Time Marches On

She has the ability to sleep anywhere - and usually does. DH is still very weak, tires easily and today he says his stomach hurts. I'm getting a little frustrated with his recovery. He seemed to be making such strides at first and now it's much slower. My biggest fear with all the resting he does is that he will slip into some sort of a depression.

A couple of days ago DH went to his doctor for a checkup and we got an A+ in handling his stoma and the surrounding skin area. It was red and raw when he was discharged from the hospital because they didn't have his appliance on properly and couldn't stop the urine from leaking onto his skin - urine is pretty strong stuff. His skin is now in excellent condition and among other things, that means we can eliminate some of the steps when we put the appliance on. Actually I'm the one putting it on but there will come a time when he will be able to do it himself. The hardest part is trying to keep everything dry before we get it on - the kidneys constantly dribble. I'm now using a tampon to keep the area dry - place it right into the opening of his stoma and it absorbs everything. The VN used a twisted piece of paper towel to absorb the leaks but the tampon works better.

DD is doing well and DGS is adjusting to living with his mother. He visits us several times during the week while she attends mandatory meetings since she can't leave him alone where they live.

She is living with a lot of rules and regulations but in return she has housing she can afford and support from those who have been there. That means a lot.

DS's leg is getting better - he now walks with a cane and no longer needs his crutches. Still not back to work but hopes to be in the next 3-4 weeks.

Me? Doing okay. Samantha has now begun to climb up in my lap and stays there for extended periods. She does that kneading bit and then sort of blisses herself into sleep. Andrew doesn't get jealous - he's just happy she's not harrassing him.