Struggles and yet more problems with meds...

Hi guys, it's been a stressful week again this time around.

Coo's struggling, he's stressed out again and this time it's because baby Jessica's hip surgery has been postponed. Her op will not now be until mid August - something to do with Anaesthetists!
We were a bit upset but it turns out, it may have been for the best as this week, Looby took shingles and yesterday Jessie has some spots too so it may well be that chicken pox are imminent! It never rains but it pours! Speaking of which...

The rainy weather is back too! lol
We're trying to make the best of things and just go splashing in those puddles! It sure beats drowning in 'em that's for sure!

The other big stressor, was caused by a change in meds and the issues surrounding the dispensing of it! - what a hassle that turned out to be!
Firstly, the chemist dispensed the drug in the wrong format and then it took phonecalls to both our doctor and pharmacy and some to-ing and fro-ing, to eventually get things rectified. Meanwhile Coo was already stressed and struggling with baby Jessie's op changes and this latest meds problem just added to the overall issues of the day...getting the picture?
It sure wasn't fun, that's for sure!

In the end, the meds got sorted, Coo stressed a bit less, the rain went off eventually and...we all lived to fight another day!
Happy days! lol

Let's hope for some calm!
I sure hope you're having a more settled week where you are!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Sunshine, jam and strawberry tarts...

Hi guys, it's been a great summer so far!

The sun is still shinning! woo hoo
We've been at home mostly this week as Coo's been poorly but we're doing ok!
...and while Coo's been asleep...I've been busy! lol
Remember those millions of strawberries growing ruby red in our garden?
Well...
You've just got to use natures fruits haven't you? 

Especially when they're so abundant and free! lol So...

cue some lovely jam and better still....

Strawberry tarts - now, just who could resisit!

 

 Strawberries are by far my most favourite fruit! I kinda like the way they just do their own thing and regardless the weather, they succeed, survive and make something really kinda wonderful!

I've  a feeling I'll need to ride my cycle quite a bit to work off all the strawberry tart eating but you know what? It was so worth it! lol

Why not have a wee strawberry tart too?
Go on treat yourself - you deserve it! lol works for me!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Bloods and yet more meds...

Hi guys, it's still a bit of a struggle here I'm afraid but we're hanging on in there!

Coo's still struggling, I thought it was probably a combination of the raised summer temperature and stress - he's still stressing about baby Jessica's up-and-coming surgery. I wasn't overly concerned, it has been a bumpy few days but we've had worse!

Anyhow, he's had a bump during a seizure and his speech was a little slurred so we decided to get his bloods done a week early, just incase! You never know and...you gotta stay one jump ahead!

Turns out, it's not the sunshine or stress, just like these wee frogs we're on a see-saw. Yes, we are indeed, back on that dreaded AED (Anti Epilepsy Drug) see-saw again!

For those who don't know, it's where there's too much drug in your blood stream and you have more seizures or alternatively...the levels are low and - you've guessed it - more seizures! The meds doses will have to be changed to accomodate and the bloods done again in another two weeks - joy!

While we were in with our GP, who's a great guy by the way - don't believe everything you read about NHS doctors!
I mentioned we'd needed to use the Diazepam a few times in the last month, it's only used if Coo's seizures are less than 20 minutes apart and he's struggling.
It's really not the most effective way to cope at such times and probably the local Accident & Emergency is where we should go but Coo is adamant, with seizure problems and the other complications added into the mix and little specialist knowledge at our local hospital, it's the last place he'd choose to be!

If it can be managed successfully at home, it will be and to be fair, it usually is and...we just ride it out and cope!
So, it's been decided to cut the Diazepam now and move onto Midazolam instead. It's a rescue med and supposed to kick-in quicker and work more effectively - well that's the plan and I guess we will see won't we!
In happier news...a wee time out!

Coo perked up this afternoon and as it was warm but not too sunny today, decide it was time for a wee bike ride - woo hoo result - time out! lol

We didn't make it far, just along the road to Looby's house, a wee rest and a cuppa and a wee cycle back home again! I'm glad we went as the time out, exercise and fresh air has done us both the world of good!

A wee while out, can make all the difference in the world, don't you think?
I hope you're able to get a wee time-out too this week!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Happy St. Swithins Day...

Hi guys and...Happy Saint Swithin's Day! Well, is it wet of fair where you are then?
Happily, it's dry here so...woo hoo we're in with a chance!
Saint Swithin's window is so very pretty isn't it! It's all apples and raindrops!

  
Old traditional proverb...

St. Swithin's day if thou dost rain, for forty days it will remain
St. Swithin's day if thou be fair, for forty days 'twill rain nae mair!


I hope it's true this time around, we've had glorious weather here and...another 40 sunny days would be brilliant!

I hope Saint Swithin's has been sunny and fair for you too!
(((hugs))) Maz x

sunshine, strawberries and respite...

Hi guys, I've been living at a bit slower pace these last few days.

Coo's been really sleepy!
The warmer weather tends to take it out of him so we've been mostly at home, in the garden for a change. Just chilling and enjoying the sunshine which has been glorious all week!
I've been in my wee greenhouse pottering around with my tomato plants and picking my potatoes and salad leaves - I love growing my own! They taste great and also save a wee fortune in the supermarket stakes! lol

By far, my greatest summer treat is strawberries...I love them!
Especially first thing in the morning, there's just no better time to eat them! Come to think of it, they're pretty good eating at noon and night time too! lol

I did manage to get a time out on my own too this week.
A wee daytrip away with my Carer group on Monday - Time spent with other Carers is so very important!
Coo was tired and poorly so Looby came to stay and I went out with my group as planned. I'm glad our SDS (Self Directed Support) care package, makes this so manageable. Before, when Coo was poorly, I had to cancel my plans and stay home, this new system has made things so much easier and enjoyable - I don't need to cancel at the last minute anymore!

We went to Dumfries House!

As you can see, the house is lovely! It's really worth a visit and...it has a great tea shop too and that's always a plus in my book! lol

It's so great this lovely old place and it' antiques were saved from being all sold off a few years ago!

Well done to Prince Charles and friends, who helped with funding!

It was a lovely day and a good wee respite time spent with other Carers. I hope you have the chance to spend some time out this week too!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Respite and Rhapsody...

Hi guys, we've been away and at the theatre no less! lol
We went to see...

 and...it was brilliant fun!



 Rock music and raunchy dancers...what's not to like! lol

It was touch and go right upto the last minute as Coo was really poorly but instead of having an early start as planned, we decided to leave it until later on and we made it!

We set off after lunch and never one to miss a chance to push where needed...while at the train station, I spied my local councillor - too good a chance to miss! lol I asked him for some assistance for wee Jessica, while she's immobile in her Spica -Cast and he agreed to try and help so...job's a good 'un!

On to Glasgow and the Kings...

We managed up on the train ok and even had a wee chippie tea along the way as Coo really needed to eat something and have a sleep before we could get to the show later. A speedy check-in at the TraveLodge and a wee cuppa and he was sound asleep!
A couple of hours chilling, waken Coo with a wee cuppa and...time for the show!

The Travelodge is great for a stop over, it's right in the centre of Glasgow city and only two streets away from the 'Kings Theatre' so it's just perfect for Coo and I!
I'm glad we got to go!
It really was fun and has given us both a wee boost after the worries of recent weeks. A wee time out is so very welcome especially when things are difficult! Our SDS (Self Directed Support) has made such a difference for Coo and I. Our quality of life is so greatly improved and it's good to be able to access funding and just take off when things are particularly stressful and difficult - even if it's only for a little while!

It was a nice time-out that's for sure.
I hope you manage a wee time-out too!
(((hugs)))
Maz x