My mom has been on her "own" for 1 week....one week ago today I took her to the doctor so she could be "rid" of everything.....I have worked hard at letting her be. It is has been strange picking my kids up again at their regular times, making dinner and being home on the weekends.
I talked to my mom everyday at least once. She seems good, still gets a little forgetful but seems to be remembering to take her meds and eat. She still isn't super hungry so she still doesn't eat much. Hopefully that will increase as the nutrients will give her strength and keep her head clearer. She still uses the oxygen at home but not when she goes out. She does not wear the mask at all. We have returned the hospital bed and wheelchair...she is happy to be in her own bed.
She has very little memory about any of the hospital stuff but I guess that is sort of normal. Next Tuesday I will be taking her to neurology so be assessed...I am hoping that they do an EEG so we will know it there has been any permanent damage.
I ask her if she is happy in her solitude and she says that visits would be nice. I told her that I thought she may have scared a few people off as she was so determined to be "home alone"...so I am opening the invitation to visit Lis. If she doesn't answer she is probably asleep...but she has not been sleeping so much during the day these days.
Hope everyone is well out there. Take care until next time. I am hoping to get my mom to read this at some point so she can see her journey for herself.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Days 60-64
May 16-20
This week has been about trying to help my mom realize that her helpers were here to help her....she has really rebelled against help. Not just people help from people but the help of the walker, oxygen and mask. I have seen my mom become very angry when anyone tries to "remind" her what she "should" be doing, this anger has been rough to watch not to mention receive. She argues with me when I remind what the doctor or therapist has said that she is to do....if I correct her it upsets her. I finally called the doctor who fit my mom in the next morning, Thursday.
My mom has been getting better. Everyday she looks more and more like herself. She still has a bad appetite and is not eating very much but she will drink an Ensure here and there. She still gets a little unsteady though and needs help moving from the shower but otherwise is doing quite well. The doctors have been worried about her memory and whether or not she has sustained any brain damage. I have seen her memory get better the longer she is home but I really needed to know if she was ok cognitively. So Deborah (Kaiser nurse and my friend) came over and did a cognitive test with my mom. I listened from the other room (as I was chasing my kids around) and she seems to be answering the questions well. It took about 45 minutes and they were done and Deborah told her that she did so well..that she had some short term memory recall but that could be due to normal aging. She told my mom that it is important for her to "use" her brain with word games and reading and that it was also important to eat well and exercise. I know my mom heard her....and Deborah tried to get my mom to do some exercises buy laying on the floor herself and demonstrating how to do them...my mom said that she would do them tomorrow. That seems to be a standard answer especially when we were working on the mask. Deborah's visit help me to make the decisions that I was being forced into anyways.
I took the day off to take my mom to the doctor. I had not spoken to the doctor directly but his staff knew that my mom was having a hard time and was feeling frustrated with the whole thing (people in her house among other things). So the doctor came in and asked my mom why she was there....I had a pen and paper ready to take notes because part of the problem is that my mom would hear one thing and I heard another and when I corrected her she would get so upset with me (I am just trying to do the right thing)....My mom told the doctor that she wants to get "rid of everything" and he asked "what's everything?" and she pointed to the walker and the oxygen and told him about the mask (that she has tried really hard to wear it but she just can't stand it) - I had taken her to the mask place to have her try different ones on and talk to the respiratory therapist and I thought we had "the one" but obviously not - So the doctor told her that she can not force her to use anything that it is against the law for him to force her to do anything - he can only advise her and tell her the pros and cons to the decisions. She told him that she didn't want all the people in her house (I understand this but we were told not to leave her alone for awhile so we have pieced it together with paid folks and friends and me to keep her safe). So the doctor told her that he felt that she should not be alone all the time that there should be people checking on her, he told her that she should wear the mask at least part of the time as a little bit is better than no time, he checked her oxygen levels while she was on the Oxygen then took it off then had her walk and took her levels again....the numbers were good so he told her to try to not wear it but if she felt light headed or short of breath then she should wear it and that she SHOULD wear it while she is sleeping. Then she asked about driving.....he said absolutely no driving and she asked how long until she could again and he said that it would be at least 3 months and maybe 6 months since she had a seizure..it is the law. I looked this up and sure enough it said 6 months but that it could possibly be 3 months. So my mom left the appointment without oxygen and walked to the car....with her walker. We met Evie (our awesome careperson) in the waiting room and headed for Starbucks...my mom was in a much better mood after that appointment...she got what she wanted...I just hope it is all right. That day my mom let everyone go...she didn't need anymore help...so everyone stopped.
Thursday....my kids and I came over as the physical therapist was coming over. My mom was in her room with me and had just decided that she wanted to wear the oxygen as she felt a little short of breath so she put the canula on. I was in her closet trying to help her figure out her clothes. The phone rang and my mom jumped up...I stayed in the closet and heard a crash and Michael yell for me.....I knew that my mom must have fallen. Sure enough - my heart was racing when I ran out to the living room to find Lis lying on the floor...she had tripped over the oxygen cart that was laying on the floor. I checked her out and helped her sit up and then get up and sit in her chair....I found no marks...she said that her elbow and shoulder hurt but there was no swelling..I checked out her head as she hit that too....there was no mark. A few minutes later the therapist arrived and I told her that she had just fallen and she said, very casually, "I'm not surprised" - wow I thought her reaction would have been different. BUT she had been concerned all along how my mom wasn't careful with her movements.....makes me wonder if she will be falling again.
Friday - first day home alone.....I think my mom loved it - we showed up about 4:30 and Deborah about 5:00 we left her about 7:30 and she was on her way to bed - we did not stay the night.....she wanted to be alone so I honored that especially after her assessment showed what it did...I would not have been able to let her stay alone if I knew/thought that she wasn't in her right mind.
Saturday I talked to her in the late morning and we talked about what time I would pick her up for the wedding reception that we were going to. I told her I would call on my way but that I would be there about 3:30 as the party started at 4:00 at the club. I arrived to my mom sitting on her bed trying to get ready and she told me that everything takes so much longer now......we left and went to the club..everyone was excited to see her and she sat down in a chair and talked with people as I ran around. I had the oxygen in the car just in case but she never needed it. We went back to her house for a little while then I went home to my own house and we had decided that we would get together for lunch on Sunday. We left her house about 8:00.
Sunday....it has now been 2 months and 5 days since this all began.....wild. She called about 10:30 wondering where we were I told her that Malena was napping and we would be on our way when she woke up...great she said call on our way. We went to the club for lunch...she said hi to many people and they were all happy to see her. When we got home from the club Shirley came down for a few minutes and then we headed out as my mom was tired. She called me later and said that she had not taken a nap and was going to go to bed early.
I know that I am not writing everyday...things a cruising along now and my mom has what she wanted - a quiet house. Phone calls would be good and some visits if you want to - she talks more and more like herself.
This week has been about trying to help my mom realize that her helpers were here to help her....she has really rebelled against help. Not just people help from people but the help of the walker, oxygen and mask. I have seen my mom become very angry when anyone tries to "remind" her what she "should" be doing, this anger has been rough to watch not to mention receive. She argues with me when I remind what the doctor or therapist has said that she is to do....if I correct her it upsets her. I finally called the doctor who fit my mom in the next morning, Thursday.
My mom has been getting better. Everyday she looks more and more like herself. She still has a bad appetite and is not eating very much but she will drink an Ensure here and there. She still gets a little unsteady though and needs help moving from the shower but otherwise is doing quite well. The doctors have been worried about her memory and whether or not she has sustained any brain damage. I have seen her memory get better the longer she is home but I really needed to know if she was ok cognitively. So Deborah (Kaiser nurse and my friend) came over and did a cognitive test with my mom. I listened from the other room (as I was chasing my kids around) and she seems to be answering the questions well. It took about 45 minutes and they were done and Deborah told her that she did so well..that she had some short term memory recall but that could be due to normal aging. She told my mom that it is important for her to "use" her brain with word games and reading and that it was also important to eat well and exercise. I know my mom heard her....and Deborah tried to get my mom to do some exercises buy laying on the floor herself and demonstrating how to do them...my mom said that she would do them tomorrow. That seems to be a standard answer especially when we were working on the mask. Deborah's visit help me to make the decisions that I was being forced into anyways.
I took the day off to take my mom to the doctor. I had not spoken to the doctor directly but his staff knew that my mom was having a hard time and was feeling frustrated with the whole thing (people in her house among other things). So the doctor came in and asked my mom why she was there....I had a pen and paper ready to take notes because part of the problem is that my mom would hear one thing and I heard another and when I corrected her she would get so upset with me (I am just trying to do the right thing)....My mom told the doctor that she wants to get "rid of everything" and he asked "what's everything?" and she pointed to the walker and the oxygen and told him about the mask (that she has tried really hard to wear it but she just can't stand it) - I had taken her to the mask place to have her try different ones on and talk to the respiratory therapist and I thought we had "the one" but obviously not - So the doctor told her that she can not force her to use anything that it is against the law for him to force her to do anything - he can only advise her and tell her the pros and cons to the decisions. She told him that she didn't want all the people in her house (I understand this but we were told not to leave her alone for awhile so we have pieced it together with paid folks and friends and me to keep her safe). So the doctor told her that he felt that she should not be alone all the time that there should be people checking on her, he told her that she should wear the mask at least part of the time as a little bit is better than no time, he checked her oxygen levels while she was on the Oxygen then took it off then had her walk and took her levels again....the numbers were good so he told her to try to not wear it but if she felt light headed or short of breath then she should wear it and that she SHOULD wear it while she is sleeping. Then she asked about driving.....he said absolutely no driving and she asked how long until she could again and he said that it would be at least 3 months and maybe 6 months since she had a seizure..it is the law. I looked this up and sure enough it said 6 months but that it could possibly be 3 months. So my mom left the appointment without oxygen and walked to the car....with her walker. We met Evie (our awesome careperson) in the waiting room and headed for Starbucks...my mom was in a much better mood after that appointment...she got what she wanted...I just hope it is all right. That day my mom let everyone go...she didn't need anymore help...so everyone stopped.
Thursday....my kids and I came over as the physical therapist was coming over. My mom was in her room with me and had just decided that she wanted to wear the oxygen as she felt a little short of breath so she put the canula on. I was in her closet trying to help her figure out her clothes. The phone rang and my mom jumped up...I stayed in the closet and heard a crash and Michael yell for me.....I knew that my mom must have fallen. Sure enough - my heart was racing when I ran out to the living room to find Lis lying on the floor...she had tripped over the oxygen cart that was laying on the floor. I checked her out and helped her sit up and then get up and sit in her chair....I found no marks...she said that her elbow and shoulder hurt but there was no swelling..I checked out her head as she hit that too....there was no mark. A few minutes later the therapist arrived and I told her that she had just fallen and she said, very casually, "I'm not surprised" - wow I thought her reaction would have been different. BUT she had been concerned all along how my mom wasn't careful with her movements.....makes me wonder if she will be falling again.
Friday - first day home alone.....I think my mom loved it - we showed up about 4:30 and Deborah about 5:00 we left her about 7:30 and she was on her way to bed - we did not stay the night.....she wanted to be alone so I honored that especially after her assessment showed what it did...I would not have been able to let her stay alone if I knew/thought that she wasn't in her right mind.
Saturday I talked to her in the late morning and we talked about what time I would pick her up for the wedding reception that we were going to. I told her I would call on my way but that I would be there about 3:30 as the party started at 4:00 at the club. I arrived to my mom sitting on her bed trying to get ready and she told me that everything takes so much longer now......we left and went to the club..everyone was excited to see her and she sat down in a chair and talked with people as I ran around. I had the oxygen in the car just in case but she never needed it. We went back to her house for a little while then I went home to my own house and we had decided that we would get together for lunch on Sunday. We left her house about 8:00.
Sunday....it has now been 2 months and 5 days since this all began.....wild. She called about 10:30 wondering where we were I told her that Malena was napping and we would be on our way when she woke up...great she said call on our way. We went to the club for lunch...she said hi to many people and they were all happy to see her. When we got home from the club Shirley came down for a few minutes and then we headed out as my mom was tired. She called me later and said that she had not taken a nap and was going to go to bed early.
I know that I am not writing everyday...things a cruising along now and my mom has what she wanted - a quiet house. Phone calls would be good and some visits if you want to - she talks more and more like herself.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Days 56-59
Friday through Tuesday
On Friday my mom called me a couple of times on the phone...I was surprised how her voice changed - she sounds more and more like herself. I can still hear a little something in her voice and she still gets a little unclear about memories of events of the day but overall is sounding like Lis. She forgets little things like what someone said...and it seems like she hears and retains certain parts, not all parts. Other than the canula in her nose she looks like herself too.
The weekend was pretty uneventful.....although my mom seems a bit short tempered and very frustrated that she has to have "helpers" around all day...she believes that she should be able to be alone. When I try to talk to her about this she just gets angry. The physical therapist told her that she wouldn't be able to be alone until she could be safe in the way she moves around the house. But my mom sometimes thinks that she gets to decide when she can be alone and I tell her that it is up to her doctor. She also needs to do her exercises at least 2x a day....she has not done them once unless the therapist is there. I asked her today about doing them when she is home alone and she said that she probably wouldn't. She did walk to the mailbox today.
She still gets a little confused about all kinds of different things...she would disagree but it happens...like not be able to feel the canula and forgetting who is coming when or things that were talked about and the reality of some things. She argues very easily but thinks that I am the one....I have learned this week why they have support groups for care givers..it is not easy and a lot of times the patient takes it out on the care giver. I do give it back to her though as I get frustrated too.
It is also crowded at my mom's there are 4 of us and 1 of her...her house is not kid safe........so I am usually running around trying to keep it all rolling....
Yesterday (Monday) I took my mom down to talk to the respiratory therapist about her mask....she really hates it and does not want to wear it. The gal tried them on her and she settled on one...the RT fixed the mask to fit her so that she could put it on by herself and we decided to leave the canula in so that when she did take the mask off she would still have the oxygen. My mom asked her "how long do I have to wear it?" and the RT told her a minimum of 4 hours BUT all night would be best. I know my mom only heard the 4 hours....last night she took it off at some point and the canula too...so much for that idea.
Monday evening she attended her pow-wow at the pool with all the women in her condo complex and there I left her sitting with her friends until Sonia arrived awhile later.
Today (Tuesday) we went to see my 99 year old grandmother (my dad's mom). My mom used the walker only - no wheelchair. My grandmother took a minute but then recognized us...we sat with her during her music sing-a-long, I love just observing all the patients. We stayed about 45 minutes and then it was home again for Macelita who was coming at 3 and I had to get going to get my kids.
I found out today that my mom has told our main help, Evie that Friday will be her last day....um let's see what the medical people say. I am not going to lie that I feel very frustrated with her attitude and am trying to be patient but it is hard. On my way home I called her and told her to make a list of all of her concerns - the mask, the oxygen, home alone, medication, etc. I will be going there when Virginia (nurse) is there just to help her get the information that she wants.
Until next time...........good night
On Friday my mom called me a couple of times on the phone...I was surprised how her voice changed - she sounds more and more like herself. I can still hear a little something in her voice and she still gets a little unclear about memories of events of the day but overall is sounding like Lis. She forgets little things like what someone said...and it seems like she hears and retains certain parts, not all parts. Other than the canula in her nose she looks like herself too.
The weekend was pretty uneventful.....although my mom seems a bit short tempered and very frustrated that she has to have "helpers" around all day...she believes that she should be able to be alone. When I try to talk to her about this she just gets angry. The physical therapist told her that she wouldn't be able to be alone until she could be safe in the way she moves around the house. But my mom sometimes thinks that she gets to decide when she can be alone and I tell her that it is up to her doctor. She also needs to do her exercises at least 2x a day....she has not done them once unless the therapist is there. I asked her today about doing them when she is home alone and she said that she probably wouldn't. She did walk to the mailbox today.
She still gets a little confused about all kinds of different things...she would disagree but it happens...like not be able to feel the canula and forgetting who is coming when or things that were talked about and the reality of some things. She argues very easily but thinks that I am the one....I have learned this week why they have support groups for care givers..it is not easy and a lot of times the patient takes it out on the care giver. I do give it back to her though as I get frustrated too.
It is also crowded at my mom's there are 4 of us and 1 of her...her house is not kid safe........so I am usually running around trying to keep it all rolling....
Yesterday (Monday) I took my mom down to talk to the respiratory therapist about her mask....she really hates it and does not want to wear it. The gal tried them on her and she settled on one...the RT fixed the mask to fit her so that she could put it on by herself and we decided to leave the canula in so that when she did take the mask off she would still have the oxygen. My mom asked her "how long do I have to wear it?" and the RT told her a minimum of 4 hours BUT all night would be best. I know my mom only heard the 4 hours....last night she took it off at some point and the canula too...so much for that idea.
Monday evening she attended her pow-wow at the pool with all the women in her condo complex and there I left her sitting with her friends until Sonia arrived awhile later.
Today (Tuesday) we went to see my 99 year old grandmother (my dad's mom). My mom used the walker only - no wheelchair. My grandmother took a minute but then recognized us...we sat with her during her music sing-a-long, I love just observing all the patients. We stayed about 45 minutes and then it was home again for Macelita who was coming at 3 and I had to get going to get my kids.
I found out today that my mom has told our main help, Evie that Friday will be her last day....um let's see what the medical people say. I am not going to lie that I feel very frustrated with her attitude and am trying to be patient but it is hard. On my way home I called her and told her to make a list of all of her concerns - the mask, the oxygen, home alone, medication, etc. I will be going there when Virginia (nurse) is there just to help her get the information that she wants.
Until next time...........good night
Monday, May 14, 2012
Monday May 14
I am writing to promise that I will post tonight....it has been a long weekend and things are going well. More later..........
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Day 54 and 55
Tuesday.....Well I am a day late on getting this post done. I went to work and Evie was with my mom from 7-1 - thanks Evie. Evie told me that my mom had slept in until about 11'ish so she had eaten late breakfast. I got there about 12:45 as my mom had a doctors appointment at 1:30pm.
I could hear the radio in my mom's room - a familiar sound both of my parents would turn the radio on loud while they got dressed and ready. I had not heard that radio since my mom had been home....that must mean that she is feeling more like herself. I opened her door to see her plop down on her bed in a big huff....she said that it was hard to get anything done. She was trying to get dressed and couldn't figure out how not to get tangled up in the oxygen cord. I helped her get her street clothes on so we could get going. My mom forgets that it takes longer to get ready these days...so we run a little late wherever we go. Confusion was still present as she was not sure of the day or time but it seemed a bit better than Monday.
We had an appointment at orthopedics to double check her hand (she had a hair line fracture from her initial fall March 16) - the ortho doctor said that he thought she was healed and didn't want her to wear the splint anymore and gave her the green light for her physical therapist...it was a 10 minute situation and my mom was so tired she was falling asleep in the office. We got home and she went right to bed and I headed home.
I called to check on her in the evening and Erika told me that she was in the refrigerator looking for something to eat....she was craving spinach...I brought her some.
Wednesday.....I arrived at 8:30'ish to find Penny sitting and waiting and my mom asleep. I talked with Penny a little and then went and tried to get my mom up. She didn't want to get up but I told her that we had to be at the doctor by 10:30. She asked why I had scheduled an appt. so early...I told her that I have kids I have to pick up and don't have so much time to get it all done. She wanted to get up so she could read the paper and just sit a little. I went out and put together a breakfast and went back in to get her up. She finally got up and came and sat down. It is funny but I run around trying to get stuff done...she is always telling me to sit down....I am watching the clock and reminding her that it takes longer for her to get ready now...but she just kept sitting there - the first appointment was at 10:30 and it was now 9:45 and my mom still wanted to take a shower. So she finished her pills and we were rolling...we made it to the parking garage of Kaiser at 10:25am, I park and my mom says "we have 2 minutes now"....yea I know that's why I said we had to hurry...luckily the doctors are rarely on time.
Dr. Koga my mom's general......came in and was so impressed with how my mom looked. He said that he had not expected her to look this good. She was surprised that she was upright. He said that not many people live through this and make it. He talked to my mom about the importance of the (dreaded) mask and told her that she must wear it....she listened and I told her that I would try to get ahold of someone who could show her everything and try different masks on. He also told her how important it is for her to take all her meds (she had refused her bedtime meds and I was frustrated because no one called me to tell me) that all of the meds were important right now and she had to be careful to take them. He also told her that right now she someone watching over her 24/7 to make sure she is alright. That hopefully at some point she could be alone again but not right now. He said that he blood pressure was great and her breathing sounded really good. Hopefully if she does what she is told she can get off the oxygen and maybe the Bi-PAP (my mom calls it the BeeBop). She did tell Erika that she HAD to wear it tonight. Maybe it is finally sinking in. He wants to see her again in 1 month and her ordered some blood work for us to complete today...we did.
We then went and saw Dr Brawley (the surgeon who saved my mom) he also was amazed how good she looked and told her that he was going to email everyone who was in the O.R. on March 16th and tell them how great she looks. He wants to see her again in 3 months.
After we left Kaiser we talked about getting something to eat before we went home....how did the club sound......Great...we went to the club for lunch and Shirley joined us. My mom was very clear and wide awake there...talking to us a lot and following conversation very well...she was joking a lot with John (the waiter) and talking details with us. Different people came up to her and welcomed her back with hugs and kisses. We all ate our lunch my mom finished the majority of hers and we went home. My mom really ready for a nap now. Kathy the PT would be there soon so she had to hurry to get a nap in. After today I feel like (and can see) this will all work out and my mom will (most likely) be back to her (close) self soon and she will get to stay home alone. We shall see how it all goes.
Tonight they were eating some yummy potato soup made for them by her neighbor...so nice.
I could hear the radio in my mom's room - a familiar sound both of my parents would turn the radio on loud while they got dressed and ready. I had not heard that radio since my mom had been home....that must mean that she is feeling more like herself. I opened her door to see her plop down on her bed in a big huff....she said that it was hard to get anything done. She was trying to get dressed and couldn't figure out how not to get tangled up in the oxygen cord. I helped her get her street clothes on so we could get going. My mom forgets that it takes longer to get ready these days...so we run a little late wherever we go. Confusion was still present as she was not sure of the day or time but it seemed a bit better than Monday.
We had an appointment at orthopedics to double check her hand (she had a hair line fracture from her initial fall March 16) - the ortho doctor said that he thought she was healed and didn't want her to wear the splint anymore and gave her the green light for her physical therapist...it was a 10 minute situation and my mom was so tired she was falling asleep in the office. We got home and she went right to bed and I headed home.
I called to check on her in the evening and Erika told me that she was in the refrigerator looking for something to eat....she was craving spinach...I brought her some.
Wednesday.....I arrived at 8:30'ish to find Penny sitting and waiting and my mom asleep. I talked with Penny a little and then went and tried to get my mom up. She didn't want to get up but I told her that we had to be at the doctor by 10:30. She asked why I had scheduled an appt. so early...I told her that I have kids I have to pick up and don't have so much time to get it all done. She wanted to get up so she could read the paper and just sit a little. I went out and put together a breakfast and went back in to get her up. She finally got up and came and sat down. It is funny but I run around trying to get stuff done...she is always telling me to sit down....I am watching the clock and reminding her that it takes longer for her to get ready now...but she just kept sitting there - the first appointment was at 10:30 and it was now 9:45 and my mom still wanted to take a shower. So she finished her pills and we were rolling...we made it to the parking garage of Kaiser at 10:25am, I park and my mom says "we have 2 minutes now"....yea I know that's why I said we had to hurry...luckily the doctors are rarely on time.
Dr. Koga my mom's general......came in and was so impressed with how my mom looked. He said that he had not expected her to look this good. She was surprised that she was upright. He said that not many people live through this and make it. He talked to my mom about the importance of the (dreaded) mask and told her that she must wear it....she listened and I told her that I would try to get ahold of someone who could show her everything and try different masks on. He also told her how important it is for her to take all her meds (she had refused her bedtime meds and I was frustrated because no one called me to tell me) that all of the meds were important right now and she had to be careful to take them. He also told her that right now she someone watching over her 24/7 to make sure she is alright. That hopefully at some point she could be alone again but not right now. He said that he blood pressure was great and her breathing sounded really good. Hopefully if she does what she is told she can get off the oxygen and maybe the Bi-PAP (my mom calls it the BeeBop). She did tell Erika that she HAD to wear it tonight. Maybe it is finally sinking in. He wants to see her again in 1 month and her ordered some blood work for us to complete today...we did.
We then went and saw Dr Brawley (the surgeon who saved my mom) he also was amazed how good she looked and told her that he was going to email everyone who was in the O.R. on March 16th and tell them how great she looks. He wants to see her again in 3 months.
After we left Kaiser we talked about getting something to eat before we went home....how did the club sound......Great...we went to the club for lunch and Shirley joined us. My mom was very clear and wide awake there...talking to us a lot and following conversation very well...she was joking a lot with John (the waiter) and talking details with us. Different people came up to her and welcomed her back with hugs and kisses. We all ate our lunch my mom finished the majority of hers and we went home. My mom really ready for a nap now. Kathy the PT would be there soon so she had to hurry to get a nap in. After today I feel like (and can see) this will all work out and my mom will (most likely) be back to her (close) self soon and she will get to stay home alone. We shall see how it all goes.
Tonight they were eating some yummy potato soup made for them by her neighbor...so nice.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Day 53
Monday....last night Erika stayed with her, she woke up several times just to check on my mom. Erika left about 7am and Shirley arrived. Shirley called me to say that the physical therapist (PT) wanted to come assess my mom this morning. WOW we were supposed to go and get her hair done...but this was more important. I arrived about 8:30 with latte's in hand. My mom was still sleeping.
I got my mom up so that she could get her pills, a little coffee and a bite to eat before Kathy (PT) would be there. I had called a told the hair people that we would be a little late - they said no problem. I wanted to try and get a shower for my mom....but right now things don't move quite that fast...we started the water but Kathy arrived before that could happen.
Kathy talked with my mom about all that has happened to her in the last 7 weeks. My explained the best she could looking to me to fill in a few blanks. Then Kathy wanted to see her move...so my mom got up and walked with her walker and had to show her how she got in bed....once back in bed she showed her how to do some strengthening exercises that she wants her to do 2x a day as well as walking around the house.. Kathy set her next appointment for Wednesday and left. I hurried my mom into the shower and helped her where she needed it. She did good and I know it felt good to get a good shower in her own shower. OK we had to get going so I got her in the wheelchair, hooked up the portable oxygen and off we went.
We arrived to Julie at her hair place...and she was so excited to have her head really scrubbed. I helped her move from the shampoo chair back to the wheelchair and then Julie just did her hair while she sat in that chair. I ran to BelAir to get a few things and hurried back. She was done within about 45 minutes and it was off to get her toes done......She said that is felt so good to get her toes and hair done but she was really tired. I could see that she wasn't completely "aware" of the whole situation - she would cross her feet while they were still wet and turn her feet under forgetting that she had just had them done. My mom treated me to a pedi too...nice
It was now about 12:30 and she had not slept yet or eaten very much. I knew I had to make something quick and easy as she was fading fast....so she had an Ensure, cheese and bread and was off to bed.
I made the different appointments (doctor) that still needed to occur and wrote the "directions" of taking care of my mom.....tonight was her "widows club" in her complex - they meet every Monday just to sit and chat- Shirley thought it might be good to see if my mom would want to sit outside with them...it could be interesting. I left about 3pm and Carol came to sit with my mom.
Shirley called me later and said that my mom had stayed with them the whole time, about 1.5 hours, and had been cracking jokes and just hanging out. Good. I talked to my mom later and asked her if she had fun and she said it was nice...I told her "like old times" and she said Yes.
I got my mom up so that she could get her pills, a little coffee and a bite to eat before Kathy (PT) would be there. I had called a told the hair people that we would be a little late - they said no problem. I wanted to try and get a shower for my mom....but right now things don't move quite that fast...we started the water but Kathy arrived before that could happen.
Kathy talked with my mom about all that has happened to her in the last 7 weeks. My explained the best she could looking to me to fill in a few blanks. Then Kathy wanted to see her move...so my mom got up and walked with her walker and had to show her how she got in bed....once back in bed she showed her how to do some strengthening exercises that she wants her to do 2x a day as well as walking around the house.. Kathy set her next appointment for Wednesday and left. I hurried my mom into the shower and helped her where she needed it. She did good and I know it felt good to get a good shower in her own shower. OK we had to get going so I got her in the wheelchair, hooked up the portable oxygen and off we went.
We arrived to Julie at her hair place...and she was so excited to have her head really scrubbed. I helped her move from the shampoo chair back to the wheelchair and then Julie just did her hair while she sat in that chair. I ran to BelAir to get a few things and hurried back. She was done within about 45 minutes and it was off to get her toes done......She said that is felt so good to get her toes and hair done but she was really tired. I could see that she wasn't completely "aware" of the whole situation - she would cross her feet while they were still wet and turn her feet under forgetting that she had just had them done. My mom treated me to a pedi too...nice
It was now about 12:30 and she had not slept yet or eaten very much. I knew I had to make something quick and easy as she was fading fast....so she had an Ensure, cheese and bread and was off to bed.
I made the different appointments (doctor) that still needed to occur and wrote the "directions" of taking care of my mom.....tonight was her "widows club" in her complex - they meet every Monday just to sit and chat- Shirley thought it might be good to see if my mom would want to sit outside with them...it could be interesting. I left about 3pm and Carol came to sit with my mom.
Shirley called me later and said that my mom had stayed with them the whole time, about 1.5 hours, and had been cracking jokes and just hanging out. Good. I talked to my mom later and asked her if she had fun and she said it was nice...I told her "like old times" and she said Yes.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Day 52
Sunday.....last night was not as smooth as Friday night.....I changed the mask back to the canula about 11:30pm and she slept a little...she woke up about 2:30 am and after helping her back to bed (she got herself turned around and couldn't figure out how to readjust herself) I put the mask on her again....it wasn't on right so it was making a lot of whistling noise and my mom was frustrated...so I took it off again and she went back to sleep...I didn't though. I laid there thinking about the "what if's"...what if being at home doesn't work?? what if she would need 24 hour care for longer than 3-4 weeks?? she has already brought up her finances...and how much this all was going to cost...I told her that I had it worked out..she doesn't like that...I thought about how she would feel having to give up control of "her stuff". Oh well we will just have to wait and see - in the meantime....here we go.
My kids woke me at 7:30 so I was up and running....my mom wanted to sleep longer....she asked the time and went back to sleep. She did think that is was Monday and that we were going to get her hair done. About 9 my mom got up...ate a little bfast and took her meds. The phone rang and it was Virginia the home health nurse wanting to come by and see my mom this morning...YES I said...so she said she would be there about 11am...my mom said "I am tired I want to go to bed" - I didn't let her so that she could be up for the nurse. When the nurse got there she asked my mom a few questions..and my mom took a little while to answer but she got them right. I asked Virginia (in front of my mom) if she could be left alone...and Virginia said not for a while....at least 3-4 weeks - my mom had been complaining about all the people in her house. We shall see. It would be hard to have all your independence taken.
My cousin Alina has been awesome these last 2 days...she came over and took Mia to her house or the park.....she would have been so bored just hanging around. Leif, Sonia, and Shirley worked hard with me to make a schedule to keep my mom covered....thanks you all. At 3pm today my brother came over so I could get going home....Michael has a test everyday next week and he needs to go to bed early and sleep well. It is easier for me to help my mom while my kids are in school as this keeps their lives consistant. So I will be there tomorrow and am taking my mom to get her hair done and her toes polished...she should be good and tired after that.
So until tomorrow...good night.
My kids woke me at 7:30 so I was up and running....my mom wanted to sleep longer....she asked the time and went back to sleep. She did think that is was Monday and that we were going to get her hair done. About 9 my mom got up...ate a little bfast and took her meds. The phone rang and it was Virginia the home health nurse wanting to come by and see my mom this morning...YES I said...so she said she would be there about 11am...my mom said "I am tired I want to go to bed" - I didn't let her so that she could be up for the nurse. When the nurse got there she asked my mom a few questions..and my mom took a little while to answer but she got them right. I asked Virginia (in front of my mom) if she could be left alone...and Virginia said not for a while....at least 3-4 weeks - my mom had been complaining about all the people in her house. We shall see. It would be hard to have all your independence taken.
My cousin Alina has been awesome these last 2 days...she came over and took Mia to her house or the park.....she would have been so bored just hanging around. Leif, Sonia, and Shirley worked hard with me to make a schedule to keep my mom covered....thanks you all. At 3pm today my brother came over so I could get going home....Michael has a test everyday next week and he needs to go to bed early and sleep well. It is easier for me to help my mom while my kids are in school as this keeps their lives consistant. So I will be there tomorrow and am taking my mom to get her hair done and her toes polished...she should be good and tired after that.
So until tomorrow...good night.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Day 51
My mom slept ok last night....I woke up to check on her a few times...but slept ok. My kids woke me at 6:30 and my mom got up about 8:30....I think she is just used to sleeping that late...even though she may be awake and still waits until 8:30-9. Breakfast and pills and within about an hour she was already talking about a nap....Leif, Sonia and Shirley were coming over to talk about the next 2 weeks and schedule our helpers. My mom wanted to know what we would be talking about and when she went to bed about 10:30 I asked if she wanted to get up and be in the meeting she said "no". We did wake her at the end and she came out and sat and talked a little.
She still seems a little "detached" even though she participates in some of the conversation it just isn't her. It is strange to watch. She will ask for clarity when she finds herself confused. She gets really snippy with the kids and short with me. I mentioned to her today about our situation...she asked me what we were going to be talking about at our meeting and I told her that we had to organize help for the next couple of weeks. We talked about maybe looking at assisted living. I think that we will know in a couple of weeks if this is going to work. She still gets gets confused about the day whenever she sleeps and it takes a bit of convincing about the real date and what was going to happen that day.
Tonight she went to bed about 7:30pm...I tried to make her stay up but no go....so I helped her get ready (she does most of it I am just there to remind her). I put the mask on her about 8 so we shall see how long it lasts. I am realizing that I am not going to see the others who will be coming to help with my mom....so I have started lists to help....I am taking Monday off but would like to go back asap.
At this point I feel hopeful that this will work out for my mom....but also knowing that I have to stay ready to make decisions that may not be popular. For now we are trying to adjust to home. Monday she has a hair appointment and pedicure appointment and maybe a trip to the grocery store.
Take care all.
She still seems a little "detached" even though she participates in some of the conversation it just isn't her. It is strange to watch. She will ask for clarity when she finds herself confused. She gets really snippy with the kids and short with me. I mentioned to her today about our situation...she asked me what we were going to be talking about at our meeting and I told her that we had to organize help for the next couple of weeks. We talked about maybe looking at assisted living. I think that we will know in a couple of weeks if this is going to work. She still gets gets confused about the day whenever she sleeps and it takes a bit of convincing about the real date and what was going to happen that day.
Tonight she went to bed about 7:30pm...I tried to make her stay up but no go....so I helped her get ready (she does most of it I am just there to remind her). I put the mask on her about 8 so we shall see how long it lasts. I am realizing that I am not going to see the others who will be coming to help with my mom....so I have started lists to help....I am taking Monday off but would like to go back asap.
At this point I feel hopeful that this will work out for my mom....but also knowing that I have to stay ready to make decisions that may not be popular. For now we are trying to adjust to home. Monday she has a hair appointment and pedicure appointment and maybe a trip to the grocery store.
Take care all.
Day 50
Time for a homecoming....got everyone ready and the car packed. New I had 3 things to do on the way to Elk Grove......thought I could do them all in EG. When I arrived on Laguna Blvd. I realized that I had forgotten one thing...........the frickin medicine at the pharmacy by my house....OH shit!!! Had to turn around and go and get it all. I knew that my mom was going to be wondering where I was as I had told her 11am so I called Windsor and told them what was happening and to tell her I wouldn't be there.
Erika was at moms house when we arrived, she was going to watch my kids while I fetched Lis. Shirley let her car (since it would be easier to get into then my van). I arrived at Windsor about 12 with See's candy in hand to say thank you to the staff. The speech therapist had run off a bunch of papers so my mom could practice her cognition. My mom was sleeping on her bed and asked where I had been - she had been ready and waiting since 9am. After everyone came to give us papers and say good bye we were off.
We started home, it was kind of quiet in the car I think the nerves were setting in on both of us. My mom had said that she was anxious about going home. We wheeled my mom in the wheelchair and she sat right down on her stool. Michael got her some ice water and she just hung out. Shirley popped in and my mom was excited to see her and Ann and Ray came by too. My mom was fading and wanted to lay down so she did about 3pm...I told her that she would get about 1.5 hours to sleep so she could sleep at night. I made dinner and we woke her about 4:50 although she didn't want to get up. She ate pretty good, I would say close to her average before she got sick...she was always a small eater. Soia arrived about 5'ish, ate a little dinner and sat and talked with us.
She took all her pills and was off to bed about 7:45 she brushed her teeth and I helped her get into bed...she wanted to read a little befor the mask got on so I waited until I saw her fade and then I put it on...I decided to try the nose only mask because she wasn't wearing the other one at all and I figured that if she wore it longer then that was better than nothing. She kept it on, mostly, until 11:30 (she had taken it off a few times and I put it back....then I finally just put the oxygen back on and went to sleep...I checked her a couple of times and she still had it in...I found myself listening for her breathing....like having a newborn again. It is now 7:15am and she is still slepping although she has been up to use the restroom.
My mom is a bit confused and unsure of things....if there is chatter she wants to know what it is about. I had told her that she will not be able to be alone for awhile...I am interested to see what happens...she seems off but then it clicks...she seems unaware of the going ons around her but we shall see if that changes. I was really thinking that she was going to need to go into an assisted living place,,,,only time will tell.
Erika was at moms house when we arrived, she was going to watch my kids while I fetched Lis. Shirley let her car (since it would be easier to get into then my van). I arrived at Windsor about 12 with See's candy in hand to say thank you to the staff. The speech therapist had run off a bunch of papers so my mom could practice her cognition. My mom was sleeping on her bed and asked where I had been - she had been ready and waiting since 9am. After everyone came to give us papers and say good bye we were off.
We started home, it was kind of quiet in the car I think the nerves were setting in on both of us. My mom had said that she was anxious about going home. We wheeled my mom in the wheelchair and she sat right down on her stool. Michael got her some ice water and she just hung out. Shirley popped in and my mom was excited to see her and Ann and Ray came by too. My mom was fading and wanted to lay down so she did about 3pm...I told her that she would get about 1.5 hours to sleep so she could sleep at night. I made dinner and we woke her about 4:50 although she didn't want to get up. She ate pretty good, I would say close to her average before she got sick...she was always a small eater. Soia arrived about 5'ish, ate a little dinner and sat and talked with us.
She took all her pills and was off to bed about 7:45 she brushed her teeth and I helped her get into bed...she wanted to read a little befor the mask got on so I waited until I saw her fade and then I put it on...I decided to try the nose only mask because she wasn't wearing the other one at all and I figured that if she wore it longer then that was better than nothing. She kept it on, mostly, until 11:30 (she had taken it off a few times and I put it back....then I finally just put the oxygen back on and went to sleep...I checked her a couple of times and she still had it in...I found myself listening for her breathing....like having a newborn again. It is now 7:15am and she is still slepping although she has been up to use the restroom.
My mom is a bit confused and unsure of things....if there is chatter she wants to know what it is about. I had told her that she will not be able to be alone for awhile...I am interested to see what happens...she seems off but then it clicks...she seems unaware of the going ons around her but we shall see if that changes. I was really thinking that she was going to need to go into an assisted living place,,,,only time will tell.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Day 49
Today I met with the social service coordinator at Kaiser to discuss options in case my mom has a hard time being home. I needed to know what would happen if she couldn't be home alone. After yesterday at Windsor I really felt overwhelmed with the care they said my mom would need BUT I realized that they only know my mom there and that they haven't seen her at home, in her own stuff. I think that within a few weeks we will see a change in my mom and that time will tell what will happen next...at this point it is one day at a time.
I got to Windsor about 10 and my mom was working with Jen (speech and cognitive therapist) my mom lifted her head from her paper and said hi and then went back to her paper. The paper was a list of questions that my mom had to think about and answer like "what is the name of you dr.?" and "what do you do first when you wake up in the morning?" I noticed that her writing had changed again and she was having a hard time. That is probably why I have not seen her doing and crossword puzzles lately. Jen said that my mom has a hard time asking for things so she really wants my mom to talk to people and say what she needs.
There were a lot of student nurses there today and their instructor. One student nurse came in to give my mom her meds....she was so nervous that she was shaking....my mom touched her hand and told her not to be nervous....and then proceeded to "instruct" her own how to get someone to take their meds....it was funny. The student relaxed and thanked us for letting her help....my mom again told her that she had done a good job. It was cute. After Jen left she asked me to play a card game with my mom where she had to sequence the pictures....she did them fine.
About 11 I left to go to my moms house for the oxygen training.....Shirley and Marcelita were there too so we could have more than one set of ears hearing this. Seems easy enough...we shall see.
Now it is on to finding a right person to hang out with my mom during the day....right now she is not to be alone..I will be there this weekend with my kids....an adventure for sure at least the noise of the kids will insure that my mom won't be sleeping during the day...hey thats one way to keep her up
I will let you know how it all goes....wish me luck
I got to Windsor about 10 and my mom was working with Jen (speech and cognitive therapist) my mom lifted her head from her paper and said hi and then went back to her paper. The paper was a list of questions that my mom had to think about and answer like "what is the name of you dr.?" and "what do you do first when you wake up in the morning?" I noticed that her writing had changed again and she was having a hard time. That is probably why I have not seen her doing and crossword puzzles lately. Jen said that my mom has a hard time asking for things so she really wants my mom to talk to people and say what she needs.
There were a lot of student nurses there today and their instructor. One student nurse came in to give my mom her meds....she was so nervous that she was shaking....my mom touched her hand and told her not to be nervous....and then proceeded to "instruct" her own how to get someone to take their meds....it was funny. The student relaxed and thanked us for letting her help....my mom again told her that she had done a good job. It was cute. After Jen left she asked me to play a card game with my mom where she had to sequence the pictures....she did them fine.
About 11 I left to go to my moms house for the oxygen training.....Shirley and Marcelita were there too so we could have more than one set of ears hearing this. Seems easy enough...we shall see.
Now it is on to finding a right person to hang out with my mom during the day....right now she is not to be alone..I will be there this weekend with my kids....an adventure for sure at least the noise of the kids will insure that my mom won't be sleeping during the day...hey thats one way to keep her up
I will let you know how it all goes....wish me luck
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Day 48
Today was a day of "care training" where I was taught how to move my mom around. The therapist met me in my mom's room and asked her permission to talk frankly about my mom...my mom said "sure". The therapist said that my mom is dealing with confusion and needs some cues to sequens whatever she is doing. That she would not be able to left alone at home as she isn't always safe, that she gets up and starts walking without her walker and when using the walker she tends to stay far away from it which could lead to a fall. Someone would have to sleep in the same room as her to make sure she would know where to go if she needed to use the restrom and that we would have to be right there while she showered - prompting her to get the job done and then helping her transition out of the shower and help her dress. I was mentally exhausted after this session and a bit scared. She seemed a bit "off" today...not as strong as usual. She has lost another 9 pounds which makes her weight loss a total of 49lbs. The main nurse called me today about that and said that they were upping her power shake because of it. I asked about the new medication they started that should increase her appetite...they said it doesn't take effect for about 3 weeks but that her appetite would totally change. I sure hope so as I know that the weight loss and lack of eating are making her tired and weak...a bad combination when she has so much to do to get better.
We transferred my mom into my car...this turned out to be frustrating for my mom as she was confused by the instruction but she figured it out and got in and then out again. She thought she was going home right then but I reminded her that there were 2 more days left. Aleisha, the PT brought us back in and we went into the dining room where Ann and Ray were sitting (they had been there during the training). I asked to talk to Aleisha outside as I was feeling totally overwhelmed with the thought of all that my mom would need at home. How was this going to go? I can't be there 24/7 and I know that she doesn't want anyone there 24/7 but right now it doesn't seem that we have a choice. I need a bit of normalcy for my kids (and me for that matter) so I knew that I would have to hire some help as well as our friends help....it takes a village to care for Lis.
I think about all that has to occur before she comes home....groceries, meals made (I am not a cook), showers, appointments about long-term solutions and trying to get all things she needs. Learning how to use the oxygen tanks...finding places for myself and 3 kids to sleep at her house....packing for the 4 of us. Making sure my mom understands the importance of her own safety....talking to the med-alert people to get "the button" for her. Interviewing help, developing a plan, a schedule, a staff flow-chart....man....there is a lot. In the blink of an eye many lives have been changed forever...I am tired.
But as always the stuff will get done, we will find the right people, the village will be assembled. I am off for the next 2 days...to mobilize the troops and get the stuff in order. I will keep you posted. Good night all
We transferred my mom into my car...this turned out to be frustrating for my mom as she was confused by the instruction but she figured it out and got in and then out again. She thought she was going home right then but I reminded her that there were 2 more days left. Aleisha, the PT brought us back in and we went into the dining room where Ann and Ray were sitting (they had been there during the training). I asked to talk to Aleisha outside as I was feeling totally overwhelmed with the thought of all that my mom would need at home. How was this going to go? I can't be there 24/7 and I know that she doesn't want anyone there 24/7 but right now it doesn't seem that we have a choice. I need a bit of normalcy for my kids (and me for that matter) so I knew that I would have to hire some help as well as our friends help....it takes a village to care for Lis.
I think about all that has to occur before she comes home....groceries, meals made (I am not a cook), showers, appointments about long-term solutions and trying to get all things she needs. Learning how to use the oxygen tanks...finding places for myself and 3 kids to sleep at her house....packing for the 4 of us. Making sure my mom understands the importance of her own safety....talking to the med-alert people to get "the button" for her. Interviewing help, developing a plan, a schedule, a staff flow-chart....man....there is a lot. In the blink of an eye many lives have been changed forever...I am tired.
But as always the stuff will get done, we will find the right people, the village will be assembled. I am off for the next 2 days...to mobilize the troops and get the stuff in order. I will keep you posted. Good night all
Day 47 part 2
I had spoken with the nurse in the morning and she said my mom was the same....not wanting to wear the mask but eating a bit better. I arrived about 1:30pm and Jen (speech therapist) stopped me to tell me that she had taken my mom into the dining room for lunch...not that my mom was thrilled about it. My mom ate her lunch for a little while and then when she was done got a bit agitated and frustrated because she felt as though everyone had left her....I told Jen that this happened another day as well. Jen told my mom that if she ever feels like that then she has to talk to a staff person and ask for help...and tell someone what she needs - to go back to her room.
When I saw my mom the first thing she said was "everyone left me". Then she told me that she was going to be going home on Friday...really?? I left the room to find Josephil....she confirmed what my mom said that her discharged day would be Friday. Oh man...I knew it was coming...but is my mom ready? I go up and down...one day I think that this is going to work fine...then the next day I am thinking oh shit...this isn't going to work. We will only know when we try. My mom deserves a chance to try. She is just going to need a lot of help in the beginning for sure. Our insurance system is so jacked up...Josephil told me that she thinks my mom would do well in a care home or assisted living type place...but who can afford those places...they average $3500 a month. So why are they releasing her? So for now I will be trying to piece together her care between a lot of different people and am looking for a care/companion at home. I have spoken to someone already....and will have her come over this weekend to meet my mom and see what it is all about. I know that this is not a job I can do right now.....I have 3 young kids (who need a halfway normal life-I really want to try and keep, at least, their afternoon and evenings "normal") and I am almost done with my school year, it ends June 1 and I just want to finish that out. I also believe that it would not be a good situation for me to be her "care person" and having someone who has done this before will be the best. Again we shall see. My mom admitted that she is nervous about going home...
Until later...have a good Wednesday
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Day 47 part 1
Good Morning....I promise to write the blog as soon as I can....I am going to bed.
OK day for Lis today. More details tomorrow.
OK day for Lis today. More details tomorrow.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Day 46
Today was a better day than yesterday....I got there about 1pm and she was lying in bed without oxygen again. Her oxygen numbers were good enough not be on it. Her lunch tray was sitting untouched on her table. I tried to get her up and she said..."I'm cold" so told her to get up and she can sit on the patio and eat her lunch, she got in the wheelchair. I took her to the patio with the help of a CNA. It was warm out there and my mom ate a little...but she drank almost all of her liquid. She was very clear today while I was there. The speech therapist came outside while she was eating and talked to her about keeping her mind busy which would help to keep it a bit clearer. Jen said that she would put together a packet to keep my mom's mind busy and she said that she was writing an order to get my mom to the dining room for lunch each day. WOW my mom agreed to that. Jen thought that the interactions would be important not to mention that she eats and drinks a lot better when she is upright instead of lying in bed.
I decided to try a new strategy in regards to the "mask" and not bring it up....so I didn't BUT my mom did. She was talking to Jen (speech therapist) and she said that she had been told that the best way to keep her mind clear was to wear the Bi-PAP....did I hear that correctly?? Jen confirmed what she was saying (I said nothing) Jen explained how Co2 can be very bad for all systems in your body and using the mask at night would help to keep the good air. I did ask/say that I thought that this mask was only going to be temporary until she builds her strength up again. She already was doing so good without the oxygen tube for a long part of the day. We shall see.
Then it was time for therapy...I decided that this was a good time to run to my moms house to get a couple of things she needed, an iced latte and a croissant warmed up. When I walked in she was walking down the hallway back to her room. She was standing taller than usual, she is usually hunched over...still she had no oxygen on and her number was 98 which is normal for everyone. Wow what was going on? was she going to get to go home without oxygen? Tomorrow we will know if they are discharging her on Thursday...we shall see.
If anyone if available to peek in on her tomorrow morning that would be awesome as I am getting a root canal and probably can not get there anytime before 130pm...thanks all. She just does so much better when she is socially stimulated.
Good night all
I decided to try a new strategy in regards to the "mask" and not bring it up....so I didn't BUT my mom did. She was talking to Jen (speech therapist) and she said that she had been told that the best way to keep her mind clear was to wear the Bi-PAP....did I hear that correctly?? Jen confirmed what she was saying (I said nothing) Jen explained how Co2 can be very bad for all systems in your body and using the mask at night would help to keep the good air. I did ask/say that I thought that this mask was only going to be temporary until she builds her strength up again. She already was doing so good without the oxygen tube for a long part of the day. We shall see.
Then it was time for therapy...I decided that this was a good time to run to my moms house to get a couple of things she needed, an iced latte and a croissant warmed up. When I walked in she was walking down the hallway back to her room. She was standing taller than usual, she is usually hunched over...still she had no oxygen on and her number was 98 which is normal for everyone. Wow what was going on? was she going to get to go home without oxygen? Tomorrow we will know if they are discharging her on Thursday...we shall see.
If anyone if available to peek in on her tomorrow morning that would be awesome as I am getting a root canal and probably can not get there anytime before 130pm...thanks all. She just does so much better when she is socially stimulated.
Good night all
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Day 45
Today my mom had a few visitors, I could see the names in the book. Someone brought her home-grown roses. I arrived about 1pm, I had to wait for a sitter as it is easier without kids, Sonia had just arrived too. We walked into my moms room together. I had talked with to my mom about 9:15 and she was eating breakfast and I told her that I would be there in the early afternoon. When we got into her room she was very asleep and didn't wake up for us at all. Her lunch was sitting there completely untouched.
Evelyn came to me and told me that my mom had been up for awhile and had been to physical therapy..ok so she is tired from that. After about an hour Sonia decided to leave. My mom had heard some of our conversation as she would interject little comments every now and then. Evelyn told me that she had been waiting for me to arrive...ok so I was here...and she was sleeping and not about to wake up...I tried and tried - so I just grabbed her laundry and left at 2:30....I am not going to lie I felt frustrated. I could tell that she "probably" had not worn that stupid mask which meant that she didn't wear much oxygen. I think it is a vicious circle...no mask....no oxygen....mental status a bit down. I can not help but worry about her home coming...although I do believe that home is her best bet but I am concerned none the less.
I have not noticed her trying to do any crosswords lately...or reading too much. I think SNF's are not good for one's psyche because the patients tend to sit in their beds or sleep a lot which reeks havoc on their night time sleep - another vicious cycle. I sure hope that getting home will cure my mom of that and that she will do what she needs to do to continue healing. It has to be so hard to have been away from home for so long and to be in a hospital and not on vacation. She has been through soooooo much but I really feel that it is important that she not wallow too much in that....that she redirect her frustration into getting on her feet completely.
Virginia and Darryl went to see her this afternoon and said that she was great, sitting and talking to them for awhile...they stayed about an hour. Virginia said that they chatted about lots of things and had a nice visit...and she promised my mom that she would make minestrone soup when she gets home....something to look forward too. Virginia did bring up the dreaded mask...and my mom told her to "go to %$&*" if you know my mom then that is so her....and Virginia told her to not hold back and tell them how she feels... I think that I am going to try not to bring up the mask - do it like my kids....IGNORE it and see if it takes care of itself - she is going to do what she is going to do....
Take care all. Thanks for everything
Evelyn came to me and told me that my mom had been up for awhile and had been to physical therapy..ok so she is tired from that. After about an hour Sonia decided to leave. My mom had heard some of our conversation as she would interject little comments every now and then. Evelyn told me that she had been waiting for me to arrive...ok so I was here...and she was sleeping and not about to wake up...I tried and tried - so I just grabbed her laundry and left at 2:30....I am not going to lie I felt frustrated. I could tell that she "probably" had not worn that stupid mask which meant that she didn't wear much oxygen. I think it is a vicious circle...no mask....no oxygen....mental status a bit down. I can not help but worry about her home coming...although I do believe that home is her best bet but I am concerned none the less.
I have not noticed her trying to do any crosswords lately...or reading too much. I think SNF's are not good for one's psyche because the patients tend to sit in their beds or sleep a lot which reeks havoc on their night time sleep - another vicious cycle. I sure hope that getting home will cure my mom of that and that she will do what she needs to do to continue healing. It has to be so hard to have been away from home for so long and to be in a hospital and not on vacation. She has been through soooooo much but I really feel that it is important that she not wallow too much in that....that she redirect her frustration into getting on her feet completely.
Virginia and Darryl went to see her this afternoon and said that she was great, sitting and talking to them for awhile...they stayed about an hour. Virginia said that they chatted about lots of things and had a nice visit...and she promised my mom that she would make minestrone soup when she gets home....something to look forward too. Virginia did bring up the dreaded mask...and my mom told her to "go to %$&*" if you know my mom then that is so her....and Virginia told her to not hold back and tell them how she feels... I think that I am going to try not to bring up the mask - do it like my kids....IGNORE it and see if it takes care of itself - she is going to do what she is going to do....
Take care all. Thanks for everything
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Day 44
Saturday....I decided not to call before I went since yesterday she accused me of waking 5 people. Thought I would wait and see what she would say. I arrived there about 11am and my mom was fast asleep her breakfast pretty much not touched....Evelyn, the CNA, came in and told me that my mom had a shower...that is why she is tired?? She opened one eye and I said hi...she went back to sleep. After awhile I asked her if I could put the mask on to see how loud it was (she makes it sound like it is a loud as a freight train) I put it on her and watched my watch....I am not kidding when I say there was NO sound...I kept checking it as I didn't think it was on. There is a little sound in the mask of air moving but it is silent when it is on her face. Within 10 minutes she was messing with it....I said "no just leave it alone", 5 minutes later again I said the same....3 minutes later it was ripped off.....I am not sure what to do about it. When she gets home I am going to take her to Apria and let them tell her everything about it and try on a bunch of masks. I am interested to see how this goes.
She snoozed off and on until 12:30 then she had to get up to use the restroom...so I really didn't let her lay down again...lunch came and she sat at the side of her bed...she at first tried while she was laying down but I reminded her that she could choke in that position. So she gave in and sat up although she didn't eat much...she did take a few bites. I kind of forced her to drink water, OJ and 7-Up. The PT came in and said that she would be in a 1:00 to take her to therapy....right at 1 my said "I have to go"..."go where?" I said....she just pointed out the door....ok. The therapist came in a little after 1:30 and she said that she would wait and come back since my mom was eating...my mom started to say "OK" and I chimed in and said "oh no she's done eating" so off she went.
Today she did leg exercises with weights...and a balloon to squeeze between her knees (note to self - cheap way to tighten up the inner thigh). She seems to get easily distracted by what is going on...she was paying attention to the others in the room and the PT had to redirect her a few times (this is just like preschool). She did good maintaining her Oxygen level while she worked out - (she wasn't even wearing it). She walked all the way back to her room again. They left the oxygen off and her numbers stayed in the ok range. Maybe as long as she stays elevated then she can maintain good oxygen. She does get a hospital bed at home so she can sleep at an angle. Tonight my kids and I waited at my mom's house for Apria to deliver a bed, commode, and wheelchair...they were supposed to come at 7pm and got there at 8:30...my girls are usually in bed by 6:30pm...so they were way off.
It is 10:30pm and I just called to check on my mom and they say that she walked from her bed almost out of the room.....she has an alarm on her because they do not want them to get up on their own. Also she had taken her mask off already.
Just in case you need it here is the exact address to Windsor Elk Grove 9461 Batey Ave. Elk Grove, Ca 95624
Thank you everyone for your visits my mom is pretty good about remembering who has been there. Take care.
She snoozed off and on until 12:30 then she had to get up to use the restroom...so I really didn't let her lay down again...lunch came and she sat at the side of her bed...she at first tried while she was laying down but I reminded her that she could choke in that position. So she gave in and sat up although she didn't eat much...she did take a few bites. I kind of forced her to drink water, OJ and 7-Up. The PT came in and said that she would be in a 1:00 to take her to therapy....right at 1 my said "I have to go"..."go where?" I said....she just pointed out the door....ok. The therapist came in a little after 1:30 and she said that she would wait and come back since my mom was eating...my mom started to say "OK" and I chimed in and said "oh no she's done eating" so off she went.
Today she did leg exercises with weights...and a balloon to squeeze between her knees (note to self - cheap way to tighten up the inner thigh). She seems to get easily distracted by what is going on...she was paying attention to the others in the room and the PT had to redirect her a few times (this is just like preschool). She did good maintaining her Oxygen level while she worked out - (she wasn't even wearing it). She walked all the way back to her room again. They left the oxygen off and her numbers stayed in the ok range. Maybe as long as she stays elevated then she can maintain good oxygen. She does get a hospital bed at home so she can sleep at an angle. Tonight my kids and I waited at my mom's house for Apria to deliver a bed, commode, and wheelchair...they were supposed to come at 7pm and got there at 8:30...my girls are usually in bed by 6:30pm...so they were way off.
It is 10:30pm and I just called to check on my mom and they say that she walked from her bed almost out of the room.....she has an alarm on her because they do not want them to get up on their own. Also she had taken her mask off already.
Just in case you need it here is the exact address to Windsor Elk Grove 9461 Batey Ave. Elk Grove, Ca 95624
Thank you everyone for your visits my mom is pretty good about remembering who has been there. Take care.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Day 43
Today I went to Windsor about 1'ish. My mom was sitting at the side of her bed leaning on her table...with her lunch partly eaten. I could see that the had only taken a couple of bites...she really isn't eating much. I really want her to drink her fluids but she doesn't do that too good either. She was pretty good about drinking a fair amount of water before this all happened but not right now. She was dressed in regular clothes as compared to yesterday when she had a hospital gown on.
My mom said that Arlene had been there with another friend (I can not remember her name-sorry) and she said they had a nice visit....
I had called on my way to work to here how she had done with the mask....no surprise that she had pulled it off many times. I told them to leave it on until she is awake instead of shutting it down at 6am they said they would. I also told them to put it on earlier last night which they did....they put it on about 8:30 and by 10pm she has taken it off 2x and one of the times totally took it apart and the mask ended up under the bed.
After a few minutes she told me a story about nurses yelling at her because I have been calling in the middle of the night to check on her....I assured her that I am not calling as I am asleep....she had me go and get a particular nurse (which I did)..she asked the nurse about me calling....and then retold an interesting story that really sounded like a dream....the nurse just nodded and winked at me. She made me go out and asked the front desk...and her morning therapist says that she had told her the same story. Interesting...she is still not completely clear although once she starts getting into conversation everything clears up and she can keep up with most of the conversation.
Her occupational therapist came in to take her to therapy. She didn't really want to go but I told her that I was going with her and she said "well ok then". The therapist told me that she has been working with my mom and dressing and grooming....she got my mom's hairbrush and handed it to my mom...who turned and tried to hand it to me so I could brush her hair....the therapist said "no mame you brush your own hair...come on now" and my mom did...I giggled a little. In the therapy room they removed the oxygen and my mom maintained a good level the whole time.....she had to do 3sets of 10 arm lifts straight up with 2lbs weights in her hands...it was funny that when the OT turned her back my mom quit and said "I did 10"....I "helped" her realize that she had only done one set so she did 2 more sets. She also had to stand and catch a beach ball and then throw it back all while maintaining her balance...she did good. Then the OT had me hit a balloon to her in all directions and she had to bat it back....when she was done (she said she was done and sat down) she said "see I beat you" to me. Ann and Ray arrived at the end of her session and the therapist had my mom walk down the hall to the main room where the 4 of us sat and talked. My mom was very clear at this point, keeping up well with the conversation and interjecting when appropriate, which makes me believe that she will be fully back at some point.
Anyone who would like to visit would be great....she does a lot better when she is kept engaged...she may not recognize you at first glance especially if she has just awoken but soon it all becomes clear for her and she is right there in the conversation.
You all rock...thank you all for your support.
My mom said that Arlene had been there with another friend (I can not remember her name-sorry) and she said they had a nice visit....
I had called on my way to work to here how she had done with the mask....no surprise that she had pulled it off many times. I told them to leave it on until she is awake instead of shutting it down at 6am they said they would. I also told them to put it on earlier last night which they did....they put it on about 8:30 and by 10pm she has taken it off 2x and one of the times totally took it apart and the mask ended up under the bed.
After a few minutes she told me a story about nurses yelling at her because I have been calling in the middle of the night to check on her....I assured her that I am not calling as I am asleep....she had me go and get a particular nurse (which I did)..she asked the nurse about me calling....and then retold an interesting story that really sounded like a dream....the nurse just nodded and winked at me. She made me go out and asked the front desk...and her morning therapist says that she had told her the same story. Interesting...she is still not completely clear although once she starts getting into conversation everything clears up and she can keep up with most of the conversation.
Her occupational therapist came in to take her to therapy. She didn't really want to go but I told her that I was going with her and she said "well ok then". The therapist told me that she has been working with my mom and dressing and grooming....she got my mom's hairbrush and handed it to my mom...who turned and tried to hand it to me so I could brush her hair....the therapist said "no mame you brush your own hair...come on now" and my mom did...I giggled a little. In the therapy room they removed the oxygen and my mom maintained a good level the whole time.....she had to do 3sets of 10 arm lifts straight up with 2lbs weights in her hands...it was funny that when the OT turned her back my mom quit and said "I did 10"....I "helped" her realize that she had only done one set so she did 2 more sets. She also had to stand and catch a beach ball and then throw it back all while maintaining her balance...she did good. Then the OT had me hit a balloon to her in all directions and she had to bat it back....when she was done (she said she was done and sat down) she said "see I beat you" to me. Ann and Ray arrived at the end of her session and the therapist had my mom walk down the hall to the main room where the 4 of us sat and talked. My mom was very clear at this point, keeping up well with the conversation and interjecting when appropriate, which makes me believe that she will be fully back at some point.
Anyone who would like to visit would be great....she does a lot better when she is kept engaged...she may not recognize you at first glance especially if she has just awoken but soon it all becomes clear for her and she is right there in the conversation.
You all rock...thank you all for your support.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Day 42
Tonight marks the 6 week mark since this all began. My mom ruptured her abdominal aortic aneurysm at 7pm on March 15...hard to believe that it has been 6 long weeks. Her surgeon said that the pains of surgery would be gone by this time and I think he is right...BUT he also said that at the 6 month mark she would feel more like herself. I think that with her setbacks it could take just a wee bit longer.
Today I called at 7:30am to check on my mom on my way to work (day 2 - it feels good being back) and they told me she did OK last night. Pulled the mask off a few times but had a good dinner and was friendly and happy. She was still asleep this morning so I didn't try to talk to her. I didn't go to Windsor until the "Care Conference" at 2:30pm. This meeting was just like and IEP (special education) meeting. The 3 people present each had things to say about my mom's progress....the kitchen lady (dietician) said that my mom was still getting a no salt added diet (not easy for someone who likes salt) and they were still chopping it up to make it easier for her to chew and swallow - she said that my mom is eating about 50% of her diet. The social service person wanted me to fill out another DNR form...the 3rd one at this place...they are worded so crazy that it gets confusing when filling it out...hopefully that was the last one I had to fill out. The other person there was Joesphil, the discharge coordinator for Kaiser patients, she read the report of the physical therapists. She said that my mom had been walking 250feet with a walker and no assist from the therapists...that she walks to the right (a side winder) and she needed to verbal cues to stay "inside" the walker as she tended to lean too much onto it. They were currently working on her oxygen saturations (keeping her oxygen up to normal without the use of O2). As I sat there I thought "ok so when is she being discharged?" because that wasn't even brought up....I thought that is what this was about. We talked about her equipment that she already had and what she may need when she comes home. They told me that the therapists would be training me on how to take care of her. They talked about medic alert buttons and hospital beds and wheel chairs. There would be a therapist to come over about 2x a week and a visiting nurse to check meds. I shared with them how I am having a hard time completely tusting any SNF right now and that I question if the staff is telling me the truth or just telling me what I want to hear...they just listened. Then they asked me if I had any questions....YES "when is she being discharged?" the answer was that there will be another meeting on Tuesday and then most likely it would be next Thursday....ok - so I have time to get it all together.
Shirley was with my mom this morning and she told me that my mom wasn't as "awake" as yesterday. We all go in day to day and wonder what is the day going to bring? Today seemed like a down day, my mom didn't really want to get out of bed. I think today was a little "pity party". She was a little pissy with me and told me that I was scaring everybody into believing that she was going to die...I told that maybe the events of the last 6 weeks scared them and not me. I arrived in her room about 3pm and she was dozing on her bed. I noticed right away that she didn't have her oxygen in her nose...I asked her and she said that "I don't need it anymore" - really?? So I excused myself to ask a staff person. The nurse told me that they were testing her on room air and that my mom had a good number when she finished with the therapist - her number was 98 (yesterday Shirley told me that her number was 99) so I supported them trying especially after she came in and tested her and it was at 92 and when she breathed deeply it went up to 94. I did call Sonia, who was coming next, and asked to have it checked before she left. Thank goodness they had it checked (even though the nurse was sassy at them for asking) because her number was done to 86 and my mom was hallucinating that there were 2 men in the yard and a scary man in a trench coat trying to get into the place. They told the nurse and I also called to talk to them about it. I then asked to talk to my mom and she sounded ok just tired.
I talked with the staff before I left about putting the mask on earlier and they said they would and one of the CNA's told me that my mom had "reminded" them last night. I was in shock and he said really - that when he had gone in to check vitals she said that no one had put the mask (she motioned over her face) on...WOW really........then quit pulling the f'en thing off mom.
I am hoping that she continues to get better with that mask....and I keep thinking that her confusion will get better at home...but I can not help but be nervous about her coming home and maybe 1 week more will help her....RIGHT???
Today I called at 7:30am to check on my mom on my way to work (day 2 - it feels good being back) and they told me she did OK last night. Pulled the mask off a few times but had a good dinner and was friendly and happy. She was still asleep this morning so I didn't try to talk to her. I didn't go to Windsor until the "Care Conference" at 2:30pm. This meeting was just like and IEP (special education) meeting. The 3 people present each had things to say about my mom's progress....the kitchen lady (dietician) said that my mom was still getting a no salt added diet (not easy for someone who likes salt) and they were still chopping it up to make it easier for her to chew and swallow - she said that my mom is eating about 50% of her diet. The social service person wanted me to fill out another DNR form...the 3rd one at this place...they are worded so crazy that it gets confusing when filling it out...hopefully that was the last one I had to fill out. The other person there was Joesphil, the discharge coordinator for Kaiser patients, she read the report of the physical therapists. She said that my mom had been walking 250feet with a walker and no assist from the therapists...that she walks to the right (a side winder) and she needed to verbal cues to stay "inside" the walker as she tended to lean too much onto it. They were currently working on her oxygen saturations (keeping her oxygen up to normal without the use of O2). As I sat there I thought "ok so when is she being discharged?" because that wasn't even brought up....I thought that is what this was about. We talked about her equipment that she already had and what she may need when she comes home. They told me that the therapists would be training me on how to take care of her. They talked about medic alert buttons and hospital beds and wheel chairs. There would be a therapist to come over about 2x a week and a visiting nurse to check meds. I shared with them how I am having a hard time completely tusting any SNF right now and that I question if the staff is telling me the truth or just telling me what I want to hear...they just listened. Then they asked me if I had any questions....YES "when is she being discharged?" the answer was that there will be another meeting on Tuesday and then most likely it would be next Thursday....ok - so I have time to get it all together.
Shirley was with my mom this morning and she told me that my mom wasn't as "awake" as yesterday. We all go in day to day and wonder what is the day going to bring? Today seemed like a down day, my mom didn't really want to get out of bed. I think today was a little "pity party". She was a little pissy with me and told me that I was scaring everybody into believing that she was going to die...I told that maybe the events of the last 6 weeks scared them and not me. I arrived in her room about 3pm and she was dozing on her bed. I noticed right away that she didn't have her oxygen in her nose...I asked her and she said that "I don't need it anymore" - really?? So I excused myself to ask a staff person. The nurse told me that they were testing her on room air and that my mom had a good number when she finished with the therapist - her number was 98 (yesterday Shirley told me that her number was 99) so I supported them trying especially after she came in and tested her and it was at 92 and when she breathed deeply it went up to 94. I did call Sonia, who was coming next, and asked to have it checked before she left. Thank goodness they had it checked (even though the nurse was sassy at them for asking) because her number was done to 86 and my mom was hallucinating that there were 2 men in the yard and a scary man in a trench coat trying to get into the place. They told the nurse and I also called to talk to them about it. I then asked to talk to my mom and she sounded ok just tired.
I talked with the staff before I left about putting the mask on earlier and they said they would and one of the CNA's told me that my mom had "reminded" them last night. I was in shock and he said really - that when he had gone in to check vitals she said that no one had put the mask (she motioned over her face) on...WOW really........then quit pulling the f'en thing off mom.
I am hoping that she continues to get better with that mask....and I keep thinking that her confusion will get better at home...but I can not help but be nervous about her coming home and maybe 1 week more will help her....RIGHT???
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Day 41
Today...I returned to work. It was good to get back but I can not help but feel that I would rather be at Windsor watching over things. My mom stays awake more when someone is around otherwise she tends to lay in bed and sleep which is bad for her Co2 retention - vicious cycle.
My mom still complains about the stupid mask and the nurse told me that she pulled it off so much last night that the night nurse had to go in every hour instead of every two hours. Bummer I guess the chat about the importance was not enough. I still worry that she must not totally get it and wondering if it is because she just isn't all there yet OR is because she is stubborn (I am thinking a little of both). So today I went on a hunt for a smaller mask and I found one. I went back to WIndsor to try it on her and "show" her that it is much smaller then the one she has. The man at Atria Medical told me how to see if it was the right size and if it wasn't then a "small" could be ordered. I think she needs the small but I am waiting to talk to the staff in the morning to see if she left it on. PLEASE mom just do this - the alternative is not what you want...I know, you told me.
My mom told me that she was tired....nothing new - she usually gets tired after lunch. She told me that she had "really" worked out and she had been very busy with the therapists. Shirley told me that my mom had walked a long distance with a walker and the therapist, she had also done some stretching. SO I understand that she is tired. They put her on a "normal" diet...she had been having all of her food ground up so she wouldn't choke (a fear the doctors had especially after being intubated her seizures) - because she had been intubated she stands a bigger chance of aspirating. She was happy about the change and said that the food was a little better. I still worry that she doesn't drink very much that is another reason I like being there....I can remind her.
Tomorrow at 2:30 I will be attending a "Care Conference" for my mom. I guess they will be telling me what my mom will need when she goes home. I am still thinking about how it can all work. Will she be able to be alone? Will she need someone with her all the time? I am sure that she will need someone there most of the time for the first couple of weeks to a month. Tonight I talked to Deborah - my friend and fabulous nurse - and she said that she believes too that my mom will be able to be alone at some point but for now it would be very important that she be not alone until she is really steady.
Tomorrow will be very informative. Thanks for visiting my mom...it really means a lot. And thank you all so much for the "cyber" support I really feel it.
My mom still complains about the stupid mask and the nurse told me that she pulled it off so much last night that the night nurse had to go in every hour instead of every two hours. Bummer I guess the chat about the importance was not enough. I still worry that she must not totally get it and wondering if it is because she just isn't all there yet OR is because she is stubborn (I am thinking a little of both). So today I went on a hunt for a smaller mask and I found one. I went back to WIndsor to try it on her and "show" her that it is much smaller then the one she has. The man at Atria Medical told me how to see if it was the right size and if it wasn't then a "small" could be ordered. I think she needs the small but I am waiting to talk to the staff in the morning to see if she left it on. PLEASE mom just do this - the alternative is not what you want...I know, you told me.
My mom told me that she was tired....nothing new - she usually gets tired after lunch. She told me that she had "really" worked out and she had been very busy with the therapists. Shirley told me that my mom had walked a long distance with a walker and the therapist, she had also done some stretching. SO I understand that she is tired. They put her on a "normal" diet...she had been having all of her food ground up so she wouldn't choke (a fear the doctors had especially after being intubated her seizures) - because she had been intubated she stands a bigger chance of aspirating. She was happy about the change and said that the food was a little better. I still worry that she doesn't drink very much that is another reason I like being there....I can remind her.
Tomorrow at 2:30 I will be attending a "Care Conference" for my mom. I guess they will be telling me what my mom will need when she goes home. I am still thinking about how it can all work. Will she be able to be alone? Will she need someone with her all the time? I am sure that she will need someone there most of the time for the first couple of weeks to a month. Tonight I talked to Deborah - my friend and fabulous nurse - and she said that she believes too that my mom will be able to be alone at some point but for now it would be very important that she be not alone until she is really steady.
Tomorrow will be very informative. Thanks for visiting my mom...it really means a lot. And thank you all so much for the "cyber" support I really feel it.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Day 40
40 days...hard to believe. Today I got a little done in my own house which felt good...I wish laundry would do its self. So I arrived at Windsor about 11am. I had called my mom earlier to let her know I wouldn't be there as early that I was doing some laundry including some of hers so she was fine as she was in need of the clothes I was washing.
I went in looking for Josephil who was still in the meeting and I let the desk know that I wanted to talk to her before she left...they said they would give her the message. I talked to mom a little and helped her get dressed. She is still unsteady but able to stand and move from chair to bed with little help. I asked her how she slept and she ok but she took the mask off a few times. About then Shirley arrived with In & Out Burgers and milkshakes. My mom ate a cheeseburger and talked about how slow she is eating these days - she has always been a slow eater but now it was even slower. She finished about half and I the other half. We all sat and talked about my moms dislike of the mask and again Shirley and I repeated how important it was and my mom got frustrated with us and said that we had no idea how bad the "bastard" was...we both agreed that it may be annoying but many people that we all knew used one. I told my mom that I would sleep in one to see how bad it is. She seemed to be having a hard time coming to grips with the changes that have occurred (her battle scars). We kept telling her that is a matter of life and death that she wear it or one day we would find her unconscious and then what?? She asked if we would wear one - and I said ABSOLUTELY that if that was all I had to do to stay alive I most certainly would wear one...to get to be with my family....YES no problem. Shirley said YES as well. My mom seems to be in a bit a pity-party again....after the initial surgery I heard her say many times how hard it is and how big of a deal she had.....There is no doubt that it all sucks.....BUT, as I told her, the alternative is much worse. I was really frustrated and kind of hurt thinking that she didn't want to live bad enough to wear the f'en thing. We shall see what happens. I am concerned about how she will handle it at home when she takes it off in the hospital at least there are nurses making rounds every 2 hours and can put it on. I am hoping that she gets used to it before she goes home.
Overall she seems pretty clear although she does get confused off and on...and sometimes when she is trying to explain something I can see that she knows what she wants to say she just can't get it out correctly and get frustrated when I ask for clarity.
I talked with Josephil finally and she told me that they decided to continue their work with my mom and that there would be a "care conference" on Thursday that would include me and they would talk about her needs and how they can be met at home....that she would probably be discharged Monday or Tuesday of next week. Wow...there is a lot to do before she gets home....I am going to get LifeAlert hooked up and equipment will need to be delivered, a care person figured in, friends to come and go and someone to sleep there at least for awhile. I really believe that much of this will be temporary....I just hope that my mom wants to live bad enough to wear the mask but it is ultimately her decision.
Well tomorrow I will try to return to work so any visitors in the morning would be great....I will be there in the afternoons. Thank you
angels angels everywhere....Kathy and Steve, Virginia and Darryl, Shirley and the staff at Windsor
I went in looking for Josephil who was still in the meeting and I let the desk know that I wanted to talk to her before she left...they said they would give her the message. I talked to mom a little and helped her get dressed. She is still unsteady but able to stand and move from chair to bed with little help. I asked her how she slept and she ok but she took the mask off a few times. About then Shirley arrived with In & Out Burgers and milkshakes. My mom ate a cheeseburger and talked about how slow she is eating these days - she has always been a slow eater but now it was even slower. She finished about half and I the other half. We all sat and talked about my moms dislike of the mask and again Shirley and I repeated how important it was and my mom got frustrated with us and said that we had no idea how bad the "bastard" was...we both agreed that it may be annoying but many people that we all knew used one. I told my mom that I would sleep in one to see how bad it is. She seemed to be having a hard time coming to grips with the changes that have occurred (her battle scars). We kept telling her that is a matter of life and death that she wear it or one day we would find her unconscious and then what?? She asked if we would wear one - and I said ABSOLUTELY that if that was all I had to do to stay alive I most certainly would wear one...to get to be with my family....YES no problem. Shirley said YES as well. My mom seems to be in a bit a pity-party again....after the initial surgery I heard her say many times how hard it is and how big of a deal she had.....There is no doubt that it all sucks.....BUT, as I told her, the alternative is much worse. I was really frustrated and kind of hurt thinking that she didn't want to live bad enough to wear the f'en thing. We shall see what happens. I am concerned about how she will handle it at home when she takes it off in the hospital at least there are nurses making rounds every 2 hours and can put it on. I am hoping that she gets used to it before she goes home.
Overall she seems pretty clear although she does get confused off and on...and sometimes when she is trying to explain something I can see that she knows what she wants to say she just can't get it out correctly and get frustrated when I ask for clarity.
I talked with Josephil finally and she told me that they decided to continue their work with my mom and that there would be a "care conference" on Thursday that would include me and they would talk about her needs and how they can be met at home....that she would probably be discharged Monday or Tuesday of next week. Wow...there is a lot to do before she gets home....I am going to get LifeAlert hooked up and equipment will need to be delivered, a care person figured in, friends to come and go and someone to sleep there at least for awhile. I really believe that much of this will be temporary....I just hope that my mom wants to live bad enough to wear the mask but it is ultimately her decision.
Well tomorrow I will try to return to work so any visitors in the morning would be great....I will be there in the afternoons. Thank you
angels angels everywhere....Kathy and Steve, Virginia and Darryl, Shirley and the staff at Windsor
Monday, April 23, 2012
Day 39
I arrived at Windsor about 9am...my mom sitting at the side of her bed taking her medication, the nurse watching her. Breakfast was on her tray....scrambled eggs that honestly looked a yellow bouncy ball, toast with jelly...my mom said that is was not good and that she couldn't even stomach the eggs as they tasted like paste. I don't blame her it was so not appetizing. Interesting that the food is so bad when so many patients need to eat to gather strength.
My mom said that she had slept ok since yesterday was so busy. She told me that the nurses were yelling at her about keeping the mask on..that it was because of me...she rolled her eyes and was visible pissy about it....I asked her if she would like it better if I didn't care...she just looked at me. I told her that it will probably not be forever but for now if she doesn't wear it, and she has a choice, then she will have to suffer the consequence....NO we would have to suffer. I think she gets it...but will she wear it at home?????
Talked with Josephil (discharge coordinator) and she told me that the decision for discharge has not been made yet and that tomorrow would be the big meeting with the therapist, nurses, doctor and Josephil (all the kaiser people) and there would be a plan then. I asked her about in-home help...she said that my mom would have to qualify for medi-cal, which she doesn't at this time. Josephil told me that my mom would get therapy at home 2-3x a week and a visiting nurse would see her 1-2x a week. I am interested to see what exactly my mom can do for herself...it has been a long time since she has been self reliant I know she wants to try but I also know that she is nervous. I invision having to hire someone for a few hours a day and then piecing it together with myself and friends. I know that there are resources in The Grove like the Senior Center...so I will be researching those types of things and what they offer. I can hook my mom up to cyber-grocery shopping at Bel-Air and it can just get delivered....ok realistically I will probably order for her - wink/smile.
I left my mom about 2:30 - she was good and tired as she had 5 visitors all at once.
Ok so I am going to try and go back to work on Wednesday....I appreciate all you visitors as it occupies my mom and keeps her from sleeping all day...thank you all
Some more angels I didn't mention yesterday....Inger, Birgit hope you feel better too, Inga, Kirstin, Lalish and Lilee - you all rock
My mom said that she had slept ok since yesterday was so busy. She told me that the nurses were yelling at her about keeping the mask on..that it was because of me...she rolled her eyes and was visible pissy about it....I asked her if she would like it better if I didn't care...she just looked at me. I told her that it will probably not be forever but for now if she doesn't wear it, and she has a choice, then she will have to suffer the consequence....NO we would have to suffer. I think she gets it...but will she wear it at home?????
Talked with Josephil (discharge coordinator) and she told me that the decision for discharge has not been made yet and that tomorrow would be the big meeting with the therapist, nurses, doctor and Josephil (all the kaiser people) and there would be a plan then. I asked her about in-home help...she said that my mom would have to qualify for medi-cal, which she doesn't at this time. Josephil told me that my mom would get therapy at home 2-3x a week and a visiting nurse would see her 1-2x a week. I am interested to see what exactly my mom can do for herself...it has been a long time since she has been self reliant I know she wants to try but I also know that she is nervous. I invision having to hire someone for a few hours a day and then piecing it together with myself and friends. I know that there are resources in The Grove like the Senior Center...so I will be researching those types of things and what they offer. I can hook my mom up to cyber-grocery shopping at Bel-Air and it can just get delivered....ok realistically I will probably order for her - wink/smile.
I left my mom about 2:30 - she was good and tired as she had 5 visitors all at once.
Ok so I am going to try and go back to work on Wednesday....I appreciate all you visitors as it occupies my mom and keeps her from sleeping all day...thank you all
Some more angels I didn't mention yesterday....Inger, Birgit hope you feel better too, Inga, Kirstin, Lalish and Lilee - you all rock
Sunday, April 22, 2012
day 38
Today was a visiting extravaganza my mom had Shirley, Brenda, Jan, Krystyna, me, Matthew, Sonia and their twins, Alina, Christian and Sonia. I know that when I left at 2:30 my mom was tired and had not yet had a nap and it seems she didn't get a nap until it was bedtime....good maybe she will sleep well tonight... sleep well. Thank you all for the visit....as the physical therapist said - visits are the best therapy
Today my mom asked me a lot about what has happened to her. She wanted to know what the doctors all said about her and her prognosis. She seemed pretty clear but admitted that she feels a bit cloudy sometimes. She is surprised that she has been through all these different huge events. I see some frustration in her right now...she is a bit "pissed" (as she put it) about understanding WHY she has to wear this machine (Bi-PAP) because she really hates it. I keep reminding her that she will die without it and she said "I don't understand how this happened", why she has to wear it. I told her that there is a chance that she won't have to use it forever - I kind of think that once she gets going more and sitting more and eating better that some of this will resolve itself. I agreed with her that she has been through a lot but that she still has to fight to get herself back completely.
I have been concerned about the fact that she may be coming home as early as Tuesday as she is done with her antibiotics and Kaiser told me that she would not qualify for PT according to Medicare. Today I talked to the manager and he told me that she would have a 48 hour notice of discharge - well that means it won't be on Tuesday. Tomorrow I will be going to Windsor to talk to the discharge coordinator for Kaiser patients. He also mentioned that Medicare pays for home care if it is found that she still needs it...YaHoo - I have been totally worrying about what we were going to do...BUT I really won't know until tomorrow.
For me I believe that things happen for different reasons and lessons are learned from these things..... it takes a village - thank you all
I want to thank my angels out there....Shirley, Marilyn, George, Windtberg's, Virginia (Dona) and Darryl, Stephanie, Elizabeth and her family, Alina and her family, Tammy and her family. And everyone else who has sent their love and support....you all rock..I am feeling it and passing it on to my mom
Today my mom asked me a lot about what has happened to her. She wanted to know what the doctors all said about her and her prognosis. She seemed pretty clear but admitted that she feels a bit cloudy sometimes. She is surprised that she has been through all these different huge events. I see some frustration in her right now...she is a bit "pissed" (as she put it) about understanding WHY she has to wear this machine (Bi-PAP) because she really hates it. I keep reminding her that she will die without it and she said "I don't understand how this happened", why she has to wear it. I told her that there is a chance that she won't have to use it forever - I kind of think that once she gets going more and sitting more and eating better that some of this will resolve itself. I agreed with her that she has been through a lot but that she still has to fight to get herself back completely.
I have been concerned about the fact that she may be coming home as early as Tuesday as she is done with her antibiotics and Kaiser told me that she would not qualify for PT according to Medicare. Today I talked to the manager and he told me that she would have a 48 hour notice of discharge - well that means it won't be on Tuesday. Tomorrow I will be going to Windsor to talk to the discharge coordinator for Kaiser patients. He also mentioned that Medicare pays for home care if it is found that she still needs it...YaHoo - I have been totally worrying about what we were going to do...BUT I really won't know until tomorrow.
For me I believe that things happen for different reasons and lessons are learned from these things..... it takes a village - thank you all
I want to thank my angels out there....Shirley, Marilyn, George, Windtberg's, Virginia (Dona) and Darryl, Stephanie, Elizabeth and her family, Alina and her family, Tammy and her family. And everyone else who has sent their love and support....you all rock..I am feeling it and passing it on to my mom
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Day 37
made 2 trips to Windsor today. The first one was about 10am she was lying in bed and they wanted to take her and weigh her. I had Mia with me and Michael and Malena were in the car.....I thought seeing them would be motivation to what she needs to do. My mom really wanted to get her hair done...so I went and talked to the hair lady and scheduled an appointment for the afternoon. I was coming back without my kids so I could relax and to get money to my mom for her hair. I was excited to see my mom had her glasses and watch on - they had been missing since the last trip to trip to the ER.
The kids and I sat outside with my mom. She had been to her first evaluation with physical therapy but the therapist decided to cut it short because we were there. The therapist told me that visits are the best therapy. We sat outside in the warm air and watched the kids on the grass. Michael and his oowa sat and talked too. Michael has always been very close to my mom and he has had a hard time with all the changes so I was glad that he was just sitting with her. After about an hour we were leaving and Shirley arrived so my mom and her sat outside again. Shirley said that they had a good visit. When I got beck to WIndsor about 135 my mom was lying in bed and her friend Marilyn was there...I could see that my mom was very tired and having a hard time staying awake and she had not touched her lunch (I wouldn't either) - yesterday my mom asked for an In & Out burger...I should have brought one or at least a vanilla milkshake. I stayed for a little while and then I let her sleep.
I think my mom gets a little down sometimes (not that she would admit it) but I often think about how much her life has changed. My mom prides herself on her independence and right now she is pretty dependent. It is sometimes hard to watch...but I believe she can come back from all of this if she can just get it done. I have been thinking a lot about my mom coming home...knowing that she will probably bounce back faster in her own environment, with her own food, and her own bed....but I am concerned that she is not totally ready to be completely on her own. She is still healing from the surgery let alone the other 2 big hits. I think that the doctor is right about the amount of time it will take for her to feel like herself....I just hope she can be patient and do all that she needs to do so that she can achieve her independence again....we shall see.
Anyone who wants to visit is welcome she is in room 22B and the address is 9461 Batey Avenue
The kids and I sat outside with my mom. She had been to her first evaluation with physical therapy but the therapist decided to cut it short because we were there. The therapist told me that visits are the best therapy. We sat outside in the warm air and watched the kids on the grass. Michael and his oowa sat and talked too. Michael has always been very close to my mom and he has had a hard time with all the changes so I was glad that he was just sitting with her. After about an hour we were leaving and Shirley arrived so my mom and her sat outside again. Shirley said that they had a good visit. When I got beck to WIndsor about 135 my mom was lying in bed and her friend Marilyn was there...I could see that my mom was very tired and having a hard time staying awake and she had not touched her lunch (I wouldn't either) - yesterday my mom asked for an In & Out burger...I should have brought one or at least a vanilla milkshake. I stayed for a little while and then I let her sleep.
I think my mom gets a little down sometimes (not that she would admit it) but I often think about how much her life has changed. My mom prides herself on her independence and right now she is pretty dependent. It is sometimes hard to watch...but I believe she can come back from all of this if she can just get it done. I have been thinking a lot about my mom coming home...knowing that she will probably bounce back faster in her own environment, with her own food, and her own bed....but I am concerned that she is not totally ready to be completely on her own. She is still healing from the surgery let alone the other 2 big hits. I think that the doctor is right about the amount of time it will take for her to feel like herself....I just hope she can be patient and do all that she needs to do so that she can achieve her independence again....we shall see.
Anyone who wants to visit is welcome she is in room 22B and the address is 9461 Batey Avenue
Elk Grove, California 95624 (916) 685-9525. If she isn't in her room she is probably with Physical Therapy. I make her get in the wheel chair and then take her outside the staff there will get her situated for you. Thank you all. Michelle
Friday, April 20, 2012
Day 36
Hello all. Today they moved my mom again.....to Windsor in Elk Grove on Batey. I spent the whole day at the hospital waiting for this move and it did not occur until 4:30. Crazy....
My mom seemed very clear today - not completely back to normal but close. I think it through her off to move again but I hope that doesn't set her back. I am not happy with the move but was told that to contest the move would only prolong the inevitable so I didn't fight it.
She was so excited to see her dyne (down comforter) she was looking forward to sleeping. She ate a little dinner at WIndsor before I left and was watching tv and reading her Danish magazine. Today she helped me with a crossword puzzle.
Today the doctor told her again how important the breathing machine was and I asked her why it was so important to wear it all night and she said "she would die". I am still not completely convinced that she gets it....but she will. Last night they had her wear "hers" and she kept it on better than the hospital one...she did not take it off except for once but they put it right back on. I just hope that Windsor checks on her so they can put it back on - I had the respiratory therapist at Kaiser fit it exactly to my mom so that Windsor could just put it on her and she could go to sleep. I told them to check her often and she said that they were in there every 2 hours so I know that she can be without it for 2 hours. At some point my mom will be evaluated in a sleep study to see exactly where her breathing changes....but that will be later in clinic. Also she will get an EEG in clinic at some point.....there has been a referral to neurology.
SO if you would like to visit my mom that would be great....it would be appreciated....thanks
My mom seemed very clear today - not completely back to normal but close. I think it through her off to move again but I hope that doesn't set her back. I am not happy with the move but was told that to contest the move would only prolong the inevitable so I didn't fight it.
She was so excited to see her dyne (down comforter) she was looking forward to sleeping. She ate a little dinner at WIndsor before I left and was watching tv and reading her Danish magazine. Today she helped me with a crossword puzzle.
Today the doctor told her again how important the breathing machine was and I asked her why it was so important to wear it all night and she said "she would die". I am still not completely convinced that she gets it....but she will. Last night they had her wear "hers" and she kept it on better than the hospital one...she did not take it off except for once but they put it right back on. I just hope that Windsor checks on her so they can put it back on - I had the respiratory therapist at Kaiser fit it exactly to my mom so that Windsor could just put it on her and she could go to sleep. I told them to check her often and she said that they were in there every 2 hours so I know that she can be without it for 2 hours. At some point my mom will be evaluated in a sleep study to see exactly where her breathing changes....but that will be later in clinic. Also she will get an EEG in clinic at some point.....there has been a referral to neurology.
SO if you would like to visit my mom that would be great....it would be appreciated....thanks
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Day 35
7:30 am my mom called me on my cell phone....she talked with Michael and then me...she just said hello and I asked her if she wanted a vanilla latte and she said yes....so I brought her one. It has now been one week exactly since she arrived at Kaiser for the 3rd time and tomorrow marks 5 weeks since this all began.
When I arrived she was sleeping a little but I woke her. A little while later Gunjit came in and got my mom up and gave her a bath and put her in a chair...it was 8:45. She ate a little more food and then asked for the paper - she really wanted to do the crossword puzzle from Monday but I only had yesterday (she said it would be too hard), then I suggested doing the puzzle in the people magazine. We had good conversation, she was clearer than yesterday.
The doctor came in...a new one since the dr. who has had her for the last week is now off rounds and it is Dr. Chu's turn, this drives me crazy about the health system do doctor follows the patient the whole way through - whatever happened to continuity of care??? Anyways Dr. Chu came in and said to my mom that she has been through so much and that his plan was to discharge her today....but after reading her chart and talking to the other doctor they thought that one more night would be good. I was very glad to hear this as the last 2 events have occurred on Thursday's. He said that she still has 5 days on the IV antibiotics so they could do those at the SNF and for each day she stays at the regular hospital she increases her chances of getting something new like another infection. He also talked to her about the Bi-PAP machine and that this was going to save her life without it she will die as the doctors believe that my mom has a little brain damage due to the fact that she needed CPR on the operating table and her Co2 status (she is considered a Co2 retainer) which if those numbers climb to the danger zone she will just stop breathing. I am still not convinced that my mom totally "gets it" but the more we all tell her the more it should sink in. He explained that my mom's ordeal was like being wounded in war....she can be repaired but she will never be quite the same...she will have to carry "battle scars" for the rest of her life, and one of those scars was the Co2 problem and the breathing problem. She will be moving tomorrow if nothing changes....crap.
Lunch came while Shirley was there, I had run home to get her Bi-PAP machine so the respiratory therapists (RT's) could work with her on her own machine, she didn't eat much of the main course but she did eat yoghurt and drink a little of the protein drink. Tomorrow I am going to have the RT's show me how to put the machine on so I can show the SNF.
Physical therapy came and my mom got up from the chair and walked with a walker about 50 feet back and forth....they practiced getting into bed as well as doing leg lifts and such. When they were done my mom said that she was tired so they PT left her in the bed and told me that my mom is doing really well. The PT told me that based on what she can do she would not qualify for the SNF but the fact that she needs IV meds she would. Her guess is that my mom will be there only 5 days and she will get PT during her stay but that she would be getting it at home 2-3x a week...shit....my mom is going home in 5 days?????? OH man - is she ready for that.....??? A little panic went through me...how was this going to happen?? Stay tuned.........................
Overall it was a good day....Sonia called and said my mom was acting totally normal and they had a good visit and she ate about 1/2 her dinner. My brother went up there now and he will call soon with his report. Until tomorrow
When I arrived she was sleeping a little but I woke her. A little while later Gunjit came in and got my mom up and gave her a bath and put her in a chair...it was 8:45. She ate a little more food and then asked for the paper - she really wanted to do the crossword puzzle from Monday but I only had yesterday (she said it would be too hard), then I suggested doing the puzzle in the people magazine. We had good conversation, she was clearer than yesterday.
The doctor came in...a new one since the dr. who has had her for the last week is now off rounds and it is Dr. Chu's turn, this drives me crazy about the health system do doctor follows the patient the whole way through - whatever happened to continuity of care??? Anyways Dr. Chu came in and said to my mom that she has been through so much and that his plan was to discharge her today....but after reading her chart and talking to the other doctor they thought that one more night would be good. I was very glad to hear this as the last 2 events have occurred on Thursday's. He said that she still has 5 days on the IV antibiotics so they could do those at the SNF and for each day she stays at the regular hospital she increases her chances of getting something new like another infection. He also talked to her about the Bi-PAP machine and that this was going to save her life without it she will die as the doctors believe that my mom has a little brain damage due to the fact that she needed CPR on the operating table and her Co2 status (she is considered a Co2 retainer) which if those numbers climb to the danger zone she will just stop breathing. I am still not convinced that my mom totally "gets it" but the more we all tell her the more it should sink in. He explained that my mom's ordeal was like being wounded in war....she can be repaired but she will never be quite the same...she will have to carry "battle scars" for the rest of her life, and one of those scars was the Co2 problem and the breathing problem. She will be moving tomorrow if nothing changes....crap.
Lunch came while Shirley was there, I had run home to get her Bi-PAP machine so the respiratory therapists (RT's) could work with her on her own machine, she didn't eat much of the main course but she did eat yoghurt and drink a little of the protein drink. Tomorrow I am going to have the RT's show me how to put the machine on so I can show the SNF.
Physical therapy came and my mom got up from the chair and walked with a walker about 50 feet back and forth....they practiced getting into bed as well as doing leg lifts and such. When they were done my mom said that she was tired so they PT left her in the bed and told me that my mom is doing really well. The PT told me that based on what she can do she would not qualify for the SNF but the fact that she needs IV meds she would. Her guess is that my mom will be there only 5 days and she will get PT during her stay but that she would be getting it at home 2-3x a week...shit....my mom is going home in 5 days?????? OH man - is she ready for that.....??? A little panic went through me...how was this going to happen?? Stay tuned.........................
Overall it was a good day....Sonia called and said my mom was acting totally normal and they had a good visit and she ate about 1/2 her dinner. My brother went up there now and he will call soon with his report. Until tomorrow
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Day 34
My morning started with a phone call at 7:30am from my mom she was calling to say hi and tell me that she was on the Bi-PAP machine. I told her to leave it on and that I was on my way. My mom has not talked to me on the phone since the end of March when she called from Kaiser hospital after the first surgery. I got to the hospital about 8:30 to find my mom asleep and breathing into the machine. She slept for about 1.5 hours before they took her off. She woke up and look fresh and alert and needing to use the toilet. Deborah was there and helped her up. Afterwards we sat her in a chair for breakfast but she was convinced that she had eaten at 4:30 in the morning and there was no convincing her otherwise even the doctor (later) tried to tell her that they do not serve food at that time. Her breathing was very calm and she and I had short conversations about nothing. A while later the nurses assistant came in to give my mom a bath so I went down and got us a coffee. I arrived back at the room as they were finishing her hair wet still. She asked if I could comb her hair and she sipped her vanilla latte. We watched a little tv and she told me what the program line-up would be.
She fell asleep for about an hour in the chair and then lunch came. She ate very little of the main course but did eat a lot of yoghurt. She commented that her breathing was better but that she was still tired. The doctor visited before lunch and she told him that she felt better. It is funny how alert she is sometimes when he gets there....then goes to sleep when he leaves. He did mention that it was getting time to talk about her moving to the nursing home again so that she could get the physical therapy she needs. I am not thrilled with the idea but know that this is the next step. Hopeful all will go well and she will be there for a couple of weeks and then we will see what will happen next.
After lunch (she ate mostly yogurt again) and 2 hours in the chair she wanted to sleep so I went and got a bite to eat. I have to admit that the cafeteria food isn't all that bad. When I came back she was still sleeping. She woke enough for me to tell her that I was going to be going as I had to go and pick up the kids (she asks every morning where they are). We talked about her seeing them and I told her that we would wait until she moved to the next place...."where would that be?" she asked...." I really want to go to my house." I told her I knew that she did and she admitted that she wasn't quite ready for that yet.
I left about 2:45 and Shirley arrived about then (although we did not see each other). Shirley said that it was a good visit and that my mom slept just a little and then talked and watched tv with her. John and Leif showed up about 5'ish. She ate a good dinner - all her meatloaf, milk and yoghurt. Leif said they had a good visit and he left about 7'ish. At 9:45 this evening I called to check on her and the nurse was in her room. The nurse said that she was doing good and my mom told me good night and that she will see me in the morning.
All in all I think this was the best day this round. Tomorrow she gets a new doctor as they rotate out every week - I really do not like this system as one doctor gets to know her and then it is a new doctor. I am sure the topic of discharge will come up tomorrow - ugh!!! Until then....good night all (god nat alle)
She fell asleep for about an hour in the chair and then lunch came. She ate very little of the main course but did eat a lot of yoghurt. She commented that her breathing was better but that she was still tired. The doctor visited before lunch and she told him that she felt better. It is funny how alert she is sometimes when he gets there....then goes to sleep when he leaves. He did mention that it was getting time to talk about her moving to the nursing home again so that she could get the physical therapy she needs. I am not thrilled with the idea but know that this is the next step. Hopeful all will go well and she will be there for a couple of weeks and then we will see what will happen next.
After lunch (she ate mostly yogurt again) and 2 hours in the chair she wanted to sleep so I went and got a bite to eat. I have to admit that the cafeteria food isn't all that bad. When I came back she was still sleeping. She woke enough for me to tell her that I was going to be going as I had to go and pick up the kids (she asks every morning where they are). We talked about her seeing them and I told her that we would wait until she moved to the next place...."where would that be?" she asked...." I really want to go to my house." I told her I knew that she did and she admitted that she wasn't quite ready for that yet.
I left about 2:45 and Shirley arrived about then (although we did not see each other). Shirley said that it was a good visit and that my mom slept just a little and then talked and watched tv with her. John and Leif showed up about 5'ish. She ate a good dinner - all her meatloaf, milk and yoghurt. Leif said they had a good visit and he left about 7'ish. At 9:45 this evening I called to check on her and the nurse was in her room. The nurse said that she was doing good and my mom told me good night and that she will see me in the morning.
All in all I think this was the best day this round. Tomorrow she gets a new doctor as they rotate out every week - I really do not like this system as one doctor gets to know her and then it is a new doctor. I am sure the topic of discharge will come up tomorrow - ugh!!! Until then....good night all (god nat alle)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Day 33
Today I arrived at about 8:30 to my mom sitting in bed with her breakfast tray still there...I could see she had eaten a good amount of oatmeal - she even told me that she ate "a lot". I asked her how she felt and she said she was very tired. Shortly there after she fell asleep. I gave her a mini-manicure that she completely slept through...I even soaked her hands in warm water worried that she would wet the bed (a trick we did as kids at sleepover - put someone's hand in water and they pee) luckily she didn't. I tried many times to wake her and she would rouse a little but not really wake up. Deborah came by to check on her and was worried that she was so tired, her nurses kept checking on her for the same reason. She assured me that they all were really trying to get to the bottom of all of this. Deborah showed me my moms chart and told me that her blood work showed mild anemia, and the list of different tests that they had done. They have done so many tests which makes me believe that they are really trying to get to the bottom of all of this.
The doctor came by and my mom barely woke up....he asked her where she was and she said "I don't know", so he told her and she agreed with him. He assured me that they would not be rusher her out as he really wants my mom to be able to heal so that she can finally fully recover. She has had 3 major events in the last month and she really isn't even half recovered from the surgery. Deborah said today that she really believes that my mom can get back to a very good place but we both agreed that her body could not take much more of this big events. I just hope they keep her long enough so that she can get on top of this. I remember the surgeon saying that she needed a minimum of 6 weeks just to recover from the surgery not to mention the respiratory failure and the 3 grand mal seizures. Today I ran into Dr. Brawley (her surgeon) in the hall and he was shocked to hear that she was back in there...he said he would go and see her.
As I sat there...I kept thinking about her Co2's and how they were probably climbing upwards accounting for the sleepiness.....about 2:30 this afternoon they came in to take blood for a blood gas...yahoo now we will know. I asked how long it took to get the results and they said about 15 minutes.....her Co2's were high again 68 (norm 35-45) they also said that the ph of her blood was in the normal range meaning that my mom's body has the ability to handle more Co2's then mine could most likely because she does have COPD. I will say that the nurses and respiratory therapists were very attentive to my mom and her sleepiness. I really have been very happy with my mom's care at Kaiser...I also feel much better being there and being able to help out and take a little care of my mom too.
This afternoon Shirley was with my mom and they put her on the Bi-PAP machine again...my mom was not happy to see that machine again. But they wanted to try it for a couple of hours to see how she was..she did it and lasted the 2 hours. Shirley said too that my mom was very sleepy today and they didn't talk too much but my mom would exchange eye glances occasionally. Sonia and her girls arrived later in the afternoon (about 5:00) and my mom was still on the machine. Sonia told me that when they took the Bi-PAP machine off that my mom was very alert and awake and was ready for some dinner. Sonia had frozen Ensure and my mom ate 1/2 of the container....then dinner came and she ate very well. They left her about 7pm and she had just fallen asleep again. At 8:30 I talked to her nurse and said that maybe they should offer ear plugs and a sleeping pill tonight so that my mom would leave the machine on. It will be interesting to see if my mom is different tomorrow after a night of wearing the machine. I know she hates this machine and I know that the one's you can get at home are smaller and quieter.
Thank you again for all your well wishes....until tomorrow...take care
The doctor came by and my mom barely woke up....he asked her where she was and she said "I don't know", so he told her and she agreed with him. He assured me that they would not be rusher her out as he really wants my mom to be able to heal so that she can finally fully recover. She has had 3 major events in the last month and she really isn't even half recovered from the surgery. Deborah said today that she really believes that my mom can get back to a very good place but we both agreed that her body could not take much more of this big events. I just hope they keep her long enough so that she can get on top of this. I remember the surgeon saying that she needed a minimum of 6 weeks just to recover from the surgery not to mention the respiratory failure and the 3 grand mal seizures. Today I ran into Dr. Brawley (her surgeon) in the hall and he was shocked to hear that she was back in there...he said he would go and see her.
As I sat there...I kept thinking about her Co2's and how they were probably climbing upwards accounting for the sleepiness.....about 2:30 this afternoon they came in to take blood for a blood gas...yahoo now we will know. I asked how long it took to get the results and they said about 15 minutes.....her Co2's were high again 68 (norm 35-45) they also said that the ph of her blood was in the normal range meaning that my mom's body has the ability to handle more Co2's then mine could most likely because she does have COPD. I will say that the nurses and respiratory therapists were very attentive to my mom and her sleepiness. I really have been very happy with my mom's care at Kaiser...I also feel much better being there and being able to help out and take a little care of my mom too.
This afternoon Shirley was with my mom and they put her on the Bi-PAP machine again...my mom was not happy to see that machine again. But they wanted to try it for a couple of hours to see how she was..she did it and lasted the 2 hours. Shirley said too that my mom was very sleepy today and they didn't talk too much but my mom would exchange eye glances occasionally. Sonia and her girls arrived later in the afternoon (about 5:00) and my mom was still on the machine. Sonia told me that when they took the Bi-PAP machine off that my mom was very alert and awake and was ready for some dinner. Sonia had frozen Ensure and my mom ate 1/2 of the container....then dinner came and she ate very well. They left her about 7pm and she had just fallen asleep again. At 8:30 I talked to her nurse and said that maybe they should offer ear plugs and a sleeping pill tonight so that my mom would leave the machine on. It will be interesting to see if my mom is different tomorrow after a night of wearing the machine. I know she hates this machine and I know that the one's you can get at home are smaller and quieter.
Thank you again for all your well wishes....until tomorrow...take care
Monday, April 16, 2012
Day 32
Today I arrived about 8:30 to find that my mom had just had a breathing treatment...she always seems a bit clearer after the treatment...it increases her oxygen level to about 99%. She still had her breakfast, she had not eaten much...I had brought a yoghurt and asked her if she wanted that so she ate a bit eventually eating the whole container, but not much else. She seems to be drinking ok but if someone isn't there then she wouldn't drink. The newspaper was delivered and my mom tried to read it but kept falling asleep. It seems that she dreams because she opens her eyes, says something and then is fast asleep again.
The doctor came in and said that the influenza tests were negative so we could stop wearing the masks - thank goodness they are really uncomfortable - he also looked perplexed when trying to figure out what is going on...he asked her a few questions and she answered them pretty well only missing a couple. He moved her a little and she said ouch around her neck area....she has had a stiff neck so he ordered a ct scan to see if anything was going on...it came back negative. They did a chest xray and found that she had congestion so he ordered meds to rid her body of fluids. I asked him if the cause of the seizures could end up being a mystery and he said yes. That is annoying as if it were something else then that could probably be treated but if is unknown then what??
She is weak but was able to stand with assistance when physical therapy moved her from the bed to a chair...she sat there for almost 2 hours...she did fall asleep a lot but sat there just the same. I still feel that some of the weakness is related to her oxygen situation but they have not done another blood gas test to check her Co2's. I think I am really going to ask a lot tomorrow about doing a blood gas. She did get a little morphine about 11am which could account for some of her sleepiness but it shouldn't still be in affect at 8 pm should it??
For lunch and dinner she didn't each much either...but she did eat almost another container of yoghurt - at least there is protein in yoghurt. It is hard to force a person to eat...but she must eat in order to get stronger.
The patient care coordinator came in today again....we talked about the idea of my mom going home with help as well as the possibility of going back to a SNF for rehab - that is a hard one. But I am not sure what all is available if she goes home. I do know that she needs a lot right now and I wish they could keep her in the hospital until she was a lot stronger...so she could go home. I just really think that her best chance to heal will be at home but the logistics of it all is a bit overwhelming and confusing. I also talked to Shirley about the "what if" my mom can't go home .....what are the options...I am not totally sure - I just really hope that she can go home to herself.
The doctor came in and said that the influenza tests were negative so we could stop wearing the masks - thank goodness they are really uncomfortable - he also looked perplexed when trying to figure out what is going on...he asked her a few questions and she answered them pretty well only missing a couple. He moved her a little and she said ouch around her neck area....she has had a stiff neck so he ordered a ct scan to see if anything was going on...it came back negative. They did a chest xray and found that she had congestion so he ordered meds to rid her body of fluids. I asked him if the cause of the seizures could end up being a mystery and he said yes. That is annoying as if it were something else then that could probably be treated but if is unknown then what??
She is weak but was able to stand with assistance when physical therapy moved her from the bed to a chair...she sat there for almost 2 hours...she did fall asleep a lot but sat there just the same. I still feel that some of the weakness is related to her oxygen situation but they have not done another blood gas test to check her Co2's. I think I am really going to ask a lot tomorrow about doing a blood gas. She did get a little morphine about 11am which could account for some of her sleepiness but it shouldn't still be in affect at 8 pm should it??
For lunch and dinner she didn't each much either...but she did eat almost another container of yoghurt - at least there is protein in yoghurt. It is hard to force a person to eat...but she must eat in order to get stronger.
The patient care coordinator came in today again....we talked about the idea of my mom going home with help as well as the possibility of going back to a SNF for rehab - that is a hard one. But I am not sure what all is available if she goes home. I do know that she needs a lot right now and I wish they could keep her in the hospital until she was a lot stronger...so she could go home. I just really think that her best chance to heal will be at home but the logistics of it all is a bit overwhelming and confusing. I also talked to Shirley about the "what if" my mom can't go home .....what are the options...I am not totally sure - I just really hope that she can go home to herself.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Day 31
arrived to find my mom talking with Shirley...she said hi to me but it looked like she couldn't turn her head. Her neck is stiff and painful probably from the neurological tests done on Thursday. A little while later she asked Shirley where I was. Shirley told me that the doctor had already been there and he said that the pathology came back that it was not Herpes Encephalitis meaning that she still may have encephalitis but that the herpes test was negative. They ran a lot of different tests that we should have answers for this week. They are continuing the current course of antibiotics as my mom seems to be improving on them.
The doctor also said that she needs to eat more so she can regain her strength - she mainly eats the fruit but she really needs the protein - I had thought that adding a teaspoon of protein powder to everything may help. There is an order to stop the IV fluids which means that she will have to drink more. And she will be getting the Incentive spirometer - the breathing thing that she will have to do 10x per hour.
I realized that not only are her glasses missing but so is her watch...I went to the ER to see if they may be in lost and found but no so they gave me another place to check tomorrow. Her glasses are gone but I reported them to Windsor and I will call them if the watch doesn't show up at Kaiser.
My mom still is showing signs of confusion although it is a bit better each day. She is good about answering the questions the doctor or nurses asks but as the day and gets them right about 80-90% of the time but when I sit with her for awhile different things emerge...like she thinks she sees something or thinks that she's been somewhere...and she gets a bit mad when we explain that whatever she is talking about really isn't there. I feel bad for her and sometimes wonder if I should just play along instead of correcting her. I am really interested to see what all the tests show, if they give us a reason for the seizures as well as the confusion.
The discharge nurse came in today and I talked to her but I really didn't want to....I don't trust that they have the patient's best interest at heart...she told me that my mom was lucky to have advocates as she works with patients who have no one. She asked what our plan was and I told her that I wanted to weigh all the options....home care vs. SNF (not my fav). I can not help but feel that my mom (and anyone else for that matter) would heal better and faster in their own environment but the logistics are a bit confusing for me.
The physical therapy team was supposed to come in today to assess my mom's abilities but I never saw them - I am hoping that they came by so she can get started on a little movement. I want to see what she can do...as she was doing really good last Wednesday and I had been hopeful that she was well on her way to recuperation....I hope that this hasn't taken her too far back.
Thank you again for all your well wishes....as the doctor told me today (he said he went back over all of her chart) my mom has made it through so much...she shouldn't even be here....she has climbed her way back from hell....her body has taken a very large hit and she is just going to take time to get back. Friday marked 4 weeks since this all began.....her surgeon told me that she wouldn't even be "over" the surgery until at least 6 weeks. It is going to be interesting to observe where this journey takes my mom and all of us on this trip with her.
The doctor also said that she needs to eat more so she can regain her strength - she mainly eats the fruit but she really needs the protein - I had thought that adding a teaspoon of protein powder to everything may help. There is an order to stop the IV fluids which means that she will have to drink more. And she will be getting the Incentive spirometer - the breathing thing that she will have to do 10x per hour.
I realized that not only are her glasses missing but so is her watch...I went to the ER to see if they may be in lost and found but no so they gave me another place to check tomorrow. Her glasses are gone but I reported them to Windsor and I will call them if the watch doesn't show up at Kaiser.
My mom still is showing signs of confusion although it is a bit better each day. She is good about answering the questions the doctor or nurses asks but as the day and gets them right about 80-90% of the time but when I sit with her for awhile different things emerge...like she thinks she sees something or thinks that she's been somewhere...and she gets a bit mad when we explain that whatever she is talking about really isn't there. I feel bad for her and sometimes wonder if I should just play along instead of correcting her. I am really interested to see what all the tests show, if they give us a reason for the seizures as well as the confusion.
The discharge nurse came in today and I talked to her but I really didn't want to....I don't trust that they have the patient's best interest at heart...she told me that my mom was lucky to have advocates as she works with patients who have no one. She asked what our plan was and I told her that I wanted to weigh all the options....home care vs. SNF (not my fav). I can not help but feel that my mom (and anyone else for that matter) would heal better and faster in their own environment but the logistics are a bit confusing for me.
The physical therapy team was supposed to come in today to assess my mom's abilities but I never saw them - I am hoping that they came by so she can get started on a little movement. I want to see what she can do...as she was doing really good last Wednesday and I had been hopeful that she was well on her way to recuperation....I hope that this hasn't taken her too far back.
Thank you again for all your well wishes....as the doctor told me today (he said he went back over all of her chart) my mom has made it through so much...she shouldn't even be here....she has climbed her way back from hell....her body has taken a very large hit and she is just going to take time to get back. Friday marked 4 weeks since this all began.....her surgeon told me that she wouldn't even be "over" the surgery until at least 6 weeks. It is going to be interesting to observe where this journey takes my mom and all of us on this trip with her.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Day 30
I arrived to see my mom about 10:30...Shirley was there and had been since about 8:00. My mom said hi to me and recognized me....we all talked and she seemed much clearer than yesterday but still confused about some things. My mom tried to tell me what she ate for breakfast but she couldn't seem to get the words out until Shirley helped her, she ate all her scrambled eggs and a little french toast and a little coffee from a straw. She also tried to tell me her address with a little help. She still thinks that she is home and was trying very hard to convince us that she was. After a little while Shirley headed out to continue her day....I am grateful to have Shirley there, she is very good with my mom.
We are back to wearing a plastic gowns, gloves and a mask until they know what exactly my mom has they want us to take every precaution - I really dislike the mask...and wish the plastic gown had some sort of magical weight loss effect. I have to admit that I have a very hard time with all the waste....if you step out of the room you must discard everything and get new when you come back. So I try not to leave and today I noticed that it helped the staff not waste too much as they could hand me things and I could put them where they go or turn off a button. When my mom needed something I would just ring and tell them and they would happily bring it.
I was there when the doctor came in and he examined my mom and asked her questions....when was she born -she answered correctly with even the year, what month it was - she said October, what year is was - she said 2012, who I was - she said her daughter Michelle. Good answers. I asked him if the test results were back from the spinal tap and she said they were waiting for the pathology to come back but he believed that she has Herpes Encephalitis - so I asked about the treatment plan and he said that they had already started her on the antibiotics for it last night so hopefully they caught it early enough to get her better. I read a bit about it so I am interested to see what the doctor has to say once we get the "official" confirmation from pathology. In the meantime my friend Deborah (clinical nurse specialist) told to make sure they have her on delirium protocol...so I called the hospital tonight to tell them that. They have her bed alarmed so that she doesn't get up OR if she does the bells and whistles for sound. Basically it means that they need to keep a close eye on her. One think I thought was interesting for this protocol was that they are supposed to let her sleep and not wake unnecessarily - she will be happy about that.
She ate a little lunch and a little dinner about 10% of her meal. I hope that increases so that her strength can continue to get better. Now they need to do a physical therapy evaluation and get her up so that she doesn't get stuck in a bed again. Deborah wants me to push that issue tomorrow - I will be interested to see what she is able to do after this lastest set back.
I am interested to see what tomorrow brings...I told the doctor and the discharge nurse that I hope they are in no hurry to send my mom on her way....because my brother and I are very skeptical about the hurried way they move our mom through...I do not want her to leave quickly again...Kaiser hospital needs to keep her extra this time. Our health system is very broken and it is very sad. I only can hope that the people who make decisions would be in our families situation at least once so that they could see the "real" picture.
Thank you for your positive thoughts. My mom seems to be like a timex watch....she takes a lickin and keeps on tickin
We are back to wearing a plastic gowns, gloves and a mask until they know what exactly my mom has they want us to take every precaution - I really dislike the mask...and wish the plastic gown had some sort of magical weight loss effect. I have to admit that I have a very hard time with all the waste....if you step out of the room you must discard everything and get new when you come back. So I try not to leave and today I noticed that it helped the staff not waste too much as they could hand me things and I could put them where they go or turn off a button. When my mom needed something I would just ring and tell them and they would happily bring it.
I was there when the doctor came in and he examined my mom and asked her questions....when was she born -she answered correctly with even the year, what month it was - she said October, what year is was - she said 2012, who I was - she said her daughter Michelle. Good answers. I asked him if the test results were back from the spinal tap and she said they were waiting for the pathology to come back but he believed that she has Herpes Encephalitis - so I asked about the treatment plan and he said that they had already started her on the antibiotics for it last night so hopefully they caught it early enough to get her better. I read a bit about it so I am interested to see what the doctor has to say once we get the "official" confirmation from pathology. In the meantime my friend Deborah (clinical nurse specialist) told to make sure they have her on delirium protocol...so I called the hospital tonight to tell them that. They have her bed alarmed so that she doesn't get up OR if she does the bells and whistles for sound. Basically it means that they need to keep a close eye on her. One think I thought was interesting for this protocol was that they are supposed to let her sleep and not wake unnecessarily - she will be happy about that.
She ate a little lunch and a little dinner about 10% of her meal. I hope that increases so that her strength can continue to get better. Now they need to do a physical therapy evaluation and get her up so that she doesn't get stuck in a bed again. Deborah wants me to push that issue tomorrow - I will be interested to see what she is able to do after this lastest set back.
I am interested to see what tomorrow brings...I told the doctor and the discharge nurse that I hope they are in no hurry to send my mom on her way....because my brother and I are very skeptical about the hurried way they move our mom through...I do not want her to leave quickly again...Kaiser hospital needs to keep her extra this time. Our health system is very broken and it is very sad. I only can hope that the people who make decisions would be in our families situation at least once so that they could see the "real" picture.
Thank you for your positive thoughts. My mom seems to be like a timex watch....she takes a lickin and keeps on tickin
Friday, April 13, 2012
Day 29
Today I arrived at the hospital at 8:30 to find my mom with the tube in....she was moving around in a restless manner...and I told her that they would be getting the tube out. I noticed on the monitor that she still had a little temperature (about 99-100) her cheeks were flushed and her hands were still restrained but I stood and held her and and she held mine. A male nurse arrived and told me that he was going to put a pik line in (a special IV) and that I would have to leave, for sterile reasons, for about 30 minutes. My friend Stephanie was on her way with a latte so I went and waited for her. We returned to the room and the nurse said that x-ray was on their way to make sure the line was placed correctly and we would have to leave again....after xray they were going to take the tube out and I wouldn't be able to be in there for that either...so I decided to go and pick up her stuff from Windsor.
When I got back her tube was out and she was lying down....she was moving around a lot, seeming uncomfortable. I talked to her and she reacted to me. I feel so much better when she is in ICU..she has a nurse for 12 hours who has only one other patient so I feel that she is safe which makes me sleep better.
She is very confused with moments of clarity...she would answer little questions like whether or not she was cold, how many fingers we are showing her or how many kids she has and then there were questions like does a stone float on water...no answer although she thought about it...she said that she was at Kaiser and that it is April. The confusion is stumping the doctors and being that she has a fever they are trying to rule out infections...so she has been tested for influenza (a test she got really mad about) and a spinal tap for meningitis. I hope they find the answer. She also has MRSA-could that we doing it. We have to put a mask and gloves on whenever we go into the room.
She is speaking a lot of Danish and it seems like she is dreaming and then says something that I am not able to understand...a bit mumbly - but also in Danish. I asked her tonight if she was married to someone named Ib and she smiled and said yes and how many children did they have and she said 2....so my mom is in there she just hasn't completely reamerged.....
Overall I am not sure how I feel....I am worried that she has sustained so much trauma that she will not be able to come back then I remember what a feisty person her she is......when I left the hospital I told her, in Danish, to sov godt (sleep well) and she said tak i lige mode (thanks the same to you). I also told her that she was a good mom and she smiled.
Tomorrow is a new day and we shall see what it has in store for us.
When I got back her tube was out and she was lying down....she was moving around a lot, seeming uncomfortable. I talked to her and she reacted to me. I feel so much better when she is in ICU..she has a nurse for 12 hours who has only one other patient so I feel that she is safe which makes me sleep better.
She is very confused with moments of clarity...she would answer little questions like whether or not she was cold, how many fingers we are showing her or how many kids she has and then there were questions like does a stone float on water...no answer although she thought about it...she said that she was at Kaiser and that it is April. The confusion is stumping the doctors and being that she has a fever they are trying to rule out infections...so she has been tested for influenza (a test she got really mad about) and a spinal tap for meningitis. I hope they find the answer. She also has MRSA-could that we doing it. We have to put a mask and gloves on whenever we go into the room.
She is speaking a lot of Danish and it seems like she is dreaming and then says something that I am not able to understand...a bit mumbly - but also in Danish. I asked her tonight if she was married to someone named Ib and she smiled and said yes and how many children did they have and she said 2....so my mom is in there she just hasn't completely reamerged.....
Overall I am not sure how I feel....I am worried that she has sustained so much trauma that she will not be able to come back then I remember what a feisty person her she is......when I left the hospital I told her, in Danish, to sov godt (sleep well) and she said tak i lige mode (thanks the same to you). I also told her that she was a good mom and she smiled.
Tomorrow is a new day and we shall see what it has in store for us.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Day 28
Well.......you are not going to believe this one...my mom is back at Kaiser in the ICU and she is intubated again. I thought that I would go back to work today....school started at 8am and at 8:40 I received a call from Windsor letting me know that my mom had a grand mal seizure - WHAT???? did she just say....
I was with my mom from 9-3 yesterday and Sonia was there from 5-7 and Christian at 8pm. My mom had had a good day and was sleeping when Christian showed up and we had a friend who was showing up at 9am today to check on how things were going. I called at 7:30am and was told that my mom was walking around all night and the nurse had to stay with her.....I am not sure what that means - how could one person stay just with my mom when one person couldn't even come when they ring the bell? SO I do not believe that someone stayed with her all night. And if she was "walking" around then she didn't have her oxygen on as the tube doesn't reach. I have reached a point where I just don't trust or believe what these people say...they are just covering their ass's. The nurse was so determined to tell me my mom's vitals - at that point I didn't care. They asked for my permission to have her transported to Kaiser for further evaluation I said yes.
On my way out of my classroom I called Windsor again...and asked what had happened...did she fall?? They said no that she had had no falls but as 911 got there she had another grand mal seizure. She had only been there for 20 hours and already back at Kaiser. I feel frustrated with Kaiser as well....why did they send her out if she was still so medically fragile?? Was it because her medi-care only allows 7 days of charges for their patients and my mom was reaching her 7 days?? I mentioned that to the administration dept. and they gave me a phone number I could call if I thought they were discharging my mom too soon.
I arrived at the ER at the same time as the ambulance - I saw them wheel her in. The ER is good about getting the family in as soon as possible so I was led in quickly as the doctors had questions for me. She was laying moving her legs a little and moving her arms...they asked my what I wanted them to do...should they intubate her?? I said yes so they could figure out what was going on BUT I told them that she did want "life support". I have to tell you that I struggled with this so much...as they were not sure if my mom has sustained any kind of brain damage....and they fact that this time she was on "full" support from the ventilator (before she was the one initiating the breath) - it was now about 11 am and I was keeping it all together until the reality of all things hit me....the nurse in the ER told me that she would have done the same thing (put the tube in) - I just hoped that it was for all the right reasons. Shirley got there shortly there after (she has such a calming, spiritual presence) and I was very relieved to have her with me - thank you Shirley.
They moved my mom up to ICU for the 3rd time in 3.5 weeks......still the vent was on full support and they were waiting for more tests. The plan was to get a MRI of her brain to see if she had a tumor, clot or had had a stroke....it all came back negative. So why did she have the seizure?? The neurologist came in a did a few tests on her...one of which was her reflexes - he said they were good, her eyes were reactive. Now they were waiting for her to wake up more so they could do more tests to check her. Before I left this evening she was a little awake....we tried to get her to follow commands and sometimes she did....the nurse said that we needed to let her wake up more....I asked my mom if she was cold and she nodded so I asked for some warm blankets and she went deeper asleep. Now they are waiting to try and wean her off the tube again possibly tonight....I talked to Sadie about waiting until tomorrow as today had been quite a day..but they really want them off the tube asap. I will call in a while to see how she is.
I really need to thank a group a people who made it possible for me to stay as long as I needed too....Elizabeth, Susan, Amy and Sandy, Leif, Sonia, Angela and Erika....you all rock...it takes a village.
Thank you for all your powerful prayers....my mom is being watched well.
I was with my mom from 9-3 yesterday and Sonia was there from 5-7 and Christian at 8pm. My mom had had a good day and was sleeping when Christian showed up and we had a friend who was showing up at 9am today to check on how things were going. I called at 7:30am and was told that my mom was walking around all night and the nurse had to stay with her.....I am not sure what that means - how could one person stay just with my mom when one person couldn't even come when they ring the bell? SO I do not believe that someone stayed with her all night. And if she was "walking" around then she didn't have her oxygen on as the tube doesn't reach. I have reached a point where I just don't trust or believe what these people say...they are just covering their ass's. The nurse was so determined to tell me my mom's vitals - at that point I didn't care. They asked for my permission to have her transported to Kaiser for further evaluation I said yes.
On my way out of my classroom I called Windsor again...and asked what had happened...did she fall?? They said no that she had had no falls but as 911 got there she had another grand mal seizure. She had only been there for 20 hours and already back at Kaiser. I feel frustrated with Kaiser as well....why did they send her out if she was still so medically fragile?? Was it because her medi-care only allows 7 days of charges for their patients and my mom was reaching her 7 days?? I mentioned that to the administration dept. and they gave me a phone number I could call if I thought they were discharging my mom too soon.
I arrived at the ER at the same time as the ambulance - I saw them wheel her in. The ER is good about getting the family in as soon as possible so I was led in quickly as the doctors had questions for me. She was laying moving her legs a little and moving her arms...they asked my what I wanted them to do...should they intubate her?? I said yes so they could figure out what was going on BUT I told them that she did want "life support". I have to tell you that I struggled with this so much...as they were not sure if my mom has sustained any kind of brain damage....and they fact that this time she was on "full" support from the ventilator (before she was the one initiating the breath) - it was now about 11 am and I was keeping it all together until the reality of all things hit me....the nurse in the ER told me that she would have done the same thing (put the tube in) - I just hoped that it was for all the right reasons. Shirley got there shortly there after (she has such a calming, spiritual presence) and I was very relieved to have her with me - thank you Shirley.
They moved my mom up to ICU for the 3rd time in 3.5 weeks......still the vent was on full support and they were waiting for more tests. The plan was to get a MRI of her brain to see if she had a tumor, clot or had had a stroke....it all came back negative. So why did she have the seizure?? The neurologist came in a did a few tests on her...one of which was her reflexes - he said they were good, her eyes were reactive. Now they were waiting for her to wake up more so they could do more tests to check her. Before I left this evening she was a little awake....we tried to get her to follow commands and sometimes she did....the nurse said that we needed to let her wake up more....I asked my mom if she was cold and she nodded so I asked for some warm blankets and she went deeper asleep. Now they are waiting to try and wean her off the tube again possibly tonight....I talked to Sadie about waiting until tomorrow as today had been quite a day..but they really want them off the tube asap. I will call in a while to see how she is.
I really need to thank a group a people who made it possible for me to stay as long as I needed too....Elizabeth, Susan, Amy and Sandy, Leif, Sonia, Angela and Erika....you all rock...it takes a village.
Thank you for all your powerful prayers....my mom is being watched well.
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