Stephi is a bit better today

Hi Everyone, Sibyl Here,

When I spoke with Stephi this afternoon,
she told me she had found a combination
of pain meds which reduced the stabbing
pain in her ribs to a duller,but still constant pain.
Maybe when the weather (barametric pressure)
out there clears, the meds will work better.
Let's hope so.

Yesterday, Stephi's insurance company
sent a social worker for HER to the house.
Last week, Ken was assigned a wonderful
home nurse who is observing both his erratic
diabetes and his declining mental state.

One of the most striking things about the
household is how absolutely everything revolves
around nearly daily doctor appointments/lab
appointments, blood glucose readings, taking meds
and picking up new prescriptions. It allows little
time to think or experience joy.

Left to his own devices, Ken would eat peanut
butter for every meal. Sometimes Stephi is not
well enough to cook. Meals on wheels is not
the answer because Ken has so many vegetable
and fruit restrictions besides his strict diabetic needs.
Ken is frustrated that he cannot be the sole care
provider for Stephi--even though he needs almost
constant attention for his ailments; and there are
safety concerns about his wanderings and his lack
of judgement about his capabilities. He becomes
easily angered and frequently speaks about the
neighborhood fights he had to participate in during
his youth. He cannot control himself in this behavior
but it is still devastating to Stephi.

Friends have begun emailing, blogging and calling.
It is helping Stephi to feel less isolated.
Thank you so much.
Love,
Sib