Momma May Walks

Mom’s rehabilitation struggle has been slow for the most part but, we're happy to report that there has been some recent improvement. Maribeth and I went to a health staff meeting last week concerning Mom’s care. We were very surprised to find out from the physical therapist that Mom was walking better.

The physical therapist had just about given up on Mom and walking, but she has changed her mind and is working patiently with her now toward improvement, and eventually, physical strength and mobility independence. In the parallel bars Mom is walking with very little assistance. She tires easily though and requires encouragement to continue each PT session to its maximum benefit. She walked about 40 feet yesterday. That’s progress!

She is also using the walker some too, but still with great apprehension of falling. There is improvement though. Mom is also now able to move herself in her wheelchair (though she would rather be pushed) around the rehabilitation center. She goes to the cafeteria some on her "bicycle", as she calls her wheelchair.

I was with Mom yesterday when her physician, Dr. Bosquet, visited. She was the most oriented she had ever been with him. The Dr. and I were surprised and pleased. Her thinking is clearly improving. We think she is presently on a good balance of medications to optimize her cognitive abilities.

She has a cell phone now and is little by little learning to use it, sorting out what the buttons do and which ones she should “mash” to get who she wants to talk to. All those buttons make me scratch my head as well. I am working with her to do the plain & simple stuff like turning the phone on and off, answering it when it rings and charging it up when the battery gets weak.

Voice mail is my next task to tackle with Mom. So far she has been good with her phone. She hasn’t called us up in the middle of the night because she thinks there is a spider in her bed or anything. We think that’s just fine.

For friends and family who would like to call her, the number is 972-825-7871. She is still hard of hearing, so you will need to speak loudly and enunciate clearly, please.

In a couple of weeks we plan to take her to a physician specialist in the area of medical and rehabilitative medicine. We have the appointment, but if she continues to improve at her present rate, we may not even need to see this rehabilitation guru doctor. We’ll see how she progresses.

Mom still wants to return to Virginia, but she will have a few hoops to jump through before we can realistically make all that happen. Certainly we will, if and when she gains enough independence to fend for herself back on the farm. Dreams and goals, what challenge would life be if we didn’t have them? They motivate us and give us a reason to get up and go each day. Mom still has them.

She appreciates all the letters, cards, and phone conversations with all her friends and family. She wants everyone to know that.

Philip

Mom’s Hospital Stay

Last Saturday morning Mom was unresponsive. Appropriately, her nurse called 911 and an ambulance took Mom to Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie, where I work (Phil is a nurse anesthetist there). It was a 10-minute ride. Maribeth and I met the ambulance as it arrived at the emergency room.

Indeed, Mom was unresponsive at that time. Her vital signs were fine but her state of consciousness was not.She had a CT scan of her head and they discovered nothing new: no midline shift, no blood masses, and no tumors.

A short time after her arrival, she began to respond a little. She would open her eyes on command, but could not speak. She could grip with her hands when we requested her to. That was the beginning of her improvement.

They admitted her to a private room on the 3^rd floor. I stayed with her. About two hours later, she spontaneously opened her eyes and said “Phil”. In a short time she began to speak but was a little lethargic with her responses. She slept most of the day while we attended.

After an EEG, Carotid Artery Doppler Study, and an MRI, the higher cerebral heavy-weights (doctors) were not 100% sure of the correct diagnosis. Some, including me, thought this was a TIA (transient ischemic attack) from a little plaque slough off from her carotid artery, which blocked some small vessels temporarily in her brain. Yet others thought her experience was from a special kind of seizure activity. The point now is moot.......Mom improved.

She stayed at the hospital for 4 nights for evaluation and further observation. Even the physical therapy department of the medical center came and worked with her. Things went well.

She was discharged back to Pleasant Manor Health and Rehabilitation center after 4 nights. She is well loved by staff and residents of that facility. They called and asked about her while she was at Baylor Medical Center and they were happy to have her back.

Mom is not only back to the Rehab Center, but she is back in her PT routine to gain strength for walking. They have this device kind of like a walker, called a “merry-walker”. It is an enclosed walker device such that, if Mom gets fearful of falling, she simply sits down, since the seat is underneath her at all times. We discovered that her Achilles tendons have contracted which hinders her ability to stand up straight. We will be working on stretching those little hummers out a bit over the upcoming days and weeks.

Today Mom’s spirits were good. Even in her darkest moments, she still maintains that comedian-like sense of humor. Yep, she’s still a comic. Maybe that’s why all of us and so many other people love her so!

(Posted by Phil, Fran's baby boy.)

A Trip to the Hospital

Phil got a call from Pleasant Manor at 6:40 on Saturday morning that Mother was non-responsive and they had called 911 for her. He and Maribeth went straight to the Emergency Room and arrived at the same time she did. She was still not responsive. The first theory was that she might have had a small stroke. However, as the day progressed, tests did not show a stroke.

Pil called me (Mary) about noon on Saturday. They had admitted her for further testing and he was in the room with her. She was able to squeeze his hand if he asked her a question. While we were talking, she groaned, which Phil said is a good sign. Then, she called his name! He hung up immediately and called back later.

She slept most of the afternoon and had hot tea and crackers for supper. They wanted to take an EEG but that couldn't be done till Monday afternoon. I am assuming that "no news is good news." I'm sure Phil will call when they know anything else. It appears that it might have been a mini-stroke, also referred to as a TIA.

To be continued........

Out to Outback

On Friday, Mother and Maribeth took Phil out for his late birthday celebration (His "real" birthday was March 27th) at the Outback restaurant. She surprised everyone ......here she was, a white-haired lady in a wheelchair and as the waiter finished taking their orders, she said, "Wait a minute. I'd like a Fuzzy Naval." Maribeth said she and Phil were amazed that she had even thought of a drink - it did appear to be watered down orange juice and not strong. Mother also had a steak, a loaded baked potato, and a few petals of Phil's bloomin' onion. Then, she helped eat his birthday ice cream.

As they were finishing up, she said she wanted to take a steak dinner to Mark. Mark is a CNA who is very caring and kind to everyone. It almost appears that Mother has a little crush on him and had invited him to come with them, but he had to work. Maribeth tried to suggest that they take him a dessert but - no - it had to be a steak dinner!

On their way back to Pleasant Manor, she wanted to stop for some sugar-free cookies. They were passing a Kroger so they pulled in. They found the cookies, then she wanted candy (not sugar-free). Mother may be aging in various ways, but her sweet tooth is still intact!

Fran, the Ham

Not everyone knows what a clown Mother can be!

Confused and Homesick

Just when things seem to be going well for Fran, she then has a week like this past. Her therapy is going as well as can be expected. When she is thinking clearly she makes progress. When she is confused she goes back a few steps. There have been more confused times than lucid this past week. The doctor is making a few changes in her medications along with trying a different antibiotic for her chronic infections. We are hoping for a better week for her.

She has shown signs of homesickness. She says she wants to go home to Virginia, she misses her friends terribly. She lights up when she receives letters and cards from her family and friends. She spoke to her daughter Anita and good friend Aldeen Wenger, this past weekend, and just hearing their voices seemed to perk her up.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers and hopefully she will have a better week.

More later...
Maribeth

This was Fran on her 75th birthday.
What a difference 9 years can make.

(Click on picture for larger view.)

Levi Spends Time with Grandmother

While Levi was home on Spring Break last week, he was able to spend some quality time with his Grandmother. He got to see her at physical therapy and occupational therapy. They watched TV together, including some college basketball and they went to dinner at Olive Garden, along with Philip and Maribeth, last Thursday.

Saturday afternoon when he went to say good-bye, he took in a Chick-fil-A meal for her. She thoroughly enjoyed the meal and visit.

Fran told him to keep studying hard and Levi told his Grandmother to keep working hard in PT and OT.

Levi will return home from JMU on or about May 9th with his freshman year of college under his belt. It doesn't seem possible!

"Kids at Heart" Enjoy a Visit from Kids

Last Wednesday 17 kindergarten students, along with their teacher from St. Joseph Catholic School in Waxahachie Texas, took to the road for a field trip to entertain the residents of Pleasant Manor Health and Rehabilitation. (St. Joseph's school is where Levi went for his elementary years and where Maribeth now works. Maribeth was involved in arranging the trip.)

The students opened with prayer followed by the singing of the National Anthem. They went on to sing a variety of songs including B-I-N-G-O, Zippitty Do Da, Father Abraham and many more. The program ended with each student reading to the residents. Pictures of the students and residents were taken and many hugs and handshakes were exchanged between all.

The “well-seasoned kids at heart” residents totally enjoyed being with "real kids." Maribeth hopes to plan a few more field trips with other grades to entertain at the center before the end of the school year.

From MaryMay Angelil: "I talked to Mother on the phone this evening and told her that Maribeth had sent me a picture of her with the children. She said they sang so well and they were all so sweet and sooo well-behaved."

Rehabilitation is Progressing

Fran actually walked 11 feet with a rolling walker! She had two therapists assisting her but we were told she did most of the work herself. A walker is now in her room and they practice getting her up and down throughout the day. Her lower legs and ankles have shown some swelling from sitting in the wheelchair most of the day so the nurses have her elevate them each afternoon.

Fran is getting to know a few residents in the dining hall and at some of the activities. Philip played the piano and sang some for several of them on Sunday following dinner. They really enjoyed it and so did the ladies in the social hall who were playing their nightly game of Skipo.

The three of us had a nice dinner at the Macaroni Grill, an Italian Bistro. She had some breaded flounder with a side of pasta. She really looks forward to getting out from time to time. It was kinda funny to watch her eat her Italian delicacy. She was so focused on her food that our conversation just disappeared for a time.

Levi is home on Spring Break from JMU and is getting to see his grandmother daily. She was taking a nap on Saturday afternoon and woke up to discover Levi standing there with a vase full of flowers for her. (Neither Maribeth nor Phil knew he was going to take flowers and they were pleased that he was so thoughtful.) She is enjoying his company.

A Few Fran Funnies...

She told me the other day that “here in Texas everyone dresses so casual. They probably all have oil coming out of their ears.”

When Phil and one of the nurses were assessing her swollen ankles and legs, Fran tolerated if for about a minute and then said, "You might as well just go ahead and just screw them off."

Private or not?

Hi, Phil and Maribeth,

You asked my opinion about Mother moving into a private room. These are only thoughts and I'm not telling you what to do. Whatever you decide is OK but here are some considerations.

Ed and I have discussed the advantages and disadvantages. Overall, we feel the extra stimulation is good for her, (even though it can be annoying at times). She sees nurses and CNA's and gets seen by them more, just by the fact that they'll be coming in for two people. Mother might feel needed in helping a roommate and that can go both ways.

I was with her in Charlottesville in both private and semi-private rooms. The private room was just Mother, all alone, and she focused on herself and her pain. It's easier for the staff to "put off" going to just one person.....once you ring your buzzer, you just have to wait. A roommate and/or visitors can go get someone if needed.

When she had roommates, their families usually were friendly to Mother. They talked and laughed with her and sometimes got her a drink or a treat. Then Mother had things to think about and tell me when I came to visit. There are a lot of hours when you two can't be with Mother......I feel both the extra exposure to nurses and the interactions with a roommate will be valuable for her.

Your sister,
MaryMay

Small Improvements

Fran has made some small improvements with her physical therapy. She is standing (reluctantly) anywhere from 40 seconds to 4 minutes on the parallel bars. There are therapists right there with her encouraging as much as possible. There is still some shaking in her hands but her skills with eating utensils have greatly improved. Each day she is applying foundation, lipstick and perfume. She looks forward to her Tuesday “hair days,” along with every other lady in the center.

Several days this week Philip and I split up our visiting times. Phil would go in right after work and visit for an hour or so and then I would visit after her dinner until her eyes got heavy. She is aware of her surroundings so much better now, although she still does have some confusing thoughts, at times.

Every once in awhile she thinks things are missing from her room and are being taken by some of the hired help. Philip and I keep track of her belongings and reassure her that there is no stealing going on. The social worker told us that this is a pretty common worry for the elderly and she sees it some with the residents.

Eye Exam and "Eye-Hop"

On Friday, Fran and I had an eye exam appointment. We picked her up about 3:15 p.m. and headed to the doctor's office. While we were waiting, Mom told Phil about her lunch. She said that she had some “pounded chicken”. Everyone in the office had a good laugh at our comedian mother.

Fran explained to the doctor that when she tried to read, the middle of the sentences were blurry. After a thorough exam, the decision was made to have two pair of glasses made - one for distance and one for reading. The trifocals were not doing the job for her and the doctor thinks they were causing the blurriness.

We had fun picking out frames with the assistance of two young technicians oohing and aahing over how she looked in different frames. The appointment took about two and a half hours.
When we finished we all decided to go to IHOP for dinner. Three pancakes, bacon, and several cups of coffee later, Fran was very content. We all were tired from the day so off we went to take her back to the rehab center. On our way back, she decided that she wanted some cheese crackers for her room. We stopped for those and then took a tired, but happy southern lady back to tuck into bed for the night. One of her favorite aides was waiting for her to help get her settled.

Hopefully. her glasses will be ready to pick up by mid-week and we all can plan another outing. Fun was had by all.

Valentine’s Day for Mrs. May

Saturday was another good day for Fran. She won a pretty t-shirt with hearts on it at the center’s bingo game. She received flowers from her three children, along with a box of chocolates. (She REALLY enjoyed the chocolates!)

Phil put on a piano concert for the center, as per Fran's request. It's fun to watch her sitting next to the piano while he plays....definitely a proud Momma! The piano permeates throughout the center and residents come from all directions to hear the music. Philip needs to work up a few new pieces because he has been playing so frequently that he has just about gone through his whole collection of music that he knows well. (He memorizes his pieces and plays without sheet music.)

We left Fran with her dinner tablemates and headed out to celebrate Valentine’s Day together at the Outback restaurant. There are small improvements that are positive improvements. Each day is an adventure!

Fran Shops 'til She Drops

Each day this week while visiting Fran, she would have either one of us jot down items on a pad of paper that she needed from the store. The list had the following items: combs, new shade of lipstick, socks, slacks (white and black), nail polish remover, new shade of nail polish, makeup foundation and a new bra. Each of these items Fran already had, but we went along with it because she is really beginning to think things through. We arranged for the three of us to go shopping at our local Target on Friday.

I called the rehab center about 3:00 p.m. and asked that they have Fran ready to go out with us about 4:00 p.m. Philip and I got in from work and went over to start out on our shopping adventure. Fran was ready when we got there and very happy to see us. Mark, one of her favorite nursing assistants, had her looking cute with her hair brushed and lipstick on. Off we went.

The first transfer from her wheelchair into our car went very smoothly. As soon as she got in the car, she pulled down the visor to see how she looked in the mirror. She said that Mark had done a good job with her lipstick. The ride to Target took about 10 minutes. Once there, we parked in a handicapped parking space and got Fran back into her wheelchair, another smooth transfer for Fran and Phil.

Inside the store Fran was in her glory: Lipstick, nail polish, foundation and socks! I was impressed at how she was comparing prices and looking for bargains. We looked at Valentine candy and she decided we could come back and get some once it went on sale. (gotta feed that chocolate craving!).

The next item was the bra. She told me the size she needed and I went into search mode. I was one aisle over being entertained at the conversation going on between Phil and his mom. I had to chuckle when Fran gave Phil directions, "Get me that white one, see what the size is on that white one".

We tried to find some new slacks but were unsuccessful. I told her we would have better luck at Belk's. She said that was a good idea and we could go there next.

I asked Fran if she was getting hungry and if she was in the mood for a small pizza. Her eyes lit up. I had decided that eating out in an Applebee's or Chili's on a Friday evening would be a bit too overwhelming for her. I suggested to Philip that Target had a Pizza Hut and Starbucks attached and we could eat there. Besides, it was a much quieter environment and made for one less transfer. The three of us enjoyed a small pan pizza and soda. Fran loves pizza. I think Philip was counting on getting her last piece but she gladly finished it herself.

Fran said she wanted to go to Belk's and see about some slacks. Once we got back in the car she decided she could look for slacks the next time we go out. Needless to say, we were relieved! Phil's back was just about maxed out! Once we got back to the rehab we reviewed all of her purchases with her, wooing over each item. Fran was happy with everything and was more than ready to hit the bed.

Duane's Heart

Dear Anita (Fran's middle child),

Please let Duane (age 4) know that his Great-Grandmother has the green heart that he made her hanging on her bulletin board. She seemed quite pleased when she opened the envelope with your letter.

You and Aldeen (Wenger) have been been faithful with your cards and letters. Your Mom received a nice note from Faith (a wonderful caregiver who helped with Fran last spring) with a picture enclosed of Fran, Aunt Ginny. and Faith. The picture was taken in mid-October when Faith was working some with Aunt Ginny and took her in to see your Mom at the Harrisonburg Rehab Center.

I had been sick with a sinus infection since Friday through yesterday (2-9-09) so I was unable to go see your Mom. Philip went daily while I was under the weather. I got in late yesterday afternoon and spent about 3 hours with her. She has a roommate named Sunny and they seem to be getting along well. Sunny is confused some also.

I have taken in a few Valentine decorations to brighten up her room. I will take a picture of Fran this weekend with her Valentines and flowers and send it to you.

Have a nice day!

Love,
Maribeth, your sister-in-law