My mom is now 85 years old and has survived a severe case of cancer (2010), lives with serious bone decline issues (pain), lung problems and deep depression. She also broke her wrist at the beginning of this year and her hand did not recover its full functionality.
I had not logged in here in a long while just because I basically have had no time available as my caregiving life has become almost a 24 hours cycle. But what brings me here today is simply put, despair.
My heart is breaking seeing my mom, who has fought very hard in life with so many illnesses, literally broken with Shingles disease pain. The rash started showing last Friday but she started feeling the pain about two weeks prior. She is also experiencing a weird coming and going hearing loss since then. A day after the rash appeared a doctor came to see her and prescribed antibiotic, antivirals, antiviral cream and pain medication. I have been applying the cream every day, meds are taken but the pain is unbearable. Her blisters have opened (I guess part of the process) and they are raw is several areas. I struggle to take off the gauze every time because I pull and take her newly born skin with it. I use chamomile water to clean her wounds and to help me pull the gauze, it is terrible.
She was also diagnosed with bronchitis but assumed the antibiotic would take care of both illnesses, yet she stopped the antibiotic two days ago per dr indication. She still has low-mid grade fever, I am also afraid the Shingles is making the bronchitis secondary when it should not be,
Bare in mind my mom has a high tolerance to pain, super high tolerance. Yet this is breaking her, and when I read about Shingles my heart aches when I see it can last a long time.
This is not right, not fair.
We live overseas, so meds are likely the same as in the US but with different names. PLEASE if you have any suggestions take a moment to share them here. We are truly despaired.
I have even considered hospitalization, but now with the threat of COVID that may be counterproductive.
We believe in God, and know everything has a purpose. I am just trying to help my mom, who is so weakened with this illness. And finally, I am also concerned about myself, I have been experiencing dizziness when I move, if I lay down, get up or move my head to the sides, and I thought or think it is only tiredness, but it has been about a week now. So, I just feel this illness is breaking both of us.
again, any suggestions will be a blessing. Thank you in advance.
Oh Lord, finally some peace.
My mom had never received a morphine shot before, and as side effects she was light headed, lacking balance and with an upset stomach but it all was better than the pain that was killing her. Now I am, simply put, terrified of the pain returning, and more so of the possibility of having a longer than desired Shingles episode. But I trust with all my heart that won’t be the case.
I just cannot believe it was Shingles what got us to have to resource to Morphine.
If you are a believer please have my mom in your prayers; she has suffered a lot, more than most people, and this is simply a cruel situation for an elderly and very tired and depressed person. We need good thoughts and bright energy to come our way. Thank you so very much to all!
The pain is a different story. It was literally unbearable until about three days ago, when it went from completely intolerable to severely painful (believe it or not, that is an improvement). Some days are worst than others.
We have been through days of complete depression to days when she makes an effort to try to do some activities but pretty much unsuccessfully, as the pain comes back with fury when she does. Aside from symptoms related to Shingles I have to say her strength has decreased noticeably and very significantly as a result of this illness, more than with anything else she has experienced in the past. It is probably because of her age and general health situation, but she has trouble with her balance, trouble standing up, moves very slowly and believe it or not despite her age she was not like that before Shingles. It has taken a huge toll on her and it saddens me a lot to see it. I hope and pray I can help repair some of the the damage with my care and providing proper nutrition (although she barely eats), and more than anything I pray the pain leaves her for good soon, as I can tell you my poor mom has had more than enough. And if I can be honest, I am pretty tired too, physically and emotionally.
For believers reading this, your prayers would be extremely appreciated. We need them! Thank you again so much for all of your input.