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Monday, April 29, 2024

I Am Now Afraid to Go to Sleep

 This morning, I had little sleep but got up about 8 am to sit in living room as I put on ac. It was so stuffy in my bedroom, I could not sleep. When I came in the living room, Tommy was wadding up his blanket again and holding it up under his chin in a wad. Then, immediately he was looking at the edge of the blanket, holding with both hands. It appeared he was looking for something on the outer edges of the blanket, like a tag. 

He did not know his birthdate and could not understand what I wanted when talking about other things. I gave him a gentle "talking to." I explained he had to trust me to tell him the truth. He had to do what I said and eat what I said to eat. I told him I was going to make him a pb sandwich and give him a real Coke. He agreed and ate it. 

About thirty minutes later, he seemed okay. But, I was afraid to go to sleep. He did not want to take his insulin since it was sooner than usual in the morning. He did not say this, but I think that is why he would not. Finally, he took the insulin. Still, I was afraid to go to sleep. 

We went out for a check of flowers at Lowe's, a short drive-by for outside. Then, Tommy went inside Dollar General to find the cheap, terry cloth slides I love for house shoes. No luck. Back home, he had salad with chopped hamburger on top. I had tuna sandwich with salad. So, it has been a quiet low-key day, perfect. 

I did decide to go to sleep in my bedroom and left him in living room. I slept until about 2:30 pm. Now, 12 hours later, I am afraid to go to bed and leave him. 

I did arrange for new cleaner to come late one afternoon into evening--her idea, not mine. Plus, I emailed woman who wants to buy my car and delayed that. Tommy's car sounds like it is falling apart. So, he wants to have at least mine here. We must go car shopping soon! 

There is a list of calls for tomorrow morning. One is a potential Medicare fraud. Since when does nail-trimming cost $800 and lab tests which I was never told were going to happen. The clippings were vacuumed and doubtfully were sent for tests. Another doctor consistently bills me too much. Medicare said it was illegal. If he does not want to take Medicaid, he cannot bill me for the rest of the cost, what Medicaid would have paid him. I have fired him, so no problem for me. I dread these calls!

We are having temps in high 80s this week. Sounds good to me, but it will rain hard Monday and Tuesday and still rain Wednesday and Thursday. So, it should be steamy. At least Tommy won't need to water flowers. Oh, the watering system for pots and hanging baskets comes in this week. 


22 comments:

  1. Do you think Tommy would benefit from a continuous glucose meter?

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    Replies
    1. Belinda,
      Read reply to Cheryl below. You are correct and that has been the plan.

      Delete
  2. With these continued episodes, happening more frequently, I would be terrified to go out in a car with Tommy. He truly should not be driving until this is all taken care of and these spells somewhat stop. It is a danger to all. That is just my opinion.
    I hope he gets some help with this soon.

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  3. The episodes are scary. I hope he can get it under control better soon.

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    Replies
    1. One,
      He is finally listening to me. However, he does need a doctor. This last episode may have made him see he is responsible for his actions. I or a doctor can only do so much.

      Delete
  4. Linda, I know you don't know me but I have been reading your blog for some time. I have to agree with Cheryl. I hope I'm not overstepping here. It just concerns me when I read what you have posted from day to day. When does Tommy have an appointment for the Dr's? I'm also surprised the EMT's didn't take him to the ER last week.

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  5. I wonder if he's overdoing the insulin accidentally. It would make his blood sugar too low and cause problems.

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    Replies
    1. Carole,
      I will ask him. I think he is overdoing the carbs way into the night. But, that may not be a thing.

      Delete
  6. Wow I hope Tommy gets his diabetes under control. My niece has an insulin pump plus an app on her phone to help her manage her diabetes which is a big relief for my sister who probably didn't sleep for weeks after my niece was diagnosed for fear something would happen when she was asleep.

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    Replies
    1. COL,
      Then, you understand my fear. He needs something desperately.

      Delete
  7. My Dad was severely diabetic and they kept hard candy at hand always so that he could get one right in his mouth while Mom got him some orange juice. They also had smelling salts in case she could not get him awake.

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  8. My DH has a Dexcom, and while the information CAN be sent to a phone, it doesn't NEED to be, and his, in fact, is NOT connected to a phone. It comes with a receiver about the size of a credit card, (but a little thicker) that he keeps in his shirt pocket, or on the dresser when he sleeps. I don't know who told you that a phone is needed for these, because that is not the case, at least not with this Dexcom. FYI, we have had it less than 6 months, so it's not like he's using old technology.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If it sends an alarm that blood sugar is dangerously high, low, or that the unit needs replacing, you will hear it. DH's has sent kids running from the other end of the house. (And that was just the alarm to give us the 12 hour notice to change the meter.)

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    2. Meg,
      Can the noise be muted where the person has to check it? I ask because that was not what I heard. Plus, would it not be disruptive in some circumstances and possibly embarrassing?

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    3. It's an alarm, almost like a gentle alarm clock. *ring* *ring* *ring* ::pause:: *ring* *ring* *ring* ::pause:: It's not jarring at all. It also vibrates, I think. We only notice it because it is so different. I think in public it would be mistaken for a phone ring. Embarrassing? Never dawned on me. As for disruptive and embarrassing, I would think calling 911 because you allow to let your blood sugar drop dangerously low would be more disruptive. It is meant to alert you to low and dropping--far before you have a dangerous situation.

      Delete
  9. https://www.dexcom.com/en-us/faqs/do-i-need-to-use-my-dexcom-receiver-for-my-dexcom-cgm-system-to-work

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm sure a continuous glucose meter would be helpful.
    Hopefully one can be arranged through your Doctor/medical team.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan,
      It will be a lifesaver, for sure. We are working on it.

      Delete
  11. Yikes! what a title and what a situation! I hope Mr. Tommy gets assistance for the sake of both of you.

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    Replies
    1. Urspo,
      He is listening to me better now. I think passing out really got to him. However, he is allowing me to reach out to get outside help now.

      Delete

Okay, hoping the annoyances have gone away.