A new medicine

Wednesday, May 22, 2012,  9:15am

I drop in (always unannounced) about 9:15 to find Bernie dressed in lounge area in a recliner chair. He has bedroom slippers on his feet. The chair has a control to lift the leg rest, but it is in the retracted position.  I hold Bernie's hand and he rouses from a nap and takes 10 seconds to slowly awake, focus, then recognize me. He smiles.  "Hi Bernie, how you doin?" "Not too bad." 

I describe to him that we got a garbled message yesterday from Connie, the Hospice RN. There may be a plan to take him to the Doctor. I tell Bernie I would figure out what the plan was, and report back.

Connie wasn't available, so I left a message on her cell and returned to Bernie to report I have nothing to report. I told we were praying for him, and asked for his prayers. "I'll see you tomorrow." His footrest is now extended, supporting his legs.

It is just before 10am and the lounge area had been setup for daily communion.  Driving home I realize that part of my prayers being answered is the appropriate and very loving attention he receives from every person I have encountered at Nazareth House. Daily communion and a community where it is fostered. Thank you God.

Connie calls to say they would like to try another oral antibiotic. Bernie does not have to be transported to the doctor. She was in contact with Bernie's doctor and her agency's medical director.  Both concur with her that the best course is to try the new antibiotic.

"Bernie is eating about 40-50% of his servings. Breakfast is his best meal. For the amount of activity he has, this is probably equal calorie intake and use. Let's see how his infection responds to the new medicine."