I really didn't think I had skipped a day on my blog until something nagged at me today and I checked. I guess I should fill you in with what I have been dealing with the past two days.
The Beast WAS supposed to leave early this morning to arrive at his sister's around 5pm or so. However, the Beast must have slept wrong because he woke up with a severe pain from his neck down to the wing bone of his back (the muscle IS a bit swollen). He can't lift that arm and it's a real experience to get his T-shirt on and off him.
I've been using a liniment on the area and applying heat to it. He can't leave in the condition he's in because he needs help getting dressed. He can't even put his own socks and shoes on. Sigh!
So, here I am, dealing with giving myself an IV twice a day. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal but it also involves injecting saline in the shunt first (and we must remove the air bubble from the injector, don't forget) then putting the IV tubing into it. After that's finished, another injection of saline and then another one of a mild heparin solution to keep the shunt open and prevent clotting. **Sigh** It's not fun to remember to close off the tubing so I am not always having to bleed a lot of air out of it, to apply alcohol to several different areas (including myself) before starting or after the IV is finished. And let me tell you....the IV was SUPPOSED to only take an hour but it's closer to an hour and a half.
Now add the Beast and his constant need for help to the mix. I must look hysterical carrying the pole around with me while applying liniment to the Beast's shoulder area or into the bedroom to help take off or put on his T-shirt/socks/shoes. I also have to help him into his jacket when he goes outside. I was so tired of his whining that I actually told him to stop trying to *man up* and take a damn pain pill! He finally did a little while ago (HURRAH!) so I am hoping for some relief....at least for a little while, I hope.
Now, I told Chewlee she could spend the night with me when I thought the Beast would be gone and it could be just the two of us. Well, she's here regardless and we are managing so far. I've played Candy Land with her, colored with her, helped her build a *hide-out* in my computer room (which ended up covering half the room with three or four blankets and me sitting on the corners of two of them....LOL. Chewlee is the only one happy that I can't use taking a shower as an excuse to put her to bed earlier than I go. I can't get this whole shunt area wet since it would cause the bandage covering to slip off and other things that might cause me serious problems other than the feeling that my B.O. is going to cause people to faint as I walk past them....LOL. I was never fond of P.T.A. baths because I just don't feel CLEAN no matter how fastidious I am.
Anyway, now you can imagine what my life had been like for the past two days, especially since the Beast, being a MAN, is such a whiner. No one in the whole world has EVER felt as bad as HE does....*shaking head here*. I feel like screaming at times but hold my tongue. He's probably going to be *a man* and drive up to the Chicago area on Christmas Day (yes, you heard me right) IF he feels like he can take off his own T-shirts. He'll *tough it out like a MAN!* then and make the trip. Since his sister's hubby is already in Hospice, he isn't long for this world and it would be nice for the Beast to be able to see him BEFORE he dies. Oh well. We shall see what happens.
Love you all. Much colder here today by about 20 degrees so the heat is cranked up and a true jacket is required outerwear now. Not cold enough for snow but, with rain expected, I am praying our temperature doesn't take a nosedive. You take care now, especially if you are traveling to be with family. Drive carefully because the life you save may be your own. Check on the Weather Channel to see what kind of weather you will be driving into and make sure you have the appropriate clothing to deal with it. And don't forget cold weather supplies....just in case! And have a wonderful, safe Christmas holiday. **Wink**
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