30th May 2005
Sally, I give my mom 1/8 mg of alprazolam (also a benzodiazepine) when she's having a really bad time. That's really a teeny-weeny dose but it calms her down pretty quickly and she's able to think a little better.
But within a half-hour she's yawning and will sometimes doze off for a bit. I have to follow her around to make sure she doesn't lose her balance in the meantime. But that small amount is enough to do a lot and is a lifesaver when she goes into panic and can't remember anything.
Listening to your MIL and the pills reminds me of my mom trying to swallow an Alka-Seltzer whole instead of putting it in water. And she has trouble swallowing regular pills, but I had told her to "take an Alka-Seltzer" and had no idea back then of the possibilities of what she might do with it.
I do so hope you are soon free to rest and heal. Amazing how much you have endured to help your inlaws, when I must admit there are times I don't know how I'll cope one more day for my own mother, and she is only one.
But within a half-hour she's yawning and will sometimes doze off for a bit. I have to follow her around to make sure she doesn't lose her balance in the meantime. But that small amount is enough to do a lot and is a lifesaver when she goes into panic and can't remember anything.
Listening to your MIL and the pills reminds me of my mom trying to swallow an Alka-Seltzer whole instead of putting it in water. And she has trouble swallowing regular pills, but I had told her to "take an Alka-Seltzer" and had no idea back then of the possibilities of what she might do with it.
I do so hope you are soon free to rest and heal. Amazing how much you have endured to help your inlaws, when I must admit there are times I don't know how I'll cope one more day for my own mother, and she is only one.