.::: STROKE OF HOPE NETWORK :::.

Participate in the tradition of giving by making a much-appreciated contribution.

Care Partner of the Month -September/October
page 4

Ted Levy
Jupiter, Florida

When Helaine was released from the rehab hospital, there was never a really detailed explanation by the rehab people at the hospital of how to continue therapy. That is, what I needed to do now and in the future to continue the progress. The professionals never set up any program to preserve what was left of the muscles on the right side, her leg, neck, shoulder, and arm. The rehab people were busy and understaffed. The physiatrist was always writing notes in his file, but there was little or no communication. It seemed to me that he was preparing his notes in case of a lawsuit. What else could those extensive notes have been used for? They had even written that the husband was agitated and depressed. Yeah, right and then some, how perceptive!

After three months in the hospital, Helaine finally came home. I don’t remember how I prepared for her return. I do recall that I hired a nurse to care for her during the day while I went to work. I received some help from a few friends in the beginning. She required total attention constantly throughout the day and night. I had to place her on and off the potty and wipe her. She was totally weak and helpless. She cried from the pain every hour of the night. There was enormous swelling in her right arm and leg. I was frantic to make her pain go away, but I was helpless. Her lack of speech and comprehension was exhausting. I strained to make sense out of what she was trying to say. I didn’t want to hurt her by admitting that I did not understand. The hospital had not monitored her blood, and they had overdosed her with certain drugs; her liver functions were way out of the normal range. She exhausted easily even though she slept most of the time. Her color was bad, and she was in a constant state of confusion. I followed every instruction from the doctors, exactly to the letter. The medication added to her disorientated state but she had just had a major stroke. What else could they do? I felt Helaine’s pain. I too was on the path to ill health. I could not stop it. I had lost control of my own body and mind.

After a few months of care giving I asked one of Helaine’s sisters, to stay over one night with her so that I could get some sleep in another room. I was feeling sick. Helaine’s sisters offered no help, just a lot of meaningless words as usual, and promises to help in the future. Those promises have never materialized.

Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10