I would welcome hearing your stories of how you find your courage to be the best caregiver for your loved one. I feel challenged to find my courage sometimes. Hoping I am not alone. Yesterday was tough. Mom's pain management doctor clinic closed, and so we are waiting for her appointment to establish her with a new pain doctor. Her pain patches ran out in the meantime. Old doctor wont write prescription. New doctor wont write prescription. So, I went to her general doctor for help before she starts going into withdraw. I was told to take her to the ER when the pain gets too bad! oh my what has pain management come to that we have to have a patient in dire situation before a solution can be found. I started to leave, but then the thought of mom suffering was just unacceptable. I argued with the staff and insisted that one of the doctors in this very large doctor group could write a pain prescription and I would not leave till that was done. A couple of hours later, I left with a prescription for 30 days, enough to get us to the first appointment with the new pain management doctor. I kept thinking of my dad, who was my mother's caregiver before passing away, and how he would never give up till he had the best for mom. I love you and miss you Dad! I found my courage... at least for today.
I know there is supposed to be an epidemic of opioid abuse but there seems to be a lot of hysteria too. IMO a lot of the abuse is more meth, herion, Fentanyl... The poor individuals who really do need medicines such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet... are suffering.
I know somebody who is trying to switch to Tramadol, a less powerful opioid. Might be something to ask about. So sorry for you and your Mom. Thinking of you and hoping you can get the help you need. Hugs.
All of that said... I find my courage in knowing that I am honoring my father in taking care of him, no matter how difficult - emotionally, physically, mentally, financially, etc. I will fight for him until the day I die because I love him and because he can no longer fight for himself. When he has been in the hospital or at various doctor appointments, I have fought for him innumerable times. There have been times when he has been overwhelmed or confused and I know it has meant the world to him that I am his advocate. He was not a good father and he cannot make up for those years. He has, however, apologized for not being all that he should have, in recent years. That is huge for this 6'1" big guy. I have forgiven long ago.
Life is not fair. It's not always fun and it's usually not easy, but in the end, somehow God gives grace and strength. I am recovering from 3 major surgeries and cancer. Every day is filled with physical pain and I go to physical therapy twice a week (now going on 5 months). But, I rest in knowing that God's grace is sufficient for me and in my weakness, He is strong.
Blessings to you all as you provide care to those you love!
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE." ~ I Corinthians 13:13
Courage works if one has a cooperative elder. My Mom was like hitting a brick wall with my recommendations. It was like I was just a "kid" [in my 60's] and what did I know. Plus I am not one to challenge doctors. Bravo you had the courage to do so :)
With my Dad it was another story, I had inherited from him the curiosity to find a solution, and together we were able to work through it.