2 Urinary tract infections and a funeral

The last few weeks have been a steep learning curve. Again. Although the trailer is much easier to load and unload, safer, easier to travel with, and just a better solution, it is yet another new thing. I always thought I was good with change, and could pretty much cope with most things, but this constant adjustment and learning and change is exhausting.

Colin has also been a little unwell lately – he had a bladder infection which we thought had been taken care of with antibiotics but has reared its head again. Colin has been under the weather for 2 days now, and has stayed in bed again today for the second day in a row. This is most unusual for him, and I also still learning how much to worry, when to worry, and when to call in a Doctor. So far, we have been able to stave off the AD, although Colin has learned to recognise the signs and has informed me so at least I know he is aware as well.

Rushing off to see the Doc is always an option, but it is also not always necessary. This is the challenge we face. I don’t want to panic when it is not necessary, but we also don’t want to leave it too long and end up having to send him to the ICU again. Although his body is not as it used to be, he is not ill per se, but we have to be aware that any little things that are not right can cause a major issue. We have to just always be aware of any things that may cause issues, and a bladder infection is right at the top of the list. Today his blood pressure, temperature, sugar, and pulse is within range, so I am just going to monitor him and not feel like we need to rush anywhere. Just yet. This is such a difficult thing for me – to walk the tightrope of doing nothing but everything, watching and waiting, and making the right call.

For quads who have indwelling catheters, UTIs need to be managed carefully, avoided if possible, and caught early and treated properly. The literature says people with the combination of SCI, suprapubic catheters, diabetes, etc will most likely get UTIs, and that in order to properly treat them, the culture must be sent off to identify the exact bug so that the specific antibiotic can be administered. This test takes no less than 2 full days. We sent the sample off on Tuesday and hopefully today we will have the result and get the mootie to help Colin.

It is difficult to keep on top of all these things, and although I do check his urine every few days, or at the first sign of the possibility of something being wrong, but I only tested it again on Monday evening, and took the sample in on Tuesday morning. Live and learn.

Every time we need to get Colin on and out of the car, it is an added physical strain on him, and he has not been tolerating the chair very well this week because he has most likely had this infection hanging on since the last one about two weeks ago when he had a bread spectrum antibiotic. He did initially respond well, and we thought it was all good. But, it has been lurking and has reared its head again this week.

Colin also had an added emotional load of having one of his mates from school unexpectedly pass away. So apart from Colin not feeling 100%, we attended the funeral which was physically and emotionally taxing. The speakers gave beautiful and moving tributes (I am being vague because I don’t wish to dishonour them here) and it was a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. It was still difficult for Colin.

He keeps saying he is not sick; he is just in a chair. But these last few days have been more difficult because he has been sick. Hopefully the results will be back today and we can start him on the antibiotics so he can feel better soon.

I continue to be impressed at Colin’s attitude, his general demeanour, and how positive he always is. I am not surprised, this is why I married him – he is just a marvellous human, and I am proud to be his wife.

Sleep well again today my love – hopefully soon we can help you feel good again. Lubs you my special. <3