Whoa, friends. We have had a rather stessful and tiring two days. Kenny has been in a lot of pain, none of which seems to be associated with the bladder - kidney challenges. He has been having discomfort in his lower back and right hip and thigh...similar to sciatica, I think. Yesterday it really became painful and today almost intolerable. He is the most thoughtful, gentle, mannerly gentleman you would ever want to deal with...until he feels bad. Then, like the rest of us, he can become not only demanding but rude and hateful to boot. That is where we were yesterday, and today, he has commanded all of my attention the entire day. He is so uncomfortable and we have tried every possible position in the bed and out. He left his chair and went to bed three times today only to decide ten minutes later that he could not stay there. He is a member of the instant generation too. He expects his meds to kick in immediately. Even the Rapid Release is not instant, so he has been asking for pain killers every 30 minutes and I feel so mean not giving it too him. I can sympathize with him. In the 90's I had a low back challenge that would not allow me to sleep more than 3 hours a night in bed. I would get up and doze in the recliner for the rest of the night. I never did find a pain med that really helped without absolutely knocking me out. If any of you out there have any practical suggestions, we would welcome them.
While he has had some rough days, he has had some good moments. He has a number of women who adore him. Does that sound familiar? They have popped in to check on him occasionally and that seems to perk him up a bit. My niece is getting married in three weeks and he asked me yesterday if Rachel still wanted him to be her grandfather. I told him that she absolutely did. He said, "Well, if I'm feeling better, I'll be able to go to the wedding in my wheelchair, won't I?" With bells on, if need be!
It is so frustrating for Larry and for me to try to deal with Papa when he is like this, because there is no reasoning with him. It took me three hours to balance one month's bank statement today because he kept needing me to do something for him. (Doesn't say much for my skills either, I guess.) I should not complain because for a couple of years we have been after him to let us do some of the things that he needs done because it was so difficult for him. Now, he has finally capitulated and here I am bitchin' about it. Not good, Ginny! Anyway, we have had a pretty easy time until this last day or two. I am so sorry this has not been a more positive posting. Let's all pray the tommow will be a better day for all of us.
God bless all of you faithful friends...
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Dear Ginny, Since PaPa seem so intolerant to the pain mends, and if he is have neuropathic pain (sciatica) accupunture can be very helpful for this kind of pain. If his skin is in good shape try alternating heat and ice (bag of frozen peas or corn works great) No more then 20 minutes at a time to the low back. Watching someone you love so much in pain is so hard. Don't be to hard on your self either, being a caregive to an elderly parent is truly one of the hardest jobs we do. Hang in there. Your not alone, don't hesitate to call your hospice nurse. I know you know that. Love Cheryl
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