I know only by the calendar that it is Independence Day. Things are crazy at the house of Episcogranny and Taciturn. We do not wish to be unpatriotic (we both are military veterans, after all), but Life intrudes.
T even forgot to hang our flag out today. Most unusual.
First off, Mom is in the hospital and has been since Wednesday. I spoke with my brother earlier this week which prompted my earlier post. The night previous to the day she was to have her lung tapped, though, she could not sleep due to the pain in her pre-gangrenous feet. In fact, she was screaming. My brother and his wife got her into their car and took her to the emergency room. It took lots of IV pain medication to get her to the point she did not scream. In the meantime, the doctors ran a couple of tests which made them realize that both feet are gone. On top of that, her lab tests indicated that she had had a mild heart attack.
Yee haw.
Three quarters of a litre of fluid was drained by the lung doc the next morning from her right lung. Preliminary reports are that is clear. My brother spoke to all of her doctors yesterday morning while he was awaiting some outpatient surgery for himself (!) that had been scheduled a few weeks ago. The plan for Mom at present is to get her stable medically, her pain under control, then proceed with a double amputation.
I tried to call Mom's room on Thursday. A staff member answered the phone to tell me they were working with her so she couldn't talk. I asked her to tell Mom that I loved her. I tried again yesterday am and the phone just rang. After I called Dad, I found out she was sleeping most of the time and simply was not answering the phone.
That was the first time in my life that Mom could not speak to me if I wanted to pick up the phone to call her. It occurred to me that I should get used to it.
Brother had arrived home from his outpatient surgery an hour before I called and talked to me a few minutes. He told me he had not called two of our brothers; would I do it? Sure. So last night I spoke to a brother who just moved to Washington State by the Canadian border to start a new job. He has no vacation time. He was a bit panicked. I used my best ICU nurse skills in explaining the situation to him. This am I called my other brother who lives in Richmond VA. He was glad I'd called since he was going to call later today. He deals with chronic illness himself--he has Parkinson's Disease--so he sounded calm. He also has a clear head about what the end result probably will be. He and I spoke about all of us "children" praying for each other as well as for our parents at this time. I haven't spoken to any of my brothers about prayer for years.
Needless to say this has been a tad stressful. I clean when I'm stressed, and my house looks pretty good right now. And have I been turning out the bakery goods! I have hot dog rolls in the oven right now. I will make coffee cake for in the morning. I am reassured by my brother that Mom is getting excellent care at the local hospital, which is all I ask.
And we are keeping close eyes on airfares, just in case.
Showing posts with label pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pain. Show all posts
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Gifts from an Unexpected Place
I've been rather whiny lately.
Physical pain can cause that. As I told the occupational health nurse on Wednesday, "I always understood the pain of my patients on an intellectual level. Now I understand it on a gut level." For example, Taciturn was stunned when I walked away from him in the middle of a conversation a couple of nights ago as I had to take a pain pill NOW. It could not wait. I've had patients literally scream if I was five minutes delayed in bringing pain medication. I get it now.
But, in the midst of all of this, blessings are found.
One I mentioned above, which is an increased empathy for those who suffer. I'd thought that I already did a pretty good job in that arena. One always can improve, though.
Two, I have had time to think and ponder. Why did I get this? What is so out of kilter in my life that my very nerves rebelled? I have my ideas. Among those is the job, which I have been doing much more than usual, and the job--it sucks so much energy out of me even when I'm not doing it that there is little room for the things that nourish and sustain me. And, what, by the way, are the things that nourish and sustain me?
Trying to figure those out is number three on the blessings list. And in figuring them out, what do I do with that information? Do I act on it? Do I blow it off? And what else sucks the life out of me, and how do I respond?
Time and space to actually read is another gift. The space came in Taciturn's absence. Normally his financial shows take up the entire house where there is no quiet space to read, ponder, or write (yes, he absolutely loves Jim Cramer and his sidekicks on CNBC). But after he came back, he realized it would be inconsiderate to interrupt me while on the sofa reading a book by an author recommended by Diane. So he took his financial show watching to the upstairs bedroom. He didn't want to disturb me. That never has happened before. That was a very special gift.
God certainly uses ill for good. Of course I certainly want this illness to go away, but I wouldn't do without these newly gained or re-realized nuggets of blessing.
Physical pain can cause that. As I told the occupational health nurse on Wednesday, "I always understood the pain of my patients on an intellectual level. Now I understand it on a gut level." For example, Taciturn was stunned when I walked away from him in the middle of a conversation a couple of nights ago as I had to take a pain pill NOW. It could not wait. I've had patients literally scream if I was five minutes delayed in bringing pain medication. I get it now.
But, in the midst of all of this, blessings are found.
One I mentioned above, which is an increased empathy for those who suffer. I'd thought that I already did a pretty good job in that arena. One always can improve, though.
Two, I have had time to think and ponder. Why did I get this? What is so out of kilter in my life that my very nerves rebelled? I have my ideas. Among those is the job, which I have been doing much more than usual, and the job--it sucks so much energy out of me even when I'm not doing it that there is little room for the things that nourish and sustain me. And, what, by the way, are the things that nourish and sustain me?
Trying to figure those out is number three on the blessings list. And in figuring them out, what do I do with that information? Do I act on it? Do I blow it off? And what else sucks the life out of me, and how do I respond?
Time and space to actually read is another gift. The space came in Taciturn's absence. Normally his financial shows take up the entire house where there is no quiet space to read, ponder, or write (yes, he absolutely loves Jim Cramer and his sidekicks on CNBC). But after he came back, he realized it would be inconsiderate to interrupt me while on the sofa reading a book by an author recommended by Diane. So he took his financial show watching to the upstairs bedroom. He didn't want to disturb me. That never has happened before. That was a very special gift.
God certainly uses ill for good. Of course I certainly want this illness to go away, but I wouldn't do without these newly gained or re-realized nuggets of blessing.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Enforced Rest, Part III
The shingles continue, along with the attendant discomfort. I think the new breakouts are over, but some of the blisters are in places that make it difficult to wear normal female clothing and to do some activities of daily living I'm used to doing. Info beyond that crosses into the realm of TMI. I do not think all of the blisters will be open and crusted by Wednesday, though, when I'm supposed to see the Occ Health nurse. My physician wrote for a week off, and told me she would write for more if I need it.
Friday I started the antivirals and got some Tylenol with codeine for the pain. Normally I don't need the strong pain medication during the day (I'm taking Motrin) but I certainly do at night. The pain might be the factor that determines when I go back to work--if I can't drive due to taking codeine, I'm sure my nursing judgment would be at risk.
Taciturn is on his way back from Baltimore. His original plan was to return tomorrow; bad weather along his travel route has changed that. He now says he should be home on Wed, but says that Thursday may be more realistic.
I told him that next time, he needs to fly, whether or not he "likes" to fly. It is ridiculous to have seven or eight days of travel time for a three and a half day visit.
I spoke with Only Son last evening. He too is broken out in a rash, although from his description I'm sure it is a viral rash and not shingles. He is broken out on his knees and his elbows, but has no pain or swelling, just an itch. When I say "just an itch", though, he really was miserable while we spoke. He likened the itch to Chinese water torture. He had some cortisone cream; I told him to pick up some Benadryl as well as calamine lotion.
GS#1 in MO had his birthday party this past Saturday, although his actual birthday is not until Wed. Only Son related that after he had opened all of his presents and had cake and ice cream, he pleasantly told all of his guests that "you can go home now." He wanted to play with his new toys in peace! GS#1 is not a mean little boy; he just says what he thinks. He doesn't mean anything malicious. His teachers, taken aback by his frankness at first, now know that is just how he is and think it is funny.
And prayers for our blog brother Bosco Peters and his family in the tragic loss of his daughter. I absolutely cannot imagine the depth of his grief.
Friday I started the antivirals and got some Tylenol with codeine for the pain. Normally I don't need the strong pain medication during the day (I'm taking Motrin) but I certainly do at night. The pain might be the factor that determines when I go back to work--if I can't drive due to taking codeine, I'm sure my nursing judgment would be at risk.
Taciturn is on his way back from Baltimore. His original plan was to return tomorrow; bad weather along his travel route has changed that. He now says he should be home on Wed, but says that Thursday may be more realistic.
I told him that next time, he needs to fly, whether or not he "likes" to fly. It is ridiculous to have seven or eight days of travel time for a three and a half day visit.
I spoke with Only Son last evening. He too is broken out in a rash, although from his description I'm sure it is a viral rash and not shingles. He is broken out on his knees and his elbows, but has no pain or swelling, just an itch. When I say "just an itch", though, he really was miserable while we spoke. He likened the itch to Chinese water torture. He had some cortisone cream; I told him to pick up some Benadryl as well as calamine lotion.
GS#1 in MO had his birthday party this past Saturday, although his actual birthday is not until Wed. Only Son related that after he had opened all of his presents and had cake and ice cream, he pleasantly told all of his guests that "you can go home now." He wanted to play with his new toys in peace! GS#1 is not a mean little boy; he just says what he thinks. He doesn't mean anything malicious. His teachers, taken aback by his frankness at first, now know that is just how he is and think it is funny.
And prayers for our blog brother Bosco Peters and his family in the tragic loss of his daughter. I absolutely cannot imagine the depth of his grief.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Enforced Rest, Part II
I never, ever call my parents to tell them when I am having surgery, did not call when I had a breast biopsy, usually don't tell them when I am sick. The reason is my mom goes to pieces for example, when I have a cold, thinking I will die of pneumonia. Then she doesn't take her insulin, then she gets sick, and it is all my fault.
As I've said before, she was not like this before her strokes. She always was a worrier, though, and never understood those who do not worry excessively, as she sees it as a sign of great love. Since she has been ill, she has taken it to the nth degree.
(Now, I've never had major surgery. If I was having brain surgery or open heart surgery, I would tell her if possible prior to the fact. With the minor surgeries I've had, I wait until I get the lab results then tell her I'm just fine. She doesn't like that, but oh well.)
But yesterday afternoon I got out my new headphones for my Skype telephony program on the MacBook and gave the parents a shout. Mom thought I was calling to brag about my new kitchen (I got all new appliances last week, which is another post), then said "HUH?" when I told her about the shingles. Shingles they know about as a friend of theirs, long deceased, had recurrent complicated shingles. "How did you catch that?" was the question, so I got to educate. My brother ME, who was an independent duty corpsman in the US Navy for many years, popped in from work about that time and we talked about it as he had seen ~ 25 cases in clinic. "Get on the antivirals!" he thundered. "I will, tomorrow!" I replied.
As we were on the phone I was so aware of how uncomfortable I was. I leaned back in the chair and immediately sat up straight as the pressure of the chair back was almost excruciating! We spoke for over an hour then I ate sushi for dinner that I'd picked up earlier and watched some TV.
By the time bedtime came, I almost was beside myself with discomfort. I dug around in my medication drawer and came across an opiate pain medication that I had left over from my breast biopsy a couple of years ago. (Note to self--get more today!) Probably not totally safe to take, but oh well. I took one then went to bed.
I slept like a rock for ten hours. Ah, bliss!
Upon awakening this am, though, I noted a few more blistered places on my torso. At least, as Kirkepiscatoid says, it is on my torso and not my face like my grandmother's was. It gets dangerous then. I go to the doctor at lunchtime for the antivirals and pain meds.
As I've said before, she was not like this before her strokes. She always was a worrier, though, and never understood those who do not worry excessively, as she sees it as a sign of great love. Since she has been ill, she has taken it to the nth degree.
(Now, I've never had major surgery. If I was having brain surgery or open heart surgery, I would tell her if possible prior to the fact. With the minor surgeries I've had, I wait until I get the lab results then tell her I'm just fine. She doesn't like that, but oh well.)
But yesterday afternoon I got out my new headphones for my Skype telephony program on the MacBook and gave the parents a shout. Mom thought I was calling to brag about my new kitchen (I got all new appliances last week, which is another post), then said "HUH?" when I told her about the shingles. Shingles they know about as a friend of theirs, long deceased, had recurrent complicated shingles. "How did you catch that?" was the question, so I got to educate. My brother ME, who was an independent duty corpsman in the US Navy for many years, popped in from work about that time and we talked about it as he had seen ~ 25 cases in clinic. "Get on the antivirals!" he thundered. "I will, tomorrow!" I replied.
As we were on the phone I was so aware of how uncomfortable I was. I leaned back in the chair and immediately sat up straight as the pressure of the chair back was almost excruciating! We spoke for over an hour then I ate sushi for dinner that I'd picked up earlier and watched some TV.
By the time bedtime came, I almost was beside myself with discomfort. I dug around in my medication drawer and came across an opiate pain medication that I had left over from my breast biopsy a couple of years ago. (Note to self--get more today!) Probably not totally safe to take, but oh well. I took one then went to bed.
I slept like a rock for ten hours. Ah, bliss!
Upon awakening this am, though, I noted a few more blistered places on my torso. At least, as Kirkepiscatoid says, it is on my torso and not my face like my grandmother's was. It gets dangerous then. I go to the doctor at lunchtime for the antivirals and pain meds.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Enforced rest
Be careful what you wish for--you might get it!
All I wanted was a good night's sleep. But I don't like the way I will get it.
I broke out in shingles today.
Part of the reason I was not able to sleep last night was that I was uncomfortable and could not find a position that was comfortable. I took Motrin and it didn't touch it. I thought I was just being a wuss.
I talked to Taciturn around noon today and he said, "You have shingles!" after I described the pattern of the discomfort. I winced due to the memory of how very ill my grandmother was when she had shingles. "But," I protested, "I'm not broken out!"
"You will be," he replied.
I got home, started to get in the shower, and lo and behold, tiny blisters in a patch on my right shoulder blade. Feh. I called the doctor who said it sure sounded like shingles to her. Couldn't get me in today to start antivirals, though. I'll go tomorrow.
I was supposed to work Friday, Saturday, Sunday, plus Tuesday. The earliest I can possibly work would be Thursday now; after five days on the medications, I have to be cleared by the Occupational Health nurse before I can go back. I'll see her on Wednesday.
Grumble!
All I wanted was a good night's sleep. But I don't like the way I will get it.
I broke out in shingles today.
Part of the reason I was not able to sleep last night was that I was uncomfortable and could not find a position that was comfortable. I took Motrin and it didn't touch it. I thought I was just being a wuss.
I talked to Taciturn around noon today and he said, "You have shingles!" after I described the pattern of the discomfort. I winced due to the memory of how very ill my grandmother was when she had shingles. "But," I protested, "I'm not broken out!"
"You will be," he replied.
I got home, started to get in the shower, and lo and behold, tiny blisters in a patch on my right shoulder blade. Feh. I called the doctor who said it sure sounded like shingles to her. Couldn't get me in today to start antivirals, though. I'll go tomorrow.
I was supposed to work Friday, Saturday, Sunday, plus Tuesday. The earliest I can possibly work would be Thursday now; after five days on the medications, I have to be cleared by the Occupational Health nurse before I can go back. I'll see her on Wednesday.
Grumble!
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