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Archive for January, 2010:
A Few Days In The Hospital
Last month we had to put Gladys in the hospital. I went to check on her shortly after breakfast and she was listless, skin clammy and nauseous. I called her doctor who said to take her directly to the hospital. Several tests were taken and blood work done but with no definitive answers. So they wanted to keep her overnight.
Of course by the time they decided they needed to keep Gladys overnight, we had been at the hospital for five hours. We were taken to a room where a nurse came to input Gladys’ information into their records. Everything was computerized and it was the nurses first day on the job. It took another hour to put in the same information that I had given the emergency room personnel. I really didn’t understand why it had to be done again.
She’s So Sweet
After getting Gladys settled in, both the nurse and the doctor on duty came by to get acquainted with me and Gladys. When they were leaving both of them looked at me and remarked, “She’s so sweet, she’s precious.” I just looked at them and smiled. I knew there would be trouble.
Gladys was scheduled for an MRI and when they came to get her she wanted me to go with her but I told her I couldn’t. I could see the fear in her eyes because she didn’t understand what was going on. I tried to explain that she was going to get a test done and that they would take good care of her. After she left, I told the nurse that they would need to raise the rails on the bed and watch Gladys because she would try to get out of the bed, even though she can’t walk without her walker. I went home while she was having the MRI.
Restrained and Sedated
When I came in the next morning Gladys’ roommate told me that the nurses had to restrain Gladys, the nurse told me they had to sedate her. I had a real problem with her being sedated because I know the sedative causes her brain to malfunction. Gladys did not know who I was. I could see it before I even talked to her. I asked them not to sedate her again. If she became combative, I wanted them to call me and I would come back to the hospital. We only live 10 minutes away.
What the hospital didn’t understand is that Gladys did not become combative because of the dementia. She became combative because she couldn’t have her way. That was her MO, when she couldn’t have her way she either had a tantrum or she would fight. Fortunately, there were no more problems.
All Is Well
After three days were were able to take Gladys home. There were some issues that were the result of massive doses of antibiotics, but they eventually cleared up. All is well but Gladys is a little slower and her cognitive abilities have diminished a little more.
A Caregivers Goals for 2010: Unlocking The Old Me
Taking My Life Back
Before I became a caregiver there were things I used to enjoy that have all but disappeared from my life. I realized this a few months ago when I went on vacation for the first time since I became Gladys’ caregiver. My life pretty much revolves around Gladys’ needs and I’ve neglected myself in many ways. That’s about to change.
The holidays gave me a chance to jump start some things that I want to bring back into my life. It’s amazing how little things can provide so much satisfaction. The following changes are being re-incorporated into my life.
Date Night
I haven’t been married for 38 years by ignoring my husband. Fridays used to be our date night. It’s something we started about 20 years ago and kept up until 2008. While we probably can’t make a weekly date, we can probably work in a date once a month. I just have to convince my daughter, Anita, to watch Gladys for us while we go out.
Love A Good Book
I love to read. Give me a good thriller or murder mystery and I’m a happy camper: Vince Flynn, Michael Connelly, Walter Mosley, JD Robb or Tom Clancy. Between Thanksgiving and New Years Eve, I read four novels – three JD Robb and one Michael Connelly. JD Robb is a recent author that I started reading and I’m trying to catch up on the Eve Dallas series. Fortunately I found a good second hand book store that also takes trade-ins. I didn’t get much else done, but I was content and eager to get back to my books.
My reading goal is at least one novel per month.
Food Network Anyone?
Until last month, it had been a while since I tried a new recipe. Over the past month I’ve tried at least six new recipes, including frying a turkey. I shared my new recipe adventures with my Facebook friends. It’s funny how so many friends responded to the cholesterol, calorie laden recipes but not a peep when I share the healthy ones. 
This goal is to try a new recipe at least twice a month.
Regular Vacations
This year I went on vacation alone and that was a stretch. Not because I can’t handle being alone (I enjoy alone time), but because my husband is semi retired and has not worked in about two years. In addition to that, my hours were cut just before Gladys came to stay with us. However, we’re going to work it out along with care for Gladys while we are gone.
Exercise of Any Kind
Just before Gladys came to live with us I started walking for exercise. It wasn’t much but it was something. Over the past year and a half I have become a bonafide couch potato and gained about 10 pounds. I’ve got to get back to walking. Also need to incorporate a stretching routine.
I believe all of these are doable. It’s not really a lot, it just takes some planning and time management.
What About You?
If you are a caregiver who has become stuck in a rut, I hope you will also take a look at some things that you can do to take your life back.
Comments? Feedback?
