Boo and Pope Francis

Boo was interested in the papal conclave.  He earnestly prayed for the Cardinals, the Pope to be elected and our beloved Pope emeritus.  He maintained absolute faith that the Holy Spirit was guiding the hearts and minds of the Cardinals. 

Change is difficult for Boo.  He thrives with a peaceful environment, as consistent a schedule as possible and limited and much discussed changes.  Even then, change can be unsettling and daunting.  Boo's biggest concern during the papal conclave was that he'd have difficulty remembering the name of the new Pope.  His hope was that the new Pope would choose the name of a recent previous Pope.  That would certainly have made this change easier for him.

Boo was sleeping when I heard that we had a new Pope.  I woke him and, after his immediate prayers of thanksgiving, he asked what the Pope's name was. 

"Pope Francis.  He's from Argentina."

Absolute silence...and then tears. 

I waited.  I had no idea what was going through his mind. 

"Pope Francis.  He's chosen Boudreaux's name so that I can remember it."

(For those who don't know, Boudreaux is Boo's cat, his "four legged son" and his constant companion.  Boo insisted that he had to have four names "like a proper Cajun" when we first adopted him as a tiny kitten. Thus, this little tiger cat became Francis Clawed Boudreaux Guidry.)

Well, I'm pretty sure our new Pope didn't choose Francis because of Boudreaux.  On the other hand, Boo remembered Pope Francis' name this morning with no difficulty.  A fact that pleases him no end.  In the midst of a life when the ordinary is often confusing and sometimes frightening, Boo remembers and already feels a connection to Pope Francis.

The three Francis in Boo's life...

St Francis of Assisi

Pope Francis

Boo and Francis Clawed Boudreaux Guidry

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Does God Care About Cats?

This past Friday we had quite a scare with Boudreaux, Boo's “four legged son” and fearless tiger cat. Boudreaux developed a virus and quickly became a very sick cat. Boo was inconsolable. This was his cat, his favorite companion.

On the advice of some friends who raise horses, I called the vet school...which, as it turns out, is only a few miles away. (It also has very reasonable rates. Thank goodness!) After describing Boudreaux's symptoms, we made a trip to have the poor cat checked. Originally, they wanted to keep Boudreaux for a few days. Boo's tears and great distress at being separated from his “son” for even a few days, got Boudreaux a reprieve. Instead, he got fluids and a blood transfusion---the cat, not Boo. A few tests were run. Some medication was dispensed for me to administer. And we were sent home.

Besides the medications, I had to give Boudreaux a mixture of chicken baby food, boiled water and Knox gelatin every two hours with a child's medicine dropper because the cat did NOT want anything. By Sunday, the little cat began to look more like himself and continues to improve. He has begun to rise from Boo's side to slowly explore his surroundings again for short periods of time. Now, if Boo stays away from Boudreaux longer than the cat would like, he meows pitifully and Boo will all but break his neck to get back to his cat. And I thought the two were inseparable before!

As a result of his virus, Boudreaux has a terrible case of dermatitis. His handsome red fur coat is rather bedraggled. There are several spots that are bald. If he doesn't stop licking, he may develop a few more. Tomorrow when Boudreaux has his follow up appointment, they'll address that issue. From tests that have already been run, we know that his skin problems aren't caused by ringworm. The guess the other night was dehydration. I'll be so glad when Boo's little tiger cat is healthy again!

(For those who might wish to know, Boudreaux does not have anything that is contagious to humans. He is up to date on all his shots and has never been sick in the past.)

Boudreaux's illness created a crisis of faith for Boo. This cat has been Boo's companion since his third stroke. And in many cases, a saving grace. When Boo wouldn't talk or answer questions about himself, he would talk about his cat. When he wouldn't work on strengthening his left hand, he could be enticed to brush Boudreaux with his left hand. Today, Boo sat outside on the deck and took a short walk only because Boudreaux needed fresh air. Boudreaux has been a safety net for Boo. I catch Boo telling Boudreaux his thoughts, especially when he's confused. Boo would be lost without his cat's company.

Boo wanted a prayer for his cat. Not just any prayer, but a special prayer for cats. There are no prayers specifically for cats in the prayer books we have. I did find several prayers for animals in a rural life prayer book in EWTN's archives. I thought spontaneous prayers would be great and Boo did too. Later, he was able to explain that he didn't want to forget anything. He didn't want to take any chances with his precious cat. That's why he wanted a written prayer. He forgets too often what he means to say. That makes sense.

Next Boo wanted me to immediately call our parish church and have Boudreaux put on the list of sick. I resisted. Finally, I called to let Boo talk to one of the priests. Boo was assured that God does indeed care for all His creatures and that the health and well being of all companion animals would be prayed for on Sunday. He also prayed with Boo on the phone.

Yesterday one of the priests at our parish called to check on Boo and Boudreaux and to let Boo know that prayers were offered. He even offered to come to the house, but Boo declined his offer. Boo thought visitors might upset Boudreaux. Nevertheless, that unexpected follow up call meant more to Boo than that priest will ever know.

Boo's faith has been restored. Someone cares about him and his cat. Someone took his concern seriously...and they even remembered Boudreaux's name! I appreciate a priest in our very busy parish taking the time ensure that Boo knew that his concerns were important. What a blessing!

Deep Roots at Home, God Bumps and God Incidences, Living Well Wednesday,

Home Health Notebook in Ten Parts

One of the things that I learned early in caring for Boo was the importance of having a home health notebook. In an emergency, having everything written down and at your finger tips eliminates unnecessary panic. Besides, Boo's notebook helps me be more organized and accountable---very important since I am his sole caregiver.

Determining just what was really necessary in Boo's notebook I learned by trial and error. Several of his doctors' suggested things that I should include and one of his home health nurses made invaluable suggestions. The layout of this particular notebook seems to be most appropriate for relatives caring for their parents or spouse. Of course, it can be adapted to other situations.

Much personal information is contained in this notebook. Please use discretion when sharing this information. It is not meant to be on display to everyone who comes into your home.

Part One: Basic Personal Information

In this section, I list Boo's full name, address ,phone number, religion, primary care physician and allergies. I also include a notarized copy of his medical power of attorney and a pocket with copies of his Medicare and insurance cards. This is typically information needed when registering at a hospital.

Part Two: Medical History

I include two medical histories in this section. The first is one page and lists height, weight, allergies, primary care physician, current prescription medications including dosage and concise list of health problems and date diagnosed. This one page medical history is generally exactly what rescue personnel need. They seldom have time for a detailed history. This one provides the essentials and is easily read.

The second medical history that I include is far more detailed. I include all the information given on the one page history, although I elaborate on some of the items. With his prescription drugs, I include when they were begun and any changes in the past two years---whether it be dosage changes or discontinued drugs. In the listing of health problems, I include where the diagnosis was made and briefly how it has affected him. I also include all immunizations, types of questions he finds easiest to answer, types of behavior that are typical of him in hospital situations and ways to make it easier for him. This medical history is the one that I refer to when giving information to hospital doctors, new doctors and when filling out medical history forms.

Part Three: Contact Information for Medical Professionals

Here I include all physicians that Boo is currently seeing, his preferred pharmacy and a second choice, his preferred home health agency, his preferred hospital and a second choice, insurance agents and social workers. For each entry, I include the name of the practice, mailing address, email, website, phone number, fax number and driving directions. I usually include the name of a contact person at each office as well. When filling out new patient forms at doctor's offices and detailed information at the hospital, this information is typically needed.

Part Four: Prescription Drugs

I list all Boo's prescription drugs, dosages and times I usually give them. I also include the prescription number and the date the prescription expires. The prescription number is useful when calling prescriptions into the pharmacy. The expiration date is really useful when visiting the doctor. Just remind the doctor and get refills either called in or given to you to eliminate another call or visit. All nonprescription medication should be listed as well. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements, stool softeners, fever reducers, etc.

Remember all the drug information sheets you're given each time you have a prescription filled? This is the perfect place to store one copy of each of them. The ones Boo receives monthly are on 8 ½ x 11 inch pages. I just punch holes and insert one set of pages in this section.

Part Five: Daily Record Pages

This will likely be the largest section of your notebook and the one you refer to most often. Because each person's needs are different, this section will vary greatly from person to person. We asked for input from Boo's home health nurse and his primary care doctor in determining what was necessary to record for him.

On Boo's weekly page, I record his blood pressure and blood glucose levels. I only have room for one recording of each because that's all that usually needs to be recorded for him. With his blood pressure, I include the time taken, which arm I used, whether he was sitting or lying and his pulse. With his blood glucose, I include the time taken and when he last ate. If I need to record more than one of each reading, I place a star beside that day and highlight it. I record further information on his daily pages.

On Boo's daily pages, I record briefly the type and amount of exercise he does and anything unusual---confused episodes, lack of appetite, etc. I also include additional blood pressure and glucose readings if he is sick or if they are higher or lower than normal.

Other people may need to record more frequent blood pressure and glucose readings or other things altogether. This is one area that you will need to consult your doctor and use common sense.

Part Six: Home Protocol Pages

This section has really been useful when Boo has minor problems and in determining when to call about more serious problems. If your physician does not provide protocol pages, make your own based on his or her advice. When Boo has a fever, I can refer to this section to determine which over the counter medications to give him that won't interfere with his prescription medications. I also have information about when the doctor wants to be notified about his fever.

In Boo's notebook, I have protocol pages for fevers, colds, flu, high blood pressure, high and low blood glucose levels and possible stroke and heart attack. For each of these I include when to call the physician or take him to the hospital, what he should have to eat or drink, what over the counter medications he can have and other pertinent information.

Part Seven: Useful Websites and Books

I list topics and the websites I've found helpful. Of course this is useful at home. Surprisingly, I've also found this useful when Boo was hospitalized. It's hard to ask intelligent questions about a new medical issue if I don't understand the basics about it. Many hospitalists here can and will recommend websites when asked. I don't think there's such a thing as too much information.

Part Eight: Warranties and Information Booklets

I punched holes in large envelopes and put the warranty and information booklets that came with Boo's walker, blood pressure cuff, glucometer and other medical equipment. This section has been useful when others cared for Boo and needed further information on how to use the blood pressure cuff. It has also been useful when our thermometer died. I did get another immediately, but I contacted the company and was sent a coupon to get another free. Another time, Boo's cardiologist asked what brand blood pressure cuff we used. Because I had that information right there, he was able to find that the particular cuff we used had been recalled and he arranged for the company to send another one.

Part Nine: Caregiver Information

Even if you stay with your spouse or parent, there will be times that you can't be there. At times like that, this section will be invaluable. I list where medications and first aid supplies are located, types of behavior that normal for Boo, ways to communicate with him when he's stressed, how to set up his meals, where his clothes are located, etc. I also list my phone number, where I will be and the phone number there. In case of emergency, include directions to your home from the major intersections nearby and a neighbor's phone number.

Part Ten: QUESTIONS

This section and an ink pen will be invaluable when you visit the doctor. Day by day, list all the questions that come to mind about your parent or spouse's care. I realized after Boo's second stroke that I had to ask questions. That is a major part of my responsibility as his caregiver. He can't ask pertinent questions about his care, especially when he feels stressed. So, that's my job. I simply won't remember everything I need to ask if I depend solely on my mind. I have to write my questions down...and I have to write the answers down. No question is too trivial or silly to ask. Most doctors are thrilled that someone is interested enough to ask questions. If you find that your doctor shies away from answering questions or routinely doesn't have time to answer them, consider finding a different doctor. You are your spouse or parent's advocate. Speak up. Ask questions.

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