Well, things are changing again which is how life goes, right?
The Dexamethasone has helped with the breathing and with the appetite [none at one point] and wakefulness. In some ways the wakefulness is overbearing. Often hubby is experiencing being awake most of the night and not having any day time fatigue.
He has asked for breakfast at 3:30 am. Uffdah. It gives a whole new meaning to making coffee while bleary eyed. After exactly 2.5 cups, the oatmeal must be made in an exact prescribed manner. Each day I am given the specifics, even though I've memorized it.
At first I get peeved, then I remind myself that the DXM disturbs his sleep cycle and he has dementia. This is how he lives day to day. Our new ab-normal of sorts.
It seems that every other day he actually sleeps the night through and I have trouble waking him. I imagine his poor ol' body is just exhausted after a 20 hour marathon the day before. This effect is from the DXM interrupting the cortisol in his body so his brain isn't on the same clock as mine.
Meals. Every two hours.
"Can I ask you something?" I hear.
Sure.
"Can I have an apple/popcorn/cereal/toast/chips/cheese and crackers."..name something that is eatable and that is what he wants. Or "I have a taste for...a banana split, liver or onions, chocolate cake...", or something SO specific that I would have to go shopping for it. I usually placate him with the intention of doing exactly that.
My thought process. He wants it and it won't leave his mind. I have a 76 year old toddler. At least he doesn't stomp and throw a tantrum. I do my best to accommodate. Why not? One day I won't be able to.
I just ordered a 'camp' bed to put in the living room so I can be closer to him at night. Our only other bedrooms are up the stairs. I've always wanted one of those for sleeping on the porch on summer nights so I can watch the stars overhead.
Time to redecorate! See, I will find something positive in this. I ordered a nice 'Antique Rose' blanket and matching curtains since the camp bed will be next to the porch windows. I might as well make it my 'special spot' for the duration.
The Hospice nurses knew that Rich was having some trouble with sleep but it has gotten much worse. The up side is that I found some programs he might enjoy watching.
Here are a couple of funnies to go along with Caregiving.
Some good news is this. The Social Worker for the VA Caregiver program and I talked last week. I inquired about Respite Care.
Destiny called me [Yes...very cool...THAT is her name] and is now interviewing a couple of candidates for weekly respite.
YES!
and I can arrange to go to the gym and maybe even have lunch with a friend.
I qualify for 8 hrs of Respite Care a week. I feel like somehow I won the lottery. I'm not sure what my share could be yet, but the fact that someone who can be with hubby while I do the things I need to get done?
Priceless.
I'll split it between two days a week.
Fingers crossed for this.
One day at a time.
A lesson I just learned to accept:
