We Have BOOTIES!!
Finally, a good two weeks or more after I first asked for them, the nurse brought the sheepskin looking booties today. If I had gotten them when I asked, his heel would not have looked so bad, and may not have even blistered at all. She also brought the seat cushion for his chair. His bottom is also getting worse, so this will help considerably.
We spent the whole morning trying to achieve a bowel movement. I’ve been giving Daddy 2 stool softeners with each meal, plus a Senna laxative tablet each night. He hadn’t been since last Wednesday, so this morning we went all out to get some results. Prune juice for breakfast, plus another laxative tablet. It’s quite an involved process to get him in the bathroom now, but DH helped me this morning. Daddy still couldn’t go. So, I used a suppository. We waited, but still nothing.
By the time we had him ready to move to his chair in the living room, everything decided to start working. So, we went through the routine to get him back in the bathroom, take care of that, and then put him on the bed, so I could get him really clean and put ointment back on his sores. Then, we got him back up and into his chair. By the time we did all that, the nurse came. His chair is a recliner, which he would not use before. But we had so much trouble keeping him comfortable in his chair or the wheelchair Saturday, that we thought it was worth a try. By propping his calves up with two pillows, we finally got his legs high enough for his heels to hang without touching anything. And he’s comfortable. He immediately fell asleep, bless his heart.
He’s not the only one who’s worn out! DH had to take over and sit with him while we were waiting for him to finish in the bathroom, because my stomach started churning and cramping. I not only had diarrhea, but I came very close to throwing up. I think it was just from my nerves, but this would never have happened before I had Parkinson’s. It makes me so very nervous to work with him, because I’m so slow at everything I do. I’m afraid he’s going to fall while I’m trying to get his pants down. In fact, I’m afraid he’s going to fall every time I do anything with him. Really, I’m just afraid, period. Even though I know exactly what I want to do, I have no confidence that I will be able to actually do it, anymore.
DH and I have eaten lunch, but we’ve left Daddy sleeping for now, as he’s exhausted. DH is asleep sitting on the sofa, and I’m blogging and resting. We’re all three worn out from the morning’s doings. LOL
This nurse says the other nurse will bring the air mattress when she comes later in the week, which should help his bottom a good bit.
I managed to control my temper while the nurse was here, as I didn’t see that anything useful would come from letting her know just how mad at her I was. My DH knew I was mad, but I don’t think she ever realized it. I hope not, as we have to work with her.
But if we have another situation develop like this one, I doubt if I will be so restrained.
I do appreciate your kind thoughts, Ruth, coming across the ocean, and I will try to remember that when I get so nervous.
{{{HUGS}}}
I’m glad the booties have FINALLY turned up; you did well holding your tongue with the nurse. You must be so angry knowing that they are TRAINED to know how easily a pressure area can come about yet you are left over 2 weeks!!! I’m glad your Dad has opened his bowels with after all your endeavours; he must have been feeling very uncomfortable.
I hope your own problems settle down; and I can imagine how worried you must feel that your own health and strength will let you down when you need it. Try not to be afraid; you are doing everything you can and more….if you are feeling your strength letting you down think very hard about me and and imagine that I am there helping you…perhaps some how you will feel that little extra strength coming across to you.
Rx
DB, I have had some trouble lately with comments on yours and others’ blogs…Google bugs, I think!
I admire your continuing strength and commitment…I could not do it. And yet,even with PD, you show me how you do it, day by day.
You, by your honest stories, inspire me every day to try harder!
I feel your exhaustion; please take care of yourself.
It’s Blogger, for sure, Marion. I’ve had the same problem with some blogs.
Everyone has to come to terms with their own ability to be a caregiver. And no one has the right to judge another in what decision they make. Nor should one person judge themselves by another’s apparent care giving abilities or determination.
So, Ms. Marion, you’re not being fair to yourself to feel like you have to do more than you think is right in your situation! Hope you don’t mind me fussin’ LOL!
Hi, Ruth. Not a good day today, but there’s always tomorrow. Thanks for the good thoughts!
Just popped by to say I hope your day has gone well.