Eric and Michelle, where are you??

moving on up
replying so this gets moved up . .

Merry Christmas

chemosmoker said:

OK Im here and things are looking "up"...
YOU are so nice to care so much,
I am dealing with the winded issues. We switched hospice the same week that my doctor (new hospice doc) got called out on a family emergency, it's Christmas, I am just going easy and NOT doing anything physical to avoid shortness of breathe until the doc is back next week. My pain levels went up and no doc to adjust so that's fun, too.

It's Christmas, I have family and friends all rounds, I HAVE meds and it will ALL work out with an update to follow after the holiday.

NO ONE GO AND DYE ON US OK?? Let'a get through Christmas and talk next week and I will let you know HOW they fix me!


God bless you all. HANG TOGETHER AND BE STRONG!!!
Eric

meds
Eric,

I know you are already on tons of meds, but talk with Michelle about adjusting on your own. As Kevin's pain was increasing both his doc and his hospice nurse said - TAKE IT!! Whatever you need, do not watch the clock, go by what your body is telling you. I had taken over Kevin's meds last month and we adjusted accordingly and spoke with the nurse or doc afterwards. As i know you are aware, pain management is paramount. I seem to remember Michelle took over your meds a bit ago as well. I am certain that she has gotten to the point where she can merely LOOK at you and know what you need - pain med, nausea med, anxiety med - even before you speak. I knew exactly what Kevin needed just by looking at his sweet face and body language. I always confirmed with him what I was seeing and gave him meds accordingly. Now, admittedly, I was brazen with our healthcare team and they knew it. I was not going to sit back and wait for their approval if Kevin was in pain - I just told them what I did if he needed it. They always approved the changes though.

Conserve all your oxygen and energy for what is absolutely necessary - such as spending time with your wife and children. As Kevin's energy decreased and his shortness of breath increased, we only showered twice a week and did all the essentials the other days. A shower became an event that required planning, a nap before and was sure to put him fast asleep for a good 2 hours afterwards.

Enjoy your holidays Eric - I am pleased beyond words for you.

Whitney

ritawaite13 said:

Great news
Thanks for posting Eric and I'm really happy that things are looking UP!! I definately agree with Whitney - save your strength for what is important. Showering can be taxing and we found that using a cheap resin lawn chair in the shower with a hand held shower head can be an energy saving tool. I smile when I remember Greg using that hand held shower for the first time...OMG, there was water dripping off the ceiling and puddles on the floor. Even the toilet tissue wasn't able to be saved. Lesson learned!!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
I am headed to our home in Mesa AZ tomorrow - my daughter and son in law are flying with me. When they leave, my son and his family are coming followed by a steady succession of friends and family. I am very blessed. My trusty little laptop will be right with me so I'll be keeping tabs on all of my EC site friends.
Hugs to you
Rita

Have a Merry Christmas,
Have a Merry Christmas, Eric. Cherish it all.