Catch a falling Pa

[Grangela]

I haven’t posted on here for a long time.
We are thoroughly enjoying life in Pau apart from my husband’s ill health. John, 85, had a stroke almost two years ago and we are learning to cope with the aftermath.
The good people of Pau (palois and paloises) are amazingly supportive, in more ways than one. He walks, very slowly, with the aid of a déambulateur. He finds this very tiring and tends to fall over occasionally. And there is always someone around who comes to our rescue. I’m sure he’s been caught twice by willing hands before he’s even reached the pavement! He’s been on a reeducation course for several weeks now. This involves lots of exercises designed to strengthen his weaker side. I’m not convinced it’s helping much, but it does him good to think it is. We are hoping he will be able to use an electric wheelchair, but not until the roadworks are finished.
I can really recommend Pau as a caring community.
Kind regards, Angela

[Lori]

I'm so glad things are working out for you in Pau. Sounds like you are getting good care for your OH. I hope that continues and he will regain some strength and ability.

Wishing you both continued happiness. I'd love to hear how life, in general, is going for you. Have you found a favorite boulangerie, grocer, park, shopping center, museum, etc.?

[Blaze]

I'm sorry to hear that things are a bit difficult for you but it's great that you are getting support and help locally ad that you are enjoying life in Pau. It makes such a difference to know that you aren't alone. It's one of the advantages of living in a place where you have good facilities : living miles from anywhere can be difficult if one of you has a problem.
Wishing you both all the best and hoping the exercises will help !

[MAD87]

All the above, Grangela. I haven't been out alone since my own mini stroke, but I'm confident that if I had a problem, there'd be someone to help.

[demi]

+1 and glad to hear Pau has turned out so well. Do look after yourself as well, Angela. I know, from looking after my late OH, that it is easy to ignore ones own needs.

[Pathca]

Absolutely. You can’t care for others if you are in no fit state yourself

[Polly]

It’s lovely that you’re in your new home and settled in, and that people in Pau are kind and helpful; that must be a relief for you as you’ve no doubt had your heart in your mouth as your husband boldly goes through the streets of Pau.

Yes, I agree, it’s so important that you look after yourself, it’s very easy to overlook your own health and needs when caring for the one you love.

[Liz]

So pleased you have help from the kindness of friends and strangers

[Grangela]

Thank you so much, kind posters.
My children, particularly the ex-nurse whom we call Matron, are always telling me to look after myself.
Although they are scattered throughout Europe they do their best to visit us regularly. I think they have a rota. My major fear is becoming ill myself and being unable to care for John.
Meanwhile summer is on the horizon and that always cheers me up. We had lunch outdoors at a very local restaurant yesterday. It was a real tonic.
Thank you again.
Regards, Angela

[Grangela]

Unfortunately, since I last wrote things have taken a turn for the worse.
John became more and more handicapped and was unable to walk without plenty of support, which I was unable to provide. His last fall was in the bathroom, flat on his back onto a tiled floor. I couldn’t get him up so the pompiers had to come again. That was when we, and our children, decided that he needed much more care than I could give him. He’s now been in a local EHPAD for the past three weeks. I visit him as often as possible, but the hole in my life, after sixty years of marriage, is dark and deep. We are both trying hard to adapt. I know he’s in a good, safe place, but it hurts.
Our children are still being wonderfully supportive. I suppose I will gradually get used to the big empty space next to me in the bed.

Sorry for going on.

Angela