The Placebo

My sister-in-law has offered to send me a nurse's cap. She's also the one who gave me the placebo idea.

I'm very nervous about narcotics. I'm diligent about the necessary medications, i.e. heart, thyroid, etc. I'm even ok with the nerve pills. But, I keep the narcotics locked in the safe in my office. Hangdog asks for a pain pill several times a day and I know this is partially due to pain, partially due to habit and partially due to the fact that he knows there are some in this house. I refuse to give him one just because he's bored, lonely or can't sleep. I've earned the nurse's cap -- I can assess the situation in about 10 seconds.

Instead of arguing or trying to reason with him, I've found a new approach: I give him a TIC TAC. Every time I've done this, he informs me the next morning that it was the best night's sleep he's had in weeks.

If all goes according to plan, he will be moving to the "facility" today. I must remember to tell them my TIC TAC plan.

You Betcha!

I used to consider myself an honorable person. Those days are a faint memory.

I used to try to accommodate everyone. Those days are fading fast.

I used to enjoy cooking. Now if anyone asks me what's for dinner, I turn into a boxer. (So far I haven't actually punched anyone.)

I vaguely recall quiet time. I used to enjoy it.

Hangdog is so lonely and lost without his Honey. I understand this and it breaks my heart. It does not turn me into her or a servant. There is a new and different need every ten minutes.

I've tried to be extremely responsible with medications. I've even moved the one narcotic into my office. But, here's what I know... it knocks him out.

So, tonight when he asked for one I did not give him a placebo. I said, "You betcha!"