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 51ยบ 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 51ยบ 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.
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