Return and Relief

Sheila was ecstatic yesterday afternoon when Ashley came home after spending five days at Aunt Chelle’s house. To celebrate Ashley’s homecoming, Sondra joined us for dinner with Sheila. This lasted about a half an hour before Sheila started screaming and crying. We wheeled her back to her room and called for the aides. While we were waiting we noticed a large area of Sheila’s abdomen protruding above her naval. I asked the nurse to also check it. She did, and she was also concerned. I also mentioned to her that the screaming only happens after Sheila has been in her wheelchair for about 20 or so minutes. She said she would call the Center’s doctor. Later I got a phone call from the nurse who said she had talked with Dr. Canfield’s P.A. who ordered a laxative, some pain medication, and was going to set up a surgical consult.

It was nice to see someone actually note that Sheila was indeed in pain and not just screaming for attention. This is the first time during this whole ordeal that she has been given something besides Tylenol for her pain.

Today we attempted the dining room for dinner and made it about 15 minutes before we had to head back to her room. Luckily her aide, Cory, was able to get her back in bed pretty quickly and then she was able to relax and calm down. We really enjoyed the rest of our visit after that.

It is really hard to watch someone you love suffer like that from pain. I am so thankful that she is able to find relief while she is lying down.