That is not a real word but I thought it fun enough to use as a title. Hubby has some severe aphasia from his stroke so sometimes words come out backwards and sometimes they come out the opposite from what he intended.
He will say 'she' when referring to 'he', often when referring to someone or to a pet. This has been ongoing since 2018 so I am pretty used to it. Since we've been a pretty close couple for many years, I pretty much know exactly what he wants to say or what he is trying to communicate.
However, I often let him work it out for himself which is what he prefers. Once in a while he will give me a glance [during a doctor's visit for example]. That glance is HELP! I can complete his words for him then.
We were talking with the nurse on his 6 month follow up when he came to this word. The nurse was reviewing his long list of medications when he piped up that this list made him look like a 'Cypto-hondriac'.
He meant Hypochondriac. Funny enough, the nurse never blinked as he struggled through the word and she smiled and said, "We know you are not a Hypochondriac!"
When the doctor came in she did her thing and then asked if there was anything else she could do for him today.
Hubby asked for a shop...he kept struggling for a second and then got it out: A body shop for me? A new body?
She smiled of course.
Hubby hinted that he thought he'd gained weight. She looked at her file and said that he had remained stable for the past year or so.
Then I saw something that I rarely see doctors do. She reached over and patted his leg and told him.
"Rich, you will be 76 this soon and you've earned the right to eat exactly what you want to and what you like."
I thought that was very kind of her to say.
I will note that my husband is in Palliative Care. Palliative Care aims to treat a patient with a serious illness for the Quality of Life until their death ... with attention to the care partner also. This will usually also involve a social worker to assist with questions and issues.
It is not hospice which is quite different.
I feel that it is a kinder and more gentle type of care for elderly patients with a serious illness.
Your nurse sounds like a true professional. She treated your husband like an adult and fellow human being. I know health professionals are overworked and rushed. But talking over and about a patient who struggles makes them feel like less than a person. I am glad you had someone who is like your nurse!
ReplyDeleteBoth the nurse and doctor are amazing. I wish everyone could interact with these sort of professionals.
DeleteI didn't know your husband's story, but I did sense some troubles. Searching for words can be frustrating. Although I don't get them wrong, sometimes the nouns won't come to me when I want them. It makes me look and feel stupid. All the best to you both.
ReplyDeleteYes, he has had many struggles and troubles, but we enjoy each other's company still so I am a lucky person and mate even though I complain once in a while about being his Caregiver.
DeleteHugs to you and your husband. I'm glad he's receive such good care, and glad that their concern is extended to you as the family caregiver as well.
ReplyDeleteYou have a priceless healthcare team. I love that word and need to figure out how to use it!
ReplyDeleteUse it at an appt and see their eyes widen!
Delete:)
😁
DeleteGlad you and Rich had a positive Health Care experience, and that you have each other.
ReplyDeleteGood that you can fill in the blank for Rich! Palliative care seems to be working for him and for you. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a very sweet post! Rich still has a great sense of humor and you are there every step of the way. So glad he is working with a caring team of Doctors. Lori
ReplyDeleteBless you both and your health care team too. Aging and caring for the infirm is not for the faint of heart.
ReplyDelete