Nurse came a day early yesterday at my request because Gary has now developed chest congestion on top of all the other complications. They delivered liquid mucinex for that yesterday, and, due to him now often having trouble swallowing pill medication, he is now taking liquid morphine as needed for shortness of breath and pain vs. Lortab for the break-through pain. So he's on time-release morphine plus liquid morphine as-needed. He rested very comfortably last night after dosing him with the mucinex, giving a breathing treatment and the liquid morphine. His pulse came down to normal and he was able to rest his head, which is now very rare.
Nurse comes once a week or more, and CNA's are coming 3 times a week for bathing and personal care. I have upped the caregivers to at least 4 days a week, 10 hours per day to assist us, and I'll likely up it to 10 hours a day at least 6 days a week, starting next week.
Still losing weight and not eating much at all--with the high-calorie nutrition drinks, we're only managing to get about 800 calories or so in every day before he refuses to eat. Moving him is becoming more and more of a challenge, and he's extremely slumped over whenever he's in a seated position, so we're about down to him staying in the hospital bed only, for comfort. We're completely set up with the DirecTV in the bedroom, though he doesn't focus on that much anymore, either.
He does know the Chargers are in the playoffs. Patty Jo, Johnny and Joanie are all coming this weekend...will be here Friday about Noon, and will spend the weekend. Staying at the Fiesta, but visiting and watching the Charger game with us, etc.
We're holding it together...Hospice is here for us whenever we need them if Gary goes into crisis. They have been VERY responsive and supportive to all our needs.
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