Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Daughter Is Coming

Daughter is flying in tomorrow and not a minute too soon. I am more than ready to see her. Bob is also looking forward to her visit.

This week has been an exercise in medication frustration. I do wish doctors paid closer attention to the drugs they're handing out. Bob had an appointment with a doctor last week that I thought was a very simple medication check-in. I thought he would be okay on his own for that appointment so I stayed down in the lobby. I really hate that I'm taking away some of his independence by going in with him to see the doctor. I should have gone with him. I've been sitting on a medication  dilemma  for almost a week now grumbling to myself, and trying to decide what to do. Finally, this morning my brain cleared and I took action.

This morning he had an appointment with the pulmonary specialist, also for a simple check-in. He's always done that one alone as well, and has always driven to that one. Earlier this week I had decided "No more driving for you Buster." I completely forgot until he was ready to walk out the door and there I sat still in my robe. He made it but I've got to see that doesn't happen again.

He asked the doctor for a handicap sticker but he told him no because he needed to be walking. I do hope Bob's not going to focus on that idea. I really do not want to deal with that at this time.

He's having blood pressure problems again. I discovered he never halved his medication like he was supposed to so we had to deal with that. I've halved his pills and am keeping a good log on his blood pressure here for a few days. May have to contact the cardiologist again but need documentation. I asked if he was feeling bad to which he replied he was feeling good. When I pressed him he said he was feeling good except for the times he couldn't see for about 20 seconds. That's when I decided no more driving for him.

He cleaned the stove top in preparation for daughter's visit but couldn't put it back together. That resulted in a maintenance call.

He's sitting on the patio some and calling out to dog owners walking their dogs. He loves Phoebe the Bouvier but she's just a pup, and gets excited when he talks to her. Yesterday the owner and I were trying to keep her from knocking Bob over when she turned and put her paws on me leaving mud all the way down the front of my clothes.

He's also made friends with a black pug. That would be a perfect dog for him. We had a fawn colored pug one time and it was a wonderful dog. My biggest objection is they shed something awful. I'm also not sure that's the breed I'd want for myself. I go back and forth on the dog issue. I'd love a dog but think it's probably not wise to get one. I think Bob would enjoy one but he also frets and worries over pets so I don't know. There's also the walking situation. Need a lot more thought on this subject. A cute mature rescue dog might be nice.

I have to be careful on the dog subject because I want a dog so bad I can hardly stand it.  Have to be sure that's not influencing the decision.

While daughter is visiting I probably will not be posting every day, but you never know.

23 comments:

  1. I love my dogs, so don't get me wrong, but I am having trouble taking care of them when DH is gone. Sometimes I sleep through when I should let them outside. I try to feed them on schedule, but sometimes I simply can't breathe well enough to take care of that very little chore. When you get a dog (cat, fish) it will depend on you. Do you want that extra? Believe me, it is extra and the animal deserves as much attention as possible. That necessary walk in the rain will take you out of the house - is Bob going with you? Just a thought ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I'm always pulled back to sanity just in the nick of time, we will not be getting a pet. I had pets for 52 years and it's so hard not to have one but a dog is all I'd be interested in and they're the most demanding. I do want one though.

      Delete
  2. Being proactive about things that involve health and safety can save you a world of hurt and prevent a fast downward spiral. I know it's tough to feel like you're taking independence away when you go in with Bob for appointments and help with pills, but often times the care recipient/spouse is relieved to have the help. Getting confused or forgetful over simple tasks can be just as stressful and depressing as accepting help.

    Have a good time with your daughter around.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've had four conversations with a doctors office over a new Rx I wasn't there to hear about. I would have saved the doctor's office a bunch of time and us as well. From now I will always go in with him.

      Delete
  3. It sure looks like you have a lot on your plate, it will be good to have daughter there. I took my mother to her doctor appointments for a couple of years and she complained once that the doctors always looked at me when they talked and not at her. Maybe if you can somehow direct Bob's doctor's eyes toward him when they talk, he won't feel that you are interfering.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good point. The problem with Bob is he always checks out when the doctor begins talking to him and makes jokes about me thinking I'm a doctor. Telling the doctor just to talk to me that I'm his secretary etc. I really don't like it. Very frustrating.

      Delete
  4. Bob is so lucky to have you. You are a strong advocate for him. Enjoy your time with your daughter. I'm sure she'll be glad to see both of you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm really looking forward to her visit. I think all of us need to be together for a few days.

      Delete
  5. With medication you need all the help you can get. I have difficulty understanding prescriptions ans how they are to be taken.Yes, go with Bob for everything. He will appreciate the support at the clinic and at home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I think I learned my lesson this week. I wasn't expecting a new prescription but I suppose that's possible for any visit so I'll be sure and show up from now on.

      Delete
  6. I'm glad your daughter is coming. Bob will feel even more pampered, and you will have someone with whom to share your burdens.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I'm looking forward to her visit more this time than I have any over the last twelve years. Son is here in town and does anything we ask him to do but he doesn't think beyond that. Probably the boy/girl difference.

      Delete
  7. Oh, that driving thing. I remember facing that issue with my father. I knew it was time for him to stop. My brother lived next-door to him, and they had a very close relationship. He's very big on personal autonomy, so when I asked him when he thought we should talk to Dad about driving, he said never. As long as Dad was of sound mind he would make his own decisions. A couple of weeks later Dad had an accident. No one was hurt, but Dad decided that his driving days were over. Thank goodness.

    I enjoyed your last post very much. I find that I've become more introverted with age, and I enjoy solitary pursuits more than I once did. I don't think this is uncommon. Anyway, I enjoyed your thoughts on the subject.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob has actually been pretty good about the driving issue. At least he never resists when I say I'm going to drive. He may want to drive more but he doesn't quarrel with me about it. It was my slip up this morning. Left to his own, no doubt he would drive.

      Delete
  8. I forgot to say enjoy your visit with your daughter. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Enjoy your daughter's visit! I know you will. I hope her visit gives you some down time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so excited this morning I can hardly stand it. I may cry when I lay eyes on her.

      Delete
  10. I go in with Louis Dean unless it's a routine blood work appointment! It takes both of us to remember what the doctor says!
    I can tell how precious the time you get to spend with your daughter is to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trust me Bob will never go alone again. Daughter is here and I'm thrilled. Never been so happy to see her.

      Delete
  11. It is probably a very good thing to have your daughter's eye on things. I am sure she can be a little objective simply because she is not in the very midst of having to drain the swamp while having pants to hold up. Let her take care of you a little too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so ready for exactly what you describe. I really need her advice and input.

      Delete
  12. I'll be anxious to hear more about what your daughter has to say. It really sounds like he is declining fast in some areas and that you don't really have the choice but to step in. However, your daughter will be able to see how things really are and advise you. I know this must be so hard for you. We are all pulling for you. Hold on.

    ReplyDelete