Oct 18, 2014
Went off the deep end….
…yes for the first time since Chris & Juan left in early June I have gone off the deep end. I went off my diet! Ay carumba!!! And I can’t stop. I had a fish burger at 4PM and now at 10:30PM I am eating pizza. Well it is a small wee tiny thing ( that is half eaten ) cooked with the intention of providing Dad with a tasty lunch tomorrow. In fact it is so tasty that I want to eat it all.
Yesterday I was at the hospital for 9 hours and today I did my first ever 12 hour shift. I am beyond exhausted and HUNGRY.
I am also frustrated that I can no longer make blog comments, not do a proper post myself with photos, or get Goggle map directions ( but I did manage to find the place with a real map, no GPS for me or my family.
Oops, I am referring to driving from the hospital and back yesterday ( Friday ) almost into the downtown core to Future Shop to get Dad a new TV and antenna set up for his new room. More about that another time.
This posting is going weird on me. I am using Safari on an iMac with a 10 year old software system that I can’t update due to a lack of password.
I am struggling to compose this as it is breaking up into weird letters on my screen…hang in there with me if there are errors.
FYI I stopped at the fish burger ( not worth going off diet for ) and 3 pieces of pizza ( worth going off diet for ).
3 days ago Dad’s private space was violated with a new patient. He came into ER and they had no place to put him. Suddenly Dad’s area diminished by 50%.
He was not happy but at least I was there to help him with the transition. The beds were about 10 inches apart and I do have the photos to prove it. I won’t go into details but it obviously was going to be difficult plus we could not have a conversation.
I called Megan, my trustee unit in charge person. I mentioned certain non safety issues as well as coming in Friday am at 7:30 AM and seeing Dad in distress with his call bottom laying under the bed!!! So bit by bit I planted a few seeds and I really still can’t believe it, but not 8 minutes later Megan mentioned that she was moving Dad’s room mate OUT to another bed and that Dad’s private room status would be honored.
So happy that I seem to have that knack. When I told Dad he smiled. He has had a very bad past 3 days.
His left lung has been filling with fluid and the doctor kept waiting to get it drained, he wanted to see how bad it was going to get. Dad was drowning in his own fluid and was feeling horrible. His lung was drained at the end of the day and a permanent tube was inserted so that from now on the fluid can be syringed out as needed daily or weekly or whatever works to keep him comfortable. It has taken me six weeks of begging to have it inserted. It had been suggested by the cardiac specialist the end of August but his new MD is over cautious. It takes Dad about 4 days to get over the draining and now it will be so much easier on him. FYI they took out 1.5 litres, enough to make anyone feel sick.
I started this post Friday night and am just finishing it now Saturday morning at 6:00AM which is why the tenses are mixed up but at least you are getting a post. I hear on the radio that the weather is remaining way above average, however that does me no good as I am inside from 7:30AM and by the time I get back to the condo anywhere from 2:30 PM to 7:00PM I am still sorting out paperwork. Just one big box left to go.
Adios for today, it’s time to head out. Can’t remember the last time I have had to drive in the dark.
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You are an amazing woman, Contessa, and I wish you and your dad the very best. He is very lucky to have you…and I’m sure, vice versa! Any chance you will be going to Mazatlan later in the year?
Don’t worry about the burger and pizza. We all do stress eating, it can’t be helped. Better a burger than other things. Hang in there, this is what life is all about. You’ve done a fantastic job so far and you should be proud of yourself as I am sure your dad is of you. Imagine if you weren’t there for him? Your a strong woman, don’t give up. You have lots of support. Colin, the girls, your friends. We’re all here and you and your dad are in our prayers.
Things will get done if you stick with it.
I little fall off the diet is not a problem, it is all about moderation so you will be just fine.
You’re amazing – and your Dad is so lucky that you’re his daughter…
Hi Contessa, sending you warm thoughts, prayers, and lots of (((HUGS)))! We are all rooting for you and your Dad! You can do it, girl! Take your time and do what you have to do each day. The rest can wait. The day you posted the pic of you and your dad – well that brought tears to my eyes – made me think of the time when we went thru this when my Dad was facing multiple myeloma over 30 years ago. Cherish every single minute of every single day! Think Happiness for both of you always!!! Love you!