Sunday, January 06, 2008

Sleep Needed for this Older Patient

Whew! It has been one great weekend. Carter had his first basketball game yesterday at the wee hour of 8 AM. The family had fun watching his ball handling skills. We look forward to Cole's first game next Saturday.

The past few nights I haven't slept well. Yesterday I took a 3-hour nap waking at 4:30 PM. I was exhausted after going to Carter's ball game. I wouldn't have even missed it being his first game. I knew I would be spent for most of Saturday afternoon. I finally went to bed for the night at 11 PM for I was tired, hoping that would help my sleeping issues. Unfortunately it did not. I ended up falling asleep sometime close to 3 AM and woke at 5 AM this morning. The alarm was set for 6 AM, not 5. Not Fun! Please pray that I would be able to sleep through the night. Starting to wonder if I have anxiety issues. I am planning on calling the doctor tomorrow.

Today was a good day as I was able to get myself dressed & ready for church, without assistance. Blowdrying & curling my hair, getting dressed, and even putting in my earrings.


Yesterday it was amazing to me that I was able to pull up my pants using my left hand and allowing it to release (fingers extending). I used to have to take my right hand and manually release the fingers of the left hand for my thumb for liked to hook and not let go.

It has been a humbling being at home versus being at the hospital. I joked with Dave while at the hospital that it seemed I was the pediatric patient compared to many of the other patients who were older. Now at home I feel like a geriatric patient because I walk steps one at time and also I use a special shower chair (thank you to those of you who have donated to my trust fund). I also drool occasionally due to my left sided weakness affecting my face and causing the left side of my lip to stay down and move slowly while I'm talking or not.

I better get to bed because I've got a busy week ahead with four days of therapy.

kate

10 comments:

Kelli said...

I've been dealing with intense insomnia for a few months now. Not sure if it's dialysis related or what, so I'm totally empathetic! I'll be praying for you. we need to rest to heal.

Unknown said...

Kate, I'm glad to hear you're home and enjoying wonderful events like first basketball games. I'm praying your sleep will improve, and I do like the change in the title. It is your story and it IS all to God's glory. May He who never sleeps bless you tonight with sweet rest and may He wake you tomorrow with a spirit--His Spirit--of peace and endurance as you undertake four days of rehab. God Bless, Kate.

Amber States, a friend of Suzanne J.

Heather said...

WOW!!! I am so happy to hear how well you are doing with the left side. I pray that you will be able to sleep through the night. I am not sure if it related or not but Aven had the same problem after his surgery. He had the nurses laughing when they would check him at 2:00am. He would sing this song called Bending and Stretching. I will pray for a very productive week with therapy.

Anonymous said...

Kate,
Praising God for the continued healing of your left hand and for His preservation of your cheerleader personality. As you raise three athletes, you will spend many hours cheering from the sidelines in the years to come.

A verse to meditate on as you fall asleep: Psalm 4:8 "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Praying for you,

Judy K.

Anonymous said...

Whenever I sleep during the day, my night's rest is shot. Even a short 45 minute nap will KO my sleep that night.

But how do you manage to stay up when you're so tired? I don't know, honey. You have to sleep when your body says sleep. *sigh*

I'll be praying.. and try to remember that when you're up, God is too (and chances are I am also, as I sit here typing this at 1:30am!! :-(.

Love and God bless~ Pearl

Anonymous said...

OK...if YOU'RE considering yourself a geriatric, what does that make the REST of us? Makes me feel quite octagenarian-ish compared to you! And the drooling thing? Hey, what's a little saliva among friends? The anxiety thing...um, yeah... I would say that it could play a significant role in your sleep issues, what with the "paltry" things on your plate (KIDDING...). Brain tumor, surgery, radiation, return of said brain tumor, more surgery, chemo to come...yeah, I'd say you have some things to physically, mentally and emotionally digest that might interrupt the snoozes. We'll all be praying that you'll get some aid. Drugs are great! Hmmmm, sounds a little psycho...my point: if your doctors think you need them, they're sure out there for the prescribing! Wishing you the best today! Laura Joback and family

Anonymous said...

Kate,
I know you like natural. After you say big prayers try melatonin. It works great. Here is proof for Dr. Dave, as I am sure he must "sign off." Take care, girl!
April Curtis

http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/melatsum.htm

Anonymous said...

Kate,

Praying for you in these trials!

Erika

Anonymous said...

Kate...Melatonin does work well. Also, if you would try a medication...you can try 3 nights in a row of Tylenol PM. I have been told that it only takes a few nights of it and then it gets your body back on track. I haven't tried it in this way, but have used it before for a one night thing and it worked well. The Melatonin is natural and has been prescribed to friends...but it is over the counter (Walgreens and Walmart). I have used it before when I had sleep issues and it worked well. Best of luck! jen schulte

Anonymous said...

I think drooling is charming. :)