Stories from Caregivers: Abby from NORTH CAROLINA
NC
Abby
FROM NORTH CAROLINA
I am caring for my husband, his name is Allen. We have been together for almost 14 years but only married for a little over 2 months. It was me that was against getting married, it's only a piece of paper. He asked to marry him again this past March. He said it would really make him happy so I said yes. Allen has stage 4 emphasyma, COPD & PTSD. HE IS ON OXYGEN 24/7, does albuterol treatments and 4 other inhalers. When he is feeling ok, he does too much and his oxygen level drops very low. Well he is not allowed to lift a finger anymore because a couple of months ago his oxygen dropped and he had a horrible seizure. Blood was coming out of his nose like a faucet. I thought I was loosing him right there. Called 911 and by the grace of God, he is still with me today!! It's so hard to watch him suffer!!! I feel terrible that he is going through this. He tells me he feels bad that I do everything around the house and take care of him, but I tell him to relax, I do not want anything happening to him and that I have things under control!! There are so many nights that I am wide awake to make sure his equipment is running properly and that he is still breathing. I try to do anything I can to make him smile and laugh. I treasure every second I have with him!!! Sometimes he gets frustrated at the smallest things and is very grumpy but I put myself in his shoes and I would be grumpy too if i had to be hooked up to a 35 foot cord 24/7 in order to live. He is only 55 and I wish I could take him out to do things like a picnic in the park or go fishing and crabbing but I can't because it's harder for him to breathe being it is so hot outside!! I try to stay positive but some days are harder for me because I am so sad knowing that I don't have very much time left with him since he is in stage 4 of emphasyma. I don't want him to see me sad or cry so when I start to cry I go into another room and talk to God . Prayers are powerful!! God is who helps me get through caring for Allen every second of everyday!! The picture I am posting is from the last time we went out to dinner and Allen did not need to be on oxygen 24/7. That was New Year's Eve 2016. He is still with me but I miss him already!! Does anybody know that feeling? God Bless Everyone!!! P.S. The restaurant we went to had a clear wall with water in it that made bubbles, he does have a great sence of humor when he does not feel like there is a elephant sitting on his chest!! So after I took the picture he told me he looks like a blow fish in a tank. I will cherish that day, it was the last great time we were able to go out to dinner together and have a great time together!!
