Unconditional Love

We are getting closer to being released to the rehab. After rehab, we would get to go home and be on our own. Was Joe ready? Was I ready? I’m not sure we even thought about it at this point. We were just living in the moment learning all we could while we were still in the hospital. But in my mind I was not ready and I do not think he was ready either.

The LVAD team, our new life line, had set up things for us to learn each day. MY ROLE as caregiver became more apparent as the days went on. I was learning everything there was to know about the LVAD from the controller, the drive line, the pump, the flow, the PI, the power numbers, the alarms associated with the pump, how to change bandages, how to administer meds, when to give them, charting his weight, temperature, MAP numbers and so much more. I was given tests to see if I was capable of caring for Joe. The team gave me a manual to read (and YES) I read the whole thing cover to cover. I learned all I could.

We decided to ask our daughter and two of our close friends to be a part of our support group just incase I had to go anywhere. Joe cannot be left alone for a long time and we needed a backup support for me. We all learned together how to change out the controller and the batteries. We were instructed what to do if the alarms went off. I had backup people in my corner and I was blessed with all three of these wonderful ladies. I truly am thankful for having them in my life and for all of them willing to support us. This LVAD was going to be our new normal and we needed to practice.

Joe was feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything and all we had to learn. I told him not to worry that I will always be here and I was going to see to it that he was well taken care of. I knew that MY ROLE as wife was about to take on a whole new meaning and I was READY, he was my husband and for better or worse in sickness and in health my vows were my reality God willing. This is why I became a wife.