Hi all,

I was talking to my wife (my caregiver) yesterday about my treatment (which ended 5 months ago).

I was mentioning that I didn't take any pain medications during my treatment, and she reminded me that I was prescribed a tylenol-codeine syrup, which eventually jogged my memory (brother, how soon we forget).

Then she said something else, which surprised me and gave me a laugh.

She said that when I was having more pain in my throat that she mentioned I should get a pain killer - but I wouldn't have anything to do with it (this part I still don't remember).

So, good caregiver that she was (and is), the next time we were at the radiation center, she called the doctor aside and told him I was having some pain but that I wouldn't ask for medication; however, if HE were to suggest medication she was sure I'd take it. Of course, this approach worked like a charm.

Anyway, I got a chuckle out of this effective method of getting me to take needed medication, and thought I would pass this on - although you probably know all the tricks to keep us hardheaded (which is a nice way to say boneheaded) patients moving in the right direction.

You caregivers are truly invaluable in small as well as large, heck in every way - my hat is off.

Best wishes,

Chris

Thanks so much for sharing that, Chris! It gave me a chuckle, too. Your wife sounds like a pretty wonderful person!

Chris, I'm sure that all the caregivers to the Boneheads amongst us enjoyed your post. Amy in the Oz

That story reminded me of a lady I was speaking to in the Rad waiting room, caregiver to her husband, she told me that her husband was being macho and refused to take prescribed liquid pain meds, So she just put it in his peg!!!!!!!! Don't know if I would dare do it! She said it worked like a charm!

I did! When my husband came home from his later chemo txs he was a mess. As soon as we would walk in the door he would lay down in the bed and start moaning and getting hysterical. He just kept saying, "I'm dying! I'm Dying!!"

I called the doc because I thought that something was a little weird since they had just sent him home from the hospital not 30 minutes before. The doc asked if I had any aderal and I said no but I have xanax, will that work? He said what dose? I said the strongest of course (2mg). I thought he was going to have a stroke because the typical prescription is .25mg. Anyway, he told me to give him a quarter of my pill. I went to my husband who said "no that won't work" yada yada yada....

I promptly ignored him and put it through his tube. He was very glad I did!! Sometimes a caregiver has to do what a caregiver has to do!!

Love the story!

Cindy