Side Effects Of Medications

I finally have a moment to sit and look at my blog.  My life has been turned upside down for a few weeks.  I finally was able to bring my dad home from the hospital last Wednesday evening.  He was getting around pretty good until Saturday when he went down hill.  One of his medications was causing some very unpleasant side effects.   We were instructed to stop the medication and we were so glad.  My dad did not eat for two days and he is weak.   He is eating very little.  The nurse told him to eat six small meals a day.  He is stubborn and says nothing taste good.  I told him he has to eat regardless.  He holds the power to get well.  I can only encourage him, but he has to have the mind set to get stronger.  He was doing so well and hope we can get past this hurdle. 

I am exhausted and it is so nice to just be home and sit here writing.  I don't remember going to bed last night, but slept a long time.  I feel like I could go back to sleep right now.  I keep reminding myself that I need time to myself as a caregiver, but it is hard when someone needs a lot of care.  We are working on getting home health care nurses, physical therapy and occupational therapy.  I hope they can help, because I am running out of fuel.  The nurse today that visited said he is doing well.  That is easy for them to say based on 20 minutes they spent with him.  It is frustrating for my dad to feel poorly and heartbreaking for the family to see him struggling.  We were told it may take awhile for the side effects of the drug to wear off.  I know we need medications to help us recover,  but the side effects are very debilitating.  For now I will cherish this short time by myself.   I am hoping in another month this will all be behind us. 

We have finally gotten into some drier weather.  Yes it feels like summer now and my garden is producing like crazy.  I had to laugh as I read my last post that said I was pooping grape tomatoes in my mouth.  The auto correct likes to change words and I did correct that.  I assure everyone I was popping grape tomatoes into my mouth.  They are delicious.  Well it is time to sign off as I just caught myself nodding off while typing.   Please say a prayer for my dad.

Life Is Beautiful !!

Elizabeth:)

Our Body Responds To Our Thoughts

Sitting here inside today and enjoying the air conditioner, as it is in the nineties.  We had a week of severe storms and lots of rain.   North of us got six inches of rain that fell on Tuesday.  Where is my boat and oars?  It is nice to see the sunshine and to sit and relax for a few minutes.  This is the wettest and greenest summer in years.  My garden has exploded with fresh vegetables.  I was picking grape tomatoes off the vine and popping  them in my mouth.  They are so good.

My dad is doing well after a long week of recovery in the ICU.  He finally has made it to the step down unit and I am finally starting to see his ornery personality coming back.  He said he call tell his heart is working good.  His shortness of breathe has subsided with activity.  The doctors are working on getting his red blood counts regulated and we are beginning to see a discharge date in the next couple of days.   I will be glad when he is able to return home, as it has been a long week traveling back and forth to the hospital.  Although I am very happy he is doing well and seeing him smile has been worth all the disruption in our lives.  The last six months of watching him struggle to do even the simplest of activities was heartbreaking.  I hope now his dream of living into his nineties comes true.  My dad informed he told his nurses he wasn't old and they believed him as they said they were quite impressed how well he has recovered.  He has his own cheering squad at the hospital.  Way to go dad.  I love you!

The mind is a powerful thing and our body believes what the mind thinks.  My dad believed in his surgeons and other doctors.  They have taken good care of him.  We are very grateful to them.  God bless them!

Life is beautiful !!

Elizabeth:)