but just to get away from the sickroom I watched Paul weed the rhubarb bed. And afterwards he went to the shop for some bread and milk for us. I think I have found another treasure even if he can neither work as hard nor as fast as Old Gardener.
My thanks to everybody who has sent such kind comments to my tale of woe. Beloved is improving but there is still a way to go before he gets back to his old self, if ever. It is now almost certain that he had a somewhat rare adverse reaction to at least two of the medications; he should never have been told to continue with them when the effects became noticeable and I first took him back to the surgery. The Diagnostic Unit has plans for one more test, a head CT in the next week or so. Doctors don’t often commit themselves but two of them have now pointed the finger at prescribed medication being the culprit.
Life is utterly boring now, I am not a terribly graceful nurse; besides, I am exhausted. But needs must and I do so want my dear Beloved back that I spare no effort to this end.
I’ll be back fully in bogland as soon as I can. Until then be patient with me and kind.
I just caught up with your situation. Goodness, we need to really be sure our meds work for, and not against us! Hope things go back to normal for both of you.
ReplyDeleteHi Friko - I'm sure all your readers will be patient and be kind to you ... with thoughts. It's difficult being a graceful nurse and learning that role .. and keeping the professionals helping and generally master-minding life for you both .. so glad Paul is turning out to be an empathetic lover of people and helping out .. that's such good news.
ReplyDeleteI probably can't help - but I'm here should you need ... with much patience and thoughts to you both - somehow, somewhere ... take some time out with Millie to recharge your batteries ... thank goodness for the lovely summer weather - better than this happening in the dark and gloom ... Hilary
You're right. It is very tiring to be the caregiver for a loved one. Even a short walk might help. But you probably know that.
ReplyDeleteDear Friko ~ I had to go back and read your last post as somehow I hadn't read it. I am so sorry for all that you two have gone through, and I know what a terrible scare this was for you. I'm glad to hear your dear Beloved is doing better.
ReplyDeleteBeing a care taker of your loved one is very draining and heart breaking. Do take care of yourself so that you can take care of Beloved.
Love, hugs and prayers for the both of you ~ FlowerLady
Being a caregiver is exhausting. Be kind to yourself and take those little breaks whenever you can. I'm glad Paul was able to pick up a few things for you. Thinking of you both.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of you and your Beloved. Wish him a quick recovery.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Oceans of caring are flowing your way.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that there is an upturn.....but there aren't any quick fixes, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteYou have all my sympathy for the situation in which you both find yourselves - all too familiar at this end - and can only suggest that you make sure that you look after yourself as well as looking after your husband.
too often doctors prescribe more medications for whatever ails you without considering what you are already on and out of laziness even. easier to write a scrip for the new med being pushed than to do some actual doctoring. the pharmaceutical industry is one of the big fails, I think, of modern medicine. they aren't meant to cure anything, just manage symptoms. hopefully when all is said and done your Beloved will be back to normal and on LESS meds.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are finding moments of relaxation since being a caregiver is hard work. I hope your Beloved is healing.
ReplyDeleteLovely picture! And so happy to hear that things are on the mend... will continue to pray for both of you.
ReplyDeleteThe role of caregiver is mine for life with Buddy at my side so I understand the hardship very well though it is your beloved and that is worrisome for you. Let's hope getting him off the stuff will help the recovery. sending you good vibes.
ReplyDeleteThe gardener seems more efficient than mine.
Sending all good thoughts and best wishes to you and Beloved. It is good that Paul a help, and that you give yourself permission, and are able, to take a break now and then. Much love from us to you both, and Millie too.
ReplyDeleteBe patient and kind to our beloved friend: YOURSELF <3
ReplyDeleteALOHA
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
I am so happy that you feel well enough to give your admirers an update. It's a mixed bag, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all we be close enough to normal that you will soon be able to return to us in full flower. :-)
ReplyDeleteThere are too many medications today and not enough known about them. Medications also disagree with each other sometimes.
ReplyDeleteFriko, you are a very dear lady to post this update.
ReplyDeleteGood to learn that Paul's talents, as expected, extend far beyond the garden.
Perhaps not so good, yet encouraging, to learn that some doctor actually signalled that prescriptions might have been...well, a bit excessive.
I'm typing on Saturday evening after getting home from work. How I hope that by the next time you've posted, your Beloved will be more returned to himself. And that you, dear Friko, will have had some hours or even days in which to have this beautiful summer show you its power.
xo
My heart goes out to you, Friko. Please allow others to help if and when they offer. Who cares for the carer? I do hope your beloved is back to his old self soon.
ReplyDeleteOh dear . . . my good thoughts are coming your way with hopes of continued improvement for Beloved- and strength for you to do what you must.
ReplyDeleteToo far away to be of any practical help, I can only send my kindest thoughts to both of you and hope your Beloved's improvement will continue.
ReplyDeleteSeeing as I'm way over here in Atlantic Canada and you're way over there, I'm afraid I cannot just pop over, because I would in a minute. I am happy to hear your beloved is improving and trust me, sometimes those meds are the worst when not taken when they should be or the dose is too high or wrongly prescribed when it should be something else. My Mum went through that and it was over a month before she felt anything like herself and completely coming off TWO meds a doctor had prescribed for her. The she was back to her oldself. You must take care of yourself too dear Friko, take sweet Millie for a walk, or just walk yourself, get out and smell the fresh air, even if only for a bit. Know I will be thinking about you and beloved. Keep posting "off the burner", for now as we would say and do not worry about BlogLand - we will still be here. Sending thoughts and best wishes to you both.
ReplyDeletet worry about BlogLand, we will still be here when you come back.
Everyone's right . Take things easy and do something that you really like doing , something that's interesting and relaxing .
ReplyDeleteA good book , chocolate , soup , music . All of these ....
Hoping soon all returns to normal
ReplyDeleteyou are a good but weary nurse
and remember
to take care of yourself.
Pleased you have more help..
Just had a conversation with brother-in-law about a previous doctor that almost killed him through over-prescription.
ReplyDeleteI've also put in some long weeks as the care giver - thankfully a temporary state of affairs - and would find myself in the bathroom having a quick cry as I emptied a bed pan.
Everyone is offering some excellent advice.
Don't forget yourself.
This is so much more complicated and uncertain than something like a broken leg. That adds to the weariness and anxieties, of course. I'm all full of the impulse to get myself over there and DO SOMETHING -- but it's not possible. So, I'll send good thoughts, and an assurance that it's just fine to be angry, upset, frustrated, and etc. from time to time. Little bursts of emotion like that are like steam from a pressure cooker -- letting them out now and then keeps the whole thing from exploding.
ReplyDeleteAnd how wonderful that Paul's willing to do some of those little things that make such a big difference.
I'm glad that your Beloved is improving and hope to hear even better news soon. DH has been having problems this week with feeling dizzy and faint and being in France all we could do was read all the side-effects of his 3 BP medications until we found the culprit. We have unilaterally halved the dose of this one and the symptoms have disappeared.
ReplyDelete"Life is utterly boring now..."
ReplyDeleteI feel exactly the same way these days, Friko.
What to do...
Yes, needs must. Take whatever time you and beloved need. We'll be here thinking positive thoughts and sending prayers. *love and hugs* :)
ReplyDeleteRooting for you both!
ReplyDelete... wishing u both well, Friko ... and ... bored??? ... I don't believe that 4 one minute ... not u!!! Love, cat.
ReplyDeleteI would love to watch Paul weed my Rhubarb bed if I had one. Glad to hear your Beloved is improving. The warning about meds is timely.
ReplyDeleteYikes! Scary episode! I'm glad he's getting better and I hope he continues to improve. Don't forget to take care of yourself during this (boring?) period.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if medication was at fault here. It was part of the reason a friend of mine had a breakdown, firmly believing he was someone else with the power to 'make things happen'. He was already stressed to begin with.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your beloved is now getting help and hope recovery doesn't take too long.
Your rhubarb is looking great! Mine is sulking :(
I've been away from Blogland too long myself, to the point that I need to do some serious catching up over here. I will now read all sorts of back posts that explain to me the illnesses, etc. Here's to hoping you're all fit and hale now!
ReplyDeleteLaten we er vanuit gaan dat we nu de betere kant opgaan, maar voorlopig nog veel sterkte.
ReplyDeleteI am late to this better news and wonder if your typo-bogland- is not more accurate. We all face these journeys and some handle them with grace and others denial. You seem to be doing the best you can, and honest in admitting that there is also boredom.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very glad things are looking up. It's dreadfully hard to see someone you love in pain but probably a bit (a BIT) easier now that you have a more-or-less firm diagnosis and something that you can actually do something about, unlike so many things. I know you will keep him well and bring him back.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, Paul looks like kind of cute eye candy, and there's something to be said for that -- along with a weeded garden!
thanks for the update, dear Friko, my thoughts are with you through this stressful time.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
So sorry to hear you've been going through all this. A useful reminder to keep an eye on what the doctors are doing (thank goodness, mine seem to be sensible and keep me on a small number of low doses, but all the same......). And to look after yourself as much as possible. What are local social services and community groups like for providing some support?
ReplyDeleteTake care, and God bless you both. xoxox Carol
ReplyDeleteI've just caught up on your last two posts. What a frightening time for you. Medications are a mixed blessing. I do hope it all gets sorted, and that your Beloved is returned to himself and to you again soon.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry - I wouldn't be a graceful nurse either after a day or two. I am glad you have someone there helping you.
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed this. I've been so busy tending my grandkids that I haven't caught up on my blog reading yet. I will be praying for your husband's complete recovery. Those meds can be treacherous.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
You and Beloved are in my thoughts and prayers. I do so hope he recovers quickly. It is so very upsetting to read of the negative effects of a medication. It is also quite scary. I am such a pill avoider. I never fully trust them. I had the terrible experience of seeing a very adverse reaction to a BP med in my husband. It took me a few months and a stern talk with his doctor before she believed me and took him off of the medication. He got better immediately. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
ReplyDeleteBeing a nurse does not come naturally to some of us. I hope you get out for a few walks and some fresh air. Take care, dear Friko.
I am so hoping to find a new post from you soon with good news! I live with a situation similar to yours----my beloved suffers severe back/ hip pain that can't be remedied. We, too, have come across adverse drug reactions over the years. He is also asthmatic. Some years ago he asked for a popular, much advertised asthma medication. Wow, his asthma improved dramatically. BUT within a short time of his starting that drug, he came with the most severe shoulder and hand pains. Woke up at night with excruciating pain in his thumb! All kinds of fixes, possible causes were considered. I suggested he quit that med. Took a while, but the strange pains stopped. I hope your beloved is better!
ReplyDeleteI jsut came back to blogland after my break, and find this. O f course I read the last post, and I am so sad what happened to your Beloved. It sounds very weird and merkwürdig, and I hope you will get a "real" diagnosis and, more important, he gets better and better. You must have been so worried. Patience to you, and all the best to your Beloved.
ReplyDeleteBe kind to yourself, Friko.
ReplyDeleteBoring is lovely.
ReplyDeleteGood healing to Beloved
Avoid rhubarb - the fighting kind.
Dear Friko, I didn’t know this and now I understand after reading the last post. Medications can be a double-edged sword. The drug used to treat a symptom could cause another health problem. Since the doctor seems to have identified the cause, your husband will get better with the proper amount of right medication excluding unnecessary ones. I like your appreciation of the new gardener as “another treasure”. It’s not comparison. Wish your husband’s recovery and your peace of mind sooner, Friko.
ReplyDeleteYoko