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Like so many caregivers, I'm aging and changing. I had a bout of tachicardia and it was scary. My heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest. My grandson, a junior at The Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, happened to be delivering groceries to us at the time. He listened to my heart with a stethoscope, took me to the emergency room, and I stayed overnight for observation. Could I continue to be my husband's primary caregiver? That was the question that bothered me all night. Someone on the health care team thought I might need valve repair surgery. I saw a Mayo Clinic heart valve specialist and he prescribed medication instead. We had already paid a deposit at one assisted living community. This incident prompted us to pay a deposit to a second community. Staying in our wheelchair-friendly townhome is the best option for us. However, this option works only as long as my health is good. Right now I feel great.
Replies to "Like so many caregivers, I'm aging and changing. I had a bout of tachicardia and it..."
@harriethodgson1
Its nice you can stay where you are as we age moving becomes not only hard on us physically but being moved out of your surroundings is hard .Can you find respite care for your husband they will give you sometime for yourself Some insurances have this option I see you have Visiting Angels there are agencies that will shop for you if needed ,call office of aging they can help in alot of ways also.
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Harriet, I'm glad you have the support of your grandson and that he was able to help you in an important way. Care giving is tough and stressful sometimes. All of that can take a toll on your health. Do you have anyone that can step in for you so you can have a break? I understand how rewarding it is too, to care for someone you love. I spent a couple of years taking care of my disabled parents and during that time, I was developing a spine problem that needed surgery, and I had to be careful not to physically hurt myself. It was the hardest years of my life, and my dad passed away, but it also gave me extra time to spend with him which I cherish. It was just after my dad passed that I could focus on my own healing and I had spine surgery at Mayo. I still look after my mom, but she's doing well on her own and now has some small dogs for companionship. Hopefully you can reach out and ask if you need some help. You don't have to do it all, and it's OK to have help. I'm glad you're doing well.