I Can Do This
The next day we went to radiation, everything was fine and normal there. We got home, Mike went to sleep, I worked and got stuff done. I called the home healthcare place to ask about the nurse that had been to the house. I thought maybe she was a whack job, wanting me to give those fluids, I mean you never know. They informed me that once the nurse shows you how to do the fluids a couple of times, you actually do them yourself. This was not something that I was told prior to wanting the IV fluids for Mike. I said well a couple of times, ok, but she has only been here once, I have watched her ONE TIME, they said great she must have had a lot of confidence in you. What the hell, was I even dealing with a reputable home healthcare service (the reviews were great), good grief, what had I gotten myself into?? They got off the phone with me, telling me I would do great. Holy cow, I guess I was glad that someone had that confidence in me because I by far did not have it in myself.
That evening it was time to start a bag of fluids, this was the only week that he would get them everyday, the following week would be every other day, this was just to get him started and really hydrated. He was on the couch that evening, I kept sitting there looking at all the supplies, not knowing where to start, I was a nervous wreck! I called the nurse lady and ask if she could just come over while I did it this time at least, I mean I had never done this type of thing. Bless all the nurses but I did not want to be one! She did come over, she “walked” me through it, and I DID IT! I actually gave my husband IV fluids and we both came out on the other side! The fluids took about an hour to run, during this time I was sitting on the couch staring into space, thinking of what I had just accomplished, I was pretty impressed with myself. The nurse before leaving informed me that I could call her if need be, but she was not expecting any calls, I had done great and I had this. She said that she would be back once a week or so to check in, she would call to make sure we were home. Well that was that, I could now give IV fluids, I was a nurse, and don’t think I did not tell anyone that would listen to me!
When Life Gives You Lemons…Make Lemonade or Margaritas, whichever suits your fancy!