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Thank you for your concern. I am keeping extensive records of what I eat and my symptoms. I hope that it may provide some answers. I am having some tests but it is all going very slowly. I am just going along day to day. I realize I cannot visit my husband every day, because if I do go every day, then I end up having days when I am more or less confined to the bathroom all day long. My pancreas is not secreting the correct enzymes. So I think I can only visit him every other day. But I want to feed him myself as he cannot feed himself and can barely eat now, and is losing weight every day. I want to feed him because I can give him the high protein food items, and hope that at least he might maintain his weight and muscles, rather than continuing to waste away. It is a bit of a nightmare. How can I balance my needs against his? So far, all the tests I have had have come back negative, so I am now waiting for the gastro doctor to either order more tests or refer me elsewhere. There are shortages of doctors here, which I know because my daughter works at the hospital. So I just have to be patient. It is hard to combine weekly nose swabs, donning PPE every day, trying to find something to eat for myself, spending time with him, and all of the other things that are going on here. It's sort of like living in an altered reality, and wondering when the movie is going to end. haha. As I am asthmatic, I cannot travel anywhere at this time. So I just have to wait it out. Again, thanks for your concerns.
Replies to "Thank you for your concern. I am keeping extensive records of what I eat and my..."
Hi again @kathybowes,
I am so glad that you posted with an update. I understand, to some extent, how difficult it is to balance your needs as well as your husband's. You are doing a remarkable job in attempting all of that!
Your idea of keeping a journal of your diet and symptoms is a good one. It will certainly give you a step-up at your next doctor's appointment. It is wise that you are aware that after visits with your husband your symptoms increase. That probably shows you how important it is to take care of yourself.
Can you hire anyone, like a home-health-care-worker, to go and feed your husband on the days that you need to rest and take dare of yourself?
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I want to compliment you, Kathy, on your good work and progress in your health. I am thinking that some doctors have not treated as many older people as we have now because people used to die at a younger age before they were diagnosed with anything. A neighbor died in his sleep at the age of 69 and I never knew him to have health problems. I am proud of you not drinking and smoking, as it is good that you are helping yourself so you can help others. I have been on several support groups on the web and have learned much and benefited from their experiences. It is so important for you to communicate with others, so keep doing that for your benefit.
Dorisena