One year in and struggling

In response to the post by @anything4him, first, I want to say how sorry I am for you and your husband. I'm glad you are willing to share your struggles with those of us who post.

When my husband became totally dependent on me, and I became responsible for taking care of him, I turned to meal delivery services. After trying various companies, the service that I chose is CookUnity; and I cannot say enough about how they have saved me from despair. Not only does that company provide fresh meals prepared by chefs, but they provide a culinary experience that makes every meal a pleasurable experience for my husband and me. (As known by those of you who suffer from a serious illness or chronic pain--or who provide caregiving to someone who has become housebound--moments of joy are rare.)

Aside from doing something like subscribing to a food delivery service, hiring household help is also advisable if your budget allows that.

Most important, stay connected through Mayo Clinic. Hearing other people's stories make your own journey bearable.

Sending hugs and good wishes,
George's Wife

@georgescraftjr George’s wife - Thank you! I will check out that service.

In response to the post by @anything4him, first, I want to say how sorry I am for you and your husband. I'm glad you are willing to share your struggles with those of us who post.

When my husband became totally dependent on me, and I became responsible for taking care of him, I turned to meal delivery services. After trying various companies, the service that I chose is CookUnity; and I cannot say enough about how they have saved me from despair. Not only does that company provide fresh meals prepared by chefs, but they provide a culinary experience that makes every meal a pleasurable experience for my husband and me. (As known by those of you who suffer from a serious illness or chronic pain--or who provide caregiving to someone who has become housebound--moments of joy are rare.)

Aside from doing something like subscribing to a food delivery service, hiring household help is also advisable if your budget allows that.

Most important, stay connected through Mayo Clinic. Hearing other people's stories make your own journey bearable.

Sending hugs and good wishes,
George's Wife

I just read your post and as of this morning started following this group. You sound like me! My husband had bilateral lung transplant in 2024 and there were complications as he was in the hospital for 66 days. I suddenly became a resident of Rochester for 7 months. While he is stable now and we've been home for some time, he doesn't have the energy/stamina he had prior and suffered quite a bit of muscle loss during the extended hospital stay. We are all so glad he survived and grateful! That said, I am a full on caregiver. I do the meds, make sure we have 2-3 weeks ready at a time, call the pharmacy for refills, schedule appointments, clean the house, walk the dogs, buy groceries, cook, it's exhausting at times. I'm not complaining, this is simply my reality. He is immunocompromised for life due to the meds he is on so hiring help to come in for cleaning etc isn't a good idea. I became so fatigued last Spring I saw an integrative Dr. and I decided to go on BHRT pellets (hormone replacement therapy) and my T3 was low normal so I was also put on thyroxine/levothyroxine. Not suggesting this for anyone, just discussing what I did. It has helped quite a bit. I do have better energy and arthritis in my hip disappeared. Aside from this, I take time when I can to walk with my friend for an hour or so on occasion. We live 25 miles apart so it's when we can. I also made a comittment to exercise in the morning before my husband gets up, before the day really starts. I tell my self when I don't feel like it or am tired, it's consistency that matters now how much I do, so some days I do less than others but I always feel better afterwards and better able to handle the day. It's going to be lifelong for us in this mode so I'm trying to improve my health as much as I can. We have to take care of ourselves. Oh and I love audible to listen to while out walking alone or with my dogs, it's a great break! If in the woods I prefer to hear nature. Hang in there, you are not alone!

@bano Hi, just curious I have been on the BHRT pellets. I started October of 2023. In February 2026 increased the estradiol. I started break through bleeding . Just wondering if you have ever had bleeding?

@kristie2 Hi Just spotting for a day when estradiol was increased but to update you I no longer do the pellets. I did 2 rounds and didn't care for the rollercoaster effect and hair loss. I am now doing topical estradiol gel along with micronized progesterone at night. I have not resumed testosterone yet. Unfortunately finding a Dr. locally that specializes in this is tough. I'm doing a lot of research on my own. If you have a uterus it is important that you are taking progesterone as well. Finding a good Dr. to help you is key.