I realize you are near being overwhelmed, but please check on the boots for his pressure sores. I'm sure they will be covered by Medicare if your doctor orders them. I wish I could be there for you. Bless your heart.
Clair, I think they are called Heel Lifts. They are made of a soft foam material and I've seen them in use in Nursing Homes. Don't know a particular vendor, but I'm sure they can be ordered on line. I'd call a Nursing Home for a supplier if you don't find them quickly. Should have looked for them before I started typing. My husband has ecsema on his feet we treat daily...and on occasion, I think the skin on his feet will peel off to the bone. His skin is so dry...and I know more hydration would help somewhat, but I do what I can. He has glasses of water, juice, etc. on every table in the house! .. and a pitcher of lemonade or other fruit juice is always out on the bar in the kitchen. Older people tend to have dry skin anyway, but he is truly 'flaky'. (ha, no pun intended!!)
Actually, Mary Ann's are made with a stiff sole and hard but flexible plastic back, with sheepskin lining all around, open toe, and adjustable instep and upper boot wrap-arounds with velcro.
I asked our visiting doctor this morniing about bed sores on the heels of patients and what most people used. He said they were "ulcers" and not bed sores (so what is the difference, actually) and he said some of his patients use socks with cotton inside them if the ulcers were small, but there were larger boots if the problem is wide spread. He said the boots were very hot. (For those of us here in the scorching Texas heat!)
I would think that socks with some cotton stuffing inside of them might work for a lot of people.
I did get a bed sore once in the hospital. The nurse taped it with something, and it helped it heal. I'd ask around in the medical community and find out how they handle that kind of thing.
You can go to your local health suppply store, They can sell you some comfortable and cool alternatives to the boots. They can cut small pieces of sheepskin for a resting place, there are some of those foam things with ridges in them that they can cut into small mats, just ask. They deal with this stuff everyday. Try the cheaper alternatives before you go on line and purchase someting that will not work in your situation.
I'm going to take him to a podiatrist tomorrow - his toenails need tending and I can't do it, but specifically I want to ask about the heel. Actually, I think I have some sheepskin around..!
I'm so very sorry for all the pain you are in. I can only imagine. My DH is physically quite strong but he is getting weaker. His AD is getting worse. And those blank stares are quite common now.
Please accept my prayers and hugs for you and yours.
The boots are warm, but not like a cowboy boot...they are open to air in several places. And the heel touches nothing, so no pressure on it at all, whereas even laid on sheetskin, there will still be pressure on the flesh and bone.
No problem, Kitty. Not a joke........ I meant that the protective boots were open to air in places, so are not as hot as wearing cowboy boots. Nothing to do with being confined to bed and wearing cowboy boots or anything. I know I can be sarcastic and sometimes subtle, but if funny, will end with a lazy smiley face or "<grin>". (I see I said "your" rather than "you're" in my comment above....I'm not the world's greatest typist).
Bill's Hospice nurse called this morning. She really didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know. He is non rouseable for longer periods of time now and she keeps him on bed rest more and more. Sometimes his feet are so swollen that he can't even wear socks. I want everything done to keep him from developing pressure sores. My kids are now sleeping with their cell phone ringers on. I just want him comfortable. Here is an update on my ill friends. The gal who had the stroke is doing very well. Her judgement is good and she knows her limitations. The gal with lung cancer is another story. She had her surgery on Monday at Moffet in Tampa. They can't get her off the vent and are considering doing a tracheotomy. Her kidneys are failing and she may need dialysis. Day by day we wait.
Remember Bluedaze, to hang onto our rope. You are nearing the end of The Long Goodbye. Try focusing on memories that you can share with him. I believe he can hear you. Arms around, Susan
bluedaze, we're keeping a close eye on the rope and adding knots as needed, to see you and your DH through this emotionally painful journey. I'm also saying prayer for your friend on the vent. I hope it's not wrong to pray for a merciful resolution.
Bluedaze, you are in my prayers and I am tying some very complicated navy knots on the rope for you, double bowlines and sheepshanks....I am with you and hope you can find a bit of comfort in all this. Huge Hugs to you.
I'm here-just don't feel liking chatting. Really appreciate the love I feel from your posts. Phranque-if I break a nail on your complicated knots I'll be coming after you. Don't forget-I don't live too far from you. I'll bet CG will help me. Friend has her trach which should make her more comfortable. At least now she can have ice chips. Taking care of her dog and managing her house is getting to be a drag. She was here for me and I will be for her.
Good for you, bluedaze. Among other things, taking care of your friends' dog and house is probably very good therapy for you! I'm glad she's getting at least a bit better.
I sure do need to clarify a that a big improvement in bluedaze's friend on the vent with failing kidneys would clearly qualify as a merciful resolution. I didn't like the way that sentence sounded when I reread it.
folly* merciful resolutions ALWAYS include someone getting better. I felt that way about it when I read your message the first time. It also means that if it is time for the end, that it should come with as little pain and suffering as possible.
Bluedaze, so sorry for all of this at once. Two friends and Bill. I'm sure with your vigil you don't feel like doing much of anything. Glad you can feel the love, it's there for you.
This is something I've been wanting to say and today seems an appropriate day to do it. As we are hurting we hope for support from our families. As none of mine are local I keep in touch via e-mail. My girls respond quickly-my son does not. That could be another hurtful thing-but it isn't. I just called him to thank him for being the father of the most wonderful grand daughter in the world. The first thing he said was-mom I read your e-mails and figure you really don't want to keep talking about the issue. You know I will be with you in a heartbeat (and a plane I hope). I believe him and am pleased that he understands poor old mom-because he is right. I'd rather talk about happier things with him. My kids are all different and don't always respond as I would hope-but I respect them as individuals. What Bill and I put into them as they were growing up is what I expect is still with them. I know with some families this doesn't always work and I hope I have not offended anybody. We all seem to be on edge lately-including me.
bluedaze, I have reading your posts and am so, so sorry that you are now in the end game. How agonizing your days are! I am praying for you to be strong and peaceful. May I give my hand to you for support?..M
bluedaz - you have been blessed with a wonderful family. You son's words were right on. I am so sorry you and your husband have to go through all of this torment during the end stage. You are very special in that in spite of what you are going through, you are taking care of your friend's home and dog too. Hugs to you ((hugs)).
bluedaze--I just found this thread and don't know what more I can say to comfort you than has already been said. I am sitting here bawling and just want you to know my thoughts are with you.
I wish you all never have to know how much I appreciate your kind words. The time will come and we will be here for each other with kindness. Yesterday Bill was better. I found him near a sunny window, in a recliner with his feet elevated. The swelling was gone. Color still dead white and skin very cold. No response to me at all. The care he is getting couldn't be better. And so we go on. Love' Nora
Nora, isn`t this some ride you and i are on, our dh`s are tought men aren`t they to come through a bad time and be sitting up , I`m sending my hugs. We all know the end will come someday but we rejoice when they respond to such loving care, he just wants to be with you awhile longer, that`s how I feel about my dh, he pulled through for me, now is all smiles, I`m sorry he isn`t responding to you but he knows yours there. with much love , Gail
Dear Bluedaze and wonderful community, i too just found this page and sit here in tears. Nora, what amazing parents you two have been. I'm so glad you have the love and support of your kids right now. I'm so grateful that you are posting during this time. It's a needed education and inspiration. Namaste, Terry