UPDATE My GF had a stroke
It’s been a couple of hectic days but I wanted to post an update. Not sure why. Maybe this is some kind of journaling.
Tldr my (M34) girlfriend (F36) had a stroke and the family started to sideline me, dad even blamed me for her condition, and things started to look like I wasn’t going to be able to see her anymore.
A bit more context, we had been living together for three years, but took a “living situation break” a few months ago. This is because I couldn’t put up with her constant benders and lies and stealing, worrying where she was, as I was dealing with my own mental health struggles.
Anyways, back to the hospital and the current situation.
Things started to shift with the dad, who is like the main character in the family, not sure if for the best but I’ll count our blessings. I know he keeps me around because I turned out to be useful, not because he actually sees me as part of the family, but as I said, a little win is still a win.
My Gf needs help for moving around, and occasionally needs diapers. She’s also throwing tantrums and refuses to do PT or eat something that is not junk food. But I’m not cowering away from dealing with any of this. She’s told me that she’d rather have me helping her into the shower than The Aunt, who she despises. And when accidents happen, and she feels deeply embarrassed, I’m glad she trusts me to help her with that.
I really hope she puts in the work and maybe a year from now she’ll be dancing again. Neurologist said 6 months and she could very well be walking.
For now, she’s at her parents, and I’m basically living here with her, giving her of her meds, keeping her IV line when necessary, and taking deep, deep breaths every time she gets difficult.
Back in high school and college I did some training in first aid and minor procedures. And I grew up in between needles and gauze thanks to my mom and grandma. So that has come in handy, now I’m not just putting IVs for curing hangovers but actually helping.
And I know this is only the beginning, but we’re getting organized with the house staff: someone is fetching meds, the secretary is booking follow up docs appointments, I’ll be on PT duty later when she’s off the IV…
And most importantly, sometimes we laugh. Sometimes she jokes and teases. I know we’re gonna make it.