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Not Heidi

(1,288 posts)
Wed Mar 20, 2024, 01:50 AM Mar 20

My beloved wife. [View all]

Kathy is 72 years old. Five or six years ago, she was diagnosed with collagenous colitis. I'm not sure that's what the problem is today (but I'm not a medical professional).

I will be a discreet as possible in describing what she experiences.

It's been two or three months since she's had the kind of uncontrollable mess-the-bed, several failed bathroom trips per night and into the morning experiences. These months were a gift to her, a blessing - a very welcome, very rare blessing.

But this afternoon, it all fell apart. The first episode was so bad that she had to take a shower - and then she didn't have the strength to stand up (from the shower chair) and get out. I had to call the paramedics (fourth time this month) to help her out of the shower. They were kind enough to wait, to let me get her dried and dressed, and then, one on each side, they got her into bed.

Her strength has somewhat returned this evening. She's had to return to the bathroom three times more tonight, but neither trip has been nearly as bad as what she experienced this afternoon.

I have an Ativan prescription, and that helped me through much of the worst of the afternoon. The anxiety of this situation, these episodes, her weakness, confusion, inability to speak without forgetting words - all of this causes me great anxiety.

But then, I'm not the one who is debilitated by such a difficult illness.

Anything you want to say (unless it's unkind towards my wife) is welcome.

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My beloved wife. [View all] Not Heidi Mar 20 OP
Strength to you and Kathy. Permanut Mar 20 #1
Thank you, Permanut. Not Heidi Mar 27 #17
Stressful for you Dear_Prudence Mar 20 #2
I'm trying, Dear P. Thank you. Not Heidi Mar 27 #18
Hugs to both you and your wife. BoomaofBandM Mar 20 #3
I'm trying, I am, Booma. It's tough. Thank you. Not Heidi Mar 27 #19
Has her doctors ever prescribed an opiate pain medicine? I'm asking because I take Maraya1969 Mar 20 #4
I agree with the opiates LeftInTX Mar 20 #9
opiates Not Heidi Mar 27 #20
I am sorry. murielm99 Mar 20 #5
Yes, Muriel, being here helps. Not Heidi Mar 27 #21
My heart goes out to you. Grumpy Old Guy Mar 20 #6
I know you miss your mom, all things considered. Not Heidi Mar 27 #22
I know several friends and family with the disease LittleGirl Mar 20 #7
I do accept your hugs with thanks, Not Heidi Mar 28 #25
I've never said this before... qwlauren35 Mar 20 #8
I got some gummies Not Heidi Mar 28 #27
Marijuana food qwlauren35 Mar 28 #40
NO ONE here would ever say anything unkind toward your wife. NEVER. AZ8theist Mar 20 #10
I know you are. Thank you so much. Not Heidi Mar 28 #29
I'm sorry you both are facing these challenges. yonder Mar 20 #11
Yonder, thank you Not Heidi Mar 28 #30
Being by her side through this is the greatest act of your love for her... Think. Again. Mar 20 #12
I'm trying, T.A. I am. Not Heidi Mar 28 #31
And always remember... Think. Again. Mar 28 #33
I'll try to remember. n/t Not Heidi Mar 28 #39
Sending your wife and you hugs. gademocrat7 Mar 20 #13
I know you are, gadem. Not Heidi Mar 28 #32
I'm so sorry. I know nothing about the disease, but am sure the incidents just add more to her sinkingfeeling Mar 20 #14
Thank you, s. feeling, very much. n/t Not Heidi Mar 28 #34
I also just checked with medical Marajuana and at least Maraya1969 Mar 20 #15
Indeed. n/t Not Heidi Mar 28 #35
Bless you both XanaDUer2 Mar 20 #16
Thank you, XanaDUer2 Not Heidi Mar 28 #36
I APOLOGIZE Not Heidi Mar 27 #23
No apology necessary.. Permanut Mar 27 #24
Hugs to you Duncanpup Mar 28 #26
Thank you, Duncanpup. Not Heidi Mar 28 #37
I feel your pain MFM008 Mar 28 #28
Thank you for your blessing, MFM. Not Heidi Mar 28 #38
She doesnt need to get to the bathroom. Put a mobile toilet right next to her Karadeniz Mar 28 #41
That's good advice Not Heidi Mar 28 #42
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