Meds.

(Web image)

Medication doses and the delicate balance between efficacy and side-effects are now a major pre-occupation; made more complicated by combining two medications to achieve the desired outcome. We're still unclear what the desired outcome actually is, unless the key purpose is to prevent relapse and, thankfully, that appears very unlikely. Even though the basic stability is very welcome, "not getting worse" isn't quite the same as "getting better"... and getting better will require more than just medication.

No sale!

The house is off
the market. (Web image)

Despite the excellent advertising campaign, the once-dreaded house didn't sell. Offers were lower than expectations and, according to the agent, only bargain hunters were active in the market. Given the present situation, that was probably a good thing but the funds would have been useful to clear some long-standing, medically-induced debt. Even the dog kennel failed to attract bidders, a sure sign of severe decline in the housing sector.

Heating and sleeping.

It's been difficult to keep the kitchen warm with a portable electric panel heater. Fortunately, a recently purchased and installed 'split system' heating/cooling air conditioner has made a huge difference and our kitchen is now pleasantly warm. That's where 'the carer' sleeps, downstairs was much too cold and the thought of him sleeping in a carpeted bedroom with access to that ever-distracting computer caused way too much anxiety. So, every night for the past few months we drag a mattress into the kitchen and that's where I sleep. Our patient patient sleeps comfortably on a mattress on the wooden floor of his old bedroom. That room is kept warm using an electric column heater (or two); door closed to keep in the heat and window slightly ajar for fresh air. The gas central heater remains idle, for fear of the dust it may blow around and the smell that it might generate. Our winter gas bill is down and the electricity bill is sky high.

The state of the ation.

© 2012, Ben

Trepidation consultation classification,

   Medication sedation constipation,

Consternation agitation pacification,

   Hesitation vacillation frustration,

Imagination expectation articulation,

   Deliberation speculation meditation,

Regulation obligation complication,

   Marginalisation separation ...

      Isolation.

Determination!

(Living with illness.)

A welcome week of winter warmth.

Coconut palms.

A week at Trinity Beach was a welcome break from the routine of the past few months. The temperature was warm but not humid and it was safe to swim at the beach at this time of year. The normal exercise regime was only slightly interrupted by outings to the Cairns Tropical Zoo and a visit to Green Island on the reef. The fishing rod remained in its bag and it was only by chance, and on the final day, that we found a local fishing spot, complete with customary "beware of crocodiles" sign. Far north Queensland was a pleasant change from the cold, wet southern states, especially now that cool and fresh are no longer sought after. We're told it's not so pleasant in a few months time, when the heat and humidity increase dramatically, and marine stingers float around the ocean. We figured we could travel north in winter and south in summer; if only it was that simple! Nevertheless a return trip to Trinity is now on the agenda, as is a return trip to Tassie.

Blue Lagoon resort.

The pool at night.

Trinity Beach.

August update.

Our patient has improved over the past few months. The crisis phase is over and we're into a recovery phase of unknown duration. Weekly medical consultations and daily medications have restored equilibrium, effectively flattening the highs and lows, but more time and effort is needed to regain full health and independence. Ben has spent much of the past few months in our kitchen and occupied himself with yoga, breathing exercises, dance practice, eating well, tidying and cleaning. We visit the shops every few days; to buy groceries and eat in the food courts. He doesn't like to read and watching videos makes his neck uncomfortable. He does like to draw occasionally. Decisions, even basic ones like what to wear, are difficult to make. Social visits and outings with friends are rare. The most recent invitation was rescinded at the last minute leaving him all dressed up with nowhere to go. The substitute was evening yoga practice in the kitchen with dad. To break the routine, the two of us are heading to Trinity Beach in Queensland for a week.  Ben's looking forward to warm weather, swimming and maybe some fishing.

Exercises.

Yoga, stretching and breathing exercises take place at various times during the day, either before meals or no sooner than two hours after. The breathing exercises* require simple devices and hence are solitary activities. Participants are most welcome for yoga and stretching. Usually there's one extra participant but we've had up to three, which is probably the limit for our kitchen. The parquetry floor is ideal for exercise and a couple of camping mats are useful for floor work.

* The breathing exercises were to aid recovery from a chest operation nearly two years ago. The devices remained unused for a year and a half but, since May, have been unpacked and used every day.