Genie in the Bottle

I've done it before, wearing blinkers while looking for a sophisticated solution when a simple one is looking at me!  Poor Merv he had lost his dignity wearing continence pants which didn't do what they should.  Day after day we battled with wet beds and soggy pants.  There was washing, cleaning and more washing.  I was pulling out my hair by the handful.
We had discussed a bottle.  My thought were concentrated on a bottle of Merlot, Pinot Noir or deep red Shiraz but none of the above.  We were discussing a urinal bottle.  It just seemed so simple.  Mel and I visited the disability store where the assistant discussed the various bottles. We passed on the one with a push on lid.  Merv's fine motor skills no longer do him justice.  We settled on the no-spill bottle which comes in a soft shade of blue and no other colour.  It cost three times more than the one with the lid.
I had forgotten the many times Merv had been in hospital as a younger man.  He took to his bottle like a duck to water!  I had placed towels, mats etc around the proposed area only to find none of these were needed.  The very best part of the story is his bed is dry and his dignity and a certain amount of independence returned.  He still is unable to walk unaided in the house after his fall which damaged his calf muscle.  I am hoping it will heal in time and Merv will be able to walk by himself once again.  I can only hope.
Yesterday his physio and her assistant visited as the afternoon cooled after a heatwave morning.  They had Merv wheelchair walking and doing a range of exercises to strengthen his calf.  They also  showed Merv how to walk to the toilet (with assistance) but stopping at each door frame, holding onto the sides of each frame before moving to the next one.  I would never have thought of that.  He is enjoying this exercise which helps him gain his balance and slows him down.  He has a habit of going ahead at top speed to reach his target.
I sigh heavily.  I am happy not to wash sheets everyday.  Emptying and washing the blue bottle is a small price to pay.

Regaining dignity and independence

Stroke Me Down

"Maybe he had a stroke?  I want you to ask the GP for a CT Scan,"  retorted Merv's speech pathologist.  I grunted, I made all the right noises but I was thinking - 'Get a grip girl, he had a fall, he choked on his lunch and pooped his pants.'  Yes all within two hours from returning from his fortnight respite.
Three days later Merv fell before I awoke.  He was on the way to the toilet.  When I finally awoke, completely unaware of the drama that had occurred Merv was sporting a swollen eye which later coloured to every shade of black, a red ring on his forehead and several bumps and bruises.  I was horrified.  I cancelled Merv's support worker and made an appointment with his doctor.  His doctor of course had a day off and we saw a semi retired gentleman who resembled Kris Kringle.  He assured us nothing was broken, his eyesight was fine and no concussion. 
We celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary only three days later, complete with his black eye! Merv and I visited the Lavender Café and enjoyed lavender scones with jam and cream before meeting with Dustin, Grace and Mel for lunch at our favourite local restaurant. Throughout our marriage I had never imagined Merv would be unwell or in a wheelchair.  Life often turns out differently from our dreams of long ago and our expectations to today.  It is a time to reflect and make the most of what we do have.
Nine days after that fall and he still can't walk unaided.  I walk him everywhere in the house. He's wearing continence pants and I wake at 5am to take him to the toilet after having washed sheets and bedding for three days in a row.  Hopefully the early start will continue to be successful in keeping a dry bed.
His left leg is sore and it's time for an x-ray.  I know as we get older (is 62 old?) our body takes longer to heal.  Is it just bruising, the lack of confidence or something more sinister?
Do I think Merv had a stroke?  Probably not but her words encircle my mind causing confusion and indecision.  It's just another busy week ahead with two dentist appointments, two doctor appointment and a number of other commitments. 
I only want Merv to be able to walk around at home by himself again which will increase his confidence and his lost independence.