| Today was eventful in a progressing sort of way. Although still getting the run-around in the Oak Harbor office, and being made to feel like *I'm* lacking, or wrong (similar to the early days of looking for a Dx for FMS back in '89, and the subsequent fights for belief and getting respect), I at least heard from Dr Jimenez' office. Yes, both hands require surgery, the neurologist's tests prove that, yes, it is very bad Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on both wrists, and I need surgery. One last gulp, is that I will have an MRI done on both wrists. I doubt it will change the prognosis, but it will at least put a period on it, I'll have exhausted all avenues, and it will provide the surgeon with more data. I will contact the tomorrow at WGH, after they will have received the orders for same. The next step is to find a hand surgeon that Dr Jimenez recommends, and that takes my insurance. This, of course, has expedited the need to get help at home for Mom. A companion. I spoke to the wonderful people at Home Health Care, and Karla gave me to referrals to get help. One, I've used before, and liked very much in Oak Harbor, but when I phoned, I couldn't reach the home office, so after multiple tries, I tried the south end one, Whidbey Island Nursing, and spoke to Ruth. Methinks that the universe was a play here, because Ruth just simply "got it"! When I told her what *I* was hoping to get for Mom, but was not sure if this is what she really needs, or what they could provide, she was just SO very kind and empathetic and so 180 degrees from the treatment received from the O.H. office where Dr Waite now is. I felt soothed, and if they can do that for e, I can only be hopeful that this caring could be transferred for my Mother's benefit. Unexpectedly, I started to tear up on the phone with Ruth, and she offered sympathy without being syrupy and fake. And, at the words that "You mean just love her up?" I lost control and cried with happiness that there could be hope. What I'm looking for as of now, is a person for the AM to ensure Mom gets showers, help with laundry (Mom doesn't feel good about mixing ours together) and light cleaning, maybe cooking together a lunch, and trips to the stores, or for ice cream or coffee, i.e. some independence and freedom for her, or more to the point, seemingly independence. And a person to chat with and trust and her very "own" companion. Also, in the evening, for about 2 or so hours, someone to help calm Mom down and get her to sleep and have her feel safe. All this is doable according to Ruth. Dare to dream? With my upcoming surgery /debilitation, I will need to rely on someone to offer her safety and care, and a voice and a feeling of being important and independent. Despite the emotional drain that this illness does to a person, between paranoia and depression and mourning the loss of funtionality. I hope that my expectations aren't too high, and that they will make her feel better about herself. Tall order for a companion /caregiver, but I so very hope...! I talk to Linda tomorrow, and we'll see if /when we can start the process. It will be pricey, but if it works, absolutely priceless. And poor Gordy will have to help me during my recovery, so this is going to be a very "interesting" household. As of this afternoon, Mom was willing to have someone come, but I'm sure this will change by the minute. But, we are going forward, and that is something.
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