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Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:09 am
by Trinity765
Taipan wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 12:31 am
It's been a very long 7 days! My Step-Mother hasn't been well, completely constipated for 5 days, leg pains etc blah. I've been dealing with her Carers and the futility of trying to organise house calls from the out-of-hours district Nurse, talking to 111 and the CommunityTreatment Team and culminating this evening with dealing with Paramedics.
Tonight the Paramedic I spoke with tells me she thinks Step-Mother is moving into the
end of life stage. I thought that was a pretty bold statement to make and asked her to elaborate. She said she could be wrong, but the signs are there with a loss of appetite and thirst, constipation, general lethargy, diminishing communication and various pains and discomfort! Sounds like she maybe right with that list!
The response team will attend asap and run further tests, take bloods etc, then look at pain management. So I guess we're moving into palliative care? Six months ago Step-Mother was shuffling about her place using her walking frame, now she is bedridden. Sadly, as many will know, it's awful to see dementia take someone down like this, and I think for her, well all of us, it'll be a welcome release and for her sake, I hope it isn't drawn out.
This has all been very draining, yet I can't sleep!
I'd normally do some online shopping and buy something for my new bike, but the previous owner beat me to it!
Awwwww XXX
I'm going through all of this. My Mum is dying of heart failure and even though you know a loved one is ill, it's not until someone says "end of life plan" that it becomes very real - we chose for her to die at home and the emergency services have been informed so if we call an ambulance, they will not take her to hospital. I moved in with my her instinctively without thinking about everything else, like my job. I'm working from (her) home, but finding it hard because of all the medical professionals that visit. Unless I'm in a meeting, I can't help but help the carers and the district nurses who come round three times a week are great for getting information, so I watch and talk to them while they're here. A nurse is coming round today to talk to us more about palliative care and a nurse from the heart failure team is also due.
I've had a lot of nervous energy, which is great because the place is looking cleaner and my Mum is well cared for - I'm exhausted at the end of each day. Sleep has been on and off. I sometimes pass out for seven hours and wake up relieved when I can hear her and some nights I get an hour here and there. I scroll through shopping websites at night but can't think of anything I need.
My brother is visiting at the weekend - he'll be here lunchtime Saturday to lunchtime Sunday and I can't decide whether to run home and get 24 hours me time or stay here for a bit and talk to him
Thinking of you and yours Taipan and anyone else who is looking after a loved one.
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2022 3:25 pm
by gremlin
Felix wrote: Mon Jan 24, 2022 8:01 pm
Forgot to take a before picture so the first is from street view
Turned this
Into this
You made an aluminium ladder out of garden waste? Wow.
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2022 4:13 pm
by Taipan
Felix wrote: Mon Jan 24, 2022 8:01 pm
Forgot to take a before picture so the first is from street view
Turned this
Into this
And God said, Let there be light and there was Felix to provide it! Genesis 1:1.
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:07 pm
by Skub
I've been trying to organise/tidy my garage,the last couple of days. Made some headway,at least I have a path to get the bike in and out now. I almost took the bike out today,but I was freezing after being out in the garage for hours,so passed on the first chance in months. Everything I touched is so cold it sucks the blood from your hands.
It'll probably be weeks more before another chance presents itself.
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:22 pm
by weeksy
Skub wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:07 pm
I've been trying to organise/tidy my garage,the last couple of days. Made some headway,at least I have a path to get the bike in and out now. I almost took the bike out today,but I was freezing after being out in the garage for hours,so passed on the first chance in months. Everything I touched is so cold it sucks the blood from your hands.
It'll probably be weeks more before another chance presents itself.
I'd accept the cold at the moment, but it's not rained since the cold spell so I'm guessing they're still covered in salty horribleness. Hence mine ain't going out.
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:24 pm
by Noggin
@Taipan @Trinity765 huge hugs to you both.
I'm too far away to be much help/use to anyone back in the uk if things get to that stage, but I'm dreading it happening as, for my SDad, I would 100% want to be around
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:27 pm
by Skub
weeksy wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:22 pm
Skub wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:07 pm
I've been trying to organise/tidy my garage,the last couple of days. Made some headway,at least I have a path to get the bike in and out now. I almost took the bike out today,but I was freezing after being out in the garage for hours,so passed on the first chance in months. Everything I touched is so cold it sucks the blood from your hands.
It'll probably be weeks more before another chance presents itself.
I'd accept the cold at the moment, but it's not rained since the cold spell so I'm guessing they're still covered in salty horribleness. Hence mine ain't going out.
It's been salt free here for about a week now,which is what initially motivated me to at least be able to get at the bike. Could change at any minute,mind.
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2022 6:33 pm
by Noggin
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2022 7:11 pm
by Taipan
Noggin wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:24 pm
@Taipan @Trinity765 huge hugs to you both.
I'm too far away to be much help/use to anyone back in the uk if things get to that stage, but I'm dreading it happening as, for my SDad, I would 100% want to be around
Thanks, but I'm just venting as it gets beyond annoying trying to coordinate anything to do with home support from the NHS. I've never known such a disjointed hierarchy within any organisation. Finally managed to get a GP to visit today after being pushed from pillar to post, with everyone saying its not us, its them etc. It makes you wonder how many people are literally suffering if they don't have the capability themselves, or family and friends to push their case!
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:20 pm
by Silly Car
Made some progress regarding the (never ending) garage build saga…
Electrician has been back and connected the garage to the house, if I’m being critical, the garage wiring is 10/10 but the house connection is a 5/10 at best as he left the cable from outside too short so had to splice it in the consumer unit and cocked up the weatherproofing boot when making off the swa to the adaptable box outside, plus a couple of other things.
Whilst not strictly within regs, I can probably make it all good if it starts to bother me.
Building control is out tomorrow to give me a list of outstanding requirements for final sign off which I suspect will include:
Roof restraint strapping
Guttering
Drain test
Weatherproofing below DPC
Making good the groundworks
Assuming the list is limited to the above or similar, the builder will be told to fuck off* and I’ll DIY, he’ll be told he can whistle for last balancing payment until I’ve deducted the cost of materials and time from the amount due.
* a four week job has taken 4 month and he has failed on numerous occasions to make progress when promised with zero updates.
E.g. we were told completion would be last Friday, sob story asking for 1/2 balance last week to pay renderer and roofer who were here working at the time with a view to finishing yesterday. No show, no text, and building control have now alerted me to a list of potential stuff needing to be done (tbc obvs).
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:36 pm
by Trinity765
I changed the dressing on my Mum's leg - I'm not a nurse
My Mum has edema and ulcers on both legs below the knees. The district nurses are supposed to come Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. By late afternoon on Monday they hadn't been so I called and was told that a very special Senior Nurse would be round tomorrow. Tuesday late afternoon I called and they said sorry, but a nurse will be round tomorrow. So today at lunchtime I call them and they say "very sorry, covid, blah blah, Senior Nurse tomorrow promise".
I thought I'd have a go myself - I've seen them do it a couple of times - how hard can it be - I decide to play District Nurse for the afternoon. It's not as easy as it looks. I washed my hands thoroughly, got out the pack with the protective, sterile sheets, put the gloves and apron on. I removed the dressings and lay them on the floor in order - so I know what order to put things back. One of the types of bandages is not there. I make do and finish up best I can, "tap tap, ow, oops sorry, there there, good as new" and decide to leave the other leg to the pros. I made my Mum a cup of tea and she was very thankful for my effort.
Now - how do I play this with the very Senior Nurse who is is due tomorrow?
1. Go out before she arrives
2. Sit and wait for her to notice (shouldn't take long) and then take a patronising ear bashing about the risk of infection, cutting off blood supply etc etc
3. Launch into an excuse as soon as she arrives (but my Mum said they were itching - lie)
4. Honesty is the best policy "Sorry, I was bored and I always wanted to be a nurse" and then take the ear bashing.
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:39 pm
by Rockburner
Trinity765 wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:36 pm
I changed the dressing on my Mum's leg - I'm not a nurse
My Mum has edema and ulcers on both legs below the knees. The district nurses are supposed to come Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. By late afternoon on Monday they hadn't been so I called and was told that a very special Senior Nurse would be round tomorrow. Tuesday late afternoon I called and they said sorry, but a nurse will be round tomorrow. So today at lunchtime I call them and they say "very sorry, covid, blah blah, Senior Nurse tomorrow promise".
I thought I'd have a go myself - I've seen them do it a couple of times - how hard can it be - I decide to play District Nurse for the afternoon. It's not as easy as it looks. I washed my hands thoroughly, got out the pack with the protective, sterile sheets, put the gloves and apron on. I removed the dressings and lay them on the floor in order - so I know what order to put things back. One of the types of bandages is not there. I make do and finish up best I can, "tap tap, ow, oops sorry, there there, good as new" and decide to leave the other leg to the pros. I made my Mum a cup of tea and she was very thankful for my effort.
Now - how do I play this with the very Senior Nurse who is is due tomorrow?
1. Go out before she arrives
2. Sit and wait for her to notice (shouldn't take long) and then take a patronising ear bashing about the risk of infection, cutting off blood supply etc etc
3. Launch into an excuse as soon as she arrives (but my Mum said they were itching - lie)
4. Honesty is the best policy "Sorry, I was bored and I always wanted to be a nurse" and then take the ear bashing.
5. "The dressings needed to be changed, you weren't here, I did my best."
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:43 pm
by Skub
Today didn't start great.
I was feeling a bit 'off' late last night,so I went to bed around 11pm or so. I woke about 8am and decided I'd give my walk a miss.
I was woken by a text at 9.45 and definitely felt not right. Anyway I got up and made my way to the bog,came out after washing my hands and woke up on the floor. Got up again and went a few steps and woke up again on the floor,so it was 4 wheel drive back to bed. Crocked my left knee and shit too.
After a while I felt fine,did a LFT and it came up negative. Back to shivering now and hugging the woodburner,even though it's not a really cold day.
Something got me for sure.
It can only get better!
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:46 pm
by Silly Car
Skub wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:43 pm
Today didn't start great.
I was feeling a bit 'off' late last night,so I went to bed around 11pm or so. I woke about 8am and decided I'd give my walk a miss.
I was woken by a text at 9.45 and definitely felt not right. Anyway I got up and made my way to the bog,came out after washing my hands and woke up on the floor. Got up again and went a few steps and woke up again on the floor,so it was 4 wheel drive back to bed. Crocked my left knee and shit too.
After a while I felt fine,did a LFT and it came up negative. Back to shivering now and hugging the woodburner,even though it's not a really cold day.
Something got me for sure.
It can only get better!
Dibs on the bike(s) and guitars
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 7:23 pm
by singlesman
- 965B8C38-4329-4E64-92A6-77127380CBE9.jpeg (117.51 KiB) Viewed 450 times
Started a new job in some West Berkshire ‘hell hole’ called Compton!!!
Place seems to be mainly inhabited by agricultural types and ‘scouse’ refugees
Too many concrete blocks for an old man, backs feeling it tonight!
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:23 pm
by Rockburner
singlesman wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 7:23 pm
965B8C38-4329-4E64-92A6-77127380CBE9.jpeg
Started a new job in some West Berkshire ‘hell hole’ called Compton!!!
Place seems to be mainly inhabited by agricultural types and ‘scouse’ refugees
Too many concrete blocks for an old man, backs feeling it tonight!
That's a decent sized garage.
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 1:47 pm
by slowsider
singlesman wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 7:23 pm
Started a new job in some West Berkshire ‘hell hole’ called Compton!!!
Get straight outta there
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 1:57 pm
by Trinity765
Rockburner wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:39 pm
Trinity765 wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:36 pm
I changed the dressing on my Mum's leg - I'm not a nurse
My Mum has edema and ulcers on both legs below the knees. The district nurses are supposed to come Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. By late afternoon on Monday they hadn't been so I called and was told that a very special Senior Nurse would be round tomorrow. Tuesday late afternoon I called and they said sorry, but a nurse will be round tomorrow. So today at lunchtime I call them and they say "very sorry, covid, blah blah, Senior Nurse tomorrow promise".
I thought I'd have a go myself - I've seen them do it a couple of times - how hard can it be - I decide to play District Nurse for the afternoon. It's not as easy as it looks. I washed my hands thoroughly, got out the pack with the protective, sterile sheets, put the gloves and apron on. I removed the dressings and lay them on the floor in order - so I know what order to put things back. One of the types of bandages is not there. I make do and finish up best I can, "tap tap, ow, oops sorry, there there, good as new" and decide to leave the other leg to the pros. I made my Mum a cup of tea and she was very thankful for my effort.
Now - how do I play this with the very Senior Nurse who is is due tomorrow?
1. Go out before she arrives
2. Sit and wait for her to notice (shouldn't take long) and then take a patronising ear bashing about the risk of infection, cutting off blood supply etc etc
3. Launch into an excuse as soon as she arrives (but my Mum said they were itching - lie)
4. Honesty is the best policy "Sorry, I was bored and I always wanted to be a nurse" and then take the ear bashing.
5. "The dressings needed to be changed, you weren't here, I did my best."
I went for 5.
I got an apology and was told that I'd done a good job. I'm practically a qualified nurse now.
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 4:19 pm
by 636mick
Nurse you say, pics??
Mick
Re: What have you done today thread?
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 4:20 pm
by Yorick
636mick wrote: Thu Jan 27, 2022 4:19 pm
Nurse you say, pics??
Mick
I wasn't that brave
