Rough night

Bless Christina, Dad's night-time caretaker. Dad was very unsettled last night and we believe it is because of the pain drugs we were administering in hope of keeping him "comfortable". Dad is very sensitive to drugs, and we have decided that he was actually getting over-medicated. It became gradual, but, once the pain medicine built up in his system, it became too much. We have, through the guidance of the Hospice nurse, backed off his pain med to an as-needed basis. He was also being given something to aid him in sleeping, Ativan, and I think it was doing the opposite of what it was suppoed to do, especially when mixed with the pain med. We hope and pray that tonight he will rest much better with none of those meds in his system. We are also encouraging the fluids and foods that he likes to help get the meds out and for obvious reasons!


Mom had a good night. She only got up once, about 3 a.m., checked on Dad and the caretaker and then went back to bed. She was very disconcerted about Dad's disorientation this morning and knew, without a doubt in her mind, that it was due to Dad's meds. Over the past 5 hours, Dad has calmed down and seems much more clear-headed and calm. Mom has calmed down also. The nurse's aid from Hospice came to check on Dad and to report back to the nurse. The difference in him from 7:00 this morning to 11:30 was remarkable. Dad is resting now in the bedroom recliner and Mom is watching over him. I will encourage her to go to the other recliner once she sees that Dad is settling down.


I have been reading selected Psalms to Dad and that seems to relax him...


You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Say to the Lord, "My refuge and fortress, my God whom I trust,"
God will rescue from the fowler's snare, from the destroying plague,
Will shelter you with pinions, spread wings that you may take refuge;
God's faithfulness is a protecting shield.
You shall not fear the terror of the night not the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon.
Whoever clings to me I will deliver;
whoever knows my name I will set on high.
All who call upon me I will answer;
I will be with them in distress;
I will deliver them and give them honor.
With the length of days I will satisfy them and show them my power.


This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.