As you read in my brother’s blog post yesterday, my spouse had a major medical problem on Saturday which required hospitalization. Here is an update–

When we arrived at the hospital, my spouse was initially evaluated then we were made to wait. And wait. And wait. But that was because the new-to-us whiz-bang physician who we consulted with on May 8 was coming in to see him.

That physician is a top specialist in the narrow field for this particular infectious disease. I had him paged through his answering service, and was amazed that he said that he would come into the hospital — all the way from New Jersey where he was visiting his family.

When the doc arrived, he explained that my spouse was having a reaction to the treatment that he had prescribed. He said that the treatment protocol was “too aggressive.”

He ordered my spouse admitted for the night so that IV fluids could be pushed to flush his system and to provide nutrients and hydration.

By yesterday morning, my spouse was feeling much better, was clear-headed, and just wanted to go home. The doc saw us at 7am and agreed that my spouse could be released. Signed the forms and we were driven home by another sister (third of seven). (I was driven to the hospital by Sister #1).

When we got home, we got my spouse into bed and I assured my sister that we would be okay and she could leave. Reluctantly, she did so.

Actually, I was exhausted. While at the hospital, I “slept” (so-to-speak) in a very uncomfortable chair next to my spouse’s bedside all night. About every half hour someone would enter the room to check his vitals or check on his IV fluids, and I was asked by each new person who came into his room throughout the hospitalization, “who are you?”

My reply — pointing — “his husband.” No question, no fuss. Just compassionate care for both of us. Two nurses even arranged to get me something to eat.

Throughout the day at the hospital, several members of my family — brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews — stopped by to check on us. The worst thing was “no news” while my spouse slept.

Yesterday, I caught a nap most of the morning, then was pleased that my spouse awoke and his first words were, “I’m hungry.”

I prepared a simple meal for him (hot cereal) and he settled back down for another nap.

I got busy calling and sending email to thank the volunteers who carried out “Senior Safety Saturday” after I had to leave the event so abruptly. I was pleased that 68 homes for seniors and some people with mobility problems had significant safety improvements made to them. I had organized the event along with three friends, and it is exciting to see the event “live” even though I could not be much of a part of it.

Also, I was very touched that two senior pals who I regularly take grocery shopping went to the grocery store for me. I had not had time to go shopping and wanted to get everything to make my uncle’s famous curative chicken soup. They brought the groceries over to me, and I nearly broke down and cried. You know they say “it takes a village,” and they’re right. What goes ’round comes ’round.

My spouse awoke again and made his way under his own power to our family room. Right about that time, my brother J and my sister G who met him at the airport arrived.

Words cannot describe how I feel to have J here, and to know that he jumped on a plane and got here so quickly, all the way from Italy. I think we would be fine without him doing that, but having my bestest friend and closest ally in the whole world by my side eases my concerns, worries, and divides caregiving duties.

As you read this blog post today, I am at work. I had to go into the office because my boss and I were called to make a presentation in downtown Washington, DC, before a very high ranking (can’t say) big-deal (group) in the afternoon. I can focus on work and this presentation knowing that my spouse is in great hands. Also, one of my senior pals is a RN, and she will come by our house and spend some of the day there, too.

My spouse is recovering and he is no longer on any treatment, so I am not worried about another medical crisis like the one we just had. We will go see the medical specialist again on Friday and figure out our next steps.

I am truly blessed by many people who have reached out to express concern, support, and love. The well-wishes on a certain social media forum were absolutely astounding. Blew me away. I can’t express how I feel.

I closed one of my social media posts with a quote from a favorite movie, “Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings.”

Life is short: what goes around comes around/show those you love how you love them.