Anne-Marie, Simon is going to see radiologist tomorrow. Unfortunately, I won't be able to accompany him but will tell him to ask for another mouthwash.

I like the recoding method. That way one doesn't have to argue. As I'm not home all the time it's tricky but I figure the weekend was a fair indication about his intake.

Will give it a go though. Thanks.

Thanks Christine. Yes, it is frustrating, it feels like looking after a toddler sometimes � but on the other hand I don't want to discredit anything as I have absolutely no idea what goes on inside the body and mind and above all what it feels like.

Learning from you OFC members I have started the process 'to back off', that means he has to take charge in taking care for himself.
Having said that, I have just been diagnosed with a couple of health issues myself and need to take care of myself for a change. It's easy to dismiss oneself when being solely focused on one person.

A waterpik is tool that uses pressurized water to get into the tiny spaces between teeth. Its available at most pharmacies and retail department stores here in the US or online thru our Amazon link.


Waterpik @ Amazon

I already typed the search word in, just hit enter on the Amazon page to bring up the waterpik.

Heike, this is the link to Waterpik in Australia

http://waterpik.com.au/

Heike, I ordered a Waterpik from one of the online pharmacies in Australia.
Just google it and see what comes up.
Tammy

Heike you can find Waterpiks at Harvey Norman if you want to see one before buying it, I bought mine at Chemist Warehouse, it was cheaper.

Thank you for all your entries. Will head off get one.

According to specialists Simon is remarkably doing well. He's lost now 30kg and is eating / drinking the bare minimum. I guess it's up to him whether he wants to speed up recovery and looking after himself.

I, have been in a lot of pain and pushing myself too much and above all forgot to look after myself.
Now I'm struggling with degenerative arthritis in my spine, prolapsed disc and neurological pain that may cause irreparable damage to my spinal cord and legs facing spinal surgery.

To be honest my feelings are ll over the place. A bit much to take in �. Simon cancer and myself possible spinal cord damage �

Trying to keep it together. Thanks again to all of you.

You have a lot on you plate, Heike. It is so tough having to look after Simon when you yourself is not in the best of health. You can only do so much.

Nutrition and hydration are vital for healing. Vital. He should not be thinking "I'll just lose weight I can afford to lose some, I'll just get it back later" as many of us do. It doesn't work that weay, and makes your recovery much longer. The experienced folks here will harp on about it, because its true.

My mum has degenerative arthritis right now too. Her husband is under chemo for lung cancer, her daughter is recovering from chemo and a masectomy and her son, me, is dealing with SCC! Every journey is different and you're on a tough road. I hope you are getting the support you need and if there is anything we can do to assist, please ask.

Reading your story Dave I don't think I should whinge. Oh boy, life can be cruel. Little do I know so it seems. Neuropathy is the new word in my vocabulary.

Dave, in fact Simon isn't doing well at all. Today he fell, getting dizzy all the time. He's not keeping up with fluids. Been thinking of taking him to the hospital. He seems to very weak.

No matter how much I whine he just doesn't see the need to look after himself but I shall keep pushing.