No sooner had I posted the last entry than things changed. We went to the Hospital Saturday at 1:30 to see mom- the room was empty! Sure enough, the nurse had left a message (as had the doctor earlier) saying that she was going back to Vista Ridge! So, she was back at Vista Ridge by Saturday afternoon- we went by and she was sound asleep, so we didn't stay.
Today, we did go to see her, and she was crying. Part of it had to do with lunch, but part (I think) was just general depression and anxiety. Dad asked if they could give her something, and she was calmer by this evening.
We'll see if they do any therapy on her tomorrow, since it is a holiday. Hopefully, they will get her back on the anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication for sure.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
It's frustrating- no doctor
Mom's still in the hospital as of this morning. When we went last night, she was taking a breathing treatment again. We saw her Thursday and she had another brief round of tachycardia (which leads to shallow breathing, or vice-versa), but other than that, was feeling much better. She had a reaction to some anti-anxiety medicine that gave her a pretty good rash all over, so they were using Benadryl to get that stopped/reversed. She seemed to be eating much better (was very excited about having oatmeal that morning, as well as a little coffee and milk- no, she's only supposed to have thickened liquids, but they forget sometimes...). Friday night, she had what she thought was pureed stew,; it tasted pretty good and she ate most of it, she said.
She didn't remember seeing the doctor at all on Friday. She did say she had slept most of the day. She didn't remember seeing Dad on Friday, either; she either just didn't remember or he slipped out to go back to Big Spring while she was asleep.
Whatever the case, we're not getting a whole lot of information from the doctor(s) as to why she is still there, or what changes have been made to her medication, routines, etc. Meanwhile, she is not getting any therapy there.
She still continues to improve mentally, and her speech seemed very improved last night to both of us, even though she had on a mask. We both think that she must have dry mouth (which affects her speech tremendously) a lot. But, the mist from the mask for the breathing treatment probably helped keep her mouth moist, so she was clearly understandable (a nice, loud, clear voice) under those circumstances.
We don't anticipate any change in location (back to Vista Ridge) over the holiday weekend.
Have a safe and blessed holiday, everyone!
She didn't remember seeing the doctor at all on Friday. She did say she had slept most of the day. She didn't remember seeing Dad on Friday, either; she either just didn't remember or he slipped out to go back to Big Spring while she was asleep.
Whatever the case, we're not getting a whole lot of information from the doctor(s) as to why she is still there, or what changes have been made to her medication, routines, etc. Meanwhile, she is not getting any therapy there.
She still continues to improve mentally, and her speech seemed very improved last night to both of us, even though she had on a mask. We both think that she must have dry mouth (which affects her speech tremendously) a lot. But, the mist from the mask for the breathing treatment probably helped keep her mouth moist, so she was clearly understandable (a nice, loud, clear voice) under those circumstances.
We don't anticipate any change in location (back to Vista Ridge) over the holiday weekend.
Have a safe and blessed holiday, everyone!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Still in the hospital- back on the roller coaster...
I spoke to Dad this evening. I knew he didn't get home until late last night-- turns out he got in after 2:00 a.m. because they didn't get Mom into a regular room until after midnight. She's in room 171 (I believe..) in Lewisville Medical Center, just off I-35 on the Main Street Exit.
Needless to say, Dad slept in a little today. By the time he got to the hospital, the doctor had already made his rounds. Mom felt a little better this morning, but was feeling nauseated again by this afternoon and couldn't eat anything at supper (she did eat a little breakfast and lunch). They are still trying to find the source of the nausea, shallow breathing, and rapid heart rate (tachycardia?). In the meantime, they did give her more anxiety medication (according to Dad) and continue to try to find nausea medicine that works. When I called around 5:30 today, Dad said she had slept most of the day and slept all during our conversation.
Dad also seems to think they will be in the hospital for at least three or four days.
I guess there will continue to be days like this-- up and down on the roller coaster. We are all a little discouraged because she had done so well up to this point; there was talk of another swallow test soon (which there still could be), but it certainly slows down the recovery.
Needless to say, Dad slept in a little today. By the time he got to the hospital, the doctor had already made his rounds. Mom felt a little better this morning, but was feeling nauseated again by this afternoon and couldn't eat anything at supper (she did eat a little breakfast and lunch). They are still trying to find the source of the nausea, shallow breathing, and rapid heart rate (tachycardia?). In the meantime, they did give her more anxiety medication (according to Dad) and continue to try to find nausea medicine that works. When I called around 5:30 today, Dad said she had slept most of the day and slept all during our conversation.
Dad also seems to think they will be in the hospital for at least three or four days.
I guess there will continue to be days like this-- up and down on the roller coaster. We are all a little discouraged because she had done so well up to this point; there was talk of another swallow test soon (which there still could be), but it certainly slows down the recovery.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A bad night- back to the hospital
When we went to see her last night, she was not doing well. She had a bad upset stomach and just felt bad all over. Almost like having the flu or something; she was upset and uncomfortable (to the point where no one or nothing could provide any relief).
This afternoon, we got a call that she was having shallow breathing and racing heartrate. They put her on oxygen at the nursing home, but that didn't seem to help, so they called the ambulance.
She was taken to Lewisville Medical Center this evening around 4:30 p.m., and was still in the ER when we left at 8:00, but was in much better shape. Her breathing and heart rate were pretty much settled (although she would still have bouts of shallow breathing). She was on oxygen and saline, but hadn't had anything to eat since lunch (she did eat both at breakfast and lunch today).
We expect her to spend the night in the hospital (they'll move her to a regular room soon) and then go back to Vista Ridge sometime tomorrow.
This afternoon, we got a call that she was having shallow breathing and racing heartrate. They put her on oxygen at the nursing home, but that didn't seem to help, so they called the ambulance.
She was taken to Lewisville Medical Center this evening around 4:30 p.m., and was still in the ER when we left at 8:00, but was in much better shape. Her breathing and heart rate were pretty much settled (although she would still have bouts of shallow breathing). She was on oxygen and saline, but hadn't had anything to eat since lunch (she did eat both at breakfast and lunch today).
We expect her to spend the night in the hospital (they'll move her to a regular room soon) and then go back to Vista Ridge sometime tomorrow.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Singing, the banana and the feet....
Good morning, all- last night was the first time Pam and I saw Mom for a while; we've both been working at school to get everything started with kids on Monday. Dad told me later that the speech therapist brought in a banana for mom to eat (and maybe some tea?). She did pretty good with both, and the therapist questioned her about her eating and drinking the whole time. She did some different tongue exercises with her, so both Mom and Dad were hopeful that the time would come soon when she would move "up the food chain" to eat something not pureed or drink something not thickened!
Dad was even more excited about the speech therapist having her sing. She did a simple vocal exercise (for those musicians, it would be the 1, 3, 5, and octave). She moved up and down the range fairly well, and Dad said her voice was "crystal clear." Singing- that's something we haven't heard her do in a long time!!!! Dad said she sounded just like she used to.
In addition, she is starting to move her legs now. The right one, not so much; but she is getting more movement in the left leg, including the foot- she's moving the foot back and forth in the boot.
Still no word on the special boots. More later.
Dad was even more excited about the speech therapist having her sing. She did a simple vocal exercise (for those musicians, it would be the 1, 3, 5, and octave). She moved up and down the range fairly well, and Dad said her voice was "crystal clear." Singing- that's something we haven't heard her do in a long time!!!! Dad said she sounded just like she used to.
In addition, she is starting to move her legs now. The right one, not so much; but she is getting more movement in the left leg, including the foot- she's moving the foot back and forth in the boot.
Still no word on the special boots. More later.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Update as of 8/17/08
Mom has had a pretty good week. She has been eating more (they have her on an appetite stimulant and nausea relief) and is in better spirits (the Prozac must be kicking in...). Our youngest son came in last week (passing through to Oregon to visit our oldest son) and she enjoyed the visit. My cousin and his wife came in Thursday for a nice visit; our niece came in this weekend and she enjoyed that visit as well; everyone commented about how much talking she is doing.
That's been one of the biggest changes in the past week or so-- Mom is much more conversant than in the past. Previously, she didn't seem to care to engage in conversation, so visits with her were very much "one-way." Now, she engages you in conversation, listens and responds to what you are saying, and gives much more detail in her stories than she did even before the hip surgery. It's making visits much more pleasant for everyone involved!
We were told earlier (and all of us who have seen her previously have agreed) that she has lost some cognitive abilities and some decision-making and problem-solving skills. I'm beginning to think that is not true. She seems very lucid, very focused, and very able to remember and make decisions and realize the results of those decisions. She's watching more TV and able to stay interested in different shows now (she likes the Ranger games and the Olympics).
She is eating better; she's still not a big fan of the pureed food and thickened water, but is eating more and willing to try to eat more. She's still very opinionated about the food-- after all, it is hospital food-- but she IS eating it!
Progress is very slow, but there is progress. She is being dressed every day in regular clothes. Physical therapists are very concerned about her feet, and don't seem very optimistic that the "drop-foot" problems she has on both feet will be corrected anytime soon (which will prevent any therapy to try to get her walking again). The speech therapy is going slow; she still speaks somewhat "thickly" and, until she gets that tongue working more (she still can't stick her tongue out very far), she won't be able to eat real food or drink non-thickened fluids.
The worst problem now is the recently-discovered bladder infection; she is now in isolation and can't leave the room, which means she didn't have therapy on Friday and no therapy this weekend (I'm not sure they even do therapy on weekends, though...). Hopefully, things will be better on Monday.
Otherwise, we all just keep plugging along. This is a busy time for both my wife and I as we prepare for the start of school. Dad took an extra long trip back this weekend (left a few hours early Friday) to work on a leak in the house at Big Spring and mow the lawn (recent rains have rescued the previously sunburned lawn!). He was still back about mid-afternoon Saturday. He still has his reading materials, snacks, and general stuff that he takes to the nursing home each day to spend with Mom.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support!
That's been one of the biggest changes in the past week or so-- Mom is much more conversant than in the past. Previously, she didn't seem to care to engage in conversation, so visits with her were very much "one-way." Now, she engages you in conversation, listens and responds to what you are saying, and gives much more detail in her stories than she did even before the hip surgery. It's making visits much more pleasant for everyone involved!
We were told earlier (and all of us who have seen her previously have agreed) that she has lost some cognitive abilities and some decision-making and problem-solving skills. I'm beginning to think that is not true. She seems very lucid, very focused, and very able to remember and make decisions and realize the results of those decisions. She's watching more TV and able to stay interested in different shows now (she likes the Ranger games and the Olympics).
She is eating better; she's still not a big fan of the pureed food and thickened water, but is eating more and willing to try to eat more. She's still very opinionated about the food-- after all, it is hospital food-- but she IS eating it!
Progress is very slow, but there is progress. She is being dressed every day in regular clothes. Physical therapists are very concerned about her feet, and don't seem very optimistic that the "drop-foot" problems she has on both feet will be corrected anytime soon (which will prevent any therapy to try to get her walking again). The speech therapy is going slow; she still speaks somewhat "thickly" and, until she gets that tongue working more (she still can't stick her tongue out very far), she won't be able to eat real food or drink non-thickened fluids.
The worst problem now is the recently-discovered bladder infection; she is now in isolation and can't leave the room, which means she didn't have therapy on Friday and no therapy this weekend (I'm not sure they even do therapy on weekends, though...). Hopefully, things will be better on Monday.
Otherwise, we all just keep plugging along. This is a busy time for both my wife and I as we prepare for the start of school. Dad took an extra long trip back this weekend (left a few hours early Friday) to work on a leak in the house at Big Spring and mow the lawn (recent rains have rescued the previously sunburned lawn!). He was still back about mid-afternoon Saturday. He still has his reading materials, snacks, and general stuff that he takes to the nursing home each day to spend with Mom.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support!
A little background...
Good evening, all. I created this blog to avoid some mass emailings (not that they were so bad, but this just seems easier in the long run) about Mom's condition. My mother (DOB 1/23/31) has been in a facility (hospital, rehab, nursing home, etc.) since March 25, 2008. On that day, she went into (an unnamed West Texas Hospital) for a right hip replacement. She has already had a knee replacement, and has a history of problems with arthritis and fibromyalgia. On top of that, she has problems with anesthesia leading to lung problems (she had pneumonia after the knee replacement).
Things went from bad to worse after the hip replacement. She was in the hospital for a few days and scheduled to go to rehab; she went to rehab on time but was returned to the hospital with a bowel/intestinal problem. This lasted a couple of weeks, at which time the hospital told Dad they no longer had a place for her (something to do with Medicare?). Dad was told Mom could be moved back to rehab or to a nursing home; Dad chose the rehab center (we all agreed). She stayed at rehab for about two weeks and made very little progress; in fact, when we saw her there, the physical therapists working with her said she was not working or trying very hard. She had little or no appetite, and had to be helped everywhere (into the chair, to the bathroom, etc.)
After about two weeks at the rehab center, they said they could no longer keep her; the only options were home or to a skilled nursing center where she could get rehab. Because there was a skilled nursing center in Big Spring, we chose that; we knew Dad could not work with her by himself at home. She was moved to the nursing home in Big Spring in late April/early May. We still didn't think everything was right, but had to trust the doctors at the time.
After a few days at the nursing home, her local doctor insisted she be taken back to the hospital; she wasn't doing well at all. She shortly when into intense respiratory distress; the doctor in charge decided to put her into a medically-induced coma and put her on a ventilator at 100% oxygen. When I went to see her, he basically described her condition as critical but not grave; he gave her a 20% chance of recovery.
After about three weeks in the ICU unit on the ventilator (where she wasn't really making any progress), the decision was made to move her to a long term acute care (LTAC) facility. We were able to choose one in the Dallas area. Shortly after arriving, it was determined she would need a tracheostomy for the breathing tube. Mom started making incredible gains after the trach was installed; she was completely weaned from the anesthesia and eventually overcame all breathing difficulties.
She was then moved (about a month ago) to a rehab center in the area; but too much time had passed from when she had been under anesthesia. She had no muscle tone anywhere, including her tongue (she still speaks thickly) and no muscle tone in her extremities (arms and legs). It was determined she was not making enough progress and would need to go back to a skilled nursing facility.
Which pretty much catches everyone up...
Things went from bad to worse after the hip replacement. She was in the hospital for a few days and scheduled to go to rehab; she went to rehab on time but was returned to the hospital with a bowel/intestinal problem. This lasted a couple of weeks, at which time the hospital told Dad they no longer had a place for her (something to do with Medicare?). Dad was told Mom could be moved back to rehab or to a nursing home; Dad chose the rehab center (we all agreed). She stayed at rehab for about two weeks and made very little progress; in fact, when we saw her there, the physical therapists working with her said she was not working or trying very hard. She had little or no appetite, and had to be helped everywhere (into the chair, to the bathroom, etc.)
After about two weeks at the rehab center, they said they could no longer keep her; the only options were home or to a skilled nursing center where she could get rehab. Because there was a skilled nursing center in Big Spring, we chose that; we knew Dad could not work with her by himself at home. She was moved to the nursing home in Big Spring in late April/early May. We still didn't think everything was right, but had to trust the doctors at the time.
After a few days at the nursing home, her local doctor insisted she be taken back to the hospital; she wasn't doing well at all. She shortly when into intense respiratory distress; the doctor in charge decided to put her into a medically-induced coma and put her on a ventilator at 100% oxygen. When I went to see her, he basically described her condition as critical but not grave; he gave her a 20% chance of recovery.
After about three weeks in the ICU unit on the ventilator (where she wasn't really making any progress), the decision was made to move her to a long term acute care (LTAC) facility. We were able to choose one in the Dallas area. Shortly after arriving, it was determined she would need a tracheostomy for the breathing tube. Mom started making incredible gains after the trach was installed; she was completely weaned from the anesthesia and eventually overcame all breathing difficulties.
She was then moved (about a month ago) to a rehab center in the area; but too much time had passed from when she had been under anesthesia. She had no muscle tone anywhere, including her tongue (she still speaks thickly) and no muscle tone in her extremities (arms and legs). It was determined she was not making enough progress and would need to go back to a skilled nursing facility.
Which pretty much catches everyone up...
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