Howard enjoyed an unusually good day yesterday. There is no doubt now that Decadron is relieving her pain although it has not entirely eliminated it. Nevertheless, enough pain was gone yesterday so that she could get through routine maneuvers more smoothly than I seen in a long, long time. And she rested better last night, needing to be turned over only about four times throughout the night.
There is one downside to Decadron: it hasa couple of side effects that Howard has to measure as a tradeoff for reduced pain. The one of most concern is that it makes her somewhat less focused, so much so that last night she crashed her chair into a door jam, detaching the joystick control. Not to worry, I was able to repair the control and get it reattached, but that the drug has this effect upon her brain disturbs her.
And it makes her a bit hyperactive. At times yesterday, she was almost giddy. But we often get giddy so that's not a serious concern. And nurse Gwen says these side effects will go away as her body becomes adjusted to the drug. Howard says, "We'll see."
The irony is that for months Howard has fought off any more drugs for fear of distorting her brain. The distortion is minor and until she gets tired, she's able to pretty much control it, but if those side effects hang around for longer than Howard thinks they should, she could very well ditch the drug. Stay tuned.
Have a happy Wednesday.
Dianne
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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