CAREGIVING: A few weeks ago we noticed Kathy’s blood pressure was running very low. So, it seemed logical that we should cut back her blood pressure medicine (Propranolol). We were also adjusting some of her other meds. Scopolamine redo: Kathy’s coughing and lung secretions seem to be bothering her more. It is very common in late-stage Huntington’s Disease. One of her nurses suggested giving the Scopolamine Patch another… Read more →
Tag: medicine
Feeding tube: plumbing hacks
CAREGIVING: Last week Kathy’s feeding tube started acting up. Well, actually it has been a gradual thing. A few months ago I noticed the purple plug end of the tubing (coming from the feeding bag) was slipping out of her stomach port. I fixed that by lightly roughing-up the plug of each bag with a little piece of sandpaper. It is just enough to grip it… Read more →
Dodging a bullet
CAREGIVING: Sometimes it is hard to tell how things are going. I tend to write when things have levelled off rather than when there is a crisis. Things that would be a problem for someone else are things that I am used to in the ebb and flow of caregiving. The last few nights I was able to sleep in my bed… Read more →
Marty gets Vetted-
LIFE: With all the talk in the news about vaccinations I decided Marty should get his shots. I mean he probably wouldn’t get measles, but he was overdue for all of them as well as some tests. In between some of the health scares with Kathy I managed to fit in a visit to the vet with Marty. A few… Read more →
Turning the other cheek-
CAREGIVING: Kathy has had some setbacks lately. Separated by a few days of normal. Followed by a false alarm. I guess I forgot to knock on wood. Keeping it Down: Last weekend it was a stomach issue. She kept regurgitating her feeding formula; or her meds and water; or both. That is dangerous because it can go back down into the lungs… Read more →
Getting recertified for hospice
CAREGIVING: Recertification is one of those things that I am glad I can worry about it. Kathy is doing well enough that she needs to be recertified to continue with hospice care. Medicare pays for hospice, but the general rule of thumb is that since it is end of life, comfort care it is restricted. In other words they want to make… Read more →
The Nurse, the Donkey and the Bereavement Counsellor
CAREGIVING: Our hospice nurse came for one of her visits on Friday. Kathy checked out fine: blood pressure; oxygen with that finger clamp thingie; and her lungs sounded clear. I told her I was starting to give her tastes of food and drink. She thought that was fine as long as I am careful. I also told her I was thinking of cutting… Read more →