Trying to Relax While Being a Caregiver for Karen

Karen is improving, albeit slowly which is a good sign.  She is eating much better which will result in gaining weight.  As a caregiver, I am on call almost all day.  I have to do many of the household chores that Karen would do.  Hopefully, as she recovers, she will be able to gradually resume some of those tasks.

I am trying to relax by doing the following:

• Surfing the web - I have cut down my time doing this.
• Watching game shows on TV.
• Doing trivia games online
• I find it very difficult to read since I just can't concentrate on the book or magazine
• Sleep.  A few nights ago I had a dream about facing a transit delay.

I thank everyone who has sent prayers and kind wishes over the past few weeks.

Anxiety Has Taken Its Toll on Me

My first experience with Telemedicine

Advances in technology have really helped the medical profession.  A visiting nurse often visited a patient who was just released from the hospital.  During this coronavirus pandemic, nurses don't want to visit a home and risk being exposed to the virus.  A visiting nurse from Northwell Health phoned me and sent a link to download a cell phone app where we could communicate with each other.  She gave me instructions on how I should give Karen injections that she will need for a few weeks.  We have had two electronic visits so far.

Karen is On the Road to Recovery

 I usually don't like to post medical issues in this journal or on Facebook, but I feel this time I should.  I will omit some details since many people who read this don't "know me."  About two weeks ago Karen started to cough violently.  She did not have a fever, so I was hoping that it was not the dreaded COVID-19.  I finally convinced her to go to the Northwell Health Urgent Care Center in Bayside.  When they examined her on Monday, April 13, her oxygen levels were low.  They immediately sent her by ambulance to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.  The next day she was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Some complications developed as a condition she had a few years ago returned.  She also developed a urinary tract infection.  I must say that the medical care she received was excellent.  It was a shame that I couldn't come to visit her.  Finally, after 12 days she is home.  She has a catheter that will not be removed for another 10 days.  I also must give her injections 3 times a day to help boost her immune system.

I will be her caregiver for the foreseeable future.

God bless the doctors, nurses, and medical staff at North Shore University Hospital.

What Will be the New Normal and How Will it Transpire?

We know that no official will tell us to immediately return to the way it was.  There would have to be a gradual change to a new environment that may have to exist until a vaccine for the Coronavirus is developed, manufactured, and delivered to billions of people.  Will this virus ever be permanently eliminated?

• Can there be public transportation systems with people standing right next to each other?
• Will there be sporting events, movies, and theaters with people sitting next to each other?
• Retail establishments can become very crowded especially during the holiday season.  Can we go back to the "old way"?
• Will distance education be the primary way of delivering instruction in the future?  Has it worked at the K-12 during this pandemic?
• How many businesses will not return?
• Likewise, will some people that have lost their jobs not be able to find permanent employment after the crisis end?
• Obviously rural areas will be able to "normalize" sooner.  Will this cause flight from cities to outlying areas?

I have raised several questions, but no real answers.

Dr. Anthony Fauci Warns that Coronavirus could be a Seasonal Threat

He stated, "We need to be prepared that since it will be unlikely to be completely eradicated from the planet that as we get into next season we may see the beginning of a resurgence."  Will this mean we will have to stay home indefinitely and remain social distancing?  I certainly would listen to him than to our president.

If there is a silver lining behind this miserable cloud, the American people will realize that Donald Trump is a terrible president and doesn't know what he is talking about.  In February Trump publically suggested that there was nothing to worry about the Coronavirus.  Now Trump says Coronavirus would be reduced to easily extinguished “embers” by the time next fall’s influenza season strikes.

Joe Biden for President.

No Good Song for My 71st Birthday - I guess I'll have to improvise

There was When I'm 64 by The Beatles.
Last year there was Old Friends/Bookends by Simon and Garfunkel with the lyric "How terribly strange to be 70."
So instead of No Song Today, I'll substitute No Milk Today by Herman's Hermits