bed is the worst place for a bad lower back. 

                  It looks like I have two choices. Maybe the surgeon can give me a shot of cortisone, steroids, whatever and hold things at bay for a while, allowing me to return to a somewhat normal life. Or, I could have surgery. That’s what got me to thinking about who takes care of me.

                  I have had neck surgery, gut surgery, two hip replacements (same hip), hands, feet and always Connie was there. She took me to the hospital, was with me every minute of rehab. But, now she’s not.

                  My son lives 10 minutes away and I know he will step in, but I hate to ask. He’s got a full life of work and family. I’m already thinking about what I can do on my own. My apartment complex is handicap friendly, except for the tub-shower in my bathroom. Guess I could get by with sponge baths.

                  I won’t be able to drive for a week or so, so I guess I can stock up on groceries and Seth can run some errands, take me to follow-up appointments.

                  It’s all doable, but it’s another reminder of who is not here, what has changed. I suspect there will be more such reminders.

                  Rich Heiland, has been a reporter, editor, publisher/general manager at daily papers in Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio and New Hampshire. He was part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team at the Xenia Daily (OH) Daily Gazette, a National Newspaper Association Columnist of the Year. He has worked as a consultant doing public speaking and training business specializing in customer service, general management, leadership and staff development. He and his wife live in West Chester, PA. He can be reached at [email protected].