Writing this is no easy task. Based on having seen Lieberman residents rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, I began wondering under what conditions is this necessary?
While Gregory was still sentient, he and I decided that we wanted to be cremated, not buried. We also decided in the event of stroke, heart attack, catastrophic illness, etc ... "no heroics," "no resuscitation," "pull the plug" if there is one if quality of life is not available.
But how does one decide on quality of life (QOL?) Gregory's QOL today is very low compared to before the Alzheimer's, but there still is quality! He is still enjoying his narrow life, feels safe in his new community at Lieberman, is eating well and enjoying the food, laughs and gets silly, is communicating somewhat if you know what to listen for, sleeps well, likes listening to music and watching TV, is healthy and not in pain.
So for now, lets leave him "plugged in" since he is plugged in by himself and not ill or on a machine or suffering. But with Alzheimer's it will get worse. Much worse unless death takes him sooner rather than later. Mental/ emotional duress and pain is much more difficult to measure but I believe I will know when that time comes and at least we will be able to control it with medication.
Being in charge of making decisions like this for another person is overwhelming. My decisions are and will always be made with love and only with Gregory in mind, not any suffering I may experience as he fails. But none-the-less deciding that a person should end their days in a drugged stupor is difficult. Luckily the nursing staff at Lieberman is thoughtful and well informed and have advised me well so far.
Gregory's latest round of increased medication, is Risperdal. It is a antipsychotic medicine that works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain and is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder as well as irritability in children with autism. While it is not approved for use in conditions related to dementia, like many other drugs, it serves dual purposes even though dementia was not what was tested for the drugs approval.
Gregory was beginning to be uncontrollably combative, irritated, frustrated, angry, and was unable to sleep well. The Risperdal, as I was warned, caused him to be lethargic and unavailable emotionally/ socially for two to three weeks until the dose was balanced and his system adjusted.
He is now back to what I call his "former diminished self." While the drug did not bring back any abilities it did calm down most of the negative ones and that is good.
Next I need to put into writing my directions to the Lieberman staff as to when Gregory might be "rushed" to the hospital. Holding, with Gregory's permission long ago, the rights to Power of Attorney for Health (and Finances,) I am able to make life and death decisions on his behalf.
What I do not want to do is prolong his life if he is on his way home! I like that expression as it makes me feel like we came from somewhere and we will return somewhere even though I might not be able to understand under what circumstances that might be.
I especially do not want to prolong his life inadvertently, under duress of his illness, or because of the "best actions" of doctors, hospital, and medical staff.
If Gregory is working his way towards dying, I only want him to be comfortable, free of pain, and I will sit there and hold his hand or lie down next to him and snuggle until the end.
I need to think about these last things and put my end of life directions into writing. I also am aware that what I put into writing for Gregory should also be used in the event of my needing them. That's the next task.
Showing posts with label Hospital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hospital. Show all posts
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Update
But can you tell me - I'm sorry to ask this - why does he look like he has had a stroke?
A friend asked this question and it certainly is a valid one. I am not really sure of the answer but I can dance around it.
When Gregory ended up in the hospital, close to the beginning of his time at Lieberman, the experience took a large toll on his mobility and general functioning. He fell and gashed open his head. With a knee jerk from that pain, after falling, he to hit his forehead on the bottom of the bed leaving a huge bruise.While the X-Rays showed no broken bones, I think that Gregory did some damage to his back and neck which have always been sensitive areas for him since we met some 39 years ago.
Next he had a major Grand Mal Siezure that put him into the hospital for four days. Research says, I did not know this, that approximately 28% of people with Alzheimer's begin to get seizures at the end stages of the disease.
Gregory began Dilantin to avoid future seizures and the medication took two or more weeks to balance itself, the strength of it causing him to be weak, drowsy, and basically "out of it."
On the last day of the second hospital stay he came down with the flu. It was a mild case because he had had the vaccine in October but non-the-less the effect of the medication for his H1N1 flu was like being hit by a truck.
Over the next weeks at Lieberman Gregory got stronger and stronger and felt better and better but one must be reminded that he is in the last stages of Alzheimer's. The progress of the disease over the last year, and then between Christmas and his moving to Lieberman have been exponential.
At this point, due to the above and the progression of the disease, he is not unable to walk so lives in his wheel chair. He doesn't seem to mind. He is progressing a little with Physical Therapy and over the last four days has been peddling a bicycle from his wheel chair for fifteen minutes at a time and has been walking with the help of two therapists.
Progress may be progress, but with Gregory at this stage, progress needs to be redefined. It is not the kind of progress that you or I might experience after a fall or an illness.
Part of the problem now that he is regaining strength, is that his cognition continues to decline so while he may be strong enough to walk, he no longer knows how to do so cognitively. I.E. the brain sends out the "walking signals" but he legs do not know how to "read them."
The same has happened with his fingers, hands, and arms. The strength is there at times but the signals get scrambled. Due to this disconnect between the cognition and the muscles, he has developed what are called "Intentional Tremors."
When the brain sends a signal to his hand to pick up the fork, the signal is just interpreted in a jerk of the muscles in his arm and hand. The ability to stab or cut or scoop a piece of meat with the fork, let alone get it to his mouth no longer works well.
So this is the long and short of it. He does look at times like he is "out of it" in his awareness and responsiveness. Where he is, who knows. But he does come back.
Also his coordination of muscles due to lack of use, and cognitive disconnect causes him to look like he had a stroke and most of the time his neck needs to rest on a pillow because he cannot hold it up.
So there is your relative answer. Hope this helps you see Gregory in a real light which is also a loving light that continues to bless both Gregory and me.
A friend asked this question and it certainly is a valid one. I am not really sure of the answer but I can dance around it.
When Gregory ended up in the hospital, close to the beginning of his time at Lieberman, the experience took a large toll on his mobility and general functioning. He fell and gashed open his head. With a knee jerk from that pain, after falling, he to hit his forehead on the bottom of the bed leaving a huge bruise.While the X-Rays showed no broken bones, I think that Gregory did some damage to his back and neck which have always been sensitive areas for him since we met some 39 years ago.
Next he had a major Grand Mal Siezure that put him into the hospital for four days. Research says, I did not know this, that approximately 28% of people with Alzheimer's begin to get seizures at the end stages of the disease.
Gregory began Dilantin to avoid future seizures and the medication took two or more weeks to balance itself, the strength of it causing him to be weak, drowsy, and basically "out of it."
On the last day of the second hospital stay he came down with the flu. It was a mild case because he had had the vaccine in October but non-the-less the effect of the medication for his H1N1 flu was like being hit by a truck.
Over the next weeks at Lieberman Gregory got stronger and stronger and felt better and better but one must be reminded that he is in the last stages of Alzheimer's. The progress of the disease over the last year, and then between Christmas and his moving to Lieberman have been exponential.
At this point, due to the above and the progression of the disease, he is not unable to walk so lives in his wheel chair. He doesn't seem to mind. He is progressing a little with Physical Therapy and over the last four days has been peddling a bicycle from his wheel chair for fifteen minutes at a time and has been walking with the help of two therapists.
Progress may be progress, but with Gregory at this stage, progress needs to be redefined. It is not the kind of progress that you or I might experience after a fall or an illness.
Part of the problem now that he is regaining strength, is that his cognition continues to decline so while he may be strong enough to walk, he no longer knows how to do so cognitively. I.E. the brain sends out the "walking signals" but he legs do not know how to "read them."
The same has happened with his fingers, hands, and arms. The strength is there at times but the signals get scrambled. Due to this disconnect between the cognition and the muscles, he has developed what are called "Intentional Tremors."
When the brain sends a signal to his hand to pick up the fork, the signal is just interpreted in a jerk of the muscles in his arm and hand. The ability to stab or cut or scoop a piece of meat with the fork, let alone get it to his mouth no longer works well.
So this is the long and short of it. He does look at times like he is "out of it" in his awareness and responsiveness. Where he is, who knows. But he does come back.
Also his coordination of muscles due to lack of use, and cognitive disconnect causes him to look like he had a stroke and most of the time his neck needs to rest on a pillow because he cannot hold it up.
So there is your relative answer. Hope this helps you see Gregory in a real light which is also a loving light that continues to bless both Gregory and me.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Fast Seizure Update
Just a fast update. Gregory is doing well and returned to Lieberman on Saturday after three days in the hospital. He ended up being in the hospital for the requisite 3 midnights of Medicare so he will be eligible for up to 100 days of skilled nursing care (read my not having to pay Lieberman) and occupational therapy and physical therapy as well. This should help him get back onto his feet more confidently. It is said that for every day in the hospital, three days are needed to regain your strength!
The care Gregory received at the hospital was stellar however an advocate is always needed, especially when the person cannot advocate for themselves. Turns out he hadn't pooped for two days so Alaksh and the nurse's aid sat him on the toilet and he was successful. Last thing one needs is to be constipated. The hospital was a little hesitant about G's being up in the bathroom but Alaksh convinced them. It isn't that Gregory couldn't walk or be on his feet. It is just that he is unsure on his feet and needs support. Also the verbal communication of expectations takes longer then most people are used to and sometimes doesn't work at all. This makes it look like Gregory cannot get up but also there are the times when Gregory just doesn't know how to "sit!"
Another thing that happened. Gregory's medical records are now on the hospital system's computers. For the most part that is good. But somehow it was assumed that an old, unused prescription for Xanex, an anti-panic medicine was to be administered three times a day. When I found that out I threw a hissy fit! First why? Second don't assume, ask me! Third his doctor has only known Gregory for the three weeks since he was admitted at Lieberman, I have known Gregory for 39 years!
When Gregory got back to Lieberman, the nurse called me early the next day to re-check his medications. I guess they do that every time a resident returns from a hospital visit. Good for them! They put him in a wheel chair to move him about but take him out and help him into a regular chair when they reach their destination. Good for them.
Today or tomorrow we will have another "Care Conference" to discuss Gregory's progress so far at Lieberman, especially with all the "interruptions."
The care Gregory received at the hospital was stellar however an advocate is always needed, especially when the person cannot advocate for themselves. Turns out he hadn't pooped for two days so Alaksh and the nurse's aid sat him on the toilet and he was successful. Last thing one needs is to be constipated. The hospital was a little hesitant about G's being up in the bathroom but Alaksh convinced them. It isn't that Gregory couldn't walk or be on his feet. It is just that he is unsure on his feet and needs support. Also the verbal communication of expectations takes longer then most people are used to and sometimes doesn't work at all. This makes it look like Gregory cannot get up but also there are the times when Gregory just doesn't know how to "sit!"
Another thing that happened. Gregory's medical records are now on the hospital system's computers. For the most part that is good. But somehow it was assumed that an old, unused prescription for Xanex, an anti-panic medicine was to be administered three times a day. When I found that out I threw a hissy fit! First why? Second don't assume, ask me! Third his doctor has only known Gregory for the three weeks since he was admitted at Lieberman, I have known Gregory for 39 years!
When Gregory got back to Lieberman, the nurse called me early the next day to re-check his medications. I guess they do that every time a resident returns from a hospital visit. Good for them! They put him in a wheel chair to move him about but take him out and help him into a regular chair when they reach their destination. Good for them.
Today or tomorrow we will have another "Care Conference" to discuss Gregory's progress so far at Lieberman, especially with all the "interruptions."
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Grand Mal Seizure
Today at 8:15 am I received a call from the Lieberman Center telling me that Gregory had a seizure and was sent to ER. I quickly got dressed and went to the Skokie Hospital's ER. Luckily the hospital is just across the parking lot from Lieberman and both are only 10 minutes from the condo.
Gregory was resting comfortably. He was not upset or frightened. His usual pattern is to remain calm (as I have learned to do.) He was happy to see me and between various tests I held his hand, talked about things, and sang to him. He dozed on and off which is usual after a seizure.
The seizure was a Grand Mal which is the larger one when compared to a Petite Mal. The Petite Mal sometimes involves a temporary staring off and often goes unnoticed. The Grand Mal is the one with passing out, convulsing, shaking, eyes rolling back, and the danger of biting one's tongue.
Luckily for Gregory, he was in a sturdy chair at the breakfast table and when he began the seizure the head nurse was in the dining room. The Lieberman staff acted quickly and efficiently and I am grateful for that.
The various tests that Gregory had did not show anything unusual. He will be in the hospital overnight for observation. I now understand that in the later stages of Alzheimer's approximately 25% of people experience seizure activity. The doctor has prescribed a low dose of anti-seizure medication to help make sure this does not happen again.
For now all is well until the next dip in this roller coaster ride. G is doing well. I am doing well and again the word grateful, I am grateful that I am not having to do all this alone like I have done for the last ten years. I have a huge group of people supporting me and Gregory and it feels good.
Gregory was resting comfortably. He was not upset or frightened. His usual pattern is to remain calm (as I have learned to do.) He was happy to see me and between various tests I held his hand, talked about things, and sang to him. He dozed on and off which is usual after a seizure.
The seizure was a Grand Mal which is the larger one when compared to a Petite Mal. The Petite Mal sometimes involves a temporary staring off and often goes unnoticed. The Grand Mal is the one with passing out, convulsing, shaking, eyes rolling back, and the danger of biting one's tongue.
Luckily for Gregory, he was in a sturdy chair at the breakfast table and when he began the seizure the head nurse was in the dining room. The Lieberman staff acted quickly and efficiently and I am grateful for that.
The various tests that Gregory had did not show anything unusual. He will be in the hospital overnight for observation. I now understand that in the later stages of Alzheimer's approximately 25% of people experience seizure activity. The doctor has prescribed a low dose of anti-seizure medication to help make sure this does not happen again.
For now all is well until the next dip in this roller coaster ride. G is doing well. I am doing well and again the word grateful, I am grateful that I am not having to do all this alone like I have done for the last ten years. I have a huge group of people supporting me and Gregory and it feels good.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
"The Cleaner Floor" A book by I. P. Standing
Men are known to stand while peeing. Women are known to sit while peeing. Leaving the toilet lid up ... or down ... has been debated since the beginning of the flush.
Women also squat, especially in public, filthy bathrooms or in the forest preserve (watch out for the Poison Ivy.) Men have it a little easier in that they can aim the hose and avoid such disgusting situations.
But sometimes, men sit. Yes, you read it here. Gregory and I sit when we pee (at least at home we do.) Why you may ask? And why BLOG about it you may wonder?
First, even though you might think it would be easier for a man to take a fast whizz standing, it is actually just as easy to drop trow and sit to pee. Especially in the cleanliness of one's own bathroom. By sitting you can gain a few moments of meditation time and solitude from a busy day. You can catch up on a magazine article if you choose. On an active day, you can get off your feet for a few moments. And the floor definitely stays cleaner.
The real reason I post this is because with Gregory's change in living situation, and during his stay in the hospital, he had urination difficulties. Couldn't pee? No. His caregivers assumed that he stood to pee so would take him to the bathroom and stand him in front of the toilet. With no results.
Eventually he had to be catherized and they found 500 cc of urine in his bladder. Usually when a person gets +/- 250 they begin to feel the need to pee. Gregory was either not able to communicate this, and/or didn't recognize the signals, and/or didn't recognize what he was to do by standing in front of the toilet.
When I found out about his being catheterized, I realized I had not mentioned his sitting to pee. I took that minor fact for granted since it is what we have always done for over 38 years! Once it was established, Gregory had no problem with peeing. Problem solved.
Well solved at the hospital but now at the memory care facility, at times Gregory feels stubborn and refuses to sit when asked to. Also, for a while the staff was not taking him to pee every couple of hours so he found a corner in his room and wet his pants. (I found him behind his room door looking very embarrassed and standing in a puddle. Made me cry.) You know I'll be keeping up with staff on this one!
I have found (as I continue to fill in the cross word puzzle that is Gregory's new living situation at a memory care facility) I have to analyze the details of his life so they can provide more accurately for his needs. Especially since he cannot himself instruct the slew of new caregivers (according to the shift, the day of the week, the days off, etc.)
My new role as secondary caregiver continues to develop. At the first Care Conference with the Head Nurse, Dietitian, and Social Worker we focused on medications, eating, toileting, daily routine, personal grooming, etc. At the next one tomorrow, the topics will include a review of how he is settling in; how staff is meeting his needs as discussed as the previous meeting; a closer look at what kind of activities he will be participating in; schedules for shower, haircut, massage, doctors, etc; switching from a large handful of vitamins and minerals (which he has had difficulty swallowing) to a spoonful of liquid supplements; visiting volunteer opportunities for him, and a few others.
He has continued to be calm (without the sedatives needed when he was at the hospital,) happy, and content. He is living in the moment. Not once has he wondered about why he is there or asked about "home at the condo." He doesn't seem to notice the array of patients on his floor: all of them older, most of them with more advanced dementias, many in wheel chairs, many catatonic, many sleeping most of the time, incontinence here and there. In fact when one calls out, Gregory wants to help. As he roams (strolls) the halls, he smiles at them kindly. He has quickly become one of the favorites of the nurses and staff and they comment on what a lovely, kind, gentle man his is.
And since he is content and doesn't notice that being there is like being in a Fellini movie without the background music, I don't mind it either and am able to see the place through Gregory's eyes. Safe, clean, warm, active, happy!
Women also squat, especially in public, filthy bathrooms or in the forest preserve (watch out for the Poison Ivy.) Men have it a little easier in that they can aim the hose and avoid such disgusting situations.
But sometimes, men sit. Yes, you read it here. Gregory and I sit when we pee (at least at home we do.) Why you may ask? And why BLOG about it you may wonder?
First, even though you might think it would be easier for a man to take a fast whizz standing, it is actually just as easy to drop trow and sit to pee. Especially in the cleanliness of one's own bathroom. By sitting you can gain a few moments of meditation time and solitude from a busy day. You can catch up on a magazine article if you choose. On an active day, you can get off your feet for a few moments. And the floor definitely stays cleaner.
The real reason I post this is because with Gregory's change in living situation, and during his stay in the hospital, he had urination difficulties. Couldn't pee? No. His caregivers assumed that he stood to pee so would take him to the bathroom and stand him in front of the toilet. With no results.
Eventually he had to be catherized and they found 500 cc of urine in his bladder. Usually when a person gets +/- 250 they begin to feel the need to pee. Gregory was either not able to communicate this, and/or didn't recognize the signals, and/or didn't recognize what he was to do by standing in front of the toilet.
When I found out about his being catheterized, I realized I had not mentioned his sitting to pee. I took that minor fact for granted since it is what we have always done for over 38 years! Once it was established, Gregory had no problem with peeing. Problem solved.
Well solved at the hospital but now at the memory care facility, at times Gregory feels stubborn and refuses to sit when asked to. Also, for a while the staff was not taking him to pee every couple of hours so he found a corner in his room and wet his pants. (I found him behind his room door looking very embarrassed and standing in a puddle. Made me cry.) You know I'll be keeping up with staff on this one!
I have found (as I continue to fill in the cross word puzzle that is Gregory's new living situation at a memory care facility) I have to analyze the details of his life so they can provide more accurately for his needs. Especially since he cannot himself instruct the slew of new caregivers (according to the shift, the day of the week, the days off, etc.)
My new role as secondary caregiver continues to develop. At the first Care Conference with the Head Nurse, Dietitian, and Social Worker we focused on medications, eating, toileting, daily routine, personal grooming, etc. At the next one tomorrow, the topics will include a review of how he is settling in; how staff is meeting his needs as discussed as the previous meeting; a closer look at what kind of activities he will be participating in; schedules for shower, haircut, massage, doctors, etc; switching from a large handful of vitamins and minerals (which he has had difficulty swallowing) to a spoonful of liquid supplements; visiting volunteer opportunities for him, and a few others.
He has continued to be calm (without the sedatives needed when he was at the hospital,) happy, and content. He is living in the moment. Not once has he wondered about why he is there or asked about "home at the condo." He doesn't seem to notice the array of patients on his floor: all of them older, most of them with more advanced dementias, many in wheel chairs, many catatonic, many sleeping most of the time, incontinence here and there. In fact when one calls out, Gregory wants to help. As he roams (strolls) the halls, he smiles at them kindly. He has quickly become one of the favorites of the nurses and staff and they comment on what a lovely, kind, gentle man his is.
And since he is content and doesn't notice that being there is like being in a Fellini movie without the background music, I don't mind it either and am able to see the place through Gregory's eyes. Safe, clean, warm, active, happy!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Update 1/09
Sorry (not really) that I have been absent on the BLOG but it has been a hectic time since the last post on Tuesday.
Gregory has been in a regular room at Evanston Hospital with a "sitter" since Tuesday. He seems more calm but they are still working on leveling out his sedative drugs. He is eating well and sleeping well. Yesterday and today he acknowledged my presence, and responded to my "I love you's. He has been cooperative with hospital staff. (Who have been wonderful.)
I believe I have found a great place for him to move to for an assisted living situation. Been on the phone and making decisions until I forget who I talked to and what we said.
Made of list on the computer of all the important information I needed to remember and have as reference and forgot it at home when I went to visit him this afternoon. Oh well. At least it is all down and in one place.
Will keep you in touch with our progress and more details.
Gregory has been in a regular room at Evanston Hospital with a "sitter" since Tuesday. He seems more calm but they are still working on leveling out his sedative drugs. He is eating well and sleeping well. Yesterday and today he acknowledged my presence, and responded to my "I love you's. He has been cooperative with hospital staff. (Who have been wonderful.)
I believe I have found a great place for him to move to for an assisted living situation. Been on the phone and making decisions until I forget who I talked to and what we said.
Made of list on the computer of all the important information I needed to remember and have as reference and forgot it at home when I went to visit him this afternoon. Oh well. At least it is all down and in one place.
Will keep you in touch with our progress and more details.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
A Turn of Events
As you have been following Gregory's continuing journey with Alzheimer's, you will be aware that within the last few months the journey has been getting increasingly more difficult. This last two weeks has been very difficult with his having crying bouts, major confusion, restless nights of sleep, more difficulties eating, etc.
Up until now the Alzheimer's seems to have provided a buffer allowing him to be shielded from the day to day skills and memory losses and to live a calm, happy, contented life. That has changed during the last two weeks with increased bouts of depression, upset, crying, confusion, aimless wandering, defiance, and some minor aggressiveness.
The last week has seen periods of my not being able to comfort him, calm his upset, direct his activities, etc. It is as if the Alzheimer's has been running out of control. Up until now I have been able to support Gregory is a way that helped him keep calm.
This morning, after three very difficult days; he would not be calmed, was very angry, would not let me help him. For lack of better description he turned his discontent, frustration, and hatred on me, wouldn't let me come near him, didn't think he could trust me, and became fairly violent. (Obviously I did not take this personally knowing what Alzheimer's can do!)
The measure of taking action was "I was afraid for him and myself" so I called 911. Not long after police officers, paramedics, and an ambulance crew were at our door to help. Interestingly enough Gregory was relieved that someone else had come to help protect him from me. He cooperated with them getting him on a gurney, into the ambulance, and off to the emergency room. I followed in my car.
When I got there he was calm, but my arrival excited him again. They gave him a sedative to help calm him down, I left the room (knowing he was in good, caring hands,) and routine blood and other tests were done to rule out extraneous infections and other causes for the spike in "craziness." All of the test results are not yet back.
I am currently back at the condo for a few hours quiet time, Gregory is with his Companion Alaksh and was happy to see him, Gregory isn't as upset with me right now, and he will be in a regular room over night at the hospital with a "sitter" from 11:00-7:00. Further observation and planning will take place tomorrow.
I'll keep you in touch.
Up until now the Alzheimer's seems to have provided a buffer allowing him to be shielded from the day to day skills and memory losses and to live a calm, happy, contented life. That has changed during the last two weeks with increased bouts of depression, upset, crying, confusion, aimless wandering, defiance, and some minor aggressiveness.
The last week has seen periods of my not being able to comfort him, calm his upset, direct his activities, etc. It is as if the Alzheimer's has been running out of control. Up until now I have been able to support Gregory is a way that helped him keep calm.
This morning, after three very difficult days; he would not be calmed, was very angry, would not let me help him. For lack of better description he turned his discontent, frustration, and hatred on me, wouldn't let me come near him, didn't think he could trust me, and became fairly violent. (Obviously I did not take this personally knowing what Alzheimer's can do!)
The measure of taking action was "I was afraid for him and myself" so I called 911. Not long after police officers, paramedics, and an ambulance crew were at our door to help. Interestingly enough Gregory was relieved that someone else had come to help protect him from me. He cooperated with them getting him on a gurney, into the ambulance, and off to the emergency room. I followed in my car.
When I got there he was calm, but my arrival excited him again. They gave him a sedative to help calm him down, I left the room (knowing he was in good, caring hands,) and routine blood and other tests were done to rule out extraneous infections and other causes for the spike in "craziness." All of the test results are not yet back.
I am currently back at the condo for a few hours quiet time, Gregory is with his Companion Alaksh and was happy to see him, Gregory isn't as upset with me right now, and he will be in a regular room over night at the hospital with a "sitter" from 11:00-7:00. Further observation and planning will take place tomorrow.
I'll keep you in touch.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
A Visit to the Emergency Room
Gregory is OK but last night we were in the Emergency Room from 7:00pm until 4:00am. He was diagnosed with Kidney Stones and hopefully they will pass on their own in the next few days.
The difficulty was his lack of language and/or associations to be able to explain what he was feeling and where. He was in a lot of pain and through he was going to die.
Also he became delirious which added to his fears (and mine.) This is the second time Delirium hit so now that I understand it, I was prepared and not as frightened. When it happens he looses all the abilities and awareness that he still has. He becomes totally irrational. For more information on Delirium click here: Delirium: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
With the help of a neighbor we got him to the car and I drove him to the hospital. I didn't want to use an ambulance with sirens screaming etc, to add to his confusion.
Once the pain subsided he did better and the ER experience, while with supportive staff, was just boring and long. On a kind note, the hospital keeps feel for family while they are waiting. I had a turkey & cheese on whole wheat sandwich, cranberry juice, and a package of Lorna Dune cookies.
We slept in this morning and he is much more aware and feeling fine, just a little "beat up."
I'm keeping an eye on his urine, we have Vicodin in case he is in pain again as the stone moves out.
So all is well, but wanted you to know,
Love ya,
Michael
P.S. I couldn't help but think about my sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and nephews who spent many a rushed visit to ER with mom.
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