Follow
Share
Read More
Find Care & Housing
Worst Christmas ever! My 84 yo mom has bronchitis, my son is in the navy (thankfully he was home the week prior to Christmas but we didn’t see him as much as I had expected during his visit) and my brother who used to live right around the corner from my parents moved to iowa so he could afford to help his son with college. So this Christmas was just me and my husband (who, btw, has been driving me absolutely bananas ever since this new phase with my dad started a little over a month ago. He is really just being himself::: a loud talker who works a number of hours from home when not on the road and is always in comedian mode—maybe more-so when he doesn’t know how to deal with my emotions. His humor is what I fell in love with 6 years ago but… it has its place and for some reason I am just annoyed by it lately!). We visited my dad in the nursing home on Christmas Day. no one could wake him all day (we arrived at noon), which meant he hadn’t eaten. Apparently he was awake most of Christmas Eve and they told us he even said Merry Christmas that day even tho he is mostly unable to speak anymore. After a couple hours of “visiting” and trying to wake him, we decided to give up. I gave him a huge long hug (likely the biggest hug I have given him in my adult life) and that’s what woke him! He didn’t want to eat more than tthe dessert that came with the lunch (the lunch itself made him grimace:: puréed green beans, chicken and dressing 🤢) . When I was in the bathroom, i had my husband tell him that I will be OK whenever he chooses to go. He dozed off after about 30 min of awake time (he was mostly in a daze) and that was that. In total, We were there for almost 3 hours. I was sad and drained the rest of the day and had a difficult time falling asleep due to the experience. My dad is 90 (91 in March if he makes it) and after his last stroke a month+ ago that forced my mom to finally put him in a nursing home, he is unable do anything himself. So difficult to witness this deterioration esp around the holidays . First Christmas ever in my life without a family gathering. But grateful my dad woke up and he got to see that we were there on this special holiday. I hope he remembers . Also glad my son & I had a decent visit with him the week prior 💕 Likely the last Christmas we will have with him. 💔
(3)
Report

Eva sorry to hear about your DH pain. Pain doesn’t take a holiday even for Christmas so happy he found some relief.
I hope he gets answers as soon as possible and you relief from stress and worry if even possible.

Golden, I hope your Honey is feeling more pain free as well.

DH aunt doesn’t mention pain ever. Thirst she will acknowledge. Recently her respiration increased to 32 and through process of elimination it was deemed pain from some mysterious swelling on her knee and hip and now her wrist. She was given a tiny bit of morphine twice and the respiration returned to the normal range. Plus we discovered her thyroid TSH is very high at 7.24. Other than pneumonia two years ago, this is the first time she has been ill in the three years she has been in facility care. She is 98 so I suppose it is allowed. But all a mystery.
(2)
Report

((((Eva)))) Thank God! One day at a time. Relief from pain is a big thing. See if you can relax a bit too.
(2)
Report

Golden,
Thanks. Hubby doing better, drugs seem to be working. Just hoping they will find a real reason for his pain. Have to wait after Christmas.
(2)
Report

Dear Eva - He is going through a really tough time with pain all over. I hope and pray the drugs take effect and he has some relief and sleep tonight, and you get some rest as well. I am so sorry you both are going through this.
(1)
Report

Alva,
The pain last time as far as they could tell was due to unspecified infection. No conclusion was reached. Nothing was resolved, he was always in pain somewhat after last hospitalization but has high tolerance for pain. Until it intensified about a week ago especially at night, could not stay in bed because as if something was protruding and it was more painful.
This time pain is not just in the back but arms, legs, neck, basically everywhere. Even with strong drugs.
(3)
Report

Eva, thinking of you.
This pain was the issue last time, too I recall.
How was it then resolved. Did it somehow all just go away and now suddenly all just come back?
(2)
Report

Thanks Llama, Golden, Alva, Nacy, Psue. Your support means a lot.
Hubby moved from ER. Not much is going to be done because it is almost Xmas. No doctors! No comment.
Meanwhile they keep giving him hydromorphone. Even with that he is in pain.
(2)
Report

Eva: Prayers sent.
(2)
Report

(((((Eva))))) - Mother had spinal compression pain at one time. It was excruciating and she generally tolerated pain well. Eventually it passed She had good muscle tone. More prayers.

psue - He doesn't have migraine symptoms. The hormone therapy for his prostate cancer causes headaches, and so does a severe concussion. No surprises there. He has seen a dr again and said the meds he prescribed before, which helped, have side effects. I asked what the dr suggested and R didn't answer I will ask again, He broke his neck bull riding when he was young. His dr says he is in great shape but his musculoskeletal system has been beaten up. That brings pain as you get older. Thankfully his knee op has solved that problem. He is in the pool having a blast cavorting with 2 grandsons so all is well right now. In many ways he is a machine. He is takin some anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories I have given him (not NSAIDS).

You will see from a whine post I missed the boat. So so happy you have found the right placement for dh. Before Jan 1 - wow. That will be a scramble. Surely Christmas can be low key this year, but I also understand you will want to make it special for dh. He sounds like a man who is easily pleased by your efforts for him. ((((hugs)))) to you. Breathe deep. Take care of yourself. You are the Kingpin (Queenpin?) in all of this. Guilty - indeed not!
(1)
Report

I almost feel guilty posting what’s on my mind with so much suffering, fear and loss going on, but here goes….
I have found the right facility for my DH and we are in the midst of the intake process. It has been like a perfect piece of the puzzle falling into place at exactly the right time, just like so much of this last 2 years has been. The move; the house in the woods; the decline; the garbage truck incident; the “assault”; the vacancy in a beautiful facility 4.5 miles from our house; the support of DH’s family and mine in my decision to place him; and YOU, who may be the most perfect piece of all.
I know there are hard times coming very soon as our move-in date is before January 1 in order to take advantage of the considerable incentives. A short timetable, and all the emotional and financial mess looming on the horizon, has my nerves jangling. Getting through Christmas is going to be challenging. But I want to thank you all for your incredible support and advice; there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I could not have done any of this without you.
(6)
Report

Golden, has R tried any of the migraine medicines on the market? Does he have any of the classic migraine symptoms? I’ve heard some people get relief with Botox injections.
Why does it not surprise me that R once broke his neck - the man is a MACHINE!
(2)
Report

Eva, you must be sick with worry. This has been a hell of a December for so many on this forum. I know it’s nothing, but I’m thinking about you and your husband and hoping for relief.
(1)
Report

Eva, at a certain point we all get compression. I have it at 82. My bro did at 86. N. does at 84. The discs just compress down without that gel cushion. Quite honestly the back pain comes and it goes, is worse and is better, but back pain can be quite shockingly acute. I have had nerve pain strike so hard my ears kind of close off and I am coming up the alley and stairs on my butt. The goes to muscle which is achy and awful.
If we are completely cognizant we can UNDERSTAND it, that it comes and it goes and is bad now, so lay down but will be better later. Usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks when acute, can go all the way down nerve into the foot.
Honestly not a lot to be DONE about it but say I hurt, move on best you can, and let it heal; it will be back. Not an old nurse out there without it I think. And with age we all get the compression.
I think pain can be terrifying when really bad, and the terror makes us clench everything together all the worse, unable to relax ourselves, and playing into it. I am hoping he gets some relief, but this may be a come and go on going thing now. The more he can understand that the more it can help him move through it.
Scan should kind of show how bad it looks, even xray often enough.
(2)
Report

Thank you Alva, Golden, Nacy.
Alva,
Pain started before, so intense by Saturday called 911.
It is his back, he feels like something is breaking, snapping, cannot move. If I google symptoms seems like spinal cord compression or worse. But I hope I am wrong.
To add to stress he is in ER as there are about 30 people waiting for hospital beds and all they do is trying to manage pain. Unsuccessfully so far. Never saw my husband so distressed he tolerated lots of pain.
(1)
Report

Eva (((((hugs)))) Sadly the hospital is the probably best place for your hub right now, I hope they get the pneumonia treated successfully and some relief for the pain. Prayers for both of you.

nacy - we are not sure what triggers the headaches. R says sunlight on snow (which is very bright) is one trigger, fatigue/lack of sleep and stress are likely others. He once broke his neck and we think that';s another factor.

Ali - I am so glad you are enjoying the neuropsych class. I know I would find it very interesting and complex.

I think my quietude will soon be overrun by young boys anxious to get changed and head to the water park.
(1)
Report

@Eva, I am so sorry. I was hoping for a better year for us all coming up, but we are closing in on the end of this year and here you are dealing with the hospital and the pain again. Where exactly is hubby experiencing the pain and do we know exactly the origin of it? You are right about the pneumonia and there are some serious ones occurring now from what I am seeing. Do you already have choices in your own mind/in his should he need assist in breathing? I am a do-not-assist at this point and would opt for the comfort drugs. I hope he is not resistant to drugs and can pull out of this. Thinking of you.

@Ali: I don't know about WINNING. But the beast is at bay after the lumpectomy in February last. So far at least. First followup exam and mammograms looking good. So will keep our eyes out for it. I feel well and thanks. But I don't consider it a WIN. I know it's there. I try to convince it that it doesn't want to KILL the host, ha ha.

I worry about the fact that NeedsHelp hasn't returned to us and I now accept that can mean nothing good. I don't believe she would leave that long without any of us knowing she's just "on break".

I hope all enjoy the love of those in their lives in these holidays, however you do or do not celebrate them.
(2)
Report

So many are experiencing such sad events this year.
Alva, CW, River so sorry.
I am facing big unknown right now.
My husband is in hospital again.
Seems like lots of complications and pneumonia which is scary with Parkinson’s disease.
And they cannot get pain under control. Not eating, hardly able to talk.
(3)
Report

I can't imagine being given a cancer dx and battling the disease over months with different treatments. Alva, you fought the alien and won. 💜

*I previously dropped a "thought bomb" comment here that came up in my neuropsychology class around Semantic Dementia; I will post about it another time when I have time to be more thoughtful -- I'm rushing like crazy for class and holiday prep. Semantic Dementia is very interesting to me, as I haven't previously heard of it.

I wish everyone a good holiday prep time! There's a lot to get lined up. :)
(1)
Report

@Riverdale:
I am so sorry. The big C is so much harder when you have young ones as does your daughter. But do let her know that I survived a mastectomy (had reconstruction at the time, always hated it and explanted it about 9 years ago) and chemo 38 years ago. There was cancer in two of my nodes at that time.
Cancer FREE for 38 after that. It's a year of hell, then a year of being scared every time you get headache (it's in my BRAIN) or shin splint (It's in my BONE) or anything else. Then a year of feeling pretty good, but even feel good is scaring you (Because if I let down the guard it will come BACK). It's crazy making time. I didn't get so sick as I did just get exhausted and depressed and had a taste of copper pennies in my mouth.
So last year you likely remember found a lump in October, lumpectomy in February and yup, I made another one at age 82. Cancer at 82 is LOTS easier. Sorry. That's the truth.

I don't know if daughter does Facebook but there's a support group there I absolutely LOVE and would give you name if you private message me if she's interested. Otherwise tell her this sucks. Tell her she gets to feel down on some days and that not being positive ever second doesn't KILL. I planned my whole FUNERAL and it didn't kill me 38 years ago. I was mean and depressed and scared and it didn't kill me. Let her think and feel whatever she wants to think and feel, because she's the warrior now, and she gets to think whatever the Hades she wants to.

My best to her and to you both.
And to all others here on Forum who are just DEALING right now.
For myself I am currently dealing with my own Grinch-i-ness. But that's my norm in the season and I will soon set right.
(4)
Report

nacy - that's chilly. Minus 9 C (15F) here. We are getting a break for the holidays.
(0)
Report

Riverdale, chemotherapy is hard, I won’t deny it. Your daughter probably won’t feel like herself for quite some time and she’s going to need respite and encouragement, especially with the kids. It will help her so much if you can keep reminding her that to endure is enough. She doesn’t need to achieve or accomplish, or even participate right now, she just needs to endure. You will be there when she needs you.
All will be well. Her zest for life will return. Her strength will too. It just takes time. Of course you’re going to cry for her; she’s your baby girl and this is devastating. But she can do this with your support; you raised her well.
(4)
Report

River: Hugs and prayers sent for you and your DD.
(1)
Report

River - I'm so sorry, but glad they caught it. It's always a hard diagnosis to hear and your dd being a mom with young children.It's good the older children can help as a two year old can be quite a handful. Prayers for you all.
(3)
Report

CW, I'm just catching up here. What a tragedy! I'm so sorry.

Riverdale, I don't think there is anything worse than seeing our kids ill or in pain. Crying gives me relief too.

Thinking good thoughts and sending healing prayers for your daughter.
(2)
Report

A few months ago I shared on this post I believe that my 43 year old daughter was diagnosed with DCIS with a 9 centimeter growth in her left breast. Due to its size a radical mastectomy was necessary and she had that done in early October. It was considered stage zero and it seemed to be contained.

However now we just found out that some cancerous cells were detected in the growth itself so she is now undergoing chemotherapy once a week for 3 months. I feel somewhat gutted. We had at least been relieved that she would not require chemotherapy or radiation. This will delay the reconstructive process. Her youngest child is 2 so she has barely been allowed to lift him. Her others are 11 and 9 so they do help.

I know it could be worse and is so for so many. I just have to come to terms with it. I thought I had initially but then today I just lost it and couldn't stop crying for awhile.

Anyway I wish all of you the healthiest holidays you are able to have.
(5)
Report

“Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards”!

DH just said “Nice Try but No Cigar” when I asked if he knew where something was, and it all came back. It’s frightening to think that the deprived young people of today probably don’t even know what a Leisure Suit was!
(2)
Report

cw - i am so very sorry. I know what that family is going through.

ana - you hit what gets me is these type of situations - it was preventable. Such a terrible waste. I hope the child had no suffering, but I know the family does - big time.
(1)
Report

Cwillie - Many of us are dealing with the very old who are miserable themselves and determined to spread their misery. Instead, death came for a happy young boy, who was living life to its fullest, with so much to experience. It’s so very wrong. Reckless. Preventable. Unfair.
(2)
Report

CW, (((hugs))). It is upsetting, it is the worst thing that I could imagine happening to anyone.
(1)
Report

Start a Discussion
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter