Wipe out

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

I think I am running a close second to Jess feeling wiped out.
I have stayed a little later the last couple of nights, When I enter the house the phone rings, the cell goes off, and it is a succession of calls until it is time to crash. I am so far behind on everything and feeling overwhelmed. I'm not sleeping. Hobbes CHF is getting worse and he needs to get to the vet. Yada, yada, yada....This is me venting.

Jess was not having a great day a couple of days ago, I could not even bring myself to blog. My energy worrying about him worried about himself had been depleted. As the doctors tell him to do a little and rest , his efforts on days (mostly sleepless ones) wipe him out.

Yesterday was a better day. The P.T. and O.T. had Jess work on balance and even had him walk without a walker. On the rehab floor, he tossed a load of laundry into a washer and then the dryer. This is a pretty huge accomplishment and it made his day. It took a lot of energy stores, so the rest of the day was fairly mellow, but he was feeling pretty good.

A nurse came in to discuss the importance of no salt and restricted liquids for Jess. When Arizona gets to 120 degrees, having only four cups of liquid of any kind in a day will be a challenge. His blood pressure becomes so low, you have to wonder if some of it is from dehydration. We will have to weigh him every morning at the same time and take his bp. Why are we talking about this now? They are looking at sending him home Monday or Tuesday.

I just began work on Monday. Jess will have to go to rehab M. W, and Friday, these are the days of my modified schedule. Then he will have to go to see the cardiologist one day a week. I am not sure how I work all this out without quitting my job, but I will. I don't want to burn anyone out in asking for help, but I am sure we can work something out until school ends. Does anyone know how cloning works?

I will be getting ready for work in a few minutes here. Jess's nephew will take his laptop to Mayo and stay with him the day. I am grateful for that. I will head up after work and learn more about what we need to do when he comes home.

When I left yesterday Jess seemed more relaxed. I think he is happy to be coming home next week. He sees what he is able to do and he knows when he needs to rest. He will be able to hang out with Phoebe and Hobbes, benefiting from the healing powers of their canine heartbeats. My school is in the neighborhood so I can come home midday and check on things. Despite my uncanny knack for worry, I think we will be able to handle everything just fine. Mayo is real good about getting everything we will need at home. There will be a number of items that I will need to pick up but I trust that "Mayo Tempe" will be prepared.

I had to remind Jess that he will have good days and bad days. I suppose that goes the same for me.

Today is going to be a busy one -- best run.

Doodle Kisses and good day, J, J, P, and H.

[Betsy D.]

Hi Janet, you said it yourself, both of you will have your good days and bad days. Unfortunately, because you love Jess, your bad days may coincide with his.

I know you don't want to ask for help, I REALLY understand, but you need to. Also, so many people probably want to help, but don't know how. They will make meals because they don't know what else to do. The meals won't work very well, because of Jess' restricted or modified diet. So take them up on offers to help. Call someone who is really close for the first time. It won't be so difficult. After that try people who aren't as close to you. You could even work out a schedule. Someone might take Jess every Mon. maybe you take off on Wed. and than someone else does Fridays. It can work without adding a lot of stress on you. Now I am not one to be talking, but it is certainly easier to give out advice than to take ones own. Hope you both have a peaceful night.Betsy

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I am thrilled to hear everything is okay. I was on the road most of the day - drove from NJ to Pittsburgh and this is the first chance I had to go online. I was nervous this morning when I didn't see anything from you - but I certainly understand the meaning of exhaustion!!

[Beverly Wright]

Janet,
I am so glad to hear good news!!! Do not worry about asking others for help......during my sickness I do not know what we would have done without friends and family.....they want to help so please let them!!! I know that you feel like it will be a burden, but actually it will be their cross to bear and they will do it willingly. People never know what to say or do during hard times so please call on them when you need to. Like Susan, I was worried when days went by without update!! You will get more rest when you get home and this is what you need!! Love, hugs, and doodlekisses.
Bev

[2SCdoodles]

Hang in there. Your doodle friends have you in their thoughts and prayers. You have been through so much. Jess has been through so much. I can only imagine how exhausting all of this is for you. School will be out soon, so that is good timing as you help Jess get back on his feet (both literally and figuratively)! Take care of yourself! We are all pulling for both of you!

[Karen & Lucy]

Just to let you know that Jess and you remain in our thoughts and prayers. I can not keep up with your daily blogs, but I just sat hear and read all of the ones I have missed. I am thrilled to see how far Jess has come in his recovery. He sounds like he is doing great. It is wonderful that he will be coming home next week. It will be hard but you and he just take it one day at a time. May God be with you all.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Things will work their way out with school Janet. That's what long-term subs are for if needed. Everything will fall in to place once everything is set for Jess to come home :). I completely agree that once he's home you'll be able to get more rest and breathe more (deeply). My prayers continue to be with you.....what a journey....what a miracle.

~Carole

[Susan]

Janet, I am so glad to glad to hear that Jess is coming home next week! Ron is on a similar schedule returning to Mayo 2-3 days a week. The difference is, Ron can drive himself now. You have to be exhausted and you need some rest. I actually think you will be able to get more rest with Jess at home. At least it will cut out the daily drives to Scottsdale. Good to hear that Jess is on the Rehab floor and making such progress! I always wondered how Mayo did all the laundry, and now I know! They make the rehab patients do it! Maybe they will apply this to the bill...lol! Take care and you are in my thoughts! I got anxious when I didn't see a blog, but knew you were exhausted!