Caregiving

I'm running an ICU here.  I've been neglecting Sam while I take care of Charley and Sam is in not so good shape.   Charley continues to be in pretty bad shape and I've got blood and urine soaked rags everywhere.  He's like a new puppy - dripping bloody urine all over the floors.  Thank goodness we have all hardwood floors!  I have to add that I'm so very grateful for the support I'm getting.  The surgeon's nurse has a direct line and is very nice about talking to me whenever we're worried about something and the guys I get Sam's allergy supplies from have spent a lot of time on the phone giving me advice about keeping this place sanitized and disinfected.  (Aller-Caire The Allergy Store 1-800-547-8095)

Last night I was in tears because it took me 25 hours to get Charley's pain medicine prescription filled - problem after problem, long story - and then he didn't want to take it.  So I got him some ibuprofen and he took some baby aspirin.  And the nurse said both of those were wrong - they thin his blood and he won't heal.  So I had to go back to the pharmacy and get acetaminophen.  Charley said, "You aren't taking care of yourself.  You have to take better care of yourself."  So I skipped Sam's last breathing routine and went to bed. 

This morning Charley was mad at me because Sam had a bad night and because he had a LOT of blood everywhere.  It reminded me of something - I kept trying to remember what.  Then I finally remembered.  He reminds me of ME - when I was in labor!!!!  Cranky, scared and easily confused.  Actually he kind of goes back and forth between sort of labor pains and really bad menstrual cramps.  So I got him some of those pads that you put on your belly and they warm up.  This morning the nurse said the blood is from the aspirin yesterday and he should "TAKE THE NARCOTIC."  If he doesn't maybe I will!

But today's a new day and I did get a good night's sleep.  I just have to stay calm and do absolutely NOTHING extra.  (Well, except knit.)  Everyone keeps saying, "I don't know how you do it."  Well, I don't do it very well.   I do it pretty much the way anyone else would do it.  I just do what I can and then hope no one dies.

The catheter comes out next Thursday and then we'll see how incontinent Charley is.  I haven't reminded him that he will continue to be incontinent AFTER they remove the catheter - I don't think he could stand to hear that now.  But it WILL get better as time goes by...