kimblanchard Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 I'll do the coyote part first - I hear them all the time but yesterday I actually saw one - he was prancing, almost dancing, across the ice on our pond. He was skinny, brown, hopping around and looked quite happy, wild, and free. Suddenly he fell down flat - I am thinking, is he sick? But then he started rolling around in something, just like our dogs. He really wasn't ugly, I just thought it sounded good in the title of the post. One week in Hospice today. The good news is - we didn't have to drive anywhere or go to any appointments. But as it turns out, we are as busy as ever, it is just people are coming to us. Deliveries of equiptment, the nurse twice, a volunteer who just called us up out of the blue and volunteered. Tons of visitors, up to 4 a day so far. Phone calls from California, all kinds of nice attention. One bad spell. Monday night my husband spaced out. He had removed his oxygen in his sleep, again, woke me out at 1 am, very delusional and fearful, not recognizing common household items, it scared the heck out of me, both for him to go through it and for my own safety. I got his oxygen back on. did all kinds of routine things to assure him, and as I got him back to bed, I watched over him for a couple of hours until he got back to new normal. While I waited, I de-cluttered the room, to lessen chance of confusion, I gathered up and removed all the medicine to prevent an accident. Whatever one would do for an Altzheimer's patient, same principle. He was okay when he woke up in the morning. I talked with the nurse, she seemed to think a lot of it was anxiety, so we started Ativan. It does seem to help. Pending ... By the way, I did use the ceiling fan to ease the feeling of not being able to breath. I also tried taping the oxy tube to his face but it really scared him when he woke up, he thought something had hold of him. Last week, he was house-bound. By yesterday, he was right next to bed-bound. I use the wheelchair to help him go even a few feet. We are both amazed at how fast it is progressing. Plenty of meds, though, so the pain never gets bad. I am still feeling an unreality. Maybe it is a protection thing. Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret, I read your post and my heart aches. It does come fast, I know. You wonder how it can happen so fast when your body held it at bay for so long. You sound like such a wonderful caregiver, making your husband feel loved and secure and "safe". I pray that God is watching over you both. Love, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimmek Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 ((((((((Margaret))))))))))) There are no words Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Sending, love, strength and prayers. J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haylee_38 Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret, My thoughts are with you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 You must be the strongest and smartest woman ever. I am in awe... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkala Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret, I am so sorry things are getting so rough so fast. I am going thru the same thing with my Gram but I know that is not the same as a husband. My prayers are going out to you. I am glad to hear that hospice has been such a help and at least he is being kept comfortable. Make sure to take time for you Margaret. I will go right now to www.gratefulness.org and light a candle for you and hubby. ((((GREAT BIG HUGS)))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret---I am so sorry that you have to go through this---My thoughts are with you at this very sad and stressful time--- I am amazed at your strength Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret, sorry to hear things seem to be progressing fast.Tell Jim I know what a nuisance the oxygen is.Mine keeps coming off at night too. The dam hose gets all wrapped around my neck.I think too being in a different bed in a different room makes you disoriented for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret, Don't have the words. Praying for you and Jim to have peace, comfort and strength. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilgna Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret: I have no words. I am also in amazement at your courage and loving fortitude. I was my mothers caregiver when she had lung cancer, my heart aches for you, it is so hard to go through this process. I will pray for you both. Hoping a miracle comes your way. You will be in my thoughts. be well....gina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret...no words to send, only love. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenl Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret I wish you and Jim much love and peace. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBeth Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Dear Margaret, I cannot post a reply to you to tell you how I feel because I have never felt this way before and don't know how to explain it...but I am sure the many other caregivers on this board will understand...I am so amazed by you and your strength. Please take care of yourself and know that so many are keeping you and Jim in our prayers. Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Ry Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Rochelle (Ry) said it all for me. You are truly amazing. Keep it up. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy P Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margarety - Thinking of you and Jim. Warm thoughts and prayers coming your way! Ry said it so well....I too am in awe of your strength but also with the peace that you project. ((((Margaret & Jim))))))) Much Love, Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remembering Dave Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret - big hugs. And again, thanks for the beautiful description. KC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret....your strength amazes. Jim is lucky to have you with him on this awful journey. Thinking of you both, sending all my best thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 I am still feeling an unreality. Maybe it is a protection thing. Margaret Hi Margaret, That is so normal. I think you're right, it's a protection thing. One of God's little blessings in times like this maybe. Take care of yourself... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finster Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret, I just want to let you know that I am thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret...I am so sorry you are going through these tough times. I hope you will find some comfort in knowing so many people are praying for yu and sending loving hugs your way. Yes, this does progress quickly and it is so hard for a spouse to watch happen. I admire your strength and courage. One little note about the ceiling fan. For some reason, the ceiling fan seemed to add to Dennis's confusion at times. Things would be better when I would turn off the fan. I have no explanation. Love and prayers for both of you!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Margaret, Praying for your continued strength and faith. TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 I am speechless. Just wishing you peace and courage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogfam Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 I'm so sorry... Sending much love, ((hugs)). and prayers for you. Isn't it amazing how strong we become when we have too? God never gives more than we can bear and He gives us strength for the things we never thought we could handle. CC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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