This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the weather is sunny with occasional clouds. With temperatures around 25°C and humidity around 71%, the air has a distinctly seasonal feel. At this time of year in Okinawa, while the north wind makes mornings and evenings more comfortable, the temperature difference between day and night and the dry air can easily cause physical discomfort, and daily routines tend to be influenced by the weather. Today, I’ll be documenting this morning’s scene and our daily life.
☀️ A Serene Morning in Minatogawa, Urasoe, Okinawa
This morning in Minatogawa, the sunlight was dazzling from the start, making for a pleasant morning with a vast blue sky. Although there were a few clouds here and there, a refreshing north wind was blowing, giving me that comfortable feeling typical of Okinawa at this time of year.
Good morning.
I woke up a little later than usual today and had bread and coffee for breakfast. I’ve been going to the hospital every day since Monday, and before I knew it, I’d spent almost the entire week at medical facilities.
🏥 Days of Hospital Visits Amid Caregiving
On Monday, my mother and I went together for her regular checkup.
First, we had blood and urine tests, and then we went to the dermatologist. My mother is continuing treatment for dry skin and onychomycosis (nail fungus). Although her deformed nails sometimes dig into her skin and cause pain, the examination showed no significant worsening, so we decided to continue with the current treatment plan.
I also had an examination for skin inflammation associated with vasculitis. Since mild inflammation was observed around the capillaries in my left leg, I was told that if it worsens in the future, we’ll consider a follow-up visit at a university hospital, so for now, I’ll be under observation.
👵 Managing My Mother’s Health and Specialist Appointments
Next, at the urology department, we reviewed her nighttime urination frequency and medication regimen. Regarding her need to use the restroom 3–4 times a night, the doctor explained that “this is not uncommon among the elderly,” which seemed to reassure my mother.
At the internal medicine department, we discussed her post-gallbladder removal recovery and her daily life. The doctor also examined her for pain following the laparoscopic surgery and explained that there were no issues with the incision and that the pain would subside over time.
In addition, when we discussed the headaches she had been complaining about for some time, the doctor recommended a detailed examination by a neurosurgeon, taking into account her age and the risk of falls, and prepared a referral letter for us.
🩺 Test Results from the Neurosurgery Department
A few days later, we visited the neurosurgery department to which she had been referred.
At first, I only brought my CT scan images, but since an MRI was also required, I returned the following day. After the MRI, I had a consultation and was told, “You’re in very good condition for your age, and no major abnormalities were found.”
Regarding the headaches, the opinion was that they were not caused by any serious illness, so we decided to monitor the situation while taking Kampo herbal medicine, which places less strain on the body.
The fact that the test results showed no problems was a huge relief for the family members who continue to provide care.
🍂 Practical Tips for This Time of Year
Okinawa in November isn’t as cold as the mainland, but due to the north wind, mornings and evenings are starting to feel cooler more often. Since older adults are particularly susceptible to physical changes caused by temperature fluctuations, it’s important to have a light jacket on hand and to stay mindful of staying hydrated.
Also, since the air starts to get a bit drier at this time of year, those with dry skin will find it more comfortable to make a point of using moisturizers. In the daily routine of caregiving, it’s easy to focus on hospital visits and medication management, but I feel that daily sleep, meals, and frequent health checks are just as important.
🌤️ Summary
This week was filled with hospital visits, but the fact that my mother’s MRI scan revealed no major abnormalities was the greatest source of relief.
Suitable for seniors who wake up multiple times during the night and for family caregivers looking to make daily care routines easier.
A practical household device that supports daily health management for both seniors and family caregivers.
人気ブログランキング