I don’t know what has been wrong with me this week, but I have been dragging but all week. I am so tired that I feel it would take me a week to catch up and fee re-energized.
Yesterday I met with the Hospice nurse to check on Al. I was shocked but happy that he was in an awesome mood. He was cutting up, cracking jokes and laughing.
Who was this person I thought? I like it, no I love it. He seems to be in better spirits at Day Program. I asked the nurse why he doesn’t act this way when he is home and she stated, “he is probably tired by the end of the late afternoon.”
This made sense to me. His teacher says he cat naps during the day off and on. He transports to Day Program to and from in his regular wheelchair. In the beginning he used to come home complaining of side and back pains. His feet were so swollen from hanging down all day that Hospice got him a new wheelchair just for his Day Program. He can be in several different positions and he can get his feet up and also nap in it. Below is a picture of what it looks like and he doesn’t complain nearly as much. He still has pains from being up so he gets regular doses of medications. He is now much calmer and happier.
Last night he came home pretty good-humored, but as the time went by he became more disoriented. He wanted to nap after supper. His nap consisted of five hours. I tried to wake him up to change his brief and give him his medications.
He didn’t want to get out of bed so I did everything from him lying down but raised the bed so he could take his medications and eat his night snack. After wards he watched TV and then of course that made me have to stay up later.
Neither of us got that much sleep, well I should say I got less because I didn’t nap.
This morning I went in to get him up and he was just placing his feet on the floor. Once again I explained that his body couldn’t hold his weight to stand and he must never do that again.
He cried instantly and this time I didn’t feel as bad. I know that even though Al’s short-term memory is fading, I still have to be responsible and at least continue to que him on what he is able to do.
His tremors were terrible this morning, in fact, they have been bad all week. I ended up feeding him his breakfast. It has been a rough start this morning but hopefully him watching The Three Stooges, he will return to some of who he has always been.
I hope that when he takes his real nap, laying in bed nap, that although there are always things to do here at home, I am going to nap also.
I want to thank Natalie H. for sending a card to Al. He enjoyed it. I read it to him and he smiled. He and I appreciated what you did for him Natalie.
If anyone wants to send Al an inspirational or cute card, please email me at
tellmenolies2004@yahoo.com
for his address.
Waht a good idea to have a chair where he can nap in too. Take it easy Terry, you are exhausted and also need a rest….
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I am tired, even through the day I am tired after sleeping all night
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I am a fan of the Three Stooges. They are timeless. “Dewy, Cheatham and Howe”–Timeless!
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there will never be another show like them, I am sure
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My husband and Al could ebjoy watching the Stooges together…He likes them too…try and rest…sometimes I think it’s the weather…making us feel tired…I do it too!
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I think it is the weather, the fact that I am getting older and the care of Al. and I believe that the emotional toil that it takes watching what is happening to Al does me in too. I love the way you have always understood me Marilyn. thanks
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no problem…I think we are quite alike …so maybe that’s why we connected…and of course…love that Al!
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I am glad that we have connected. You are very special in my heart
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Wow, cool wheelchair! There are times I wouldn’t mind having one myself. Although I’m not a huge fan of large amounts of medication, I make an exception when it makes a person’s quality of life so much better. In Al’s case, he is able to enjoy his days so much more. The Three Stooges probably hit the spot for Al — classic comedy is sometimes the best kind! I hope you get to feeling better and get more rest this weekend — hugs to you both!
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Al has not had a good day. No pains, just misery. I have given him extra medications to try to help him through, but today he has slept so much of the day a way or when he was awake he cried. I hate these days. Love talking to you Becky
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I don’t blame you for hating days like that one — this whole process must be so hard for you to watch. When sleeping is better than the alternative, sometimes he’s better off asleep.
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Hi Becky, I just couldn’t let you pass me by when I was thinking of these two awards. They are the Liebster award and the I Love Your Blog award. I sure hope you accept these my friend
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yes sleeping brings less tremors, less thoughts and makes the hours go by. I don’t worry about his sleeping so much anymore. He needs it for several reasons. thanks Becky
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having hospice seems like a real blessing for the both of you. i think of you and al everyday. take a nap and give yourself a break. sending hugs
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Hospice is a big help. I try real hard to take a nap when I can. This weekend he has acted so depressed, so much crying and sadness. I think his day program makes the world of difference for him
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