MONDAY: Yesterday was a tough day for Fran. She was so agitated and restless. The social worker called us to get permission to move her because her shouting throughout the night (Sunday) was more than her roommate could handle. She is now in a room with a 101 year old that can sleep through anything. She gets along well on a walker and is usually out of the room most of the day.
When I got to the rehab Fran was running a low grade fever and her sugar was going up and down. The doctor put her back on the sliding scale. Philip stopped by after work and helped me calm Fran down. Once she took her meds (reluctantly), she relaxed some and I stayed with her until she fell asleep.
TUESDAY: The doctor evaluated her this evening while Phil was visiting. He works with him at Baylor Medical Center and was glad to see that he was the Dr doing the evaluation. I just called the ward and talked to Fran's nurse who said she was relaxed all evening (still confused) and sleeping soundly.
WEDNESDAY: This evening, Philip called Ed and me from Mother’s room and said she had had a much better day. She was calm, some of her conversation made sense, and the part that didn’t was filled with funny things that made everyone laugh. The laughter encouraged her to say something else that was purposely funny – good for all! Ed and I talked to her and could make out some of what she said.
They’re going to get someone to test her eyes since she said she can’t see with the glasses she has. They’re also going to have a psychiatrist come evaluate her and hopefully get her on a psychotropic med that will work better than what she’s on. Phil’s medical knowledge and persistence will really make a difference in Mother’s situation. God bless Philip and Maribeth!
MURPHY'S LAW STRIKES AGAIN: Meanwhile, Ed and I are frantically trying to get ready to leave for Florida on Sunday morning. Between trying to get our house and Mother’s set with light timers that work, canceling cable, putting phone “on vacation”, and other such things, we’re scrambling.
Murphy’s Law in playing right in here. For example, to cancel cable for Mother, Ed went in to Comcast's office (Trip 1) but they had to see my Power of Attorney. He went back in with the Power of Attorney (Trip 2). They said he doesn't look like a Mary and that Mary has to come in. Mary went in with the %^#&!! Power of Attorney papers (Trip 3). They have to have the cable box, remote, and cord (Trip 4). Then they have to have Phil’s address to send the refund check (5th trip - by phone). Each item on our check-off list seems to have complications like this. Keeps life interesting, doesn't it?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
She's in Texas - with Dedicated Effort
I've got to hand it to Philip, my bro. He was determined that he was going to get Mother to Texas for the winter and he pulled it off. We have worked and planned for several months to be sure we covered all the bases. I had a chance to sit down with both her therapists at Harrisonburg Health and Rehab and discussed our goal: Not pushing to have her walk but work towards getting her to transfer - that is being able to move from the bed to a wheelchair without needing a lift. In these last two weeks they haven't used the lift AND when they got a person on each side, explained to her that she should help them, then count 1,2,3, she DID help! For one thing, her pain seems to be under control. Here's my dedicated brother's version of this unpredictable trip. Better him than me......I wouldn't have had a clue what to do!
Mary,
Here is some info from my particular skew on the adventure of taking Momma May to Texas. Edit it to your liking for your blog…..
Friday morning 4 am, I'm awake and thinking about Friday and Saturday. I'm up and at 'em, gathering stuff that I think I might need for my journey to Virginia and transport of Momma May back to Texas. I make a little pile of things on the bed in reparation. Then I get ready and go to work as usual. Anesthetized two folks in the morning: a 60 year-old man with a lot of belly pain and a gall bladder full of stones and a lady post-partum who had had 4 babies and wanted no more... she had a tubal ligation, as you have already guessed. Got off about 1130 hrs and went home, finished packing and hit the road for the airport.
I caught a plane from Dallas to Shenandoah Airport with layovers in Charlotte and Washington. Arrived in the valley at about 2300 hrs (11 p.m.) that night where Eugene and Aldeen Wenger were waiting for me. Stayed at their home for the night, which consisted of about 6 hours. I was up early about 5 am. Of all things to forget, it was the tooth brush. I used my finger and some toothpaste as best I could and a lot of mouthwash. Thank God nobody died in my presence from lethal breath. I must have used enough mouthwash.
Went to the Harrisonburg Rehab center to pick up Mom with the transport service. Mary, you were there and had everything packed, organized and ready to go. You were way on top of the details and made that part of the journey very easy. She was transported in her wheelchair in the van shackled down to the floor with about a zillion chains, locks and straps, not to mention a sophisticated seat belt around Momma May. Got on the road shortly after 7 am.
Got to the Baltimore Airport about 10:15 am, went to the American Airlines' desk, checked us in and called for a wheelchair. They sent Michelle, a little Down's syndrome girl, with the wheelchair to the curb. She was sweet as could be and obviously one of the brighter folks with her condition. Our driver, Chris, got mom outta the van. Transferred her from the van chair to the airline wheelchair with Chris's help. Mom survived with some protest.
Michelle accompanied us through security and to the gate. Security was a glitch and somewhat of a hassle, but a survivable one. Mom couldn't go through the detection gate, so she got the pat down and metal wand all over. She was not pleased. She required an Ativan at that point to quell her anxiety and agitation. She was a bit unglued by that point. We had to wait for over an hour for the boarding of the plane. When we got to the gate, mom had a narcoleptic episode where she would not open her eyes, talk or respond. She was breathing and had a pulse. Since I had seen her have an episode like this before, I was not panicky. Thought it might be related to a low blood sugar so I got Michelle to go get some orange juice from a vender close by. I was able to get Mom to wake up barely at that point and she took a sip or two of the orange juice but no more. She woke up and "came to". Then she got paranoid about her perceived predicament and demanded to be taken "home". She was belligerent and annoying to some travelers close by. I realized that one Ativan was not going to be effective so I gave her a Respiradol tab with her protesting all the while....told her it was for her blood pressure and that she really needed it badly. Exasperated I finally said, "The nurse at the rehab center told me you must have it." She relented and took the "&*%*" pill. In about a half hour the combo of the Ativan and Respiradol kicked in nicely and she took a nap till the plane was ready to board. I arranged for her to be the last one aboard - I figured that the less time she was actually on the plane, the better.
I sat there while she was taking her medication-induced nap wondering, “How the hell am I going to get her on the plane since the wheelchair won't actually fit into the aisle. Will I have to pick her up with a fireman's carry to get her to her seat?” I was a bit anxious at that point...thought I might have to take one of those anti-anxiety Ativan pills myself! The plane boarded and it was time for Mom's toughest transfer. I warned the airline stewards that she might be inappropriate and say some unsavory things to them. We wheeled the chair down the hall to the plane entrance.
Oh boy, here we go.... alas there was this tiny thin wheelchair like I had never seen before. It was obviously designed to fit down the aisle of the plane. The airline had two strong muscular "brothers" who were there to see things through. Neither one of them had a clue as to what to do. I directed them and they were more than happy to do what I said, cause they looked a little scared themselves. Luckily I had placed a fancy support belt on Mom that had 5 loops for grasping. It helped but the move was still a bit awkward. We transferred Mom to this little wheelchair and they strapped her down with another zillion straps but no chains. With legs dangling and Mom protesting loudly they pulled her backward into the plane and down the aisle to her seat. Thank God she was in the first seat in the plane so everyone in the plane didn't have to see her raise a stink about her situation. After another awkward transfer things began to settle down..... so I thought. The take off went smoother than I expected....I just held Mom's hand and she suffered no discontent. I had brought a DVD player on the flight but didn't use it because Mom's level of consciousness was just not where she could focus or appreciate the mini-theater activity.
The most challenging part of the journey was the plane ride. It was exhausting just trying to be attentive to the moment. Mom was loquacious. The plane noise and Mom's quiet voice made for difficult communication. I did a lot of head shaking, smiling, hand-holding and talking loudly to my hard-of-hearing mother. All the folks in first class tolerated us well. I guess the plane noise was our saving grace at that point. At 83 years of age, Mom has a mind full of memories, experiences, and thinking that is all meshed together into one memory bank. I never knew what she was going to say next or what direction the conversation would go. Often I just had to direct the conversation to concrete things like orienting her to where she was, who I was, and where we were going. Mentioning Maribeth was always an attention-getting and saving topic to keep Mom focused on a future event that I knew she would like. It was real work to try to keep up with her concerns and thought processes.
Descent and touchdown were uneventful. We were the last ones off the plane because we had to wait until the wheelchair brigade and assistants arrived. Moving off the plane was a little better than putting her on. By the time she was transferred into the plane mini-wheelchair and then again into the airline normal-size wheelchair, she was exhausted. But that wasn't the final transfer. Then there was the transfer from the airline chair to the car for transport to the new Rehab center. Maribeth was there waiting. As for baggage pickup, by the time we got to the baggage turnstile, the conveyor belt was stopped and all the other people and bags were gone. There was an airline rep standing over Mom's bag with a walkie-talkie. "Is this your bag?" When I told him it was, he was relieved when I took it off his hands. My wheelchair assistant and Mom were moved to the curb for transfer into the car, which we got done under more protest.
Mom fell asleep very quickly in the car and stayed that way for most of the 50 minute to the her new "temporary" home, the Pleasant Manor Health and Rehab Center in Waxahachie, Texas. On arrival there, a small army of attendants came to the car and got her transferred once again into another wheelchair with smooth efficiency, despite some mildly belligerent fussing. They moved her into her new bed and she slept while we finished the login procedures at the facility. She was sleeping when we left. We went home, I ate pizza with ice tea and went to bed about 2000 hrs (8 pm). I was so exhausted......I slept all night. God, I must be gettin old too! Philip.
Maribeth's experience is on the way..
Mary,
Here is some info from my particular skew on the adventure of taking Momma May to Texas. Edit it to your liking for your blog…..
Friday morning 4 am, I'm awake and thinking about Friday and Saturday. I'm up and at 'em, gathering stuff that I think I might need for my journey to Virginia and transport of Momma May back to Texas. I make a little pile of things on the bed in reparation. Then I get ready and go to work as usual. Anesthetized two folks in the morning: a 60 year-old man with a lot of belly pain and a gall bladder full of stones and a lady post-partum who had had 4 babies and wanted no more... she had a tubal ligation, as you have already guessed. Got off about 1130 hrs and went home, finished packing and hit the road for the airport.
I caught a plane from Dallas to Shenandoah Airport with layovers in Charlotte and Washington. Arrived in the valley at about 2300 hrs (11 p.m.) that night where Eugene and Aldeen Wenger were waiting for me. Stayed at their home for the night, which consisted of about 6 hours. I was up early about 5 am. Of all things to forget, it was the tooth brush. I used my finger and some toothpaste as best I could and a lot of mouthwash. Thank God nobody died in my presence from lethal breath. I must have used enough mouthwash.
Went to the Harrisonburg Rehab center to pick up Mom with the transport service. Mary, you were there and had everything packed, organized and ready to go. You were way on top of the details and made that part of the journey very easy. She was transported in her wheelchair in the van shackled down to the floor with about a zillion chains, locks and straps, not to mention a sophisticated seat belt around Momma May. Got on the road shortly after 7 am.
Got to the Baltimore Airport about 10:15 am, went to the American Airlines' desk, checked us in and called for a wheelchair. They sent Michelle, a little Down's syndrome girl, with the wheelchair to the curb. She was sweet as could be and obviously one of the brighter folks with her condition. Our driver, Chris, got mom outta the van. Transferred her from the van chair to the airline wheelchair with Chris's help. Mom survived with some protest.
Michelle accompanied us through security and to the gate. Security was a glitch and somewhat of a hassle, but a survivable one. Mom couldn't go through the detection gate, so she got the pat down and metal wand all over. She was not pleased. She required an Ativan at that point to quell her anxiety and agitation. She was a bit unglued by that point. We had to wait for over an hour for the boarding of the plane. When we got to the gate, mom had a narcoleptic episode where she would not open her eyes, talk or respond. She was breathing and had a pulse. Since I had seen her have an episode like this before, I was not panicky. Thought it might be related to a low blood sugar so I got Michelle to go get some orange juice from a vender close by. I was able to get Mom to wake up barely at that point and she took a sip or two of the orange juice but no more. She woke up and "came to". Then she got paranoid about her perceived predicament and demanded to be taken "home". She was belligerent and annoying to some travelers close by. I realized that one Ativan was not going to be effective so I gave her a Respiradol tab with her protesting all the while....told her it was for her blood pressure and that she really needed it badly. Exasperated I finally said, "The nurse at the rehab center told me you must have it." She relented and took the "&*%*" pill. In about a half hour the combo of the Ativan and Respiradol kicked in nicely and she took a nap till the plane was ready to board. I arranged for her to be the last one aboard - I figured that the less time she was actually on the plane, the better.
I sat there while she was taking her medication-induced nap wondering, “How the hell am I going to get her on the plane since the wheelchair won't actually fit into the aisle. Will I have to pick her up with a fireman's carry to get her to her seat?” I was a bit anxious at that point...thought I might have to take one of those anti-anxiety Ativan pills myself! The plane boarded and it was time for Mom's toughest transfer. I warned the airline stewards that she might be inappropriate and say some unsavory things to them. We wheeled the chair down the hall to the plane entrance.
Oh boy, here we go.... alas there was this tiny thin wheelchair like I had never seen before. It was obviously designed to fit down the aisle of the plane. The airline had two strong muscular "brothers" who were there to see things through. Neither one of them had a clue as to what to do. I directed them and they were more than happy to do what I said, cause they looked a little scared themselves. Luckily I had placed a fancy support belt on Mom that had 5 loops for grasping. It helped but the move was still a bit awkward. We transferred Mom to this little wheelchair and they strapped her down with another zillion straps but no chains. With legs dangling and Mom protesting loudly they pulled her backward into the plane and down the aisle to her seat. Thank God she was in the first seat in the plane so everyone in the plane didn't have to see her raise a stink about her situation. After another awkward transfer things began to settle down..... so I thought. The take off went smoother than I expected....I just held Mom's hand and she suffered no discontent. I had brought a DVD player on the flight but didn't use it because Mom's level of consciousness was just not where she could focus or appreciate the mini-theater activity.
The most challenging part of the journey was the plane ride. It was exhausting just trying to be attentive to the moment. Mom was loquacious. The plane noise and Mom's quiet voice made for difficult communication. I did a lot of head shaking, smiling, hand-holding and talking loudly to my hard-of-hearing mother. All the folks in first class tolerated us well. I guess the plane noise was our saving grace at that point. At 83 years of age, Mom has a mind full of memories, experiences, and thinking that is all meshed together into one memory bank. I never knew what she was going to say next or what direction the conversation would go. Often I just had to direct the conversation to concrete things like orienting her to where she was, who I was, and where we were going. Mentioning Maribeth was always an attention-getting and saving topic to keep Mom focused on a future event that I knew she would like. It was real work to try to keep up with her concerns and thought processes.
Descent and touchdown were uneventful. We were the last ones off the plane because we had to wait until the wheelchair brigade and assistants arrived. Moving off the plane was a little better than putting her on. By the time she was transferred into the plane mini-wheelchair and then again into the airline normal-size wheelchair, she was exhausted. But that wasn't the final transfer. Then there was the transfer from the airline chair to the car for transport to the new Rehab center. Maribeth was there waiting. As for baggage pickup, by the time we got to the baggage turnstile, the conveyor belt was stopped and all the other people and bags were gone. There was an airline rep standing over Mom's bag with a walkie-talkie. "Is this your bag?" When I told him it was, he was relieved when I took it off his hands. My wheelchair assistant and Mom were moved to the curb for transfer into the car, which we got done under more protest.
Mom fell asleep very quickly in the car and stayed that way for most of the 50 minute to the her new "temporary" home, the Pleasant Manor Health and Rehab Center in Waxahachie, Texas. On arrival there, a small army of attendants came to the car and got her transferred once again into another wheelchair with smooth efficiency, despite some mildly belligerent fussing. They moved her into her new bed and she slept while we finished the login procedures at the facility. She was sleeping when we left. We went home, I ate pizza with ice tea and went to bed about 2000 hrs (8 pm). I was so exhausted......I slept all night. God, I must be gettin old too! Philip.
Maribeth's experience is on the way..
Maribeth's Help with Moving Mom
Mary,
Yesterday I went to the Rehab center to unpack Fran’s suitcase full of her belongings that we brought with us last week, (following our Thanksgiving trip to Virginia for a few days and to my home in Pittsburgh, PA for a few days. It was also wonderful to see our only child, Levi, who is a freshman at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, which is near Phil’s childhood home.)
They already had her room set up with her name on the outside, a sign on the closet that stated, "Family will do Frances May's laundry", and a calendar of events placed on her night stand. I decorated her room with a small Christmas tree, a 3 piece nativity set and a small Christmas doll that your Mother had given me back in 2003. I hung a Christmas flag on her wall that has a picture of cardinals on a tree branch and snow. After speaking with her nurses briefly, I was off to the airport.
Philip called at 2:50 pm to let me know the plane had landed. About 3:25 pm, out they came. Philip directed me to pull up about 3 feet from the curb so he and the attendant could transfer her. She looked exhausted but I did get a little smile. I was surprised at how well the transfer went from the chair into the front seat of my car. We strapped her into the seat belt; I held her hand and assured her that we were here with her and not to be frightened. She told me she was so tired and almost instantly fell asleep. Occasionally she would mumble some but not once did she open her eyes. I woke her when we arrived at the rehab center.
Philip and his army of attendants moved her and she was quickly transferred to her bed. Nancy, the almost toothless CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) who has worked there for ten years, was so gentle with her. She told her she was going to take off her beautiful sweater and red sweats and get her comfortable and warm. Her Depends were dry and her catheter still attached. I unpacked her suitcase, got things organized and decided to bring a few outfits home until she needed more. She asked me if she was home so I reminded her where she was and that she was going to be well taken care off. She then went off to sleep. I stayed with her while Philip signed more papers.
Her evening nurse, Anita asked us some questions concerning Fran's behavior and medication. She reassured her she would be in good hands. About 10:00 pm Anita called us to let us know that Fran was just up once to give her a hard time for taking her blood pressure. Her sugar was a bit low so she was given a shake, she drank about 1/2 of it. Her catheter was taken out and her bedtime meds were given…….off to sleep again. Philip and I will go to the 10:30 am Mass and then over to the rehab to join Fran for lunch. We will update you through an email later.
Philip talked to his sister, Anita, last evening for about 15 minutes. She was a bit low, worried about her Mother and the money it will take to keep her in a home. Philip reassured her that she was fine money-wise for now (It will help that the rates are much less than in Virginia). He told her he would call her from Fran's room on Tuesday when she is off from work. We will also email her.
Hanging in there – Day 1,
Maribeth, Your Favorite (and only) Sister-in-Law
Yesterday I went to the Rehab center to unpack Fran’s suitcase full of her belongings that we brought with us last week, (following our Thanksgiving trip to Virginia for a few days and to my home in Pittsburgh, PA for a few days. It was also wonderful to see our only child, Levi, who is a freshman at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, which is near Phil’s childhood home.)
They already had her room set up with her name on the outside, a sign on the closet that stated, "Family will do Frances May's laundry", and a calendar of events placed on her night stand. I decorated her room with a small Christmas tree, a 3 piece nativity set and a small Christmas doll that your Mother had given me back in 2003. I hung a Christmas flag on her wall that has a picture of cardinals on a tree branch and snow. After speaking with her nurses briefly, I was off to the airport.
Philip called at 2:50 pm to let me know the plane had landed. About 3:25 pm, out they came. Philip directed me to pull up about 3 feet from the curb so he and the attendant could transfer her. She looked exhausted but I did get a little smile. I was surprised at how well the transfer went from the chair into the front seat of my car. We strapped her into the seat belt; I held her hand and assured her that we were here with her and not to be frightened. She told me she was so tired and almost instantly fell asleep. Occasionally she would mumble some but not once did she open her eyes. I woke her when we arrived at the rehab center.
Philip and his army of attendants moved her and she was quickly transferred to her bed. Nancy, the almost toothless CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) who has worked there for ten years, was so gentle with her. She told her she was going to take off her beautiful sweater and red sweats and get her comfortable and warm. Her Depends were dry and her catheter still attached. I unpacked her suitcase, got things organized and decided to bring a few outfits home until she needed more. She asked me if she was home so I reminded her where she was and that she was going to be well taken care off. She then went off to sleep. I stayed with her while Philip signed more papers.
Her evening nurse, Anita asked us some questions concerning Fran's behavior and medication. She reassured her she would be in good hands. About 10:00 pm Anita called us to let us know that Fran was just up once to give her a hard time for taking her blood pressure. Her sugar was a bit low so she was given a shake, she drank about 1/2 of it. Her catheter was taken out and her bedtime meds were given…….off to sleep again. Philip and I will go to the 10:30 am Mass and then over to the rehab to join Fran for lunch. We will update you through an email later.
Philip talked to his sister, Anita, last evening for about 15 minutes. She was a bit low, worried about her Mother and the money it will take to keep her in a home. Philip reassured her that she was fine money-wise for now (It will help that the rates are much less than in Virginia). He told her he would call her from Fran's room on Tuesday when she is off from work. We will also email her.
Hanging in there – Day 1,
Maribeth, Your Favorite (and only) Sister-in-Law
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Every Day is Different for Mother
When I went to the rahab center to see Mother yesterday, the nurse practitioner (Angie) saw me in the hallway. She said Mother stopped talking the day before and had been silent all day. All her vitals are excellent, her bladder infection is cleared up, and her oxygen is 100%. Angie had observed that she appeared to be gritting her teeth and clinching her lips together. It almost seemed like she was mad at someone. No matter how gently the different ones coaxed, she wouldn't speak.
I got Mother's clean laundry all hung, then tried to wake her up. She seemed almost frozen in one position as she were holding herself still. I kept coaxing and urging her to talk. It was hard coming up with open-ended questions.
What I put together is that she thinks that some girls (not the nurses) are going to shoot her. Maybe she's keeping silent and still thinking they won't see her? She said that when her therapist came, she thought he had switched over to their side - I reassured her that he is on her side and all the nurses are too. She said they got her ready for death and after much probing she said they bathed her and put black clothes on her (she had on purple clothes).
I'm wondering if we're seeing some dementia here or a reaction to her overpowering nightmares and dreams that seem to repeat themselves.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Preparing to Move Mother to Texas
As you probably know, my brother Philip is a nurse anesthetist in Texas. He has been here several times this year and is planning to take Mother to Texas for the winter (or longer). He had planned to have her in his home but when he saw how much care Mother needs, how much equipment is required (a patient lift is the only way to get her comfortably out of and into bed), and realized that he and Maribeth both work, I was very relieved to hear that they have decided to put her in a rehab center near them until she can build up more strength. Hopefully, she'll be able to sit up, get out of bed, and walk with a walker one of these days.
Phil and Maribeth are coming in this Friday night and will get Levi from his dorm at J.M.U. on Saturday morning. They will stay here till Tuesday, when they'll go to Pittsburgh to have Thanksgiving with Maribeth's family. Ed and I are going to eat turkey and the trimmings at the rehab center with Mother, then go to Beth and Robert Foerster's house for dessert.
They'll return on Saturday to bring Levi back and proceed to Baltimore to catch their flight on Sunday afternoon. Maribeth and I will get almost all the packing done for Mother and we'll all work to winterize the farm house.
The following Friday, December 5th, Phil is flying into our local airport arriving at 10:30 p.m. Some dear friends in town will pick him up and have him overnight. He'll have to be at the rehab center early to get all set. It seemed silly to have him come all the way out here for just a few hours. Thank you, Aldeen and Eugene!
The flight is set for Saturday, December 6th at noon. We're arranging a transport service so Mother can ride in a wheelchair to Baltimore airport. There is no charge for Phil to ride with her. It costs $340, which is not all that bad. We would have preferred a vehicle with a gurney but that same trip would be $1,750.00! Phil has booked first class seats so there will be more room and comfort for Mother. Then Maribeth will be waiting when they land in Dallas. I already feel so relieved and blessed they they are doing this. They know I need a break.
Phil and Maribeth are coming in this Friday night and will get Levi from his dorm at J.M.U. on Saturday morning. They will stay here till Tuesday, when they'll go to Pittsburgh to have Thanksgiving with Maribeth's family. Ed and I are going to eat turkey and the trimmings at the rehab center with Mother, then go to Beth and Robert Foerster's house for dessert.
They'll return on Saturday to bring Levi back and proceed to Baltimore to catch their flight on Sunday afternoon. Maribeth and I will get almost all the packing done for Mother and we'll all work to winterize the farm house.
The following Friday, December 5th, Phil is flying into our local airport arriving at 10:30 p.m. Some dear friends in town will pick him up and have him overnight. He'll have to be at the rehab center early to get all set. It seemed silly to have him come all the way out here for just a few hours. Thank you, Aldeen and Eugene!
The flight is set for Saturday, December 6th at noon. We're arranging a transport service so Mother can ride in a wheelchair to Baltimore airport. There is no charge for Phil to ride with her. It costs $340, which is not all that bad. We would have preferred a vehicle with a gurney but that same trip would be $1,750.00! Phil has booked first class seats so there will be more room and comfort for Mother. Then Maribeth will be waiting when they land in Dallas. I already feel so relieved and blessed they they are doing this. They know I need a break.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Day Makes a Difference
Angie called me this morning to report that Mother was a totally different person today. Not only did she talk, she interacted and laughed. A maintenance man was working on painting the door. Mother commented at how foolish it was to paint that brown door black and that it looked horrid! Angie got such a laugh out of, not only what she said, but how she said it.
I've been trying to call her all afternoon but she doesn't answer. I called the nurse's desk and asked that they make sure she could reach the phone. They thought she was at therapy then but this is over 2 hours later and she still doesn't answer. Oh, well, I'll keep trying.
I've been trying to call her all afternoon but she doesn't answer. I called the nurse's desk and asked that they make sure she could reach the phone. They thought she was at therapy then but this is over 2 hours later and she still doesn't answer. Oh, well, I'll keep trying.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Follow-up Visit with Mother's Surgeon
Yesterday I went with Mother to Charlottesville (with a transport service on a gurney) for a follow-up visit to her surgeon, Dr. Justin Smith. First she had X-rays. He said everything is looking as it should - it hasn't even been 6 weeks since her surgery. I was amazed at how well her scar, which is on her spine from her tailbone to above her waist, has healed. He showed me the X-rays of the steel (?) rods and screws - sort of like a kid's erector set.
When we returned and started in the front door of the rehab center, there was a technician there with a portable X-ray machine who had been to Mother's room. She said maybe she'd wait till morning for the X-ray. I wondered if this was a routine to X-ray all residents? No, it isn't.
Mother has pneumonia. Now she's on an antiobiotic for the pneumonia and on her 3rd type antibiotic for her bladder infection (perhaps her body is resistant after so many illnesses?). The nurse gave her a breathing treatment this morning and she is on oxygen. She is really confused, which is par for the course for older folks - for some reason bladder infections often cause confusion and the pneumonia added isn't helping at all
When we returned and started in the front door of the rehab center, there was a technician there with a portable X-ray machine who had been to Mother's room. She said maybe she'd wait till morning for the X-ray. I wondered if this was a routine to X-ray all residents? No, it isn't.
Mother has pneumonia. Now she's on an antiobiotic for the pneumonia and on her 3rd type antibiotic for her bladder infection (perhaps her body is resistant after so many illnesses?). The nurse gave her a breathing treatment this morning and she is on oxygen. She is really confused, which is par for the course for older folks - for some reason bladder infections often cause confusion and the pneumonia added isn't helping at all
Friday, October 31, 2008
Some Progress in Therapy
Mother was pretty confused today trying to find out how to get to the Wellness Center and when to go. I patiently explained to her that she was in HHRC and the therapists will come for her. She said in her OP session she had to put clothespins on a rod and it felt like there was creme? on them so she only did 3. Her confusion is interesting because the first part of a sentence will be perfectly lucid but the second part is s-t-r-a-n-g-
I went and talked to Pam, her other therapist who said she did very well and she was pleased that Mom leaned forward better than she ever has. That's the first step towards getting up. Also, she observes that Mother is able to tolerate being in a chair much longer at a time AND that she hasn't mentioned pain today!
When Brother Philip was here, he sweet-talked the right people and finally Mother got a man therapist named Phil. Phil was taking her to therapy as we were leaving. He's very dedicated......Philip and Maribeth sent him a thank you note and a gift card for Outback. He REALLY appreciated the card but they're absolutely not allowed to accept anything like that. Hey, wanna go to Outback tonight? I'm buying!
This is sounding like a sob story - Meanwhile, I had my flu shot on Monday and it was the very first time that my arm didn't get sore. On Wednesday I woke up with a knot the size of a pea behind my ear and pain down my neck. By Thursday, both ears and down the sides of my neck were hurting. I called my doctor and he thinks it's a reaction to my flu shot and will take several days to go away. The knot is smaller and the pain of sort of better - my ears feel stopped up, too.
As Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say, "If it ain't one thing, it's another!"
Happy Halloween!
I went and talked to Pam, her other therapist who said she did very well and she was pleased that Mom leaned forward better than she ever has. That's the first step towards getting up. Also, she observes that Mother is able to tolerate being in a chair much longer at a time AND that she hasn't mentioned pain today!
When Brother Philip was here, he sweet-talked the right people and finally Mother got a man therapist named Phil. Phil was taking her to therapy as we were leaving. He's very dedicated......Philip and Maribeth sent him a thank you note and a gift card for Outback. He REALLY appreciated the card but they're absolutely not allowed to accept anything like that. Hey, wanna go to Outback tonight? I'm buying!
This is sounding like a sob story - Meanwhile, I had my flu shot on Monday and it was the very first time that my arm didn't get sore. On Wednesday I woke up with a knot the size of a pea behind my ear and pain down my neck. By Thursday, both ears and down the sides of my neck were hurting. I called my doctor and he thinks it's a reaction to my flu shot and will take several days to go away. The knot is smaller and the pain of sort of better - my ears feel stopped up, too.
As Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say, "If it ain't one thing, it's another!"
Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
She's Back in Town
Mother was transferred by stretcher in an ambulance yesterday from UVA Medical Center to Harrisonburg Health and Rehab. I'm pleased that her same room was available - especially since it took 2 weeks of annoyance with Verizon to get her phone set up.
Phil, Maribeth, and Levi are visiting her this week. Mother OK yesterday afternoon and really perked up when Levi came in. Phil still would like to take Mother to Texas for the winter so this will be a chance for him to see the equipment they use and to work with her therapists. The timing for Phil's visit worked out well for them to be with Mother here, instead of in Charlottesville. They are here for Uncle Bob's funeral today and we get to spend some time with them.
I'm taking a much-needed break and might even find time to plant the daffodil bulbs I bought 2 weeks ago.
Phil, Maribeth, and Levi are visiting her this week. Mother OK yesterday afternoon and really perked up when Levi came in. Phil still would like to take Mother to Texas for the winter so this will be a chance for him to see the equipment they use and to work with her therapists. The timing for Phil's visit worked out well for them to be with Mother here, instead of in Charlottesville. They are here for Uncle Bob's funeral today and we get to spend some time with them.
I'm taking a much-needed break and might even find time to plant the daffodil bulbs I bought 2 weeks ago.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Maybe Moving Tomorrow & Uncle Bob
It appears that Mother will be transferred back to Harrisonburg Health and Rehab in Harrisonburg tomorrow. I do hope it's not too soon! Ed and I came home today and were planning to take a break while Phil and Maribeth were here this week to visit Mother. This will work out well because we'll have a chance to be with them after all.
My Uncle Bob May was diagnosed with cancer less than 2 weeks ago. He had decided to have radiation treatments and was to start this coming week. Thursday, he was put back into the hospital and died on Friday night. The visitation will be Monday evening and the funeral Tuesday morning.
It will be strange because for my whole life, he's just always been there. He loved to take pictures of people and always got duplicates to give to them. He was amazing with numbers - could add a column of numbers faster than one could put them into a calculator. Who is going to keep us updated on exactly how much rain or snow we got? His testimony at church several months ago was very touching to the congregation and gives me comfort because we KNOW where he is right now.
I'm still trying to digest this news. Mother is very upset that she won't be able to go to the funeral but there are some circumstances where things, such as major back surgery, prevent us from doing all we'd prefer to do
My Uncle Bob May was diagnosed with cancer less than 2 weeks ago. He had decided to have radiation treatments and was to start this coming week. Thursday, he was put back into the hospital and died on Friday night. The visitation will be Monday evening and the funeral Tuesday morning.
It will be strange because for my whole life, he's just always been there. He loved to take pictures of people and always got duplicates to give to them. He was amazing with numbers - could add a column of numbers faster than one could put them into a calculator. Who is going to keep us updated on exactly how much rain or snow we got? His testimony at church several months ago was very touching to the congregation and gives me comfort because we KNOW where he is right now.
I'm still trying to digest this news. Mother is very upset that she won't be able to go to the funeral but there are some circumstances where things, such as major back surgery, prevent us from doing all we'd prefer to do
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Day by Day
There's not a lot to report these days. Mother is still having the hip pain and will be going to Hess Orthopedic on Monday. Hopefully, they'll consider a steroid shot to reduce inflammation or will find something specific to treat. She goes to Charlottesville for a follow-up visit with her surgeon on November 11th. The rehab center arranges all these trips with a transport service as she still goes on a gurney.
Ed has requested that I not discuss his health on this blog, so if you want information you can ask him. Things are looking OK for now. My fibromyalgia is still affecting me but if I keep the stress level down and take my 10 daily meds, I can function.
We're planning to leave for Florida right after Thanksgiving. December was the coldest month last year and it's already cool now (high of 51º for today with frost most nights). So, maybe I can return to Angelil Adventures "IN THEIR RV!" before too long.
Ed has requested that I not discuss his health on this blog, so if you want information you can ask him. Things are looking OK for now. My fibromyalgia is still affecting me but if I keep the stress level down and take my 10 daily meds, I can function.
We're planning to leave for Florida right after Thanksgiving. December was the coldest month last year and it's already cool now (high of 51º for today with frost most nights). So, maybe I can return to Angelil Adventures "IN THEIR RV!" before too long.
Friday, October 3, 2008
A Better Day
Mother was much better today and had very little confusion. She was moved out of the step-down wing to a regular room this afternoon. That, in itself, is a good sign. Today she realized that her hip isn't hurting, which indicates they released the pressure on her spinal cord.
Phil and Maribeth flew in from Texas today for the JMU Parents' Weekend with Levi and will be coming over to Charlottesville for several days. It's possible that she'll return to Harrisonburg Health and Rehab Center next week. It would be nice if she would be transferred while they're here - IF she's ready. I don't want to rush anything.
Ed and I hate to miss being with Phil and Maribeth but I really need a rest so we will go home for a few days.
Phil and Maribeth flew in from Texas today for the JMU Parents' Weekend with Levi and will be coming over to Charlottesville for several days. It's possible that she'll return to Harrisonburg Health and Rehab Center next week. It would be nice if she would be transferred while they're here - IF she's ready. I don't want to rush anything.
Ed and I hate to miss being with Phil and Maribeth but I really need a rest so we will go home for a few days.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Rough Day
I'm sorry to report that Mother's not having a good day today. When I got there this morning, she was in a chair asleep and her hands were swollen and dark, the color of a bruise. This afternoon they had her back in bed with her arms up on pillows and the coloring was almost gone, although the swelling was still there.
She's not very responsive and can barely open her eyes. Her sugar level and potassium are both low today. They're having several specialists to assess what might be going on and they're coordinating adjustments in her meds. The nurse said she'll likely be on this "step-down" wing several more days.
This afternoon she said she didn't hurt - that's a good thing. She knew Ed and asked how he was. Besides that, I couldn't understand the few other statements she made. She drifted off and seemed to be sleeping peacefully when we left.
Sometimes humor helps - yesterday out of the blue she asked, "Am I tied to a pole?"
Frances May
6th Floor
UVa Health System
1215 Lee Street
Charlottesville, VA 22908
She's not very responsive and can barely open her eyes. Her sugar level and potassium are both low today. They're having several specialists to assess what might be going on and they're coordinating adjustments in her meds. The nurse said she'll likely be on this "step-down" wing several more days.
This afternoon she said she didn't hurt - that's a good thing. She knew Ed and asked how he was. Besides that, I couldn't understand the few other statements she made. She drifted off and seemed to be sleeping peacefully when we left.
Sometimes humor helps - yesterday out of the blue she asked, "Am I tied to a pole?"
Frances May
6th Floor
UVa Health System
1215 Lee Street
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Mother is in a "step-down" room, which gives more attention than a regular room but less than an ICU wing. She is talking, though somewhat confused. Her incision goes from the tailbone up to her waistline and is draining as it should be.
One of my classmates from grade 1 through high school lives near Charlottesville and came over for lunch today. Linda Morris Powell and I had such fun talking and catching up on everything. It's nice to have Ed here as he monitors me - I've had a lot of fibro pain today so he insisted I not go back to see Mother this evening. I've had a nap and plan to retire for the night soon.
One of my classmates from grade 1 through high school lives near Charlottesville and came over for lunch today. Linda Morris Powell and I had such fun talking and catching up on everything. It's nice to have Ed here as he monitors me - I've had a lot of fibro pain today so he insisted I not go back to see Mother this evening. I've had a nap and plan to retire for the night soon.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Resting
Mother is coming along, with all her vitals as they should be. They're moving her from ICU into a "step-down" room this afternoon. In a few days, she'll go into a regular room again. The therapists have already been there and had her to sit on the edge of the bed. After them getting her up with some discomfort, she was able to sit upright on her own.
She opened her eyes when we talked to her and had a short conversation. She had told the nurse she didn't have pain and, just as I expected, when I asked her if she hurt, she said she did. Ed explained that as a Southern lady, she wouldn't want to cause the nurse extra work so she denied pain. The nurse immediately got something and added it to her IV. She nodded off in about 5 minutes.
I'm now going to have a long nap.......I am really beat and I admit it (for a change).
Thank you to all our family and friends for your prayers and support.
She opened her eyes when we talked to her and had a short conversation. She had told the nurse she didn't have pain and, just as I expected, when I asked her if she hurt, she said she did. Ed explained that as a Southern lady, she wouldn't want to cause the nurse extra work so she denied pain. The nurse immediately got something and added it to her IV. She nodded off in about 5 minutes.
I'm now going to have a long nap.......I am really beat and I admit it (for a change).
Thank you to all our family and friends for your prayers and support.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Prayers Helped with Surgery
4:30 p.m.
The surgeon just called and said the surgery went well and they found just what they had expected. He said her osteoporosis has made her bones very soft so they are making a back brace to add stability for now. I forgot to ask him how many vertebrae were included in the fusion/steel rods but will find out later. I am thankful that they're putting her in ICU for now. Being here at the University of Virginia Medical Center is also reassuring to me because of their experience and the resources at hand. Thank you for your prayers.Pastor Bob arrived before Mother went down to the prep area and we both went with her. I enjoyed talking to him for over an hour until Ed arrived, then the three of us had a pleasant lunch out on the patio.
Ahhhh, I will be able to sleep tonight - especially since my "Angel Man" is here. He needed to see his doctor this morning regarding his CAT scan last week. He is going to have a PET scan this week - I'm trying not to worry.....
Hunter and Mary Margaret Hollar, my cousins, helped me out this weekend. Besides letting me use their condo, they came over, cooked for me, visited Mother, and gave me rides so I could stay after dark (Their condo is a 10 minute walk away), but most of all, they just "took care of me." God bless them both!
8:00 a.m.
Mother will go down to surgery prep about 9:30. The surgery will be about 10:30 and will last about 5 hours.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Mom moving to private room
Mother is being moved to a private room so her phone number is different. She might be in critical care after surgery so that'll be another room change. (We won't find out the surgery time till tonight.)
Starting today, please call the main number and ask for her by name. 434-982-1100
She's really getting cold feet - this is a VERY long day. Too bad it didn't happen on Friday. Oh, well, it'll all work out in God's plan. Bless all of you!
Starting today, please call the main number and ask for her by name. 434-982-1100
She's really getting cold feet - this is a VERY long day. Too bad it didn't happen on Friday. Oh, well, it'll all work out in God's plan. Bless all of you!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Surgery postponed
Mother's surgery is postponed until Monday. There is going to be some big surgery which will pull all the OR staff. I wonder if they're doing a transplant or a separation Siamese twins! ; )
The hospital has sitters so we're trying to find one to help her through the night. She is really having a tough time emotionally, even with the anti-anxiety medicine. Plus, she's having some confusion.
I can't get on the internet from my computer so have a few minutes on this one in the Visitor's Lounge. Since it's Saturday the techie who helped us yesterday isn't here here to help......that's terrible - The Computer Team and we can't fix it. When Ed comes back over, he'll probably figure it out.
The hospital has sitters so we're trying to find one to help her through the night. She is really having a tough time emotionally, even with the anti-anxiety medicine. Plus, she's having some confusion.
I can't get on the internet from my computer so have a few minutes on this one in the Visitor's Lounge. Since it's Saturday the techie who helped us yesterday isn't here here to help......that's terrible - The Computer Team and we can't fix it. When Ed comes back over, he'll probably figure it out.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Mother will be having back surgery tomorrow here at the University of Virginia Medical Center. I was puzzled that it was postponed from Thursday till Saturday because she wanted to think about it. That's not quite right. There are many things that have to be checked out - such as the medical team who decides if her heart is strong enough.
If she gets no treatment, she'll just get worse and worse and worse and the lower back vertebrae could all collapse.
The surgeon met with Ed and me to show us the MRIs and explain what they're going to do. He also called Phil and Phil talked to Mother several minutes because she had said earlier she didn't want the surgery. She's very afraid of the pain after surgery and they've reassured her that they'll be using all sorts of things to fight the pain. Her RN today is a bit older and has been really wonderful with reassuring her.
I was impressed with Mother's smart question: "Will I be able to bend to pick up things from the floor?" They said she would. Finally, she agreed.
In layman's terms: There is a small fracture that shows a little piece of bone that's sort of hanging in the spinal canal. One of the disks has burst and that "jello" type liquid is also leaking into the spinal canal. They will be clearing out the "debris" and putting in screws with 2 rods that will hold the vertabrae in place. They won't know how many vertebrae will be included until they get in there.
The doctor explained to Ed and me that this is no small surgery. The surgery itself will last about 5 hours. She might be in neo-intensive care for a day or so if needed. And she might be here about a week.
They have 4 main goals:
1. To decompress the spinal canal.
2. Push the fracture back or remove it.
3. Fuse as many vertabrae as needed with 2 rods
4. Preserve the function.
Mother's scared and I'm not looking forward to it either - I just hope they deal with the pain as well as they did after Ed's heart surgery. I feel reassured about being here at U.Va. Medical Center with all their resources. Her surgeon is Dr. Mohamad Khled and her nurse said he's the best. I thought he would look foreign but he doesn't. I've googled but haven't found much: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/searchweb/home.cfm?s=+Mohamad+Khaled&st=people&Submit=Search+People
Please send a few extra prayers for her!
p.s. There was not an infection in the spinal canal.
If she gets no treatment, she'll just get worse and worse and worse and the lower back vertebrae could all collapse.
The surgeon met with Ed and me to show us the MRIs and explain what they're going to do. He also called Phil and Phil talked to Mother several minutes because she had said earlier she didn't want the surgery. She's very afraid of the pain after surgery and they've reassured her that they'll be using all sorts of things to fight the pain. Her RN today is a bit older and has been really wonderful with reassuring her.
I was impressed with Mother's smart question: "Will I be able to bend to pick up things from the floor?" They said she would. Finally, she agreed.
In layman's terms: There is a small fracture that shows a little piece of bone that's sort of hanging in the spinal canal. One of the disks has burst and that "jello" type liquid is also leaking into the spinal canal. They will be clearing out the "debris" and putting in screws with 2 rods that will hold the vertabrae in place. They won't know how many vertebrae will be included until they get in there.
The doctor explained to Ed and me that this is no small surgery. The surgery itself will last about 5 hours. She might be in neo-intensive care for a day or so if needed. And she might be here about a week.
They have 4 main goals:
1. To decompress the spinal canal.
2. Push the fracture back or remove it.
3. Fuse as many vertabrae as needed with 2 rods
4. Preserve the function.
Mother's scared and I'm not looking forward to it either - I just hope they deal with the pain as well as they did after Ed's heart surgery. I feel reassured about being here at U.Va. Medical Center with all their resources. Her surgeon is Dr. Mohamad Khled and her nurse said he's the best. I thought he would look foreign but he doesn't. I've googled but haven't found much: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/searchweb/home.cfm?s=+Mohamad+Khaled&st=people&Submit=Search+People
Please send a few extra prayers for her!
p.s. There was not an infection in the spinal canal.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Mays' Medical Maladies
Mother (83) has continued to struggle with pain and inability to move her left leg. The doctor at the rehab center sent her for an MRI yesterday. That showed several things wrong in her lower back, the most important to address first being a suspected infection. She was sent to our local hospital but there are only 2 specialists - one was out of town and the other couldn't come to the ER. So, she was sent by ground ambulance to the University of Virginia Medical Center Friday evening.
My fibromyalgia kicked in and I feel exhausted so Ed and I decided there was nothing we could do last night and I'd come home, rest, get my meds, etc. to go in the morning.
The doctor called about 4 a.m. There are several problems and they feel surgery is necessary. I had him call my brother, Phil, who is a nurse anesthetist in Texas. As I suggested, they have Phil talk to Mother as she is hesitant, which he did.
Meanwhile, my Uncle Bob (87) was admitted to the hospital last Friday with what they thought was a major stroke. That has turned out to be cancer with tumors on the brain and lungs. They are testing other areas to see if it has spread and to pinpoint what kind of cancer it is. The family met with the doctors yesterday and Uncle Bob wants to do the radiation treatments which may give him 6 months instead of 2. Meanwhile, Aunt Ginny has Alzheimer's and needs to have someone with her. They live just over the hill from me and the one time I might have been able to help is the time Mother is also down.
Meanwhile, yesterday my nephew, Levi, who's a freshman at JMU called. He'd been to the infirmary with a sore throat and pain and had gotten a prescription. I had just returned from Mother's MRI to the rehab center so was able to go get him and go to a pharmacy. He goes back to the infirmary tomorrow and if he's not better, they'll test him for mono.
Ed had bloodwork yesterday and a CAT scan today. The shingles aren't gone and his latest X-ray shows something still on his lung from the pneumonia. He still feels lethargic and had said that tomorrow he was going to stay in bed all day. Looks like he might be going to Charlottesville instead - IF he feels he can handle it.
Sounds like the Mays and Angelils are falling apart up here, huh? I can't write a lot now but will update this blog if possible.
Please pray for us, especially Mother.
My fibromyalgia kicked in and I feel exhausted so Ed and I decided there was nothing we could do last night and I'd come home, rest, get my meds, etc. to go in the morning.
The doctor called about 4 a.m. There are several problems and they feel surgery is necessary. I had him call my brother, Phil, who is a nurse anesthetist in Texas. As I suggested, they have Phil talk to Mother as she is hesitant, which he did.
Meanwhile, my Uncle Bob (87) was admitted to the hospital last Friday with what they thought was a major stroke. That has turned out to be cancer with tumors on the brain and lungs. They are testing other areas to see if it has spread and to pinpoint what kind of cancer it is. The family met with the doctors yesterday and Uncle Bob wants to do the radiation treatments which may give him 6 months instead of 2. Meanwhile, Aunt Ginny has Alzheimer's and needs to have someone with her. They live just over the hill from me and the one time I might have been able to help is the time Mother is also down.
Meanwhile, yesterday my nephew, Levi, who's a freshman at JMU called. He'd been to the infirmary with a sore throat and pain and had gotten a prescription. I had just returned from Mother's MRI to the rehab center so was able to go get him and go to a pharmacy. He goes back to the infirmary tomorrow and if he's not better, they'll test him for mono.
Ed had bloodwork yesterday and a CAT scan today. The shingles aren't gone and his latest X-ray shows something still on his lung from the pneumonia. He still feels lethargic and had said that tomorrow he was going to stay in bed all day. Looks like he might be going to Charlottesville instead - IF he feels he can handle it.
Sounds like the Mays and Angelils are falling apart up here, huh? I can't write a lot now but will update this blog if possible.
Please pray for us, especially Mother.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Mother meets her new doctor....
As you know, Mother left the hospital after 6 weeks and was transferred to a skilled nursing/rehab section of Harrisonburg Health and Rehab Center (HHRC) on Saturday. She was so lucid on the moving day, I could hardly believe it. Unfortunately, she has once again become confused. One sentence makes sense and the next several don't. Keeping our sense of humor helps us cope.
The social worker had asked her some questions this morning and Mom seemed to be answering so appropriately - UNTIL she started having a conversation with someone who wasn't there. The social worker rechecked some of the info with me. Mother knew she had 3 children and said their names were Mary, Anita, and April. Poor Phil, thinks he's been disowned! Don't know how April got promoted from grand-daughter to daughter??
I was pleased that I happened to be standing at the nurses' desk when the house doctor, Dr. Shenk, was just starting to look at her chart. We talked and discussed realistic goals. I said it would make life easier if she would be able to sit up, stand up, and transfer to a commode chair or a wheelchair. Then we could take her outside and she could go to a dining room for meals. He had several new patients to see but since I was there he went to Mother first and I was impressed that he really took his time.
He asked her, as many assessments go, where she was now. She said, "I'm supposed to be in heaven!!" He told her that her mansion wasn't quite ready yet and while she's waiting for that to be ready, he'd like for her to be comfortable. He mentioned therapy and she blurted, "I don't want to have to be rude to you but I DON'T want to hear about therapy!!" He also checked her heart, etc. and told her it wasn't like the hospital where the doctor comes every day so he wouldn't be bugging her that often.
After he left, Mother told me to give her some of that candy down on the floor. I said there was no candy there and she said, "Well, check under the edge of these covers. There's lots of candy there." I asked if she wanted a snack and went to find one for her. The doctor and I agreed that, even though she has Type 2 diabetes, diverticulitus, and reflux, if she wanted something sweet, she should have it now and then. I found a nice, fresh donut but she only took one bite.
She asked me several times if we were dead. She also said, "I thought Jesus would be taking over all this business!"
By then her roommate had returned from therapy for her replaced knee. She said she and Mother were having a hard time because neither one of them could hear. Also, Mother mumbles so softly I can barely hear her. A gal, who spoke fairly loud, came to visit the roommate and they said a few things to her. After that, Mother seemed to think she was part of their conversation and was just chatting right along. She was so soft that neither the visitor nor roommate noticed she was talking. I told her I was leaving but she was so busy talking that she barely noticed.
I stuck my head back in and told the roommate I was sorry Mother had waked her at 3:00 a.m. She asked if I were Mary and said that was mostly who she was calling for. I think it might have been for me AND for Aunt Mary. The nurse said she'd been awake since 3:00 a.m. until her nap after lunch. I hope she sleeps better tonight.
I told the social worker and doctor that she responds better to a male therapist. They have a big therapist named Gary and I do hope he'll have her. After lunch, when the therapist came to work with her today, she was sleeping so soundly that they decided not to disturb her. I hope Gary will start with her tomorrow.
Mother's vitals are all so good that she possibly could be with us for some time yet. I did think the "heaven" and "Jesus" statements were cute and it's good that she's focused on something positive as she thinks about and wishes for death. I've got to remember that part about her mansion not being ready yet......it will be a good response when she gets on this subject.
At times like this, I treasure special memories like "Houston, we have NO problem!" and "Pelican Place" .
The social worker had asked her some questions this morning and Mom seemed to be answering so appropriately - UNTIL she started having a conversation with someone who wasn't there. The social worker rechecked some of the info with me. Mother knew she had 3 children and said their names were Mary, Anita, and April. Poor Phil, thinks he's been disowned! Don't know how April got promoted from grand-daughter to daughter??
I was pleased that I happened to be standing at the nurses' desk when the house doctor, Dr. Shenk, was just starting to look at her chart. We talked and discussed realistic goals. I said it would make life easier if she would be able to sit up, stand up, and transfer to a commode chair or a wheelchair. Then we could take her outside and she could go to a dining room for meals. He had several new patients to see but since I was there he went to Mother first and I was impressed that he really took his time.
He asked her, as many assessments go, where she was now. She said, "I'm supposed to be in heaven!!" He told her that her mansion wasn't quite ready yet and while she's waiting for that to be ready, he'd like for her to be comfortable. He mentioned therapy and she blurted, "I don't want to have to be rude to you but I DON'T want to hear about therapy!!" He also checked her heart, etc. and told her it wasn't like the hospital where the doctor comes every day so he wouldn't be bugging her that often.
After he left, Mother told me to give her some of that candy down on the floor. I said there was no candy there and she said, "Well, check under the edge of these covers. There's lots of candy there." I asked if she wanted a snack and went to find one for her. The doctor and I agreed that, even though she has Type 2 diabetes, diverticulitus, and reflux, if she wanted something sweet, she should have it now and then. I found a nice, fresh donut but she only took one bite.
She asked me several times if we were dead. She also said, "I thought Jesus would be taking over all this business!"
By then her roommate had returned from therapy for her replaced knee. She said she and Mother were having a hard time because neither one of them could hear. Also, Mother mumbles so softly I can barely hear her. A gal, who spoke fairly loud, came to visit the roommate and they said a few things to her. After that, Mother seemed to think she was part of their conversation and was just chatting right along. She was so soft that neither the visitor nor roommate noticed she was talking. I told her I was leaving but she was so busy talking that she barely noticed.
I stuck my head back in and told the roommate I was sorry Mother had waked her at 3:00 a.m. She asked if I were Mary and said that was mostly who she was calling for. I think it might have been for me AND for Aunt Mary. The nurse said she'd been awake since 3:00 a.m. until her nap after lunch. I hope she sleeps better tonight.
I told the social worker and doctor that she responds better to a male therapist. They have a big therapist named Gary and I do hope he'll have her. After lunch, when the therapist came to work with her today, she was sleeping so soundly that they decided not to disturb her. I hope Gary will start with her tomorrow.
Mother's vitals are all so good that she possibly could be with us for some time yet. I did think the "heaven" and "Jesus" statements were cute and it's good that she's focused on something positive as she thinks about and wishes for death. I've got to remember that part about her mansion not being ready yet......it will be a good response when she gets on this subject.
At times like this, I treasure special memories like "Houston, we have NO problem!" and "Pelican Place" .
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Mother's Move to Rehab
My brother, Phil, replied to my description of her move with, "Thanks for your humorous description of the day's extravaganza. I'm still laughing." So, instead of a summary, I'll just share it as it happened:
The nurses had Mother all packed up when I arrived at 1:15 yesterday (Saturday, August 23, 2008). Her nurse came and put in a new catheter. She had me go to the gift shop for chocolates and I got 2 boxes (12 oz) each - the biggest they had. She took a look and said she had in mind a 3 lb box of Whitman's. They had 6 oz. of Whitman's for more than the Russell Stover I had gotten. So, she had me go back down and get 2 more boxes of Russell Stover's.
The ambulance came and it was interesting getting her onto the stretcher - which was about 12" wide with a "groove" for the patient. They took the sheets and all but when they got in the middle of the transfer, they discovered the sheets were VERY stretchy! We left at 2:40. They also let her wear her lovely hospital gown - wasn't that kind?
Her room is larger than the hospital one with a big window and trees outside. There's paperwork ready by the other bed, so she'll be getting a roommate. Her bed is an air bed almost a 3/4 one - nice and wide. The remote to move the head up, etc. is small and the arrows are shiny against a dull background. I could barely see it and Mother really didn't catch on yet. She fidgeted and tossed and turned. I reset all sorts of settings from firm to soft but she just couldn't get in a comfortable position. Finally, I figured out that she was feeling achy so they gave her Tylenol.
A man physical therapist came to evaluate her.....he has 30 years experience. He got her to sit up smoothly - she wanted to lie back down but he kept distracting her so she was up about 10 minutes. He tried to get her to stand but after a couple of times said he believed they'd need to build up to that. He told her he'd been reading her records and saw where she'd refused treatment or to try. He said that they didn't work that way here because their job was to get her standing and walking again. Wouldn't you know - he fills in on weekends and only just now and then! So, she won't see him again. Darn!!
Then an occupational therapist came. She was teeny except for her HUGE belly and yesterday was her due date - I feared she was going into labor at any moment. She said if it doesn't come soon, they'd induce labor on Thursday. She - or whomever - will be helping her learn to dress herself, get to the toilet, etc. She suggested I bring some clothes and housecoats for her to wear during therapy. She just had Mother raise her arms, etc.
Faith came to visit! (Faith is the young, industrious, Mennonite caregiver we had hired when Mother was still at home. Mother just loved her!) She had gone to the hospital and heard Mother had moved. She visited for about 15 minutes. I told her I'd be in touch as I thought it'd be good to have her come sometimes. She said she was finishing with one patient and only going 1 day instead of 3 to another so she'd have a lot of open time - maybe could come at lunch time some days. It appears Mother will be busy with therapy during the day - I hope. I don't think Faith needs to come to feed her now but I think a visit in the late afternoons and evenings, that tend to seem so long, would be helpful.....we'll play it by ear.
Then it was like we were all dressed up but with no place to go. There she was in a room all alone - except for me - with no one coming around. She rang for the nurse twice and it seemed forever to her, but they came in under 15 minutes both times. I don't think Saturday was a good transfer day because they only have 4 nurses/aids on duty for the whole wing.
Mother was totally clear all day except for one small sentence about "the little boy". When things got quiet and she was fidgeting, she started getting upset. She cried some and said she was acting like a baby and that was shameful. She said she just wanted to go on (to heaven).......why couldn't she? I told her that God doesn't give us that choice.......that we just have to go with His plan.
Ed came then and made some conversation. He's always good with her because he talks so loud. He tried to put her AC cooler and it appears it's not even working. The aid said if it was a problem, they'd page a maintenance man but otherwise they'd get it fixed on Monday. I thought it was pleasant - a nice change from the freezing hospital room.
I had mentioned to the aid that Mom has divertic and diabetes so I hope the dietician was informed. The aid came to the door with a tray and motioned for me to come out. There was corn and a stuffed pepper. She said she didn't think this was right for Mother, was it? So, she went back and got a chicken salad sandwich (freshly made) and the ever-famous mashed potatoes for her. I also forgot to mention the reflux. Those 3 things do make food choice a challenge. We left her with a sandwich in hand.
I was waiting and waiting for the admitting gal so as Ed and I were leaving, we asked to see her. They had said they had 6 people admitted that afternoon. She had people in her office but said everything was done - she was waiting for Mother's pain patches to be delivered. I was delighted to hear that so went back and told Mother before we left. She will be having the house doctor - Dr. J. Shenk. I think it'll be good to have a change.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Mother's Move But Not to VMRC
Mother has been on the VMRC (Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community) waiting list for many, many years. She had lived in Crestwood, their assisted living section for a month but her back pain got worse and she ended up in the hospital.......turned out her back was broken - no wonder she wasn't making progress in therapy! When it came time to release her from the hospital, we assumed she'd move to the Skilled Nursing unit at VMRC, but, they wouldn't accept her! They said she hadn't shown progress or effort in her physical therapy so she didn't qualify for their skilled section. They didn't have a bed available in their regular nursing home so.........
This might turn out to be one of those lemons that we'll turn into lemonade. We've always been so keen on VMRC (and it is a wonderful place) that we've never looked at other possibilities. We're finding out that other places aren't nearly as expensive. After 6 weeks and a day in the hospital, Mother was moved to Harrisonburg Health and Rehab Center.
This might turn out to be one of those lemons that we'll turn into lemonade. We've always been so keen on VMRC (and it is a wonderful place) that we've never looked at other possibilities. We're finding out that other places aren't nearly as expensive. After 6 weeks and a day in the hospital, Mother was moved to Harrisonburg Health and Rehab Center.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Update on Mom & Levi May Hits JMU!
Mother's doing better. She's quite lucid with only small lapses into her imagination and her speech is clearer. The plan was to transfer her to the skilled nursing unit of VMRC (Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community) today but her salt level dropped last evening. So, it might be tomorrow ....or when the doctor feels she's ready. Tomorrow makes 6 weeks in the hospital.
My sister-in-law, Maribeth, is here from Texas - helped move Levi Walker May into his freshman dorm at J.M.U. (my old stomping grounds) yesterday. She's going to spend 2 days with Mother - to try to motivate her to exercise more.......and to give me a break. I've been at this daily visit routine since March.
p.s. I thought it would be nice to have my nephew nearby but have been advised that the only drawing card will be a home-cooked meal!
My sister-in-law, Maribeth, is here from Texas - helped move Levi Walker May into his freshman dorm at J.M.U. (my old stomping grounds) yesterday. She's going to spend 2 days with Mother - to try to motivate her to exercise more.......and to give me a break. I've been at this daily visit routine since March.
p.s. I thought it would be nice to have my nephew nearby but have been advised that the only drawing card will be a home-cooked meal!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Mother in Hospital for 35 Days
Mother has been in the hospital for 35 days. It seems that every time they get one problem taken care of, another one appears. The Kaifoplasty worked on her back and she seems to have no pain there.
3:00 p.m.
Today was a really long one for me because I went to the hospital early, determined to get some lunch in her and to try to be sure the physical therapists came. It started out well because she took all her pills without any trouble.
The physical therapist and her assistant came. I was hoping for a bit of progress because she had called me this morning and said she wanted to walk down the hallway today. They moved her legs and feet in bed. Then they sat her up on the edge of the bed. She went into a frenzied panic mode, hyperventilated and said she was falling. Even with the three of us, we couldn't get her to calm down and after about a minute with her begging, they helped her lie back down.
Ed brought her a cheeseburger (the doctor said she can eat anything she wants to) and her eyes lighted up. She took a tiny bite. Then her lunch tray came and she took 2 sips of coffee, after which she started retching. Nothing came up but clear "spit". The only thing I could get in her was 3 bites of jello.
I feared that things might change without all the family around all day long. I'm not sure what to think at this point but I have to remind myself that each day is different and maybe tomorrow will be better. I don't know how in the world the nurses, assistants, specialists, and doctors can do their demanding and often "icky" jobs. God bless them each and every one!
3:00 p.m.
Today was a really long one for me because I went to the hospital early, determined to get some lunch in her and to try to be sure the physical therapists came. It started out well because she took all her pills without any trouble.
The physical therapist and her assistant came. I was hoping for a bit of progress because she had called me this morning and said she wanted to walk down the hallway today. They moved her legs and feet in bed. Then they sat her up on the edge of the bed. She went into a frenzied panic mode, hyperventilated and said she was falling. Even with the three of us, we couldn't get her to calm down and after about a minute with her begging, they helped her lie back down.
Ed brought her a cheeseburger (the doctor said she can eat anything she wants to) and her eyes lighted up. She took a tiny bite. Then her lunch tray came and she took 2 sips of coffee, after which she started retching. Nothing came up but clear "spit". The only thing I could get in her was 3 bites of jello.
I feared that things might change without all the family around all day long. I'm not sure what to think at this point but I have to remind myself that each day is different and maybe tomorrow will be better. I don't know how in the world the nurses, assistants, specialists, and doctors can do their demanding and often "icky" jobs. God bless them each and every one!
9:30 p.m.
Faith returned my call to tell me about her time with Mother this evening. When she got there, Mother was paranoid and said everyone was laughing at her. She said there was a little boy there who was laughing at her. She said Ed was supposed to come get her but he hadn't shown up. Faith tried to get the subject changed.
Dr. Roussel came in just about the time her supper did. She said he was really good with her and said he hoped that tomorrow she'd try a little more with the therapists tomorrow, even if it hurt a little, because he doesn't want to keep her in there forever. Her supper was steak (that's another story) and he said, "When your kids were little didn't you tell them to eat all their meat? Well, that's what I want you to do."
I think my conversation with him last evening on the phone might have gotten through. She had told me that Dr. Roussel was mad at her and she knows she didn't lose weight and exercise like he told her all those years. But that was in the past and she needed him to encourage her, not scold her. I took a chance and told it as a quote from Mother.
The STEAK Story
Mother had said she was getting steak on Monday. I saw the man (His name is Ed and he's a ray of sunshine) who brings the meals in the hallway and asked if she was getting steak. He said no......then said he had seen the chef making steak for some conference and he'd try to see if he could get one. Well, I guess he did!! Faith was able to get every bite of that steak in her!!!
Ah, I'm going to sleep better knowing that her day got better. And thank God for Faith - she's worth every penny!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Better But Some Strange Dreams
Ed and I went to see Mother after church and I fed her as much of her lunch as I could get in - I'm pushing the protein as the doctor said. She ate most of an egg salad sandwich. She's trying to feed herself but is shaking so badly that she spills. She knows she's shaking - told Faith (the young, wonderful caregiver who we hired when Mother was still at home and has visited her several times) yesterday. Today her whole body is shaking, not just her hands. Everyone says that when her electrolytes get balanced that should stop. I'm wondering why it's taking so long to get them balanced??
She's definitely speaking much more clearly. She is mostly lucid but sometimes imagines things. She's very hung up today telling us how the court house in Dobson (her hometown in North Carolina) is being remodeled into a "domicile" by some doctors and how nice it looks. She said the upstairs windows have these huge long drapes of lace and how beautiful they are and the ceilings are just lovely. When Ed left the room she said that was good because he could look around and see how beautiful the decor was.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Anita and Phil Had to Go Home
We hear stories about people who were as bad off as Mother who regained strength and got better. This is like a roller coaster - every day, as soon as one problem gets successfully treated, it seems another one shows up. Both her arms and feet/legs have blown IV's so, at Phil's gentle insistence, they're putting in a picc line today. Then they can get her potassium and calcium balanced.
I took Anita to the train station for her return to Ohio and our cousin, Jim Bowman, took Maribeth and Phil to Dulles for their return to Texas. I'm a bit concerned that there might be a backslide because Mother had family hovering over her from early morning till late at night for 11 days.
I took Anita to the train station for her return to Ohio and our cousin, Jim Bowman, took Maribeth and Phil to Dulles for their return to Texas. I'm a bit concerned that there might be a backslide because Mother had family hovering over her from early morning till late at night for 11 days.
Friday, August 1, 2008
"Turn Around" Day
Friday, August 1, 2008 was an indescribable day. None of us slept Thursday night. Phil and Maribeth (his wife) went in at 5:00 a.m. and sat for a while…..Mother was sleeping peacefully. Then they left for him to get a haircut. Meanwhile, Anita arrived about 9:00 a.m. and Mother opened her eyes and asked for Phil. He was still in town (thank heavens for cell phones) and went back to the hospital.
Mother opened her eyes and asked him how he was. He said, “Not so good.” She asked what hurt and he told her his heart hurt. She asked why and he said, “Because you’ve chosen not to live when it doesn’t have to be this way……”
There was a pause and she said, “I’ve changed my mind.”
Maribeth said she wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t been there!!!!!!!! They asked if she was willing to take her meds, eat, drink and do her physical therapy. She agreed and drank some ginger ale right away. She was lucid and the change was amazing.
We “pushed” liquids and food (Ensure and pudding) all day. She actually drank 2/3 of a bottle of Ensure – more than she drank all week put together. We got about 8 bites of cream soup in her and more ginger ale.
It’s almost like the dead has risen……..I’m still in shock!!!
Right now I'm afraid to tell people because I don't want to jinx anything. Phil plans to stay another week and that'll make a difference for Mother. Anita and Phil are beat from just a couple of days - gives them a clue what I've been trying to do since April when this all started. Then again, yesterday was the day she had chosen to die and that wiped us all out.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A SAD, SAD Day
We met as a family and decided to stop all the meds and IV’s, except for her pain patch. The plan was to move her to the skilled nursing section of VMRC (Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community) the next morning and Hospice would be involved with her care there.
BUT……the puzzling and frustrating thing for her doctor was that her vitals were all good, her back Kyphoplasty worked and her back pain is gone, her kidneys are fine, etc. so physically, there was no reason for her to die. He attributed it to a deep depression and tried his best to encourage and motivate her, telling her that if she would try, she could be walking out of there one of these days. She didn’t respond. (Yes, he had put her on an anti-depressant.)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Hospital Stay for Mother
Mother was in Assisted Living for about a month. A week ago Saturday, she was not able to get up, even with the help of two assistants. She went to the Emergency Room, was admitted and she's been there 9 days.
After more MRIs, CAT scans, etc. they found she had a lumbar compression fracture on L-4 (yes, that means she has a broken back). There was no fall but sometimes when older bones are so fragile, even a turn or twist can cause a break.
Friday morning they did a procedure called a Kyphoplasty, where they go into the broken vertebrae and inflate a balloon to press the fracture back in place. Then they fill that space with a special cement. This has helped many people get relief from pain. Click the words for more info: 1.Kyphoplasty definition 2. Kyphoplasty is.. 3. Kyphoplasty video
She slept the whole day Friday and looked peaceful. Yesterday, she was confused but was upset because she knew she was confused. That's a result of the pain meds building up in her system and they're already cutting back on those. It appears they'll leave the pain patch but will be using Tylenol for additional pain if that will do the job.
I feel relieved that they DID something. I was afraid they'd go the "brace/therapy" routine again. Things are set up for her to return to the retirement center to their Skilled Nursing section for a while. We don't yet know when that will be.
After more MRIs, CAT scans, etc. they found she had a lumbar compression fracture on L-4 (yes, that means she has a broken back). There was no fall but sometimes when older bones are so fragile, even a turn or twist can cause a break.
Friday morning they did a procedure called a Kyphoplasty, where they go into the broken vertebrae and inflate a balloon to press the fracture back in place. Then they fill that space with a special cement. This has helped many people get relief from pain. Click the words for more info: 1.Kyphoplasty definition 2. Kyphoplasty is.. 3. Kyphoplasty video
She slept the whole day Friday and looked peaceful. Yesterday, she was confused but was upset because she knew she was confused. That's a result of the pain meds building up in her system and they're already cutting back on those. It appears they'll leave the pain patch but will be using Tylenol for additional pain if that will do the job.
I feel relieved that they DID something. I was afraid they'd go the "brace/therapy" routine again. Things are set up for her to return to the retirement center to their Skilled Nursing section for a while. We don't yet know when that will be.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Assisted Living for Mother
I forgot to mention that Mother is in an assisted living facility in VMRC (Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community). It's a wonderful place and the therapists come right to her room and take her to therapy.
She's had a lot of pain and thanks to Phil, my brother who visited last week from Texas, she has better pain meds that are helping some. He also got her into an orthopedic doctor for evaluation. She has so many things wrong in her lower back that even I could see it on the MRI. They're going to try an epidural steroid injection on July 9th, in hopes that she'll get some relief. We'll be back from bringing the RV home before that.
Mother's goal is to get stronger so that she can return to her beautiful view and her "stuff" on the farm near Singers Glen. We all hope this will happen.
She's had a lot of pain and thanks to Phil, my brother who visited last week from Texas, she has better pain meds that are helping some. He also got her into an orthopedic doctor for evaluation. She has so many things wrong in her lower back that even I could see it on the MRI. They're going to try an epidural steroid injection on July 9th, in hopes that she'll get some relief. We'll be back from bringing the RV home before that.
Mother's goal is to get stronger so that she can return to her beautiful view and her "stuff" on the farm near Singers Glen. We all hope this will happen.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Mom's Diagnosis
Mother saw the doctor today and it was a relief to learn that they found out what's wrong. She has two problems.
1. Polymyalgia rheumatica (meaning “pain in many muscles” in Greek), or PMR, is an inflammatory condition of the muscles, which causes pain or stiffness, usually in the neck, shoulders, and hips. She will be treated with cortizone (pill form Prednisone) and will probably need to take it for a year.
2. Bulging disks in her lower back. The doctor has prescribed specific physical therapy that will, hopefully, relieve the back pain. If not, surgery might be a possibility in the future.
I'll be on the phone tomorrow trying to set up caregivers to come in during the day and to find a place where this particular therapy is done.....hopefully on this side of town.
The RV shelter is coming along. It's turned out that Ed is building it himself and Mike Stroop, a friend from church, has helped quite a bit. One of these days, we'll be flying to Florida to get our dear motorhome and tow car.
1. Polymyalgia rheumatica (meaning “pain in many muscles” in Greek), or PMR, is an inflammatory condition of the muscles, which causes pain or stiffness, usually in the neck, shoulders, and hips. She will be treated with cortizone (pill form Prednisone) and will probably need to take it for a year.
2. Bulging disks in her lower back. The doctor has prescribed specific physical therapy that will, hopefully, relieve the back pain. If not, surgery might be a possibility in the future.
I'll be on the phone tomorrow trying to set up caregivers to come in during the day and to find a place where this particular therapy is done.....hopefully on this side of town.
The RV shelter is coming along. It's turned out that Ed is building it himself and Mike Stroop, a friend from church, has helped quite a bit. One of these days, we'll be flying to Florida to get our dear motorhome and tow car.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Flat-out Like a Lizard Drinking Caring for Mom
.......that's what they say in Australia when someone's super busy! In this case, I'm referring me being busy and to Mother (age 82) being flat-out.
(I'm prejudiced because she's MY mom but, isn't she pretty?)
But, last Saturday this pain started in her lower back. Her doctor sent her for bloodwork and an MRI. He says it's not sciatica. He mentioned a pinched nerve but I am wondering if it could be a hernitated disc......this is her 9th day in pain. If she stays still, flat in bed, she feels OK but the slighted movement brings on such pain and those type spasms that "grab" you and are so strong they take your breath away.
We'll call the doctor first thing tomorrow and hopefully the MRI will show something! She can't keep on this way.
Anyway, one of the purposes of this post is to explain why I've gotten behind on my email responses. Ed's making some progress on the RV shelter.....got siding on the large wall and a small section of roof installed yesterday. I'm busy with Mother's care and sneaking out to garden as much as possible!
More later.....
Monday, April 14, 2008
Mother's Mishap - The Rescue Squad...
The Rescue Squad took Mother to the Emergency Room Sunday night, March 30th, with severe hip pain. They did an X-ray and a CAT scan but found no fracture. Her doctor saw her Monday afternoon. He agreed with the ER doctors that it appeared to be a hip sprain/strain and prescribed bed rest.
I think there is light at the end of the tunnel......Mother started feeling a bit better yesterday. She has "graduated" to a cane and has put her bedside potty chair into storage. We're in the process of adding grab rails in the shower and bathroom for added safety.
Tomorrow, the therapist plans to start working on getting up and down the outside back porch stairs. Mother's looking forward to going back to her Wellness Center for her water aerobics class three times a week and for just getting out in general.
Mother could not think of anything specific she did to bring on such pain. It is my sister, Anita, who saved the day. About 9 p.m. that evening, Anita called from Ohio, having just talked to Mother, and asked us to go check on her. Maybe Anita's motherly instincts sensed the pain in Mother's voice. And, sure enough, we called the rescue squad. Thank you, Anita!
Her doctor is sending Home Health nurses in for several weeks. One is an Occupational Therapist who helps with life skills such as bathing and gives her exercises. The other one is a Physical Therapist who focuses on exercises to build leg and arm strength.
For me to manage all her meals, meds, and sleep at her house was taking its toll. We were blessed to find a lady to come in to help out with various household needs. Ed has been a Godsend through all this.I think there is light at the end of the tunnel......Mother started feeling a bit better yesterday. She has "graduated" to a cane and has put her bedside potty chair into storage. We're in the process of adding grab rails in the shower and bathroom for added safety.
Tomorrow, the therapist plans to start working on getting up and down the outside back porch stairs. Mother's looking forward to going back to her Wellness Center for her water aerobics class three times a week and for just getting out in general.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Pelicans, Pelicans
Ed, Mother, Phil (my bro), and I went to a restaurant on Cape Canaveral called Grill's, which is on the water. The pelicans hanging around gave us a free show. They were everywhere and we happened to be there in the afternoon when fishermen were coming in to clean their catch for the day. As they worked, they flipped scraps off the table into the water below. It was hilarious to see about 25 pelicans fight and go after each bite. One would get it and others would sometimes take it right out of their beak!
We went back to Grill's another day for lunch and once again enjoyed our food but enjoyed the pelicans even more! Ed and I were ready to go and Mother was still on the dock watching the pelicans.
We went back to Grill's another day for lunch and once again enjoyed our food but enjoyed the pelicans even more! Ed and I were ready to go and Mother was still on the dock watching the pelicans.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
"Houston, we have NO problem!"
Mother, Ed, and I have been house-sitting for one of my scuba diving buddies in Rockledge, a town near Cape Canaveral, Florida. We came the first week of January and plan to return to Virginia in the middle of March - yes, we're "snowbirds" this year.
My brother, Phil, came from Texas for a long weekend.
Mother, in her usual curious manner, said, "Let's go to Kennedy Space Center." It turned out to be a fantastic day. We got a wheelchair for Mother, which worked well for all. It was one of those blue-sky-fluffy-cloud days,in the 70's, and they were there the whole day!
We first saw an IMAX 3-D movie - the kind where you wear those funny glasses so you feel like you're in the movie - of walking on the moon. We took a bus tour, which included 3 different stops. We saw two of the modules that were to be added to the space station in the next two launches. Lastly, we went through some of the displays and saw another remarkable IMAX movie about life inside the space station. One of our questions was answered - yes, they do shave, exercise, etc. The guy would shave a bit, then release his razor and it would just hang right there in midair.
It's hard to really perceive how humongus these shuttles are! We saw Europe's $2 billion science lab, Columbus, which was anchored to the space station on February 12.
This is a great animation showing all the segments of the Space Station, the modules and the international partners that have helped create it.
Click here: SPACE STATION MODULES
My brother, Phil, came from Texas for a long weekend.
Mother, in her usual curious manner, said, "Let's go to Kennedy Space Center." It turned out to be a fantastic day. We got a wheelchair for Mother, which worked well for all. It was one of those blue-sky-fluffy-cloud days,in the 70's, and they were there the whole day!We first saw an IMAX 3-D movie - the kind where you wear those funny glasses so you feel like you're in the movie - of walking on the moon. We took a bus tour, which included 3 different stops. We saw two of the modules that were to be added to the space station in the next two launches. Lastly, we went through some of the displays and saw another remarkable IMAX movie about life inside the space station. One of our questions was answered - yes, they do shave, exercise, etc. The guy would shave a bit, then release his razor and it would just hang right there in midair.
It's hard to really perceive how humongus these shuttles are! We saw Europe's $2 billion science lab, Columbus, which was anchored to the space station on February 12.This is a great animation showing all the segments of the Space Station, the modules and the international partners that have helped create it.
Click here: SPACE STATION MODULES
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