August 27, 2016, by Todd Neva
We have shingles, soffits, and windows installed. The siding is on two thirds of the caregiver’s addition, and the rough-in plumbing for the in-floor radiant heat and electrical is done.
We’ve met our $10,000 goal on the Go Fund Me drive, so we’ll be able to get the AC and tile done. And with other donations that came in separately, we’ll be able to make a big impact on the second mortgage. Getting that paid off will free up $388 per month, which would pay for 6 four-hour nights of care.
This is coming at a good time, as sleep is becoming increasingly difficult. I have virtually no movement in bed now, so my joints get stiff and achy, and I can’t sleep much longer than an hour at a time. With night help, I get turned and go back to sleep. Without help, I lie awake for as long as I can until I call for Kristin. It’s a balance between torturing me or Kristin with sleep deprivation.
It will be good to have the caregivers closer, because my diaphragm is getting weaker and it’s becoming more difficult to raise my voice.
By the way, a wife of the deceased pALS donated a cough assist device. I thought it would come in handy when I aspirate, but in trying it out I realized my lungs had been clogged with mucus deep down. It loosened up my lungs, and my breathing is substantially better. It felt like the first time I fully filled my lungs for many months.
A respiratory therapist at Aspirus volunteered his time to show us how to use the device. We could’ve never figured it out on our own, and it could’ve been dangerous if we used it incorrectly. What an amazing community this is.
And our durable equipment manufacturer installed a loaner head array on my wheelchair while the permanent one makes its way through the company’s Medicare approval process. That has been valuable as my arm gets too bound up at times to control my wheelchair with the hand joystick.
I am overwhelmed beyond words by the support we’ve received well beyond our worth. (Well, beyond my worth—Kristin is a gem.)
~ Todd
