So what does one do when wide awake at 2 a.m.? I had a sudden creative idea to make something today, a little thing, to lift my mood and, well, have some fun in my sewing room. I knew I had a book on the topic and at that time of the morning was quite impressed with myself that I knew exactly where it was, even though it lay unread for multiple years. Bam, we cuddled back into bed, my rediscovered book and I, and started thinking of today. We shall see if there is time between floor washing, dog worrying, and other duties. Will try to make time.
Dog worrying because the Tobster has taken a tough dip with his diabetes and/or Addison's, being quite ill this week and needing more insulin to keep him going. I ordered a blood glucose kit and it arrived last night. The paperwork showed how easy it was to use the provided lancet to gracefully tap the dog's toepad to produce a drop of blood. This is not exactly what happened at my house. If it wasn't so serious it would be funny.
The poor dog became a pincushion as I tried to get blood from his paw, which produced nothing, and then his ear. Mind you this is a dog that needs three healthy adults to restrain him for a nail trim. When I was able to procure a little drop of blood, using an insulin needle rather than the lancet, the glucose meter errored out, telling me I waited too long to wet the strip, or wet it too early. Or that there wasn't enough blood. Finally, with me nearly in tears and Toby not much better, I let it rest until after he ate and had his insulin. At this point I decided to use a bigger needle. He was asleep and I quickly did the dirty work, procuring enough of a sample to register on the machine and obtain a beautiful reading of 122. Dogs should be 70-120. I was fearing something in the hundreds. So, we are on the right track with the Tobster. Such pressure on me to have to hold his life in my hands. Literally.
Seems like I've been in quite a mental rut lately with a low mood, increased brain fog, weight gain, and increased tiredness. I got recharged with Remicade on Thursday, which I hope helps. Have to visit the pain clinic this week to discuss treatment for a spinal nerve entrapment issue that is causing significant pain and numbness in both legs and feet right now. Back shot on the menu.
As much as I like to read up on all the meds I take and potential treatments, sometimes I am slow to put the pieces together. I had to increase a nerve pain med about six weeks ago, and upon reading the side effects and patients' accounts of this medication, I see that my recent brain issues are most likely a result of this increase. This is both a relief and a conflict, as the medication is helping me cope with the pretty bad leg pain. Pick your poison, as they say. Have to prioritize moving and hoping now that I know much of the negative head game is most likely med related, I can put it in perspective and move on. And make things to feel even better.
Game on! Time to shovel! Cheers.