first thing this morning...

I had a phone call from my mother. My grandfather had a really bad night and a few lengthy and intense bouts of pain this morning. The crew who are in charge at present (Grandma, Aunt and cousin) are determined he needs his pain patch changed. This is a duregesic fentynal patch. Hugely strong medication - with a half life of ~ 17 hours. It cannot be changed until tonight! Grandma recalls the doctor saying - "You'll know when he needs another one."

In fact, that quote is from the veterinary assistant who came last week to give the dog his medication. The dog had 4 shots of something to help him with arthritic pain and his hip displasia. We were told that he (the dog) is now on maintenance, and will only need one shot every 4 - 6 weeks. It depends on the animal "You'll know when he needs another one."

Can't help but think this is funny.

I have been asked to chart the pain versus the meds - trying to interperet what is working and what is not. Still on call - still anxious.

Their family doctor is back in the office next week. They have appointments on Monday and Tuesday. Everyone is expecting a miracle to occur on Monday. I don't want to burst their bubble, but it takes a long time to find the right combination and/or level of medication to manage this type of pain - and it can go on for YEARS! I'm back to work on Monday, so will be available only on weekends as necessary...

In the meantime, we have hired a PCW to stay with them from 9am - 4pm weekdays. I have no idea why I am paying for this person to be in attendance (yes, me - no one else has access to liquid funds). There were 4 family members there today aslong with the PCW!

The kids have gone skating with friends tonight. I have a few quiet minutes to do the laundry, paint the playroom and try to creat a pain chart...

Later all!