Lifestyle Conversations – Suzie Revisited
Song- Moroon Five ‘Sugar’
Suzie is a volunteer for Lifestyle Conversations. I had previous conversations with Suzie in August 2023 (see Blogs August 2023 and August 24th 2024). Suzie is from the Silent Generation, born in 1944.
Recently I spoke to Suzie about her life in the last 12 months. This was her response.
Suzie: “Life had been going along really well until my husband became very ill.
In February, he was rushed to hospital and needed to have gallstones and his gallbladder removed. That was ok however his bowel was perforated during the operation and he ended up in hospital for 6 weeks.
He needed a lot of care when he came home. I was very worried but we had many services provided for him. Nurses came to change his dressings and he had help to shower and to gain his mobility back.
I looked after him by making sure he had lots a healthy foods. He lost a lot of weight so needed extra protein. He is going great now, he has gained some weight and uses his exercise bike every day. I am so relieved it was a stressful time for me I am glad he is well again.
My health has been ok. I haven’t had any more heart problems.
I still enjoy listening to music and watching Netflix and YouTube. My favourite music video at the moment is ‘Sugar’ Maroon Five.
I am still smoking, I know my doctor thinks I should stop but it’s not easy and with my husband being so sick I felt smoking helped me cope.
We now get more help at home. Housework and some mowing and gardening. I like to do a bit of gardening, it is how I get exercise.
I have been thinking about getting a dog. It would need to have short hair and only small like a Jack Russel. I always had dogs when I lived in Junee. I think a small dog would help me to get more exercise and give me something different I could enjoy and focus on.
My main aim is to be able to stay in my home. I don’t want to move into aged care, I regularly get a visit from a nurse who does some health checks and can organise extra support services at home if I need more help.
I enjoy going to play Keno once a week with my friend. I am still shopping, driving and cooking so I think I am doing well.”
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Suzie seems like she is doing really well since we last spoke. I am glad to hear her husband made a good recovery. And I think getting a small dog would be a great idea. I will follow up with Suzie next year.
Till next time- ‘Keep on Rocking and Rolling’
Kim