Unconditional Love

Does a caregiver ever get used to the ROUTINE? Do they all have a routine? Well, I’m not sure about most, but for me I needed a ROUTINE that was going to work for me as well as for Joe. I was so used to him getting up and going to work all day. I haven’t had to plan out my day or even work my day around doctors appointments, medications, change of plans or illness in a long time. I did it some twenty years ago but this round was going to be a little more challenging, Joe has more health issues and is weaker than before. And of course, I’m not as young as I used to be and this time he is totally dependent on me for almost everything.

I feel if you have a ROUTINE in place your life will flow so much easier each day. Since we have been home I’ve tried to make life as easy as possible with a routine. Getting things ready for the morning, during the day and at night. It keeps me on track and keeps me busy so I don’t go stir crazy. With the medical issues this time there is more to just taking care of Joe, it’s MY job to keep him healthy and out of the hospital. Keeping organized and ready for anything is my main goal. With an LVAD things can take a turn for the worst at anytime. We have learned to be more cautious and more aware of every little thing. This is why a routine is good when your love one has an LVAD.

I guess it like the pump on his heart, it’s ran by the speed, power, flow and pulse index. If any of those routine things on the pump change, then we know there’s a problem. That’s why we must run like the pump and keep things on track. When we have a routine there tends to be no problems and it keeps Joe alive. It’s just what you have to do. For the most part we’ve kept the routine the same, of course if something comes up and we need to change things, we are prepared.

In his bag, I have a daily supply of pills, labeled and all together. I have a tote with all his driveline bandages, gloves, alcohol swabs and medical supplies if needed. If we decided to go off the course of our ROUTINE, we have it all with us to continue the ROUTINE and stay on track. Joe’s stepdad always told him it’s better to be prepared than not. He would overpack, over dress, over do almost everything, but he was always prepared and so are we. It’s our new way of living and I think we are doing pretty good at it so far.

Develop a ROUTINE, stick to the plan and live. As, simple as this may sound it really does work. Well, at least it does for us. Make the most out of everyday with your love one. Make LOVE the most important thing in your ROUTINE, keep your chin up and life will fall into place.