“Crazy as a Bed Bug” is an old expression that (according to the website Why Do We Say It) owes its origin to the almost insane antics of a bedbug crawling around on a mattress. Its motions are zigzag, its direction uncertain. Thus, it would appear that the bedbug’s “craziness” was more along the lines of unpredictability rather than dementia.
Looks like according to this explanation I
should not be using it to describe Richard. But I am.
I think that the drugs are completely gone from his system. I have been using scheduled doses of ibuprofen to control the pain. The hospice nurse came today and we started him on an antibiotic (for a possible UTI) and we are going to try a very low dose Fentanyl patch. They are worn and deliver a continuous small dose over 72 hours. We will see how he does with this. Wish us luck.
Today we are experiencing for the first time the side affects caused by the morphine....CONSTIPATION. Damn this is NOT fun. But we have had some funny moments and I am glad that both of us can still laugh. Because in reality there isn't a damn thing funny about any of this.
He ate well today. He is settled into his bed and sleeping. My cousin and I got some furniture moved around and out. I went and did a little shopping at Walmart. (Yipee, she says with sarcasm). Then we grilled steaks and had baked potatoes and tossed salad. Justin and Paige came from their town, 50 miles away, and ate with us. Then Justin got a SWAT call and had to leave. It was nice to have them with us for a bit.
I am sipping a strawberry daiquiri and going for a shower then fall into my bed. Thanks for continuing to support me in your thoughts and prayers.
I am happy to know that you have moments that are a little more calm than normal. A strawberry daiquiri and a shower sounds like the perfect way to end the day.
ReplyDeleteAfter yesterday I am not sure I know what normal is anymore....
DeleteI am glad that Richard has that all out of his system now. I will pray that the new patch works without making him zombie like. Hang in there and enjoy your time with your cousin.
ReplyDeleteAfter yesterday, I wonder if 'zombie' was really so bad :)
DeleteI hope the patch works well for him. Glad you had a nice visit and dinner with your cousin and I hope you rested well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Fancy. I did!
DeleteA roller coaster ride that leaves you breathless. Glad you had a short break even if it was only to walmart
ReplyDeleteYes it does!
DeleteSending you much love!
ReplyDeleteThank you Allison!
DeleteIt is sad that one of the side effects from a medication that can help bring comfort is constipation, I know a lot of people struggle with it when getting morphine. I am glad though that you were able to enjoy Justin's and Paige's visit, a good dinner, and the margarita to help settle your thoughts and relax you. I said it before, Paula, but I think sharing what you have learned and are learning through care giving would make an excellent book/pamphlet down the line for others going through similar things.
ReplyDeletebetty
It is just so different for everyone and for every type of disease.....but I have thought about a book in the future. Might just be too exhausted once this is all over and want to put it behind me. We'll see!
DeleteDear Paula - you are certainly experiencing many sides of life with all the aspects of care for Richard - gosh I feel for you both ... Crazy as a Bed Bug is a great title, but another really troublesome side to get over ... with many thoughts ... and enjoy that Strawberry Daiquiri .. sounds good ... Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt was a great daiquiri....in fact I plan to have another one tonight. This time I am adding MORE liquor!
DeleteHi Paula - just thinking about you and hoping you and Richard have a relatively calm weekend. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you ever so much!
DeleteI'm puzzled at having missed this post, Paula. Constipation is no-one's friend; thank goodness you handled a delicate subject with humor.
ReplyDeleteEncouraged at the image of your wee family enjoying steak and salad. Come to think of it, I'll join you in another of those daiquiris .... to better days!
Hugs,
Myra
Thanks Myra. Hold your glass up tonight for I'm getting ready to have another one!
DeleteMorphine I can not tolerate in any form, well I do tolerate codiene but actual morphine and endone give me hallucinations and make me tear myself to pieces scratching. It will be interesting to see how he handles the Fentanyl patches which are gaining in popularity here day by day. Constipation, yuck. Painful and incredibly inconvenient, I am glad you can still laugh through it. No one is more deserving of a strawberry cocktail than you. An amazing woman. Totally. xx
ReplyDeleteLife with the patch is a bit better....
Delete