Day 296

Day 296

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Physical

It is still daylight on Thursday, and I usually write in the morning.  But I felt like I needed to make some observations before I forget or get sidetracked with other issues.  A new problem seems to be showing up.  Perhaps it was starting earlier, but was subtle enough that I didn’t really notice.  But tonight, while DH was supposed to be eating supper, I checked on him.  He had not taken a single bit after nearly half an hour.  I noticed he was not raising his hand holding the fork to his mouth.  I suggested he try using his left hand, and he was able to take a bit.  After that he ate a little, but automatically went back to his right hand.  This seems to be similar to the issue we had Monday night, in which he insisted his arm was “stuck”.  So I have to wonder: did *something* happen on Monday?  Whatever was going on then, he seems to have snapped out of it; but he continues to appear to have trouble with his right arm.  Or, is the right side issue we already knew he had just gradually getting worse so that signs of it are now showing up that weren’t problems before?  And .. who can possibly answer these questions???

It doesn’t seem like his lack of appetite has been related to a problem handling a fork or spoon.  Even if I fix a sandwich he can hold in his left hand easily does not change the fact that he doesn’t want to eat much.

~~

So it’s now Friday morning.  Yesterday was a little more “active” … if that’s the right word.  Anyway, DH did sleep a little less than he has been lately.  He woke up around 4:00 (from afternoon nap) He stayed awake  for most of the evening but fell asleep before the end of his shows (at 8:00).   About the time I had to take his last pills (9:00), he got a coughing spell.  I always keep several of the basins that come from hospital stays beside the bed in case he coughs up phlegm.  Only he couldn’t seem to hold it right, and ended up spitting all over himself, the bed, and even the floor.  I had to get him cleaned up (and keep myself from heaving), and he just seemed very confused – but then, he was more asleep than awake.

He didn’t sleep well, was restless during the night.  I got up once to calm him down; but he remained restless off and on (would sleep some, wake some .. possibly waking himself with coughing).  As long as I didn’t hear the bed creaking, I didn’t get up; but I didn’t sleep well at all because off and on I could hear him huffing and puffing.  When I went in this morning (Friday) to take a pill, he was nearly sideways on the bed (which is hard to do on a narrow hospital bed!).  He was partly uncovered, tangled in the covers, and (to pout it delicately) he and the bed were a *mess*.    It was not easy getting him all cleaned up!  (and as soon as I finally got to get a shower, I put the bed pad in the wash AGAIN).

He didn’t eat much, as usual.  In the afternoon he had said he was a little hungry; but no matter what I took him, he didn’t want it .. no sandwich no chips.  In the end he ate 2 cookies.

People:

The CAN came early, and the nurse got here before the CAN was done so they were both very early.  The rest of the day of course there was no one.

Emotions:

This has not been a good morning, and I’m already too tired to figure out if I’m stressed or tired  or what. I’m frustrated, as always, at all the things that are piling up that there’s no one available to help with.  I may have already said, but it’s really bothering me .. it seems like DSS and TGF are finding less and less time to spend with us.  She told me sheis spacking her kids off to their grandmother for the weekend so she and DSS can do some yard cleaning.  (he “doesn’t function well” with the boys around).  But he usually doesn’t want to take off work on Saturday.  Does that mean they will do yard work on Sunday and skip coming here at all?  It’s supposed to rain Sunday.  Well, whatever .. she just won’t tell me so I’ll just have to wait and see.