Happiness = Poop
Chester woke up this morning in a great mood. He was in the mood for a party and kept repeating "party" over and over again. He couldn't wait for me to go out and get party hats. Of course, I had to get him a tiara!
When I returned from the store however, it became apparent that we were going to have to treat his constipation pronto. He had been refusing a laxative, but now his belly was so distended that it was beginning to impact his breathing while lying down. I made a truly delectable concoction of Milk of Magnesia, Karo syrup and prune juice, all mixed up and served "coffee hot" per hospice instructions. It has been many years since I had inflicted that mixture on a patient. Chester actually did a great job getting that down but no way was he going to trust me that I was actually just giving him a water chaser. His step mom has to convince him that I was done picking on him and that it really was just water. He would take it from her hand but no way from me. He had a delightful time teasing us and I was able to give him a nice long sponge bath while he sat on the commode. He totally luxoriated in the massage/bath. We wrapped him a sheet around his shoulders to keep him warm and he was told it was his prayer shawl. He immediately burst into Ommmmmmmmm. We teased about mudras yesterday and omm today, which spiritual practice would he take on tomorrow? He sang to us his new favorite tune, good vibration. "Good vibration" has been the phrase he has been using the last couple of days when he is most pleased. Finally pooping and releasing that pressure was definitely worthy of lots of "good vibrations"!
After the laxative did its work, Chester had another seizure when transferring back to his bed. It took three of us to get him into the bed. He came around once I administered oxygen and valium under his tongue. He has been sleeping soundly since then. I can wake him up and he will look at me, but I couldn't get him awake enough that I felt comfortable giving him his non-essential bedtime pills. A big part of his drowsiness is the valium, but it is also another sign of how things are changing. I am keeping him on the oxygen through the night. Chester did not get up into his wheelchair today. He did not eat today except for some snacking on fruit. We have noticed that he smells different and there has been some minor bleeding. Even with these rather omnious signs, Chester sang, laughed, joked, and cuddled throughout the day. His niece will be in town tomorrow and he looking forward to his postponed party. He seems to be in a place of real acceptance and even joy.
When I returned from the store however, it became apparent that we were going to have to treat his constipation pronto. He had been refusing a laxative, but now his belly was so distended that it was beginning to impact his breathing while lying down. I made a truly delectable concoction of Milk of Magnesia, Karo syrup and prune juice, all mixed up and served "coffee hot" per hospice instructions. It has been many years since I had inflicted that mixture on a patient. Chester actually did a great job getting that down but no way was he going to trust me that I was actually just giving him a water chaser. His step mom has to convince him that I was done picking on him and that it really was just water. He would take it from her hand but no way from me. He had a delightful time teasing us and I was able to give him a nice long sponge bath while he sat on the commode. He totally luxoriated in the massage/bath. We wrapped him a sheet around his shoulders to keep him warm and he was told it was his prayer shawl. He immediately burst into Ommmmmmmmm. We teased about mudras yesterday and omm today, which spiritual practice would he take on tomorrow? He sang to us his new favorite tune, good vibration. "Good vibration" has been the phrase he has been using the last couple of days when he is most pleased. Finally pooping and releasing that pressure was definitely worthy of lots of "good vibrations"!
After the laxative did its work, Chester had another seizure when transferring back to his bed. It took three of us to get him into the bed. He came around once I administered oxygen and valium under his tongue. He has been sleeping soundly since then. I can wake him up and he will look at me, but I couldn't get him awake enough that I felt comfortable giving him his non-essential bedtime pills. A big part of his drowsiness is the valium, but it is also another sign of how things are changing. I am keeping him on the oxygen through the night. Chester did not get up into his wheelchair today. He did not eat today except for some snacking on fruit. We have noticed that he smells different and there has been some minor bleeding. Even with these rather omnious signs, Chester sang, laughed, joked, and cuddled throughout the day. His niece will be in town tomorrow and he looking forward to his postponed party. He seems to be in a place of real acceptance and even joy.
posted by Wine-Beer-Washington at 7:26 PM
1 Comments:
Dear Bean, What a blessing it is to have your posts on the blog. an opportunity to feel connected when physically so far away.
For chester:
Dear heart, Chester Bear, darling one... your light shines bright, mymemories of laughter and love of great moments we shared, you driving down the wrong side of the road in Melbourne and almost being sick with laughter! I have nothing but deep and meaningful rememberances of our time together and your complete capacity for authentcity remains with me always. The three years, you Barbara and I spent working and loving together are still the three most complete years of my life. You have been and will remain one of my greatest teachers and friends. Although I am not with you physically I am always with you in heart, love and soul. I love you dear one.
Hayley
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