The importance of a good PCP

[Guest guest]

I think I told you all that I planned to visit my PCP today. This

morning his office called to ask if we could re-schedule, because he

had damaged his own back over the weekend. I couldn't, so, instead,

we had a telephone conference. He really is a great PCP. Fortunately

we have known each other long enough that he has confidence in me -

how rare is that? I have always believed that if one's PCP served

the family it would be easier to treat each member of it, and so we

have all been seeing him for several years, now. Anyway, the result

was that he is arranging for a home health study to be performed in

the next few days, where a nurse practitioner will come out and

evaluate Fisher's needs as well as my own.

The doctor knows my views on putting Fisher into a nursing facility,

and agrees that it may hasten his demise, but went to great lengths

to let me know that should the time come when I can't possibly make

another day, it won't be the wrong thing to do. I am in my 60th

year, and have already had four heart attacks of my own, but am

determined that my heart is just another muscle, and it will work, if

I just exercise it. Right!!!!!!! I am not the one who is sick here,

Fisher is, and I will support him.

He has been very lethargic today, but his mind has been fair, so it

is something of an improvement. He didn't enjoy his bed bath this

morning, but did agree that he felt better afterwards, although he

couldn't brush his teeth himself, which is new. His co-ordination

seems off today, it has been off before, but isn't usually a big

problem. If only there was a scale that we could monitor to use as a

base line, it would be so much easier, but there doesn't seem to be a

base line for anything.

The lesions on his rump seem to be improving since I introduced the

ring, and the pressure sores on his heels seem to be responding to

the 'floating' rotation, and the rubbing with cream. I keep trying to

get him to exercise his legs, although this is a very slow process,

and he doesn't always co-operate.

I'm telling you these things in case they may help someone else, so

please don't be offended if I am preaching to the choir.

The nurse just called me, she's coming out tomorrow. Great!!!!! I'm

going to have to educate her on Lewy Body, because she has never

heard of it. Is this really such a good idea? Well, yes, I think it

probably is, because the more people know of it, the better. She may

come across another sufferer, and she will be already aware by then.

She also talked about a physical therapist who would also make visits

to our home, so that would be another boon.

I think I might even manage to get some sleep tonight, I don't feel

so alone just now. You are all here, and there is the promise of

more to come. I'll let you know of the results of her visit,

probably tomorrow. I just feel so grateful that i am going to have a

professional to monitor him, as well as me.

I couldn't help but see the message from Kathy about her husband,

. I almost feel guilty that I am about to receive so much,

when she has lost so much. If you read this Kathy, know that I am

holding you in my own heart tonight.