Checking In Friends

[bazooka111]

I hope everyone is hanging in there. This is us - COVID CRUSHERS! We survived.

Update…

Swallowing is the chief concern now, and I have started to introduce puréed foods. I have found that it all depends on her energy. Mornings the swallow is stronger, mid- afternoon a little weaker, and evening … puréed foods are now necessary.

As a caregiver, I am tired —- but, I continue to love on Momma and push through each day. Respite is cherished for recharge, and for those on here that are the “caregiver” … take care of you. So very important. Self care is vital.

Stay cool and hydrated wherever you are in this world.

~ Kim

[honjen43]

Oh! Well done both of you!Yes, take your respite whenever you get the chance.

And keep those beautiful smiles coming from you both.

Big hugs to both of you.

Jen XXX XXX

[bazooka111 in reply to honjen43]

Hey Jen! Big hugs back to you! I hope you’re doing well! XO Kim

[honjen43 in reply to bazooka111]

Not as easy as it used to be, tho!! But still fighting!!XXX

Jen

[Beads0122]

Kim,I too recently survived Covid. A NY times article was on how there were essentially no more Covid virgins. I think that is the case based on my family and friends.

I remember the caregiver fatigue that you mention. I hope you get support and strength from your family. Take care of yourself. I also hope this forum also gives you some small bit of strength knowing that you are not alone. I found that to be the case for me.

Prayers of strength, wisdom, and peace covering you,

Bobby

[NannaB]

So pleased you are all on the mend Kim and hope you haven’t been left with the Covid fatigue as you have so much to do to help your mom. I also hope she doesn’t have too many problems swallowing, and avoids choking and aspirational pneumonia, managing to eat enough to help her continue to thrive. Thinking 🙏🏼 of your mum, you & your family.Best wishes and big hugs.

XxxX

[Cinderella80]

So wonderful to see you and your mum! You both are true warriors. I understand about the swallowing my mum is exactly the same. Us carers do get tired but we are tough cookies! Lots of love and hugs to you both! 🌹

[bazooka111 in reply to Cinderella80]

Lots of love to you as well!!!!! It’s an uphill climb for sure —- one step at a time. 🥰

[Tippyleaf]

Hi JimI haven’t checked into the site for a few weeks so delighted to see your lovely photo. Pleased you have battled through Covid on top of “ normal” carer exhaustion quite a trial.

Evening meals in our house often became trifle, tiramisu or similar which elicited minimal coughing and kept the calories going in. Good to hear you have worked out the importance of looking after yourself - not always easy but an excellent mantra to have.

With love to you and your mom

Tippy xxxx

[bazooka111 in reply to Tippyleaf]

Thank you Tippy!!!!! Hugs to you!!

[Katiebow]

Don’t often check in these days Kim but I am pleased to hear you have both recovered from Covid. Your post took me right back to the food dilemma , providing nutritious food that they enjoy whilst having to think about food consistency to help with swallowing. You are doing a great job caring for your mom, it’s hard work but you do it for love and to give them the best life they can have. Keep looking after yourself too. Sending love. Kate x

[bazooka111 in reply to Katiebow]

Hi Kate! I hope you’re well - the major mountain to climb with Momma now is her decline in swallowing. She has lost a lot of weight - so I’m pushing calories and nutrients in the small window of time that she is awake. Sending love back my friend - Kim 😌

[Runner333]

So happy to hear you both are on the mend! That was so great that you noticed that time of day affects your mom’s strength to swallow. Important information like that helps care for our loved ones. Big hug for you and your mom! Take care!

[bazooka111 in reply to Runner333]

Yes, we are indeed - every day brings on something new it seems on this journey. Big hug back to you! 😌

[Sebuly14]

That’s great news! Glad that the crisis has passe!

[bazooka111 in reply to Sebuly14]

Thank you!!!

[Martina_MP]

Right there with you . . . I have started giving my mom a smoothie + a drink for some dinners because we haven’t been making it though her usual bowl of food-processor minced soft food. Her tongue is not moving well and she chews for a very long time (even a smoothie or very blended food), so a lot of food and drink falls out before she can swallow. She has lost ten pounds in the past year and her immobile limbs lost muscle. I started adding more protein to her diet and she is looking less scrawny and her weight seems to have stabilized for the moment. Feeding her takes about 75 minutes, and she sometimes nods off for a few minutes, so I walk away for a moment and take a break, too, to muster up more patience. I am satisfied if we can finish off her drink so at least she is hydrated. At the same time, food is one of her few remaining pleasures.

I expect she will eventually get very thin.

[bazooka111 in reply to Martina_MP]

I think we are in the exact same place. Moms intake is getting less everyday. This damn disease.

[Richard33]

Kim, Well done you two getting through Covid. All our kids keep getting it and sometimes when they are visiting, but Ruth and I have escaped it so far.....touching loads of wood!

😀 Richard x

[bazooka111 in reply to Richard33]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 hang in there friend!!!!