CaringHusband: Tapering from 20 mg Fluoxetine (Prozac)

[CaringHusband]

@Doctorsrcrap  Would have liked to have responded back to you sooner but I have been somewhat overwhelmed recently.   

 

I did decide to simply continue with Fluoxetine weaning every four weeks at 10% of previous dose.  Thanks for your comment.

[CaringHusband]

Made drop on March 1, 2024, to 6.6 mg of Fluoxetine.

 

Wife was taken to Urgent Care walk in clinic February 29, 2024, and diagnosed with the common cold.  Took her back to Urgent Care March 6 and she was diagnosed with a sinus infection.  We are waiting on slow pharmacy to receive medication, doxycycline (Vibramycin).

 

On November 27, 2023, wife's neurologist revised her diagnosis to "Progressive Alzheimer's" dementia.  I was discussing with the doctor at that time about when would be the right time to implement wife's long term care insurance and get some help into the home for her.  He stated he was ready at that time to support us in that effort.  For some unexplainable reason I said, "we were not ready at that time".

 

On January 25 I was back in the neurologist office discussing implementation of wife's long term care insurance.  I thought he might have to write a letter of support to the insurance company.   He indicated that would not be necessary and that he knew what he needed to say in his medical reports which would indicate the need for supportive care for wife.

 

Due to my having extreme fatigue lately, I finally made the decision to get some help and now have a care giver coming into the home three times per week for my wife due to her dementia.  The care givers started coming in February 5, 2024.  That very first day I became very emotional and broke down in tears of relief.  I had finally gotten some help.

 

Additional stress relief for myself came on March 1, 2024, when the long-term care insurance company called to say they approved the use of the insurance as of February 5, 2024.  

 

I now can hopefully start healing and getting back to better health.  I have just started feeling better after having pneumonia.  This is the third day since finishing antibiotic drug regimen.  Will see if my body completely overcomes this disease.   

 

 

[CaringHusband]

Made another uneventful drop of Fluoxetine to 5.9 mg.  Slow and steady seems to be effective process for my wife fortunately.  I'm not sure I could continue if the process was not seemingly working very well.  I just don't need any stress at this point.

 

Caregivers coming into the home to care for my wife is going very well.  The wife likes the caregivers that are coming in.  I'm planning on increasing the hours of caregivers beyond the current 16 hours per week.

 

Stress upon myself has been reduced and I am sleeping better.

 

We went on a day trip to see an Asian Art Museum today.   This trip was led by the local senior center that we belong to. 

 

The wife attends the adult day center on Tuesdays that is part of the senior center.  She enjoys her time there.  I have also arranged special Dial-A-Ride transportation to the Tuesday Adult Day Center which relieves me of driving her there and back for a relatively short four-hour session.  Again, less stress on myself, and more time to take a break from constant duties while she is at home.

 

I am very thankful for all that has transpired to make it possible for my wife and I to continue living together in our home.