Community Forums

fansill · 05-22-2014, 08:16 PM

Hey All,

Hubby's health has declined and he recently had reconstructive surgery on his shoulder. He is currently in a rehab center and will probably be there for 3 weeks ( hopefully he will be able to meet their requirements for release or else he has to go to a nursing home...)

I am running between my stick and brick and the rehab center because the rehab is close to the stick and brick, but we parked the RV in a lovely little campground last month for the season because I was hoping that the beach and the one-level living would prove to be the best for both of us. Our neighbors at the park are wonderful and they have been very supportive of me in my never ending struggle to provide care for hubby.

I am really, really exhausted,,,crying much of the time... and I would like to hear if anyone has had a similar experience and how they handled it. I would love to head back to the RV because it is so warm and comfortable for me, but I am unsure if I should push Hubby to get back there. He obviously needs rehab and I will abide by the dictates of his PT people but can I get outpatient PT in the RV? We have parked the RV in the same state as our stick and brick and I hope that I can get someone to visit and help me with therapy at the RV park.

Thanks for all of your assistance. I will miss all the rallies that we usually go to. I really loved meeting everyone and having Hubby buzz around on his little sccoter... but this year we need to stay closer to home....

Faith

Retired and Happy · 05-22-2014, 10:05 PM

Faith,

You are to be commended for the effort you are making toward helping your DH. We have had home nursing at our MH on two multiple-visit occasions in the past few years. I would assume a PT could be found to provide the service you need. My DW had PT come to the S&B house following surgery. I don't know where you are or whether it would be possible in your case, but it would not hurt to check into it. Check with the rehab center and with your insurance. Beyond all that, keep yourself strong, mentally and physically. Your DH will likely be more dependent on you as he improves from his surgery.

Ken

Walt Bennett · 05-23-2014, 03:52 AM

X2 on home rehab. My wife had first a hip and two years later a knee replacement. Both times the surgeon and assistants (as well as the hospital staff) pushed for home & visiting PT for rehab. Worked very well and I'm positive she responded better to being here than if she hadn't. Her mother (91 at the time) had to spend a few weeks in a rehab center after hip surgery and complained non-stop about it. Think about what people have to do for the 22 other hours a day they aren't with PT or other staff. Much better for them at their home.

Steve N Sal · 05-23-2014, 04:01 AM

After my wife was released from the hospital for her back surgery she had a visiting pt come to the moho for her rehab visits. I don't know your exact situation but I'm sure it can be arranged. I'm sure your husband would prefer being home or at the motorhome rather then the rehab center. Good luck and hope all works out. Stay strong.

spritz · 05-23-2014, 07:00 AM

BRING HIM HOME OR THE MOTOR HOME. If he will do the requirements of PT there, then do it. I had a torn R.Cuff, Dr says the worst hes operated on (true or not) it was hell but not the end of the world..
You don't state ages but he will improve faster at home than a nursing home. The end of the road for alot of folks.

Don't do it, It will be easier on you and him.
I took care of my mother for 18 years and towards the end I had a hospital bed set up in the living room and had home health care come in up to the end and she was happier at home than a nursing home where she new no one.
Please re-consider.
One who knows,
Tim

Bamaman · 05-23-2014, 08:03 AM

It sounds as if you're between a rock and a hard place. But let me speak the truth.

The shoulder surgery is one of the most dreaded injury that Physical Therapists face. It's just a long process that often takes a year to get back to mostly normal--that is if the patient is willing to do his exercises, etc. So many with shoulder surgeries are not willing to do what it takes to get better because there is some pain involved.

You did not mention your husband's physical condition, exclusive of the shoulder injury. If they're even mentioning him going into a nursing home, it doesn't sound as if you should consider going to the camp ground.

I hear of so many campers that keep their original homes for (1) to have a place to keep "their stuff" and (2) to have a place to go in case they get sick later in life.

Your husband might do best staying at home and giving upcoming physical therapy his very best efforts.

Melmoses · 05-23-2014, 11:03 AM

I had two knee replacements. I say everything depends on the person. I was one who did better having the environment of the rehab center but I stayed at stick house. I watched my Dad stay at home for shoulder pt. The visiting PT person could not lug around the best rehab eqmt so had a portable one. He quit and would not do anything after a brief time because he said it was not doing a thing for him. Result was expected. So you need to consider his mindset for sure. You need to just take time away for a while for yourself. Sometimes that helps him too. In my Dad's case my mother was hovering and it was too easy to ignore the PT.

Selah2 · 05-23-2014, 11:36 AM

I can't respond on whether you should go home or to the campground. The advice I can give is this....
Take care of the caregiver.
A healing journey is often as hard on the caregiver as the patient. Call on your friends to help out, or come over for a few laughs. Have a massage, go for a walk, cry when you need to, watch funny movies. Bring some joy in as you can.
Praying for your husband and you.

nothermark · 05-23-2014, 02:20 PM

FWIW - I have been through 2 hip replacements. Going home will depend on whether or not they think you can and he can manage his daily living requirements. If they want him in rehab for a couple more weeks it is probably better for everybody as they can provide full time care and access to the rehab equipment.

As far as the MH vs the S&B I would vote for the MH as it is more compact, on one floor and probably has more interesting surroundings. OTOH it also depends on his rehab. If he needs equipment and space to use it then go where things fit best. The next several weeks will make a big difference in how well he continues to do.

If there is an option for you to keep taking him to a local rehab facility on a schedule go for it. He will be better off. You might be too as you can drop him and do whatever for an hour or two. Breaks can be nice. Keep track of what he should be doing at home and make sure he does it. The easiest thing to do is meet with him and the PT as he finishes his workout. "How was your session, anything to take home?" gets around the HIPAA issues if he is reticent about his homework.