Hard hat & flak jacket time...

Hi Guys, I still need my hard hat 'n' flak jacket right now as Coo shows little improvement. Since we reduced the meds to try and find a safer level, Coo's seizures have got a whole lot worse and last night was real difficult for us both.

I woke Coo at around 10 a.m. and managed it make it to church this morning, our son was here to help out if needed.

Thankfully Coo managed to stay awake till I got back but only just - he slept and seized on and off for the rest of the day. I was starting to dread things were on a downward spiral again but thank God, he's rallied around again, given me a big smile, eaten something and now seems fine!

I honestly don't know how Coo manages, considering all the seizure activity but I'm only so glad that he does bounce back!
So it seems, for now we've weathered yet another storm and I'm hoping for a more settle night tonight - if not...well, let's cross that bridge when we come to it.

I'm keeping my hard hat handy but I'm still hoping we won't need it at least for tonight.

On a lighter note...

I came across this picture online and it tickled my funny bone...
A hard hat with built in tea now if only that were possible I'd sure buy!


Let's hope for more settled times for us all,
(((hugs)))
Maz x

See-saw or roller-coaster ride?...

Hi Guys, unfortunately Coo's blood results came back and I'm afraid we have jumped back on that AED (Anti epilepsy drug) see-saw yet again!

The safe dose, in the blood stream is between 10 - 20 points and Coo? Well his latest test was 28! We've been advised to drop one of his meds by 25mgs immediately, keep an eye out for any changes and re-test again in two weeks.

Let it never be said, the life of a Carer is easy. I don't know about see-saws it's more like a roller coaster ride at the moment!

Hopefully the reduced meds and plenty of rest will help Coo feel more like his old self again.

Meanwhile, just like Bob...
I'll dig out my hard hat and hang on tight for the ride!


I hope things are more settled where you are!

(((hugs)))
Maz x

Slow cooks and Sleepy Days...

Hi guys, it's been a bit difficult again this week.
Coo's been very sleepy and there's been lots of seizures as a result. I'm not sure if he's caught a sniffle and that's what's firing things up or if it's the dreaded AED (anti epilpesy drug) see-saw effect yet again.
You know the one, the drug levels are too high in the blood stream and causes problems, and then if there's too little, it's seizure city again!

Hopefully the latest blood results will come back tomorrow and we'll have a clearer picture, meantime it's...batten down the hatches and dig out that hard hat and flak jacket!

Happier news...

I've new slow cooker arrived at last! woo hoo!
This week we've been eating like kings! LOL
It's so easy to make even the cheapest cuts of meat taste nice and with Coo poorly and sleepy, I really like the 'throw it all in and let it cook itself' approach to meal times!
You know, I really do have a lot to learn from Delia! but I do try...or maybe it's just that I'm trying! LOL

What's in the slow cooker for tomorrow?

Well, let's see...
Chicken thighs, herbs and a creamy sauce, well that'll be something to whip up with pasta for a change then.
I'll let you know how it tastes!

If you've never tried slow cooking maybe you should give it a go as a Carer, I find it really useful, especially when things are hectic! You know the kinda days I mean, days when you really want to eat proper food but can't spare the time to cook - well on just those kinda days, the slow cooker's a Godsend!

From a cozy and comfy, cookery whizzing guru (I wish!) LOL
I hope you're feeling cozy and comfy where you are too!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Mixed bag kinda week...

Hi guys, it's been a bit of a mixed bag kinda week this time!

Coo's been very sleepy and we've been mostly at home this week so anything that can be, has pretty much been put on hold!
I've been keeping myself busy (and sane!)with my favourite passtime...crafts...Yeah!

Today I've been weaving!

I moved away from my frame loom as it was a bit sore on my shoulder so I've been trying out a peg loom instead.

I can honestly say it's quick, it's easy and more importantly it's FUN! lol I managed to get a hold of some real nice arran wool and decided to brighten up our sofa with some new cushions.

I'm taking my time and just enjoying working with the loom but I'm truely surprised by the way the fabric is turning out.

It looks pretty chic for homespun even if I do say so myself! LOL



I guess I find crafts a bit of a therapy, even a diversion when things are difficult.
Why don't you try crafts too?
It's fun and it sure works for me! LOL
(((hugs)))
Maz x

I guess the holiday's over...

Hi guys!

Well, the Christmas fun is now all over for another year.

Did we all survive ok?
Well...I think so, at least I hope so!

The holiday period is no sooner over and already the Carer issues begin to kick in! We've had yet more problems with the dreaded meds...again! Honestly, the new drug has brought nothing but problems since Coo began taking it in November.

Latest saga...
We picked up all Coo's meds on the 20th of December - being organised, we never leave things till the last kick but best laid plans and all that...things have not gone to plan. I noticed at the time, the Chemist had only dispensed 4 boxes of pills but that's not really that unusual, the meds need ordered and sometimes we have to wait on further supplies so no alarm bells rang - till today!

Today, I got Coo to call the Chemist and ask if the rest of his meds were ready to collect. Now, it should have been a simple process but...err no, the Chemist insists he dispensed all the meds correctly in December!

We've had to contact our doctor and confirm he prescribed 112 pills and not 42!
Bearing in mind we picked 'em up on December 20th and Coo needs 4 a day - the maths just don't add up. If in fact, the chemist did prescribe 42 pills, they'd have long ran out and we'd have been in dire straits by now!

After all that organising poor Coo is down to his last dose!

The rest of the pills will need to arrive tomorrow or we'll be up the proverbial creek without a paddle! What a mess!

It's the problems that really could be avoided, I find so very irritating and I seem to resent more and more, the unnecessary stress they cause.

If we Carers can keep going, in what can sometimes be a very stressful role, why can't the professionals get it right too?

Fingers crossed they turn up tomorrow!

Wish us luck,
(((hugs)))
maz x

Old year...new year...

Hi Guys, new year is almost upon us!
Where has the year went? - It's time for a think...

You know, I used to get a bit stressed at the thought of a new year coming.
I used to worry about the things I said I'd do throughout the year and just didn't get around to, you know the kind of thing...lose a few pounds in weight, hold onto a few of the other kind of pounds and save for a rainy day...that kinda thing! lol

One thing being a Carer has taught me is to slow down a bit and just take a breath! The world still turns just the same while you catch your bearings a bit. Mainly it's taught me just to count my blessings a little and be thankful for making it through the last year safely in the first place! LOL

I guess, most people take that kind a thing for granted...good health, I mean!
While you are well and busy hustling and bustling about your life at such a great pace, you never need to give a second thought to such things. You can plan well into the future for work, holidays or pretty much anything you fancy and it's only when something happens to you or your loved ones that you really need to stop and think at all!

I think that's probably what I miss most. All the planning and looking forward to things, the certainty and order of it all. It sure was a lot easier when finance was the only issue to getting things done and we could both climb a mountain if we wanted to!
On the other hand, this slower pace of life has it's upside too! We have both learned how to adapt and find a way - there always is one - it's just finding it that's the tricky part! LOL

2010 hasn't been a bad year, well, not really!

We've had major trials and problems with doctors and meds and there's been lots of stress over that but other things have buoyed us up too!

** Coo's no worse and not nearly as bad as the dreadful 30 siezures a day all through 2007 - 8! Things are not brilliant by any means but they're a wee bit better than they were and that's a bonus in itself!

** With help, we made it all the way down to Getna and right through Looby & Stevens wedding! and what a brilliant day that was!

** I re-discovered lots of fun with crafts and hobbies from jam and fudge making to weaving and jewellery! Woo Hoo

** The garden was a bit of a refuge at times too - from peas and potatoes, to salad veg. and fruits - I had a ball, planting, growing, jamming and storing loads of goodies!


...so it's goodbye 2010! I'm feeling happy and optomistic about the new year ahead.

I hope you're feeling happy too and...
'a' the best when it comes - Slainte Mhath!

(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers and Christmas shopping...

Hi Guys,
I guess most Carers have been in this situation at one time or another!
a) When can I fit in some time to get those last minute Christmas shopping done.

b)If he's got to go with me...how will I distract him long enough to secretly get him a little gift too!

After the hustle and bustle and the real joy of Looby's wedding a few short weeks ago, we decided it'd be a bit of a low key event this Christmas.
Not that we ever go really overboard anyway, it's usually little thoughtful things we buy one another and anyway fundings usually tight too - when is it ever anything else where Carers are concerned :-o

Carers Allowance doesn't go far when it comes to buying little extras does it! Although it's amazing what little, inexpensive things you can find around town (if you get the chance that is!) and I suppose it helps that I make my own scarfs, jewellery, jams, soaps and lotions and potions too! lol

It's always nice to receive something personal don't you think?

I must admit as our kids are grown now, it's not such a frenetic hustle and struggle to get the 'must have' toy or designer clothing and I truely don't miss that struggle! lol but What I do however miss, is having little people around at Christmas time, all that wonder on their faces and sparkly eyes peeping out expectantly!

I guess that's why I'm so big on Community Christmas events and having fun and I guess too, that's why I don the pointy ears and elf suit each year and help out the big man in red!
It's real nice to share some fun with the little ones and spread some Christmas cheer along the way!

I'm going to chillout a bit, drink some hot chocolate and tomorrow I'll hit the shops but...let's worry about that later!
I hope you're not too stressed out in the Christmas rush - and if you're beginning to feel it...drink lashings of hot chocolate...it surely works for me! LOL

(((hugs)))
Maz x