81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. 82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” 83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. 84 How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? 85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law. 86 All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. 87 They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. 88 In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
The Dr diagnosed Miguel with severe bronchitis. He got a shot, and we pick up the rx today. I had fever and chills all evening, but feel a bit better this morning.
Baby Zeke (the baby whose umbilical cord had separated from his mama’s uterus, possibly causing brain damage), is home now, & breastfeeding some. Praise God! It was looking bad there for a while.
Now asking prayers for Baby Landon, the newborn grandson of my friend Jenn, the lady with all the serious health issues. He was born early this morning, at only 26 weeks, & is 1.5 lbs.
While you’re at it, please pray for Jenn, too. Her health continues to deteriorate, & she needs to have a serious surgery somewhat soon, & there is no guarantee she will survive it due to her other issues. She is only 45, & would love to be around longer for her family, which now includes three little grandsons whom she adores.
If you could add my grandson Michael to your request before the Lord….I was just messaged by my daughter Abi..in Pasadena…that Michael (8months old) has had 4 back to back seizures. She rushed him to the hospital and was told there was nothing they could do unless they saw the seizure…he then proceeded into another seizure. Nurse rushed from the room alerting the neurologist and told Abi they would be admitting him…of course Abi is sick with worry…thanks
Carol called in angry tears, again thinking people there were “controlling” her phone (turning the volume up and down); she was just in a state, said she’s going to refuse to ever go to the dining room again, she will just stop eating. They’re ‘gas lighting’ her and she’s adamant she must move RIGHT now — and she must get a new phone and change her phone number.
I said something about her getting some rest tonight so maybe she could get to church tomorrow but, no, she’s refusing to try to go to church.
After we hung up I called the front desk and talked to Helen, she said, yeah, Carol had been in a real state for the past couple days and she was promised she was going to talk to the nurse about it. I feel bad because I simply don’t know how to help her when she’s like this so I tend to just say “Well ok, then, don’t eat.” Sigh. I know that’s not helpful, but I’m just getting burned out from this night after night (she was better last night and today after having spent all her money).
Anyway, pray that the staff will get her in to see someone (psychiatrist?) to figure out what is going on. And pray for my patience with her.
That kind of people can be quite draining. Just remember you cannot fix her but you can listen. And when you are done listening, it is fine to say good bye, I will talk with you another day. Praying for you.
Thank you mumsee, draining is a good word for it. The staff apparently brought her a dinner plate (chicken) to her room last night after I’d called and spoken to them about my concerns (they usually charge $7 extra for that but sounds like they weren’t going to do that last night, hopefully).
Carol’s convinced that “3 Central Americans” who live in the facility are controlling her phone remotely, talking about her in Spanish and plotting evil against her. She heard them use the word “finito” so now is thinking they’re planning her demise. “You’ll know if something happens to me.” Says she’s not coming out of her room, ever.
The staff gives her the meds and she’s always been good about taking them. But I’m wondering if her potassium levels have wildly dipped again (as they do every few months due to all the diuretics she needs to be on) and I’m wondering if that may be affecting how well her body is absorbing those medications. Last week there were several days when she stayed up all night long, slept all day.
She is going to be getting blood work done soon, she said they’ve scheduled her for it, but it’s not clear how quickly that will happen. I’m hoping within a day or so. At this rate she may wind up in a hospital fairly soon.
She said in a text she can’t trust anyone, maybe not even me anymore. I told her well, you know you can always trust God which seemed to calm her down a bit and she apologized for saying she couldn’t trust me.
Must be scary to suffer from that kind of paranoia. Nightingale says many of the dementia patients also are paranoid, & some are tormented by horrible fears & frightening hallucinations. It’s scary how many of the nursing home patients also have mental illness (even those without dementia).
One of the ladies often cries out for the baby she lost decades ago. So sad.
Praying for all mentioned here — the babies, the adults, and the ones in between those ages (I’m thinking of your son, for example, RKessler, as I pray for health in your household).
NancyJill, how is Michael today?
Kim, you’ve got my prayers.
DJ, I wonder if Carol needs more food in her system to properly absorb her meds. If she’s staying awake at night and sleeping during the day, has she missed a lot of meals lately? Praying for her, and for you as you deal with her calls and texts.
Michelle – A lot of it has to do with memories of the past. One woman was sexually abused, & relives it in her mind, thinking it is still happening. I’d also guess that fears that people had before the dementia set in can be magnified.
Interestingly, Carol is not a TV watcher and doesn’t have one in her room.
If she did, I’d suggest a few Hallmark Christmas movies …
They’ve been battling the potassium vs. diuretic issue for a couple years now, she is getting potassium supplements but ultimately it always seems to bottom out and she lands in the hospital on a potassium IV. But they are aware of that at the facility, of course. I haven’t heard from her today, she may be sleeping.
But while she doesn’t watch TV, she does pick up on the tabloid posts on her phone & tablets — “Korea will invade any day,” “An astroid is headed our way,” and her personal go-to favorite, “The ‘big one’ is coming to California,” believing every word.
I saw this online about low potassium (which is a regular condition for her):
“Mental lethargy, depression, mood swings, Psychosis (when a person has a break from reality and often involves seeing, hearing and believing things that aren’t real), disorientation and confusion,” are all mental disorders that may occur as a result of Low Potassium levels.”
I’d promised to take her to see some Christmas lights so we’ll do that tomorrow evening. She says she needs to talk to me and isn’t eating meals until she does (but she has lots of snacks in her room, she says she also is eating protein bars, though, so that evens out all carbs in the cakes, etc.).
Wandering Views 
The Dr diagnosed Miguel with severe bronchitis. He got a shot, and we pick up the rx today. I had fever and chills all evening, but feel a bit better this morning.
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Praying for you both and all.
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Glad he got in for treatment, bronchitis can be miserable.
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Thankful he went to the doctor…and praying recovery is quick and hasty…(thankful you are feeling better this AM!!)
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Baby Zeke (the baby whose umbilical cord had separated from his mama’s uterus, possibly causing brain damage), is home now, & breastfeeding some. Praise God! It was looking bad there for a while.
No word yet if he had any brain damage.
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Now asking prayers for Baby Landon, the newborn grandson of my friend Jenn, the lady with all the serious health issues. He was born early this morning, at only 26 weeks, & is 1.5 lbs.
While you’re at it, please pray for Jenn, too. Her health continues to deteriorate, & she needs to have a serious surgery somewhat soon, & there is no guarantee she will survive it due to her other issues. She is only 45, & would love to be around longer for her family, which now includes three little grandsons whom she adores.
Thank you.
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I have a prayer request specific to me. I need to do something and it is going to be difficult for me.
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God knows.
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If you could add my grandson Michael to your request before the Lord….I was just messaged by my daughter Abi..in Pasadena…that Michael (8months old) has had 4 back to back seizures. She rushed him to the hospital and was told there was nothing they could do unless they saw the seizure…he then proceeded into another seizure. Nurse rushed from the room alerting the neurologist and told Abi they would be admitting him…of course Abi is sick with worry…thanks
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praying for all above.
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amen, nancyjill
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Carol called in angry tears, again thinking people there were “controlling” her phone (turning the volume up and down); she was just in a state, said she’s going to refuse to ever go to the dining room again, she will just stop eating. They’re ‘gas lighting’ her and she’s adamant she must move RIGHT now — and she must get a new phone and change her phone number.
I said something about her getting some rest tonight so maybe she could get to church tomorrow but, no, she’s refusing to try to go to church.
After we hung up I called the front desk and talked to Helen, she said, yeah, Carol had been in a real state for the past couple days and she was promised she was going to talk to the nurse about it. I feel bad because I simply don’t know how to help her when she’s like this so I tend to just say “Well ok, then, don’t eat.” Sigh. I know that’s not helpful, but I’m just getting burned out from this night after night (she was better last night and today after having spent all her money).
Anyway, pray that the staff will get her in to see someone (psychiatrist?) to figure out what is going on. And pray for my patience with her.
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That kind of people can be quite draining. Just remember you cannot fix her but you can listen. And when you are done listening, it is fine to say good bye, I will talk with you another day. Praying for you.
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Thank you mumsee, draining is a good word for it. The staff apparently brought her a dinner plate (chicken) to her room last night after I’d called and spoken to them about my concerns (they usually charge $7 extra for that but sounds like they weren’t going to do that last night, hopefully).
Carol’s convinced that “3 Central Americans” who live in the facility are controlling her phone remotely, talking about her in Spanish and plotting evil against her. She heard them use the word “finito” so now is thinking they’re planning her demise. “You’ll know if something happens to me.” Says she’s not coming out of her room, ever.
The staff gives her the meds and she’s always been good about taking them. But I’m wondering if her potassium levels have wildly dipped again (as they do every few months due to all the diuretics she needs to be on) and I’m wondering if that may be affecting how well her body is absorbing those medications. Last week there were several days when she stayed up all night long, slept all day.
She is going to be getting blood work done soon, she said they’ve scheduled her for it, but it’s not clear how quickly that will happen. I’m hoping within a day or so. At this rate she may wind up in a hospital fairly soon.
She said in a text she can’t trust anyone, maybe not even me anymore. I told her well, you know you can always trust God which seemed to calm her down a bit and she apologized for saying she couldn’t trust me.
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Isn’t there something she can take or eat to keep her potassium level somewhat on track?
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Must be scary to suffer from that kind of paranoia. Nightingale says many of the dementia patients also are paranoid, & some are tormented by horrible fears & frightening hallucinations. It’s scary how many of the nursing home patients also have mental illness (even those without dementia).
One of the ladies often cries out for the baby she lost decades ago. So sad.
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And I think to myself, do the thing they watch on television add to the paranoia and fear?
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Praying for all mentioned here — the babies, the adults, and the ones in between those ages (I’m thinking of your son, for example, RKessler, as I pray for health in your household).
NancyJill, how is Michael today?
Kim, you’ve got my prayers.
DJ, I wonder if Carol needs more food in her system to properly absorb her meds. If she’s staying awake at night and sleeping during the day, has she missed a lot of meals lately? Praying for her, and for you as you deal with her calls and texts.
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Michelle – A lot of it has to do with memories of the past. One woman was sexually abused, & relives it in her mind, thinking it is still happening. I’d also guess that fears that people had before the dementia set in can be magnified.
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Interestingly, Carol is not a TV watcher and doesn’t have one in her room.
If she did, I’d suggest a few Hallmark Christmas movies …
They’ve been battling the potassium vs. diuretic issue for a couple years now, she is getting potassium supplements but ultimately it always seems to bottom out and she lands in the hospital on a potassium IV. But they are aware of that at the facility, of course. I haven’t heard from her today, she may be sleeping.
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But while she doesn’t watch TV, she does pick up on the tabloid posts on her phone & tablets — “Korea will invade any day,” “An astroid is headed our way,” and her personal go-to favorite, “The ‘big one’ is coming to California,” believing every word.
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Carol buys and eats a lot of junk food, unfortunately. So while she won’t starve, she isn’t getting a very good diet.
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I saw this online about low potassium (which is a regular condition for her):
“Mental lethargy, depression, mood swings, Psychosis (when a person has a break from reality and often involves seeing, hearing and believing things that aren’t real), disorientation and confusion,” are all mental disorders that may occur as a result of Low Potassium levels.”
I’d promised to take her to see some Christmas lights so we’ll do that tomorrow evening. She says she needs to talk to me and isn’t eating meals until she does (but she has lots of snacks in her room, she says she also is eating protein bars, though, so that evens out all carbs in the cakes, etc.).
I’m not looking forward to tomorrow.
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