I wish that I could say I’ve had some great heath over the past few months. I wish I wasn’t going in for tests to the hospital here and there, but that’s been the “norm” lately.
Usually I am the one accompanying Sam to the VA for a medical appointment. We’ve had some scares. Sam had a kidney stone surgically removed (and it was pretty big), he’s had some visits to the ER, and he continues therapy. I’ve been able to be with him for most of his medical concerns, and that is a good thing. As a caregiver it is important to know what types of medications he needs, what happens at appointments (because sometimes the doctors use those real big words). It also helps because there are times Sam can’t remember what was said or what he needs to do (avoid all the coffee or Kickstarts), so being there for him helps.
Not that long ago, the roles were revered. The tables turned.
Sam was taking me to the ER.
About three years ago I started having terrible headaches. So bad that I couldn’t stand light, didn’t want to sit up, and felt very sick to my stomach. At times I was dizzy. I was also in graduate school and a little stressed out.
I really wanted to blame grad school for this nonsense.
But it was my blood pressure that was getting me down.
I started taking medication, I started watching what I would eat, trying to do better, and it worked from time to time (when I did what I was suppose to do).
And one evening that blood pressure spiked majorly. I know it scared Sam. I know it made him worry. And he was quick to act on it, take my blood pressure, make a phone call to my Dad, and get me to the ER.
Since that visit, he’s been asking (a lot) if I am feeling okay, taking medication, feeling tired, needing help with things (all of this sounding very familiar), and he’s been taking on a new role as caregiver—something that I usually do.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I still ask him those things too—but he has been great through all of it.
Last week I went in for an ultrasound on my kidneys and he was able to go with me.
Today I have another appointment and he will be going with me as well.
Next week I have to have some CT scans. I’m nervous. I’m worried. But, I will have my best friend by my side. That means more than he will ever know.
So, today we have a long day that starts with some medical appointments. After that we get to attend our daughter’s high school Homecoming parade (we’ll be throwing candy from the truck, pulling the freshman float), and then we will see the new veteran class graduate from This Able Veteran.
Despite the doctors visit, I think that sounds like a pretty good Friday.
We’ve got some long days ahead, but knowing that your best friend is always with you makes it a little easier.
These are just a few pictures of us. I could devote an entire post to photos. Through all the ups and downs, we have each other. <3