Going backwards
I feel as though we are going backward lately. It has been 3 1/2 years since Larry's stroke. I was looking forward to getting out and doing more and going on a weekend trip. This week slowed us down even more. Larry has just finished a PT session and a then Speech session for his swallow problem. A few days ago he choked on his lunch and was not able to breathe. I was about to try the Heimlich on him when he coughed up the troubling piece of bread and ham salad. Yesterday he fell getting up from his lift chair. I was in the office and heard a thump and knew. He said his weak leg gave out and he was sprawled out on the floor. I checked to see he was not hurt, and he wanted me to get Kathy next door. I called her and she and I could not get him up so I called 911. Three men came and a police officer. I told the police officer he could leave. One of the three men was in training. This time they used a series of straps to lift Larry. They said they are doing this now to save the rescuers backs as they do a lot of lifts. (I heard a call come in for another fall while they were there.) They have Larry's history down and even where a key is hidden - all in their records. The guys are very nice and even made sure Larry could walk and go to the bathroom. Nothing like having a 3 man escort. lol Larry was lucky again with only a bruise and skin abrasion on his wrist. He has fallen before but lucks out with no breaks.
The swallowing thing is still a problem. I know Cindie's Mike has the appetite problem also. Larry too has little appetite or taste for food and has lost way to much weight.
He is on an antidepressant (Mirtazapine) but it has no affect on his appetite. I will ask the Dr. again when we go Wed. but we have tried other meds and they have no affect. Larry will drink his "Boost" supplements, milkshakes, milk, ice cream, but he is very picky with other foods. The swallowing thing has reared up two years post stroke and contributes big time to the mix. Every day I have to ask him what he will eat and usually he just can't come up with what he wants. It's maddening to fix dinner, only to have him sit and stare or play with his fingers. I have to let him sit for 45 min.coax him on.
Well that's my vent for the day. On the good side, the weather has been terrific, cool with low humidity. We are going to the Missouri Botanical Gardens tomorrow just to get out and get the fresh air in our lungs.
Julie
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