Woes Of A Caregiver

Taking care of a loved one is a huge responsibility.

- Padmaja Menon

It was a bad year for us... The Covid scare did not make it any better. It was like a sword of Damocles over our heads. My husband, always a chronic gas and constipation patient, developed serious issues during covid times. Visiting a hospital was taboo, so we called house doctors but to no avail, as they were few who would break Covid protocol. Finally, one day in June 2021 his condition worsened, and we had to take him for treatment. It was in Aster Hospital, Bangalore, he was diagnosed with a tumour in the intestine, immediate surgery and a biopsy to rule out cancer was suggested. Things happened so fast, I had no time to think or react. We did an Abbot test which was a RAT (Rapid Antigen Test), which cost a bomb. I came to know later, but then it was the beginning of many such bombs of kharcha! And just like that, his surgery and post-operative care were on! My girls were abroad, and due to Covid guidelines, no flights were allowed. So, I had been stuck in the hospital all alone. No friends or family or neighbours were allowed to visit unless they were screened, time limits and so on. So, I asked everyone to keep away. It was better to be in control rather than to listen to many opinions!! Thus, the onus was on me to do everything for my husband. I became a CAREGIVER. Many would say that it is her duty as a wife to look after him, and that may be true. But how many actually do it with sincerity and dedication?