A lot of friends and family have been asking about Dereck's progress at home and wondering why I stopped blogging about our ordeal. So I'm blogging to give you and update.
Being at home is obviously a lot more comfortable for him. Sleeping at night is undisturbed and peaceful. The food is way better and he gets to see his kids every day.
He had trouble sleeping in the beginning but as time passes, he is able to sleep better. At first he would be very wobbly on his feet and so night time bathroom visits was taken care of by me. I would stumble my way in the dark to flick on a switch, then go back and get him, wait.....then walk with him back to bed. Last night was the first night he was able to go without waking me up.
During the day we go for short walks, each day going a bit further, but it's exhausting for him and he needs to nap after to regain his energy. This afternoon, he felt like driving, so he took me to run a few errands like supermarket, Pet Smart for dog food and the pool supply store for some chlorine. This was very draining on him and he went straight to bed.
He's also still on antibiotics for his lungs as they don't want the wet lungs to turn into pneumonia and the other antibiotic is Doxicycline which is used to treat malaria. The Doxicycline makes him nauseous and he dreads taking it, but we have to follow doctor's orders.
Reggie.....his good friend who now refers to them as the M & M Bros, is doing great. They have spoken on the phone and compared notes. I hope to see Reggie week after next. He too, is doing well and recovery is slow.
On Monday, Dereck has an appointment with Dr. Phillips, his infectious disease doctor, for a follow up. I haven't seen her since the very beginning, so it will be nice to be able to thank her for her brilliance and for insisting the CDC allow her to use the Artresunate on Dereck.
I have been cooking different things for Dereck. So has his mum, so between the two of us, we are fattening him up. His appetite is very good, but energy still low. I bought some low sugar whey protein powder and make him 2 protein shakes a day and it seems to be helping a lot. I make it with skimmed milk, a banana and some frozen fruit. I made deviled eggs (which he loves) and some banana bread today.
Till next time.....Om mani padme hum
7 comments:
Im glad he is on the mend. I know he will be back to himself in no time at all. Thinking of you guys all the time.
ahhh Im so glad to read this. One day at a time and he will be stronger very day. He seems to be a good patient for you though!! Thats hard for any MAN!! Thanks for the update..Also just saw the baby squirrels!! OMG i love them!!♥(((HUgs))) from Jersey!
Jack
Fantastic, Jax.
Hope those lungs dry up soon. Could it be the doxycycline? Or just part of the debris left by the malaria and/or drugs?
Re the wee visits in the night - get him a jar... one with a large neck. LOL.... Then he can do it without getting out of bed!
Driving is another freedom from boredom. Helps him a lot I bet. Sounds like you are his best dietitian. You are such a good carer.
Love, hugs and may the improvements continue.
mum, he aspirated while on the ventilator and so his lungs got wet from that and then a bit more when his body became over saturated with fluids, it wasn't much, but enough for them to be concerned to put him on antibiotics.
He's not bored.....just super tired.
Great to see the new update. The protein shake is a great idea. Little by little and slow but sure wins the race. Real glad he his getting stronger day by day, and I am very happy for you also. I know you must be alot more at ease. Hope to see you all someday soon
Jax, thanks for the reassurance. You know what a worry wart I am.
Good he's not bored. I guess he just naps when he gets worn out. That is Tony's cure too. Physical or mental, when he's worn out, unwell, or just not up to scratch, he naps.
I, now, get busy and hope it will go away!
Dereck and you are two heroes. So glad he's home for you to look after. There isn't a hospital in the world that could do it as well as you.
Love to you all,
Mum
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