Allison Knight's Blog, page 4
May 14, 2014
The Journey
If you have been following the blog for a couple of weeks, or even a couple of months, you have probably noticed the number of times I've written, I'll ask the nurse. Well several times, no nurse showed up to ask.
I have had to change hospice and I've learned a lot as a result. I think this is information that needs to
be discussed if you are considering or know someone who is thinking about hospice.
First, ask a lot of questions. Not of the hospice being considered, but by people who have used the organization. Find out if the hospice is local, profit or a non profit organization. Another thing to consider is has the service been purchased by a new company, or are they looking for a buyer. Have the people you've questioned used the company recently, or is their experience years old? All of these leads to lots of communications. After you have information about the company being considered, then start asking them questions.
And make certain you have the telephone number or an easy way to talk to the person in charge. If what the company original said they would do, isn't being done, then you need someone to contact to let them know there are problems. In fact more than one telephone number might be a great idea.
Over the last two months, my support literally disappeared, affecting how I felt. This time I did things a little different. and as we begin our relationship I have a feeling I made a much better choice. This time I have the telephone number of the people in charge. I will use it if things look like things are not going as promised. And I am looking forward to feeling much better with the worry that has had a horrible affect on how I felt.
I can hope my experience will help someone out there.
Allison
I have had to change hospice and I've learned a lot as a result. I think this is information that needs to
be discussed if you are considering or know someone who is thinking about hospice.
First, ask a lot of questions. Not of the hospice being considered, but by people who have used the organization. Find out if the hospice is local, profit or a non profit organization. Another thing to consider is has the service been purchased by a new company, or are they looking for a buyer. Have the people you've questioned used the company recently, or is their experience years old? All of these leads to lots of communications. After you have information about the company being considered, then start asking them questions.
And make certain you have the telephone number or an easy way to talk to the person in charge. If what the company original said they would do, isn't being done, then you need someone to contact to let them know there are problems. In fact more than one telephone number might be a great idea.
Over the last two months, my support literally disappeared, affecting how I felt. This time I did things a little different. and as we begin our relationship I have a feeling I made a much better choice. This time I have the telephone number of the people in charge. I will use it if things look like things are not going as promised. And I am looking forward to feeling much better with the worry that has had a horrible affect on how I felt.
I can hope my experience will help someone out there.
Allison
May 13, 2014
The Journey
My house is in the process of being cleaned. The furniture in the bedroom is moved, and the new curtains are up, the tulips are gone, I one happy person. It looks beautiful.
Today, I want to work in the office. There's the few things to finish up, and I want to work on the new book. I finished chapter two, and am waiting for critical review by my DH to tear it apart. Which I suspect he enjoys thoroughly. We'll see what he says about this chapter.
Deep breathing exercises are painful and of course my hip is unbelievable. I took the pain meds with me to the bedroom last night and took one about an hour before we got up this morning. It does seem to help. At least I could move a little when I got out of bed. Yesterday I was scared I would have to resort to being bedridden. I'm not ready yet for the bed bit.
I think I'll try making lunch today. DH ought to be thrilled. (grinning) Of course, he has to get everything out for me, so it's not easier for him. But we both get tired of fast food.
Allison
Today, I want to work in the office. There's the few things to finish up, and I want to work on the new book. I finished chapter two, and am waiting for critical review by my DH to tear it apart. Which I suspect he enjoys thoroughly. We'll see what he says about this chapter.
Deep breathing exercises are painful and of course my hip is unbelievable. I took the pain meds with me to the bedroom last night and took one about an hour before we got up this morning. It does seem to help. At least I could move a little when I got out of bed. Yesterday I was scared I would have to resort to being bedridden. I'm not ready yet for the bed bit.
I think I'll try making lunch today. DH ought to be thrilled. (grinning) Of course, he has to get everything out for me, so it's not easier for him. But we both get tired of fast food.
Allison
May 12, 2014
The Journey
Today is cleaning day. My cleaning lady and her team are tearing up the house. (grinning) Literarily. Cabinets washed, curtains washed, baseboards cleaned, floors scrubbed and waxed. And wonderful Granddaughter number two arrived yesterday paint clothes on and painted the tulip border I couldn't stand in my bedroom.
Then she hung the new curtains and the room looks so much better. I will be able to die without having to look at a border of colored blobs that are supposed to look like tulips. They are modernistic.
As a romantic I don't really like modern blobs. Now I'm happy. And the cleaning team is now in the room moving furniture and cleaning. I'm going to get to die with a clean house. That probably sounds silly to some people, but it's important to me. We have to have the carpet cleaned and then I'll be ecstatic. That means I have only a couple of thing to finish up, like arranging the music for my funeral yet and I think??? I have almost everything finished. I'm wondering if I should write my own ob. One more thing - the transfer of the business. Got to do that yet. UGH! I get to deal with the IRS. Keeping fingers crossed it will be simple. Knowing a bit about taxes, oh, boy!!!
With that happy thought, I'm taking a nap.
Allison
Then she hung the new curtains and the room looks so much better. I will be able to die without having to look at a border of colored blobs that are supposed to look like tulips. They are modernistic.
As a romantic I don't really like modern blobs. Now I'm happy. And the cleaning team is now in the room moving furniture and cleaning. I'm going to get to die with a clean house. That probably sounds silly to some people, but it's important to me. We have to have the carpet cleaned and then I'll be ecstatic. That means I have only a couple of thing to finish up, like arranging the music for my funeral yet and I think??? I have almost everything finished. I'm wondering if I should write my own ob. One more thing - the transfer of the business. Got to do that yet. UGH! I get to deal with the IRS. Keeping fingers crossed it will be simple. Knowing a bit about taxes, oh, boy!!!
With that happy thought, I'm taking a nap.
Allison
May 11, 2014
The Journey
Dang it! The hip is getting worse. I'm going to need stronger meds just for that. Other than that, yesterday was a good day. Got a lot done. Cleared up a couple of things I needed to take care of
one being DH. He doesn't feel good, but like most men, the doctor is out. I'm trying to convince him it would really help me if he went to find out what was wrong with him. I just love the macho "I'll cure myself." Now I ask you, is that an inbred attitude, or it part of the male persona?
Today with the hip pain, it's a little rough. That much pain makes breathing a little hard. And I remember when the hip first went. That was bad, this is almost as bad. C'est la vie. Or that's life.
If it "ain't" one thing, it's another. I'm thinking a wheel chair might help. I'll have to talk to the hospice nurse.
Among yesterday's surprises was a huge box from Pro-Flowers. My oldest, his youngest daughter and her (we think) intended sent me the most glorious bunch of flowers. What a delightful surprise. I got them arranged and on the mantel where I can see them. See what you think. I was thrilled to death.
So to all the mothers out there, may you have a tremendous day! Allison
one being DH. He doesn't feel good, but like most men, the doctor is out. I'm trying to convince him it would really help me if he went to find out what was wrong with him. I just love the macho "I'll cure myself." Now I ask you, is that an inbred attitude, or it part of the male persona?
Today with the hip pain, it's a little rough. That much pain makes breathing a little hard. And I remember when the hip first went. That was bad, this is almost as bad. C'est la vie. Or that's life.
If it "ain't" one thing, it's another. I'm thinking a wheel chair might help. I'll have to talk to the hospice nurse.
Among yesterday's surprises was a huge box from Pro-Flowers. My oldest, his youngest daughter and her (we think) intended sent me the most glorious bunch of flowers. What a delightful surprise. I got them arranged and on the mantel where I can see them. See what you think. I was thrilled to death.
So to all the mothers out there, may you have a tremendous day! Allison
May 10, 2014
The Journey
Strange! Really strange! For the last week, I've been dragging, breathing hard, exhaustion, the need to sit and rest for at least 20 - 30 minutes before I try to do just one little thing, like fold a few laundry items.. Now this morning, I feel good. So good in fact I feel like I can fix breakfast. I have one other thing I've wanted to do all week, and today, I do believe I can get it done.
If you are old enough to remember Fibber Magee and Molly, you'll remember their closet (You are also old) (grinning) Well, we have a side by side refrig in the kitchen. The freezer side is like their closet. In fact, I really am not sure wants in that side of the refrig. I want to clean it out, throw out the old stuff, or the bits and pieces I saved to do something with, so I do believe I can accomplish it.
I think I mentioned I really needed to get things done on the days I feel good. Today is that day.
Off to make pancakes. See! I'm having a good day.
Allison
If you are old enough to remember Fibber Magee and Molly, you'll remember their closet (You are also old) (grinning) Well, we have a side by side refrig in the kitchen. The freezer side is like their closet. In fact, I really am not sure wants in that side of the refrig. I want to clean it out, throw out the old stuff, or the bits and pieces I saved to do something with, so I do believe I can accomplish it.
I think I mentioned I really needed to get things done on the days I feel good. Today is that day.
Off to make pancakes. See! I'm having a good day.
Allison
May 9, 2014
The Journey
Today I met my health care aid. What a sweet heart. She helped me bath, get dressed, then she made the bed. It helped me a whole lot. And I wasn't absolutely exhausted this time. I even got to do a bit on the book, but not much. I'm bowing out of some my loops because I just don't have the energy I had even two weeks ago.
The hip cap, which I mentioned yesterday is giving me a lot of trouble. We are going to stronger meds and the hospice nurse mentioned I probably should start thinking about a hospital bed. I told her - not yet. If the cap completely falls apart, then I won't be walking at all and I will need the hospital bed. Not quite ready for that yet. If we do go to stronger meds, some of my comments may not make a lot of sense, so be forewarned.
I'm waiting for word on 'Lovesong', the book I wanted to finish so badly. I've a feeling someone else has taken over the copy edits, because I haven't had the arc sent to me yet. I want to prepare the booklet for that book yet. and I'm still going to work on the new novel. I said, I would probably go at the computer, working on a book. I guess that one the Good Lord will decide.
Now, it's nap time, something that is now a necessity.
Allison
The hip cap, which I mentioned yesterday is giving me a lot of trouble. We are going to stronger meds and the hospice nurse mentioned I probably should start thinking about a hospital bed. I told her - not yet. If the cap completely falls apart, then I won't be walking at all and I will need the hospital bed. Not quite ready for that yet. If we do go to stronger meds, some of my comments may not make a lot of sense, so be forewarned.
I'm waiting for word on 'Lovesong', the book I wanted to finish so badly. I've a feeling someone else has taken over the copy edits, because I haven't had the arc sent to me yet. I want to prepare the booklet for that book yet. and I'm still going to work on the new novel. I said, I would probably go at the computer, working on a book. I guess that one the Good Lord will decide.
Now, it's nap time, something that is now a necessity.
Allison
May 8, 2014
The journey
Well, the hospice nurse just left and it was pretty much what I expect. Things are progressing. The weak meds aren't working well, my hip is torture, and my breathing is more of a struggle. So these updates will probably be shorter as my time here grows shorter. This is the time for lots of prayers for my family. My oldest son and my second oldest granddaughter are aware that I'm sliding down hill.
DH and the other kids don't want it to happen, therefore it will not. But it is and they aren't excepting it. So now, they are the ones who need the prayers.
Except for the tightness and the dull ache when I take a deep breath - or try to, not much pain. X-ray orders are coming trough for a look. That can tell a lot.
A shame they can't fix the cap to my fake hip. That would help a lot. But there is not way they will operate on me now. So, gritting teeth and trying to remember some of those wile words my DH's crews used. And hey, wear words to help.
Allison
DH and the other kids don't want it to happen, therefore it will not. But it is and they aren't excepting it. So now, they are the ones who need the prayers.
Except for the tightness and the dull ache when I take a deep breath - or try to, not much pain. X-ray orders are coming trough for a look. That can tell a lot.
A shame they can't fix the cap to my fake hip. That would help a lot. But there is not way they will operate on me now. So, gritting teeth and trying to remember some of those wile words my DH's crews used. And hey, wear words to help.
Allison
May 6, 2014
The Journey
And there comes a time!
I'm going to have to ask for help. My hospice organization has volunteers who are ready and willing, and I think now I need to ask for some assistant. My oldest is here, and he's going to do the cooking this week, (grinning) this ought to be an adventure. But next week and the week after. Showers have gotten tricky. We have a built in shower stall with a glass door, and that's the one I use, but that's also the one with the O2 problems. We have the big tub with a shower and a shower curtain. It also has a hand held shower head, so I do believe I'm going to have to move from our bedroom suite to the big shower. I'll have the volunteer help me decide when we talk.
I also am suppose to have help with my meals. Notice I said my meals. I guess DH will have to learn to cook the things he likes, because I'm not at the point where I no longer can do the cooking. It takes a while to admit I just can't do what I did four weeks ago, six months ago, a year ago. It just doesn't work. I don't have the energy. It's call sinking slow into the west.
My fingers and my brain work great so far, so I'll be doing this for a while, hopefully. And yes, I am working on my next novel. I'm not ready to quit yet. May be part of my Scottish, German heritage. Maybe the two of them together make me even worse. Now wouldn't that be fun.
Allison
I'm going to have to ask for help. My hospice organization has volunteers who are ready and willing, and I think now I need to ask for some assistant. My oldest is here, and he's going to do the cooking this week, (grinning) this ought to be an adventure. But next week and the week after. Showers have gotten tricky. We have a built in shower stall with a glass door, and that's the one I use, but that's also the one with the O2 problems. We have the big tub with a shower and a shower curtain. It also has a hand held shower head, so I do believe I'm going to have to move from our bedroom suite to the big shower. I'll have the volunteer help me decide when we talk.
I also am suppose to have help with my meals. Notice I said my meals. I guess DH will have to learn to cook the things he likes, because I'm not at the point where I no longer can do the cooking. It takes a while to admit I just can't do what I did four weeks ago, six months ago, a year ago. It just doesn't work. I don't have the energy. It's call sinking slow into the west.
My fingers and my brain work great so far, so I'll be doing this for a while, hopefully. And yes, I am working on my next novel. I'm not ready to quit yet. May be part of my Scottish, German heritage. Maybe the two of them together make me even worse. Now wouldn't that be fun.
Allison
May 5, 2014
The Journey
Definitely, an infection. The Cipro is clearing it up. Lose one, gain another. It's that one of Robert's rules???
Now I think I have pleurisy, right side. I've had this once before, a long time ago, and this is what it felt like, if I remember correctly. Unfortunately my meds aren't cutting it. Oh, dear, another long list of questions for the hospice nurse. (grinning) I wonder how they really feel about people who keep
a list of questions to ask. They say they like it, but I really wonder.
I'm also going to give my oldest a list of foods he and I can fix tomorrow and Wednesday. This ought to shake him up, 'cause I intend to list amount of time to cook, what is required in effort and what needs to be fix to go with the meal. I trying to guess which of the four things I intend to list this he'll pick. This ought to be fun.
Yesterday a wonderful friend made a suggestion. I was way ahead of her and had a shower chair weeks ago. The problem is not with the stool, standing, or sitting. It's the danged tubing. To go over the enclosed shower door, the tubing reaches max. So I have to hold the tubing in one hand to shower. Ever try to soap a wash rag with one hand? I didn't do too well. Today I showered and left the door open a little bit, and dragged the tubing through the door opening. Only problem. Wet floor!
So, which one is best? Wet floor or trying to wash with a soapless rag?
I'm going with the wet floor. I'll just have to use a lot of bath rugs. Problem solved.
Allison
Now I think I have pleurisy, right side. I've had this once before, a long time ago, and this is what it felt like, if I remember correctly. Unfortunately my meds aren't cutting it. Oh, dear, another long list of questions for the hospice nurse. (grinning) I wonder how they really feel about people who keep
a list of questions to ask. They say they like it, but I really wonder.
I'm also going to give my oldest a list of foods he and I can fix tomorrow and Wednesday. This ought to shake him up, 'cause I intend to list amount of time to cook, what is required in effort and what needs to be fix to go with the meal. I trying to guess which of the four things I intend to list this he'll pick. This ought to be fun.
Yesterday a wonderful friend made a suggestion. I was way ahead of her and had a shower chair weeks ago. The problem is not with the stool, standing, or sitting. It's the danged tubing. To go over the enclosed shower door, the tubing reaches max. So I have to hold the tubing in one hand to shower. Ever try to soap a wash rag with one hand? I didn't do too well. Today I showered and left the door open a little bit, and dragged the tubing through the door opening. Only problem. Wet floor!
So, which one is best? Wet floor or trying to wash with a soapless rag?
I'm going with the wet floor. I'll just have to use a lot of bath rugs. Problem solved.
Allison
May 4, 2014
The Journey
Years ago, I had to have my right hip replaced, because of arthritis. They said at the time it would be good for 12 to 15 years. That was just over 15 years ago. The cap is gone and it hurts like h.....
And again, my sweetheart and I are suffering from back pain in the same place. This guy wants to share everything, whether it's my fault or his. I really think he can have the back pain back. Every single breath is torture.
The antibiotic seems to be working which if great. Means no bronc, no IV fluids, no trips to the hospital. Just one of those is reason to celebrate. So, we will classify this as a really good day. I know my hospice nurse will be please. Now to get rid of the back pain. (grinning) I don't want much do I?
I spent some time on the second chapter of Once More yesterday. I've discovered when I like a word, I use it to death. But these words I like keep changing. For a while it was 'that', then 'and then'. Now I trying to kill 'had'. If you think you might like to write a book, or give a speech, think about which word you really like. 'Bet you use it to death! I know I do. And as an author I often listen to speech patterns. I'm not alone with this habit. Might want to check and see how you do.
Allison, feeling much better today.
And again, my sweetheart and I are suffering from back pain in the same place. This guy wants to share everything, whether it's my fault or his. I really think he can have the back pain back. Every single breath is torture.
The antibiotic seems to be working which if great. Means no bronc, no IV fluids, no trips to the hospital. Just one of those is reason to celebrate. So, we will classify this as a really good day. I know my hospice nurse will be please. Now to get rid of the back pain. (grinning) I don't want much do I?
I spent some time on the second chapter of Once More yesterday. I've discovered when I like a word, I use it to death. But these words I like keep changing. For a while it was 'that', then 'and then'. Now I trying to kill 'had'. If you think you might like to write a book, or give a speech, think about which word you really like. 'Bet you use it to death! I know I do. And as an author I often listen to speech patterns. I'm not alone with this habit. Might want to check and see how you do.
Allison, feeling much better today.
