Friday
My SIL unfortunately has had a severe change in her health where she has a "flesh-eating" bacterial infection (Necrotizing Fasciitis) that necessitated emergency surgery last night. While not the only culprits, her poorly managed diabetes and her kidney dialysis both make this a horribly challenging issue for her. The surgery was large and significant enough in and around her abdomen to require MedVac equipment that will remove fluids, debris, and create a negative pressure that will (hopefully) promote healing of the large wound space. It often takes months of MedVac treatment for a wound of this sort to close.
Of course, my wife (and I) are very scared and worried. For me, it also brings up fears and worries about my wife's poorly managed diabetes as well. I want to talk about it and I want to urge her to take the needed steps to work to prevent her from progressing down this path and also from progressing down the path of converting into Type 3 Diabetes like I believe her Mom has which resulted in her dementia. But, right now is not the right time. My wife does not like to talk about these things, and to try to do so, especially in this time of already heightened worry would not be fruitful. But, my fears and anxieties do persist.
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I forgot to mention that the Air Quality Index had improved enough yesterday that I WAS able to run outside. I also ran outside today because of better AQI readings. It was nice being outside.
There has been a term bandied about referring to the "Sandwich Generation" which had typically referred to folks who would typically be in the 40s and 50s who were dealing with problems of their own children and simultaneously of their parents. At least in MY OWN feelings on the matter, I feel I have been in a "Sandwhich Generation" mindset since my 20s and have felt it ever since and while I am in my 60s, I suspect that this "sandwiching" appears unlikely to ever end..... at least until I end, I guess.
And, if I were to have coined the term for the "Sandwich Generation".... I would have instead called it the "Panini Generation" because the panini sandwich is literally squashed and toasted between two very hot griddles. I feel like I am a panini.
PipeTobacco
3 Comments:
Professor, how often does your wife join you in swimming? Unlike running (or even brisk/extended walking), swimming is often an exercise that is attainable for folks who aren't yet in good enough shape to jog or run. It puts far less stress on the body's joints -- a particular concern for the overweight -- while still offering tremendous cardiovascular benefits. And unlike walking or jogging, where it would surely feel odd if the two of you kept very different paces, it wouldn't be so socially awkward if you were to complete several more laps in the pool than she did in the same amount of time.
Furthermore, as you know from experience, exercise can also serve well as a mood regulator. If your wife is consumed with worries, a daily (or at least several times weekly) swim might help her cope better with the various family stresses she's facing.
I'm happy that the Cigar Group went well! That is frightening about your SIL; there are too many issues to deal with at one time. Diabetes makes wounds heal slower too, right? I hope she does well. It's hard to worry about someone we love without discussing it with that person--which can exacerbate tensions/fears. A difficult balance. The sandwich generation doesn't really end.
I was wondering about the picture until you got to the end. Well played. Someday, you will be the bread.
As for your wife, she knows. I imagine it’s like being overweight. We all know but can’t help ourselves although I seem to have finally found the key that works for me.
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