James' Update

Well, this is the hard part. Over the last two weeks, James has slowly gone down hill. Firstly it started with his left side becoming weak. Then it progressed to the stage he could not walk any more. He was still eating and talking and making us laugh. I have managed to build up my muscles in my arms quite a bit now. It is like doing weight training every day. At this time his memory was shocking so he would forget he could not walk and try to get up, which resulted in a few falls. We then got to the stage were he could not get up, so this made it a little bit easier for us, that we did not have to worry every minute of the day and night if he was going to hurt himself. James has now got to the stage were he is incontinent. This was a bit hard at first for him but now he just accepts it, (I hope). We then went to not wanting to eat, but still drinking so we started supplimenting his drinks with Sustagen. This was working really good until Tuesday when he decided he didn't want that anymore either. So on Tuesday when the Silver Chain arrived we all decided it was time to put James on a pump to administer his medication for seizures and anti-nausea. By Wednesday he was having a lot of pain with regards to his hips and we then decided to place James on Morphine as well. This has resulted in James becoming more settled and restfull. He is no longer in any pain and seems to be more at peace. The Silver Chain nurses come everyday to ensure the pump is working and replace the medication for the next 24 hours. James is no longer talking. He does nod a little bit but is sleeping and resting most of the time now. We have been very lucky with the Silver Chain nurses, they have been wonderful in help and advise on what to do. Everyone has been very helpful and I have really appreciated the many visitors and phone calls I have received. They are keeping my spirits high. At the moment we are all taking it one day at a time and hoping that James stays as peaceful as possible with no pain. Keeps us in your thoughts and thank you for all your prayers and support, it really is appreciated.

"May the Angels above guide us with gentle hands."