He had a pretty good morning and afternoon. They had failed to give him all of the protein feed they were supposed to last night but I just gave him more today to make up for it. He is even reading a book and he has not read anything for a long time.
Margie and Gilmara arrived at about 4pm with Tim Horton's coffees and a birthday card from everyone at Gateway. They had only been there a few minutes when John began to sweat. So they left shortly thereafter as they could see he was getting worse.
Now in one way, I was glad he was exhibiting these symptoms so they can be reported and hopefully dealt with. But he got so bad that I wished he had not had to go through that at all.
This time it was the rigidity that was so bad. I sat and massaged his legs, feet and toes for hours - literally - and they were like they were made of stone and the cramping was very painful. He was also experiencing nausea (something new) and a whole lot of phlegm coming up. They have him on a suction machine there as well and it is big and the container was almost full. He only soaked one hospital gown with sweat although he needed another one by the time I left.
At about 8pm his breathing suddenly became very laboured and he was really in agony. The nurses could do little to help him but I made sure they were documenting it all for the doctor. After about an hour John said he was worn out, losing strength and needed something done.
I asked the nurse to either call a doctor or give him his sleeping pills two hours early. She opted for the latter. In about 10 minutes he was sound asleep and finally peaceful.
So he certainly did not have a very good birthday although he enjoyed all the many greetings from friends via cards, e-mails and facebook. I copied them all out and took them over to him. Thanks to everyone who sent him birthday wishes and get well wishes.
We also received a lovely bouquet of flowers from my dear Aunt Dot today. They could not have come at a better time to cheer us up. They do not allow flowers in the hospital rooms any more but I will take a picture and show it to John and enjoy the flowers here at home.
The kids and grandkids, including John in China, all called on my cell phone and talked to John and wished him a happy birthday.
Anyone that wants to call him on my cell and say hi (you have to do all the talking) is welcome to do so - 604-825-4819 between the hours of 12pm and 8pm (BCtime) Those are times I know I will be there (except from Friday night - I hope to go out for dinner that night)
In the bed across from John is a lady from our condo. She also has Parkinsons. But her symptoms are very different from John. She is physically in better shape - but has some dementia - and certainly still has a strong voice!!! She was yelling and calling for her husband and wanting to go home - right now. As sick as John is, we are so thankful he is still mentally alert and "with it".
Please do pray that the doctors will have wisdom and finally find a solution for these terrible episodes.
Two (or maybe three) thumbs down for today.
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