We had a good visit with Mom's nurse today. Last week Mom was 're-certified' with Hospice and that is a good thing because she has had a little bit of a 'bounce' and is feeling some better now, aside from the fresh UTI. We started another antibiotic on Monday 8/8, and she finishes it today...this is twice this month already. Her sugar readings are low, so we hope that means we're cured, for now. We have an appointment with the urologist next Monday. I wish there was something more/else we can do. He made a few of the old suggestions again. We could try to tinker with her Ph balance by adding lemon to every meal, or just keep on with the pills. Since every physiology is different, all we can do is try everything. The problem is, we already have tried everything. Hospice is being very 'patient' with me about it, because often this is an issue that is just going to be there until the end. They would rather I stop the pills and the doctor visits.
The two new diagnoses are that she is still having little heart-attack type episodes that include clamminess and dizzy spells, and that she has a little vascular dementia. Her heart is slowly winding down and taking short sabbaticals. They seem to come in spurts. One day she will fall asleep and not wake up. Cathy had told me to expect her to have a decent 'bounce' towards the end. Her cognizance will continue to diminish, as well as her judgement because she isn't getting adequate blood flow to the brain.
She is still tired, still forgetful, still cheerful. She takes a three hour nap everyday. We talk about the future, about her departure. She likes to talk about the roster of loved ones that have gone before. We like to think about them anxiously waiting, looking for her. Oh, she enjoys that! It always brings a smile when she thinks about her Dad.
The kittens are ending up to be quite entertaining. Sam, the white one, loves water, anything in a glass or goblet, and to sleep in the bathroom sinks. He will cry for us to turn on the water. Then he will play as long as we keep the water running...or he will help me do the dishes. It's rather a fight when he gets in between me and the faucet, he is so flexible. Humphrey, the tuxedo one, is at times the more curious-brave one and also the more skittish of the two. They both would rather eat Lily's dog food, which is a problem because I keep their cat food out of her reach.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Sunday Dinner with Jolene
Aside from the regular ups and downs, and considering all of the balls we have in the air...this week has been as crazy-average as usual.
The two days I spent with Brenda over July 4th were very relaxing and rejuvenating. I drove on the new toll road in both directions. It cuts through the rough, South from the 91 into Irvine right around the Yorba Linda area. Very nice! Avoids all that beach cities icky interchange. We watched fire works and went to Fashion Island Mall (very posh!) and saw the 'world's largest windchime', ate at the local Middle-east market, drank strawberry smoothies, and slept in. But on the way home I didn't recognize the off ramp I needed so I over shot it. It was late at night and I was looking for Newport Rd. forgetting that it was on the 215 and I wasn't. The two freeways branch at Temecula, remember. There is a stretch between the two a few miles to the North that is a bit of a short cut. Newport turns into Railroad Canyon and then passes Canyon Lake by the time it reaches the 15. I gained a half hour of driving because I went through Murietta Hot springs instead. bleh.
Marian Williams brought Maurita Harman to Hemet on July 10th so we could all have lunch together and we went to Mimi's. They had both been to Cle Elum retreat the week before. We both teased Marian because this year was the first year we had been invited, (by her) and we told her we wondered if it was because we were past our SELL BY date?
The week of July 7 started out with a trip to the lab to drop off a urine sample. Mom was having pain, and that usually means that the 'maintenance' antibiotic has failed. Again. I didn't hear back by last Friday, but on the previous Tuesday Janet noticed Mom's sugar reading was very high. That can mean an infection. Janet dealt with it, and when I got home she was some better. Today I will call the DR to see if they've got the results yet.
Yesterday we were invited to Brock's for Sunday Dinner. John and Daniel were in town, and so was Jolene. It was her 19th birthday so we had a little party for her. They'd included John Jensen, so it made a nice time. He is recovering well, and he enjoys those boys so much. I got Mom to bed for a nap by 3. She slept until 8. I went to bed at 10, but got up again at 2am to get her into bed herself. This morning she was in a lot of pain. Her nurse and her aide came and went. She stayed in bed. She is up now having a lunch of Sue's homemade tomato soup, with croutons, and the Social Worker is coming soon.
She's here, so I'll go. We're looking forward to seeing you sometime in September?
The two days I spent with Brenda over July 4th were very relaxing and rejuvenating. I drove on the new toll road in both directions. It cuts through the rough, South from the 91 into Irvine right around the Yorba Linda area. Very nice! Avoids all that beach cities icky interchange. We watched fire works and went to Fashion Island Mall (very posh!) and saw the 'world's largest windchime', ate at the local Middle-east market, drank strawberry smoothies, and slept in. But on the way home I didn't recognize the off ramp I needed so I over shot it. It was late at night and I was looking for Newport Rd. forgetting that it was on the 215 and I wasn't. The two freeways branch at Temecula, remember. There is a stretch between the two a few miles to the North that is a bit of a short cut. Newport turns into Railroad Canyon and then passes Canyon Lake by the time it reaches the 15. I gained a half hour of driving because I went through Murietta Hot springs instead. bleh.
Marian Williams brought Maurita Harman to Hemet on July 10th so we could all have lunch together and we went to Mimi's. They had both been to Cle Elum retreat the week before. We both teased Marian because this year was the first year we had been invited, (by her) and we told her we wondered if it was because we were past our SELL BY date?
The week of July 7 started out with a trip to the lab to drop off a urine sample. Mom was having pain, and that usually means that the 'maintenance' antibiotic has failed. Again. I didn't hear back by last Friday, but on the previous Tuesday Janet noticed Mom's sugar reading was very high. That can mean an infection. Janet dealt with it, and when I got home she was some better. Today I will call the DR to see if they've got the results yet.
Yesterday we were invited to Brock's for Sunday Dinner. John and Daniel were in town, and so was Jolene. It was her 19th birthday so we had a little party for her. They'd included John Jensen, so it made a nice time. He is recovering well, and he enjoys those boys so much. I got Mom to bed for a nap by 3. She slept until 8. I went to bed at 10, but got up again at 2am to get her into bed herself. This morning she was in a lot of pain. Her nurse and her aide came and went. She stayed in bed. She is up now having a lunch of Sue's homemade tomato soup, with croutons, and the Social Worker is coming soon.
She's here, so I'll go. We're looking forward to seeing you sometime in September?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Weary Wednesday
I am not getting enough sleep...and the appointments are getting tough to keep. This week alone we needed to get Mom to the Lab for blood work since (my bad) I forgot to get it two weeks ago preparing for her doctor's appointment last Monday 6/10. Then she had an emergency visit to her Podiatrist 6/11 because she developed a new bedsore that was inflamed, on the other foot!. I took a picture and tried to send by instagram but I cannot figure it out. It is not as straightforward as it should be and I find myself giving up after the ninetieth or twentieth try. I got the app on my phone but that's it. It's useless. Sorry.
Her Urologist sent antibiotic, her Podiatrist sent antibiotic, and as I said, her primary care wanted me to go ahead and do the blood work after the fact, so we had to spend time at the lab. Then she will call us at home to discuss the results.
Mom is depressed and morose. She didn't think it was fair that Darlene got to 'go'. before she did. She feels useless and a burden to me. She doesn't realize that her attitude adds to the mix. Mondays are her hospice visit days, also we wait for her prescriptions to be delivered, and the groceries. Often on Tuesday morning I am utterly exhausted and it is time for me to start my work week.
On this Tuesday I took the kittens in to be 'fixed' but forgot to starve them the night before...they were determined to be too young for the surgery and he refused to operate on them with a full stomach anyway. sigh. They got their shots and we made an appointment to have their surgery in August, plus to get them de-clawed at the same time. I know some feel that this is cruel or in-humane if they ever got outside and ran away...however, I don't want shredded drapes, sofas, box springs, chairs, or leather all torn up. I ordered a climbing pole that has sisal carpet on it, maybe they will, maybe they won't.
I am struggling with a chronic issue of clients cutting in line...on Friday a regular (and good) client came in (with the proverbial hat-in-hand) and asked if I could PLEASE have it done by Tuesday for her to try on as she needed it by Wednesday. I stayed an hour late on Saturday to get it done, putting her ahead of about twelve clients. When I came to work yesterday she had left a message saying she was too busy to come in. So I was embarrassed before several clients whose work I had pre-empted to get her done. They came to pick their stuff up and I didn't have it done. My problem is, is it worth the losing her as client just to shame her for an apology? We can't change it now, and we can't un-do it. This happens from time to time and usually it all works out, but recently it's been happening alot. I will just have to start saying NO.
We had a surprise visit from Daniel, and he brought Jolene Ruga to meet Gramma. I didn't bring Mom out to gospel but Bill called later and asked if we could come over there. We did.
Please continue to pray for us. I depend on those prayers.
Lead me to the cross and show me His wounds
May I see my sins as
the nails that transfixed him
the cords that bound him
the thorns that tore him and the sword that pierced him
Help me to find in His death the reality and immensity of His Love.
Increase my faith in the clear knowledge of
atonement achieved
expiation completed
satisfaction made
guilt done away
my dept paid
my sins forgiven
my person redeemed
my soul saved
hell vanquished
heaven opened
and eternity made mine.
As the Spirit moved over the face of the waters and brought beauty from chaos, may He move over my rebellion and the chaos of my heart and bring peace.
Her Urologist sent antibiotic, her Podiatrist sent antibiotic, and as I said, her primary care wanted me to go ahead and do the blood work after the fact, so we had to spend time at the lab. Then she will call us at home to discuss the results.
Mom is depressed and morose. She didn't think it was fair that Darlene got to 'go'. before she did. She feels useless and a burden to me. She doesn't realize that her attitude adds to the mix. Mondays are her hospice visit days, also we wait for her prescriptions to be delivered, and the groceries. Often on Tuesday morning I am utterly exhausted and it is time for me to start my work week.
On this Tuesday I took the kittens in to be 'fixed' but forgot to starve them the night before...they were determined to be too young for the surgery and he refused to operate on them with a full stomach anyway. sigh. They got their shots and we made an appointment to have their surgery in August, plus to get them de-clawed at the same time. I know some feel that this is cruel or in-humane if they ever got outside and ran away...however, I don't want shredded drapes, sofas, box springs, chairs, or leather all torn up. I ordered a climbing pole that has sisal carpet on it, maybe they will, maybe they won't.
I am struggling with a chronic issue of clients cutting in line...on Friday a regular (and good) client came in (with the proverbial hat-in-hand) and asked if I could PLEASE have it done by Tuesday for her to try on as she needed it by Wednesday. I stayed an hour late on Saturday to get it done, putting her ahead of about twelve clients. When I came to work yesterday she had left a message saying she was too busy to come in. So I was embarrassed before several clients whose work I had pre-empted to get her done. They came to pick their stuff up and I didn't have it done. My problem is, is it worth the losing her as client just to shame her for an apology? We can't change it now, and we can't un-do it. This happens from time to time and usually it all works out, but recently it's been happening alot. I will just have to start saying NO.
We had a surprise visit from Daniel, and he brought Jolene Ruga to meet Gramma. I didn't bring Mom out to gospel but Bill called later and asked if we could come over there. We did.
Please continue to pray for us. I depend on those prayers.
Lead me to the cross and show me His wounds
May I see my sins as
the nails that transfixed him
the cords that bound him
the thorns that tore him and the sword that pierced him
Help me to find in His death the reality and immensity of His Love.
Increase my faith in the clear knowledge of
atonement achieved
expiation completed
satisfaction made
guilt done away
my dept paid
my sins forgiven
my person redeemed
my soul saved
hell vanquished
heaven opened
and eternity made mine.
As the Spirit moved over the face of the waters and brought beauty from chaos, may He move over my rebellion and the chaos of my heart and bring peace.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Catching Up
Time does fly! I will try to get you caught up, though. I had written a post on May 5 only to have it disappear when I went somewhere else on the web to look something up. So discouraging. bleh.
5/5. Anyway, on May 5 Mom wanted to go to Arturo's for lunch, after meeting. Not being Mexican we totally forgot about Cinco de Mayo. The first clue should have been the full parking lot...then the crowded lobby. When I asked about the wait, they said 30 minutes. I was ready to go elsewhere, but...they had hired the Ramona Pageant Mariachi Band to serenade the customers that day before they went up to the play! Mom was so interested, and the look on her face made the decision. She cheered, and clapped, and hooted with the rest of the folks. It made the wait much easier to bear. Thankfully, the band took short breaks or else the people who were already seated (and finished eating) were not interested in leaving! (even if I gave them the stink-eye)
5/8. I called Dan to see what his immediate future looked like regarding coming down to see Mom. He likes me to do this, it gives him a chance to plan a trip if he has the idea right in front of him. He didn't call me back, but when I got home from work on Thursday, there they were! It was a really nice surprise for Mom for Mother's day. They stayed until after lunch at meeting ( ADM 5/12 ) Sunday afternoon. They will be back at the beginning of June because.... I had asked Dan to help me with my patio tarp since the weather is getting too hot for my outdoor potted plants. The wind always wreaks havoc on the tarps, so they tear and I need to take them down. He and Marge went to Home Depot thinking just to buy another large umbrella, and saw the wood pergola that was built to shelter their outdoor area, and he decided to build one of those for Mom, instead. He will probably fly down and rent a U-Haul to go home because.... he has decided to rescue me from having to have a garage sale. When he asked why we were using only two dining chairs, Mom told him we were going to sell the country-style dining room furniture to replace it with a smaller set that would be easier for her to navigate with her walker. As it is now, four of the six chairs abide in the garage with the two leaves, such a waste of good table top! That furniture was to be the major piece at my now-defunct garage sale. I have been clearing out shelves and hidey-holes in the garage for weeks trying to find things to sell to raise money for new dining room furniture, so there is quite a pile of useless-to-me but wonderful-to-somebody stuff. He asked me how much I wanted for all of it! He knows how much his wife loves a treasure hunt at a thrift store, so he decided to bring the whole thrift store home. What a relief! Marge even went so far as to wash and polish the beautiful twin bedroom set of GG's that has been in the garage for 27 years, and set it up in Mom's room. Too wonderful for two reasons...I had needed to sleep in the living room while they were here, and I was too far away from Mom so it will be nice to have a second bed in there for any eventuality, and Mom has given them her old queen bedroom suite since her hospital bed is a twin and so the set was now irrelevant. Marge is happy as a clam as she says she has never had a complete set. All Marge did, and all that Dan is taking home has set me forward for months & months in Monday chores!!!
I expected Mom to CRASH right afterwards, but she held onto the 'high' until later in the week. This is why I try to be so conservative with her activities, so we can weather a change of plan like this without too much trauma.
5/19. This was a sweet, quiet day. Brenda was here with Helena and we had Fondue! Mom enjoys them ( and the dipping, she is such a dipping maniac ) so much. Brenda got a picture of Helena with your flowers.
Last night 5/21, was not quiet. We had major issues with pain in her bowels, she spent alot of time on the toilet, and I needed to call the nurse @ 11:00pm to get some guidance. They told me to administer morphine for the anxiety and pain. She is better this morning, still sleeping. Speaking of that, it is now 9:00 and I'd better get her up and fix her breakfast!
5/5. Anyway, on May 5 Mom wanted to go to Arturo's for lunch, after meeting. Not being Mexican we totally forgot about Cinco de Mayo. The first clue should have been the full parking lot...then the crowded lobby. When I asked about the wait, they said 30 minutes. I was ready to go elsewhere, but...they had hired the Ramona Pageant Mariachi Band to serenade the customers that day before they went up to the play! Mom was so interested, and the look on her face made the decision. She cheered, and clapped, and hooted with the rest of the folks. It made the wait much easier to bear. Thankfully, the band took short breaks or else the people who were already seated (and finished eating) were not interested in leaving! (even if I gave them the stink-eye)
5/8. I called Dan to see what his immediate future looked like regarding coming down to see Mom. He likes me to do this, it gives him a chance to plan a trip if he has the idea right in front of him. He didn't call me back, but when I got home from work on Thursday, there they were! It was a really nice surprise for Mom for Mother's day. They stayed until after lunch at meeting ( ADM 5/12 ) Sunday afternoon. They will be back at the beginning of June because.... I had asked Dan to help me with my patio tarp since the weather is getting too hot for my outdoor potted plants. The wind always wreaks havoc on the tarps, so they tear and I need to take them down. He and Marge went to Home Depot thinking just to buy another large umbrella, and saw the wood pergola that was built to shelter their outdoor area, and he decided to build one of those for Mom, instead. He will probably fly down and rent a U-Haul to go home because.... he has decided to rescue me from having to have a garage sale. When he asked why we were using only two dining chairs, Mom told him we were going to sell the country-style dining room furniture to replace it with a smaller set that would be easier for her to navigate with her walker. As it is now, four of the six chairs abide in the garage with the two leaves, such a waste of good table top! That furniture was to be the major piece at my now-defunct garage sale. I have been clearing out shelves and hidey-holes in the garage for weeks trying to find things to sell to raise money for new dining room furniture, so there is quite a pile of useless-to-me but wonderful-to-somebody stuff. He asked me how much I wanted for all of it! He knows how much his wife loves a treasure hunt at a thrift store, so he decided to bring the whole thrift store home. What a relief! Marge even went so far as to wash and polish the beautiful twin bedroom set of GG's that has been in the garage for 27 years, and set it up in Mom's room. Too wonderful for two reasons...I had needed to sleep in the living room while they were here, and I was too far away from Mom so it will be nice to have a second bed in there for any eventuality, and Mom has given them her old queen bedroom suite since her hospital bed is a twin and so the set was now irrelevant. Marge is happy as a clam as she says she has never had a complete set. All Marge did, and all that Dan is taking home has set me forward for months & months in Monday chores!!!
I expected Mom to CRASH right afterwards, but she held onto the 'high' until later in the week. This is why I try to be so conservative with her activities, so we can weather a change of plan like this without too much trauma.
5/19. This was a sweet, quiet day. Brenda was here with Helena and we had Fondue! Mom enjoys them ( and the dipping, she is such a dipping maniac ) so much. Brenda got a picture of Helena with your flowers.
Last night 5/21, was not quiet. We had major issues with pain in her bowels, she spent alot of time on the toilet, and I needed to call the nurse @ 11:00pm to get some guidance. They told me to administer morphine for the anxiety and pain. She is better this morning, still sleeping. Speaking of that, it is now 9:00 and I'd better get her up and fix her breakfast!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Irregular-ish Monday
It was a bit topsy-turvy today.
Yesterday (Sunday) Mom was all out of sorts...she didn't want to wake up, or get up, except that she had to 'go'. She really didn't want to eat or get dressed at all, either. She wept and winced all the way to the potty, she was in that much pain. I gave her her morning pain pill and some liquid morphine to get to the pain quickly.
I called Bill about 8:30am to tell him that I was keeping her home from meeting, and why. He is always so kind to me, and never questions these judgement calls.
I propped Mom up in bed, gave her some hot tea, some fruit and yogurt, did her testings, (her sugar was decent) watched her swallow her pills, and got her as comfortable as I could.
I made it to the B of B, and then left during the conference letter reading. She wanted only soup for lunch so I heated up some pumpkin and squash bisque, and I added some left over croutons, which makes her happy. She had string cheese, cocoa and toast for supper. Not much. We both went to bed early.
Her nurse Cathy came this morning when she was still in bed. We refilled her medications, she took her blood pressure, listened to her heart & lungs, and discussed with me her poor appetite, her sleepfull-ness, her growing confusion & cognitive loss, the evident decline. She knows about the chronic UTI situation, and saw the specimen cup that I have set out to remind me to get a sample tomorrow morning. I'll drop it off on my way to work. I always get a urine specimen to the lab a week before any appointment so we can see if the antibiotic is working or if we need to switch. Cathy doesn't want me to plan on getting her out to the urologist next Monday. They (hospice) really help me to face facts; what's the point in adding the stress and bother of an outing when the Dr. can call in a prescription if there is any issue. I told Cathy that it was really because Dr. Kim went to Penn, and that often we go out to Rodofo's for soup afterwards. Oh well.
Her aide will be coming after 2:30 today. A substitute. When she asked me if she could bring a student, I hesitated. One new person at a time. Especially if she is bare-naked, thankyouverymuch.
Mom is up and in her chair now, watching a cooking program. I will get her back to bed after her bath. She will sleep until suppertime.
"Thou hast made me what I am
and given me what I have.
In Thee I live and move, and have my being.
Thy providence has set the bounds of my habitation,
and wisely administers all my affairs.
Let me be numbered with Thy holy ones,
resemble them in character and condition, sit with them at Jesus' feet.
Until I finish my course with joy may I pursue it with diligence,
in every part display the resources of the christian,
and adorn the doctrine of thee, my God in all things."
Yesterday (Sunday) Mom was all out of sorts...she didn't want to wake up, or get up, except that she had to 'go'. She really didn't want to eat or get dressed at all, either. She wept and winced all the way to the potty, she was in that much pain. I gave her her morning pain pill and some liquid morphine to get to the pain quickly.
I called Bill about 8:30am to tell him that I was keeping her home from meeting, and why. He is always so kind to me, and never questions these judgement calls.
I propped Mom up in bed, gave her some hot tea, some fruit and yogurt, did her testings, (her sugar was decent) watched her swallow her pills, and got her as comfortable as I could.
I made it to the B of B, and then left during the conference letter reading. She wanted only soup for lunch so I heated up some pumpkin and squash bisque, and I added some left over croutons, which makes her happy. She had string cheese, cocoa and toast for supper. Not much. We both went to bed early.
Her nurse Cathy came this morning when she was still in bed. We refilled her medications, she took her blood pressure, listened to her heart & lungs, and discussed with me her poor appetite, her sleepfull-ness, her growing confusion & cognitive loss, the evident decline. She knows about the chronic UTI situation, and saw the specimen cup that I have set out to remind me to get a sample tomorrow morning. I'll drop it off on my way to work. I always get a urine specimen to the lab a week before any appointment so we can see if the antibiotic is working or if we need to switch. Cathy doesn't want me to plan on getting her out to the urologist next Monday. They (hospice) really help me to face facts; what's the point in adding the stress and bother of an outing when the Dr. can call in a prescription if there is any issue. I told Cathy that it was really because Dr. Kim went to Penn, and that often we go out to Rodofo's for soup afterwards. Oh well.
Her aide will be coming after 2:30 today. A substitute. When she asked me if she could bring a student, I hesitated. One new person at a time. Especially if she is bare-naked, thankyouverymuch.
Mom is up and in her chair now, watching a cooking program. I will get her back to bed after her bath. She will sleep until suppertime.
"Thou hast made me what I am
and given me what I have.
In Thee I live and move, and have my being.
Thy providence has set the bounds of my habitation,
and wisely administers all my affairs.
Let me be numbered with Thy holy ones,
resemble them in character and condition, sit with them at Jesus' feet.
Until I finish my course with joy may I pursue it with diligence,
in every part display the resources of the christian,
and adorn the doctrine of thee, my God in all things."
Monday, April 22, 2013
New kittens...
I can't believe how the days fly by. Last weekend 4/14 was All-Day-meeting and Mom was so so so so worn out. We both stayed for the afternoon address, but I stayed home from Gospel with her. She gets tired so easily, and then she sleeps for hours.
For the last two weeks I was stressed about my taxes and was not thinking about blogging. As it happens every time (at this time of year) I want to quit owning a business and work for someone else. My tax preparer is very good at her job. She worked and worked with my return...and because first she told me that I might owe $1500.00 plus penalties ( I hadn't been able to make the estimated payments) after I was done fainting she sat down with me and we worked on it some more. She reminded me that essentially I was only owing my Self-Employment Social Security contribution (as if that felt any better) I was able to write the check for the whole amount...except I had forgotten about my car payment and my (self compulsory) IRA contribution so I was on edge all week, going to the bank every day with every single dollar that came in hoping that the check wouldn't clear until I had enough. I was encouraged with the verse that Our God shall supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. So I rendered to Caesar. As of today, it hasn't cleared.
Today we went to the eye doctor and Mom got good news! Her prescription is pretty much the same and the cataract in her good (left) eye hasn't progressed enough to warrant surgery. In fact, he said that she would only get slightly better clarity but the operation would come with risks. Her right eye is pretty well a blank. She was assigned a new case worker this morning by hospice (RN) named Kathy. We like her. It's time consuming to get her up to speed, but she has the pertinent information on her computer record. The visit was non-eventful, meaning that none of her vitals were worse that expected.
We caught four kittens, one right after the other. I guess that has been taking up my thoughts too. One morning we discovered that we had caught the Momma and a kitten too! Yay! Tom and Sue took her to the shelter but brought the kitten home. We had four very frightened kittens on our hands that were about five weeks old. After the trauma of trapping them I decided to keep them together for a few weeks. Sue lent me a kennel. They stayed in there all piled up together. We try to handle them every day to get them used to us. Janet came last Thursday night after Reading meeting and took two home with her. I thought about letting Juana take the one she wanted but I think they are too young to be alone. Besides they are so cute playing together. I think we will keep them. I do go back and forth about it. Lily sometimes decides she is the reincarnation of the Hound of Baskerville and we have had to physically remove her. We keep the separate when we are gone. Mom enjoys it and so we press on! Last night one actually came and sat on my lap while I was at the desk. They let us pet them when they are napping, but they are impossible to catch.
I have been enjoying an old book...The Valley of Vision: a collection of puritan prayers and devotions.
" I know that Thou art the author and finisher of faith,
that the whole work of redemption is Thine alone,
that every good work or thought found in me,
is the effect of Thy power and grace,
that Thy sole motive in working in me to will
and to do is for Thy good pleasure."
So beautiful. I read this morning this line:"...to be a dispenser as well as a partaker of grace."
Even if I can never ever pray with such poetic eloquence, I can thoroughly enjoy the reading of it.
BTW I noticed that I have a 'follower' in Germany...? and that there were 26 pageviews. oh no.
For the last two weeks I was stressed about my taxes and was not thinking about blogging. As it happens every time (at this time of year) I want to quit owning a business and work for someone else. My tax preparer is very good at her job. She worked and worked with my return...and because first she told me that I might owe $1500.00 plus penalties ( I hadn't been able to make the estimated payments) after I was done fainting she sat down with me and we worked on it some more. She reminded me that essentially I was only owing my Self-Employment Social Security contribution (as if that felt any better) I was able to write the check for the whole amount...except I had forgotten about my car payment and my (self compulsory) IRA contribution so I was on edge all week, going to the bank every day with every single dollar that came in hoping that the check wouldn't clear until I had enough. I was encouraged with the verse that Our God shall supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. So I rendered to Caesar. As of today, it hasn't cleared.
Today we went to the eye doctor and Mom got good news! Her prescription is pretty much the same and the cataract in her good (left) eye hasn't progressed enough to warrant surgery. In fact, he said that she would only get slightly better clarity but the operation would come with risks. Her right eye is pretty well a blank. She was assigned a new case worker this morning by hospice (RN) named Kathy. We like her. It's time consuming to get her up to speed, but she has the pertinent information on her computer record. The visit was non-eventful, meaning that none of her vitals were worse that expected.
We caught four kittens, one right after the other. I guess that has been taking up my thoughts too. One morning we discovered that we had caught the Momma and a kitten too! Yay! Tom and Sue took her to the shelter but brought the kitten home. We had four very frightened kittens on our hands that were about five weeks old. After the trauma of trapping them I decided to keep them together for a few weeks. Sue lent me a kennel. They stayed in there all piled up together. We try to handle them every day to get them used to us. Janet came last Thursday night after Reading meeting and took two home with her. I thought about letting Juana take the one she wanted but I think they are too young to be alone. Besides they are so cute playing together. I think we will keep them. I do go back and forth about it. Lily sometimes decides she is the reincarnation of the Hound of Baskerville and we have had to physically remove her. We keep the separate when we are gone. Mom enjoys it and so we press on! Last night one actually came and sat on my lap while I was at the desk. They let us pet them when they are napping, but they are impossible to catch.
I have been enjoying an old book...The Valley of Vision: a collection of puritan prayers and devotions.
" I know that Thou art the author and finisher of faith,
that the whole work of redemption is Thine alone,
that every good work or thought found in me,
is the effect of Thy power and grace,
that Thy sole motive in working in me to will
and to do is for Thy good pleasure."
So beautiful. I read this morning this line:"...to be a dispenser as well as a partaker of grace."
Even if I can never ever pray with such poetic eloquence, I can thoroughly enjoy the reading of it.
BTW I noticed that I have a 'follower' in Germany...? and that there were 26 pageviews. oh no.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Busy Weekend
Here I am! I know it was a busy weekend because I am still tired, but I can't remember just what we did. On Sunday I took Mom to the Soboba Country Club for their Easter Brunch...a special menu that included lamb, shrimp, crab cakes, salmon, prime rib, etc...it was pricey but really good. A once in a year (or lifetime) treat. The only bummer was the compulsory 18% tip. sucha drag. I think it was because of all of the chef type people who were there. Either way, the customer should be the one to decide...
Today (Wednesday) has been an especially hard day for Mom. She hasn't wanted to get dressed for two days. She can't remember to do the task I set before her ten minutes ago, like test her sugar, or do her albuterol treatment while I get her breakfast. She just forgets. She's forgetting what day it is. She used to be able to keep track by the person who was there that day. Not anymore...she can't remember that far back. She forgets if it's morning or evening. I used to try to get her focused on it, but it just confuses her more because she doesn't remember that she doesn't remember.
On Monday I woke up thinking of all of the grand things I wanted to do on my day off, namely start clearing out the garage of irrelevant stuff, and get ready for a garage sale. (Do you want the wicker camper hamper?) In the back of my mind I knew it wasn't going to happen. There wasn't a free minute. It was like Grand Central here and I felt like the President of the US...go to this room and talk to these people, go to that room and talk to those people.
First, Mom's home-health aide came for her bath, then her Nurse came for her check-up, then Beverly (the lady who watches my shop when I'm gone) wanted to bring Mom an Easter Lily left over from her church, then some folks from our HOA needed to talk & pick up some mail, then the Von's grocery order. All those people needed to talk to me. Then Mom's diaper order came, and then we left to go to her podiatrist in the afternoon and I went to the animal shelter to pick up a cat-trap.
My neighbors have discovered that the feral momma cat that left her kittens on my patio last year has had a litter in their attic. Tom came over and helped me, go up there with me, and decide what to do and where to set the trap, and who for. We have been trying to solve the dilemma but it's been like the farmer who needs to get his goose and his dog over the river puzzle; We tried to trap the momma on my patio but she has been too smart. She runs back inside. We want to catch the kittens but they are too skittish and they hide in the insulation . So we chased momma out of the roof and blocked the hole. Sounds inhumane, but if we can get the kitties hungry and in distress we can find them. It didn't work. They are still hiding from us. We can hear them scratching but they are in a crawl space under the tub of the upstairs bathroom. Tonight we were resigned to set the trap for the kittens themselves in the attic. At least this way they'll have food. I can't be there which distresses me. I have to wait for a phone call from the tenants. The primary task is to get the cats out of the attic. Bonus #1 would be to get the momma to the animal shelter. Bonus #2 will be to catch the kittens and get them adopted. We might end up letting the momma back in, scaring her into moving the kittens herself. We'll see!
Gotta get Mom ready for bed!
Today (Wednesday) has been an especially hard day for Mom. She hasn't wanted to get dressed for two days. She can't remember to do the task I set before her ten minutes ago, like test her sugar, or do her albuterol treatment while I get her breakfast. She just forgets. She's forgetting what day it is. She used to be able to keep track by the person who was there that day. Not anymore...she can't remember that far back. She forgets if it's morning or evening. I used to try to get her focused on it, but it just confuses her more because she doesn't remember that she doesn't remember.
On Monday I woke up thinking of all of the grand things I wanted to do on my day off, namely start clearing out the garage of irrelevant stuff, and get ready for a garage sale. (Do you want the wicker camper hamper?) In the back of my mind I knew it wasn't going to happen. There wasn't a free minute. It was like Grand Central here and I felt like the President of the US...go to this room and talk to these people, go to that room and talk to those people.
First, Mom's home-health aide came for her bath, then her Nurse came for her check-up, then Beverly (the lady who watches my shop when I'm gone) wanted to bring Mom an Easter Lily left over from her church, then some folks from our HOA needed to talk & pick up some mail, then the Von's grocery order. All those people needed to talk to me. Then Mom's diaper order came, and then we left to go to her podiatrist in the afternoon and I went to the animal shelter to pick up a cat-trap.
My neighbors have discovered that the feral momma cat that left her kittens on my patio last year has had a litter in their attic. Tom came over and helped me, go up there with me, and decide what to do and where to set the trap, and who for. We have been trying to solve the dilemma but it's been like the farmer who needs to get his goose and his dog over the river puzzle; We tried to trap the momma on my patio but she has been too smart. She runs back inside. We want to catch the kittens but they are too skittish and they hide in the insulation . So we chased momma out of the roof and blocked the hole. Sounds inhumane, but if we can get the kitties hungry and in distress we can find them. It didn't work. They are still hiding from us. We can hear them scratching but they are in a crawl space under the tub of the upstairs bathroom. Tonight we were resigned to set the trap for the kittens themselves in the attic. At least this way they'll have food. I can't be there which distresses me. I have to wait for a phone call from the tenants. The primary task is to get the cats out of the attic. Bonus #1 would be to get the momma to the animal shelter. Bonus #2 will be to catch the kittens and get them adopted. We might end up letting the momma back in, scaring her into moving the kittens herself. We'll see!
Gotta get Mom ready for bed!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Getting back to normal
I have been home for two weeks and I have skipped the last few post times, mostly because things were more or less the same.
This Monday though, we learned we had to switch back to her 'interim' nurse, what they call a 'floater'. We'd had a new permanent nurse as of last week because her old regular nurse was relieved of in-home-duty due to a personal medical issue. Today we found out that her new permanent nurse has been transferred to the Temecula circuit, since she lives down there.
So we wait for another permanent nurse. Too bad. Mom liked the new nurse.
I mentioned to the home-health-aide that we'd had quite too many nurses changed around for comfort. That we would really like to stick with her permanently at least, please. She agreed. She said that it isn't good for the patient to adjust so much to new people all the time.
The interim nurse told me when I walked her outside that Mom is declining again. Her blood-pressure in increasing, and her sugar readings are getting too high in the AM. I am giving her a shot everyday. We now have a wheelchair for in the house, for those days that she feels more wobbly. Her knees are starting to shake too much in the mornings. If we start down that road it will mean that I put Mom in the wheelchair before I leave in the morning.
Dr. Adeyemo has asked that she not be left alone for so long anymore. I have mentioned this to Becky, but that daily routine isn't in my control. Nothing has changed, except that Becky herself seems to be coming more often, bless her heart.
We did some gardening today. I potted and planted, Mom watched. I tried to involve her in the process. Mostly I just kept her with me, whether in the front yard, or on the patio. We will try to have coffee on the patio tomorrow. We might need blankets for the early morning chill, but it will be so nice.
I told Mom about Bruce's favored pizza. We had Milano's deliver one just like it. She enjoyed it very much.
Mom said today that she is two months younger than GG was when she died. I said that GG didn't have me. Or hospice, or all the other numerous people that lovelovelove you!
Brenda and Helena were her for a nice visit yesterday. She picked up a rotisserie chicken, strawberries, raspberries, and romaine salad. Brenda then helped me hang some of the great-grand kids pictures on Mom's wall. We started a new row below the grand-kids row, since there are 17 of each set. I wrote to Virginia on facebook to ask for some pictures of her kids, and to ask her to collect some from Christina and Isaac, too. I tried to enlarge some of the pictures you sent me of Joy's kids but it won't work. I spent a good part of the morning trying to set the children according to chronological order. I still don't think I have it right. Besides, Helena wanted to be underneath her Mom.
I started to have VONS deliver our groceries. The first two times were free. I think from now on it's 9 dollars. It saved me so much stress, and is going to be worth it. It will certainly keep me from impulse purchases! I do it all on-line, and they'll deliver it when I want.
This Monday though, we learned we had to switch back to her 'interim' nurse, what they call a 'floater'. We'd had a new permanent nurse as of last week because her old regular nurse was relieved of in-home-duty due to a personal medical issue. Today we found out that her new permanent nurse has been transferred to the Temecula circuit, since she lives down there.
So we wait for another permanent nurse. Too bad. Mom liked the new nurse.
I mentioned to the home-health-aide that we'd had quite too many nurses changed around for comfort. That we would really like to stick with her permanently at least, please. She agreed. She said that it isn't good for the patient to adjust so much to new people all the time.
The interim nurse told me when I walked her outside that Mom is declining again. Her blood-pressure in increasing, and her sugar readings are getting too high in the AM. I am giving her a shot everyday. We now have a wheelchair for in the house, for those days that she feels more wobbly. Her knees are starting to shake too much in the mornings. If we start down that road it will mean that I put Mom in the wheelchair before I leave in the morning.
Dr. Adeyemo has asked that she not be left alone for so long anymore. I have mentioned this to Becky, but that daily routine isn't in my control. Nothing has changed, except that Becky herself seems to be coming more often, bless her heart.
We did some gardening today. I potted and planted, Mom watched. I tried to involve her in the process. Mostly I just kept her with me, whether in the front yard, or on the patio. We will try to have coffee on the patio tomorrow. We might need blankets for the early morning chill, but it will be so nice.
I told Mom about Bruce's favored pizza. We had Milano's deliver one just like it. She enjoyed it very much.
Mom said today that she is two months younger than GG was when she died. I said that GG didn't have me. Or hospice, or all the other numerous people that lovelovelove you!
Brenda and Helena were her for a nice visit yesterday. She picked up a rotisserie chicken, strawberries, raspberries, and romaine salad. Brenda then helped me hang some of the great-grand kids pictures on Mom's wall. We started a new row below the grand-kids row, since there are 17 of each set. I wrote to Virginia on facebook to ask for some pictures of her kids, and to ask her to collect some from Christina and Isaac, too. I tried to enlarge some of the pictures you sent me of Joy's kids but it won't work. I spent a good part of the morning trying to set the children according to chronological order. I still don't think I have it right. Besides, Helena wanted to be underneath her Mom.
I started to have VONS deliver our groceries. The first two times were free. I think from now on it's 9 dollars. It saved me so much stress, and is going to be worth it. It will certainly keep me from impulse purchases! I do it all on-line, and they'll deliver it when I want.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Spoon Theory
I was having coffee & visiting with Johanna one day last week. She had come to Arizona with Darrah Sikora to shop and stock up at the Tuscon Bead Show http://www.thetucsonbeadshow.com/index.php
Darrah owns the successful ETSY jewelry company called Otis B., and Johanna works for her.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BriguysGirls
Since she was this far West, Johanna thought she might as well continue on to California and visit with all of her family and friends while she could. She asked me about Mom, and how I was doing...and in my struggle to help her understand what my day involved, she smiled and told me to look up this website.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
It would help me personally, she said, and would help me to explain the day-to-day life to someone who doesn't deal with (or is) a patient with a terminal or debilitating disease on a daily basis. The article was written by a woman suffering from Lupus, and her own struggle to define her need to make the sometimes selfish-looking hard decisions. Actually I found it very enlightening, even quite validating and relieving. I shared it with Mom, and we talked about it, her good days and her bad days, and that sometimes when she's feeling good she overdoes it. Then she, predictably, has a couple of bad days. It's too high a price.
Now we have a code: "Can I have a spoon?"
Darrah owns the successful ETSY jewelry company called Otis B., and Johanna works for her.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BriguysGirls
Since she was this far West, Johanna thought she might as well continue on to California and visit with all of her family and friends while she could. She asked me about Mom, and how I was doing...and in my struggle to help her understand what my day involved, she smiled and told me to look up this website.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
It would help me personally, she said, and would help me to explain the day-to-day life to someone who doesn't deal with (or is) a patient with a terminal or debilitating disease on a daily basis. The article was written by a woman suffering from Lupus, and her own struggle to define her need to make the sometimes selfish-looking hard decisions. Actually I found it very enlightening, even quite validating and relieving. I shared it with Mom, and we talked about it, her good days and her bad days, and that sometimes when she's feeling good she overdoes it. Then she, predictably, has a couple of bad days. It's too high a price.
Now we have a code: "Can I have a spoon?"
Monday, February 18, 2013
No news-Good news
It's been an uneventful week (by our standards). Mom quasi-slipped in the shower when she was trying to turn on the water. She'd had to reach around and past the shower-chair. Usually Terry does this for her when she is here, but Mom wanted a bath on Saturday night, too. No breaks, just bruises and bumps. She also tripped, but caught herself, upon entering the front door because she didn't realize how high the WELCOME mat was...it's one of those thick grass pile ones, and she is wearing a 'boot' to protect her foot sore.
We have had discussions about her trying to do too many things at once. For instance, she just stops to pick up a piece of yarn, while she is pushing her walker, with a cup of cocoa on the seat, and with her oxygen canula inserted in her nose, and the hose is trailing along behind her. Last night after Gospel she was only trying to help...so she held on to the outside doorknob with her right hand and her walker (which is inside) with her left hand, while she was trying to reach for the door-stop with her foot so she could prop the door open for me (as I'm standing in the garage right outside wondering what she is doing and why she won't let go of the door knob...)
But we press on!
We have had discussions about her trying to do too many things at once. For instance, she just stops to pick up a piece of yarn, while she is pushing her walker, with a cup of cocoa on the seat, and with her oxygen canula inserted in her nose, and the hose is trailing along behind her. Last night after Gospel she was only trying to help...so she held on to the outside doorknob with her right hand and her walker (which is inside) with her left hand, while she was trying to reach for the door-stop with her foot so she could prop the door open for me (as I'm standing in the garage right outside wondering what she is doing and why she won't let go of the door knob...)
But we press on!
Monday, February 11, 2013
A distressing morning
Yesterday was fellowship day and we usually can make it from front to back...at least as far as the afternoon meeting. Mom was well enough, awake and dressed by the time it was time to leave for Sunday School. We arrived about five minutes late: 9:40 or so. She lasted through lunch. As we were finishing up eating she was starting to look tired. I wheeled her out of the meeting room into the kitchen where she wanted to say goodbye to Becky. Becky noticed her bad color and weariness right away. I got her home and into bed, then I tested her blood sugar. Not too bad for after lunch: 233. She was sleeping so I went back for the afternoon reading (Deuteronomy 8) and then went home again. She was still sleeping. I am always nervous about leaving her alone for her to wake up in the dark, as I said before, she is often confused first thing. So I stayed home from Gospel...she slept until 7:30 that evening. I gave her some hot tea, soup, which she didn't want, and some bread and butter (smart balance) She was up until I went to bed at 10:30. I fell sound asleep and didn't wake up so she managed to get herself to bed. A few things were left undone, like her bed-head raised, and her gel-pac on, but I had already set out her bedtime pills.
This morning was nearly tragic. She slept until 10:00, three hours longer than normal. OK, a little odd, but no crisis. Her visiting nurse and aide called for their appointments. I told both of them she was still sleeping. The nurse came anyway and did her exam while Mom was still in bed. Mom was very bewildered the whole time. Besides noticing that her pulse rate was increasingly slow (sounds like a contradiction) nothing was creating a red flag, so we only lessened one of her heart medications. I assumed that her moderate confusion and agitation were part of the normal routine. It usually passes in a few minutes. It didn't. It lasted for several hours. The whole time Virginia was here and the whole time Terry was here. Repetative questions, anxious questions, tears, quaky nervousness, agitation, more questions, more confusion. She couldn't hear or understand us, She wouldn't allow me to leave the room. She didn't want me to talk to Terry or Virginia, at least not while we were in another room. She didn't want me to leave her at all. If I turned my back to discuss medication renewals, she was unhappy. I told her gently, repeatedly that we were not telling secrets or saying anything she didn't already know. We all tried to talk with her present, facing her so she could hear. More tears. More paranoia. Terry tried to give her a bath. I had to stay in the bathroom too. This was so strange!
I snuck out when Terry was washing Mom's feet. I was trying to make her bed when I noticed that her little glass dish that I keep her mid-night pain pills (Vicodin) in was EMPTY. Normally I leave five or six pills there so she has a supply if she needs one during the night. Only that many so I can count them in the morning to see if she took one or not. She wouldn't remember. Usually they are all still there as she hasn't felt the need for one. The last time I looked they were all still there. So. It is possible, I guess, that she saw the dish there and thought I'd meant for her to take them all. The tiny white plastic cup that I give her her pills in does not look anything like the green lidded glass dish. Alarmed, I spoke to Terry from outside the bathroom door so Mom couldn't see me and quietly told her what I'd found. Terry was alarmed, too. Mom heard and understood every word. Terry was surprised at that. When Mom was dressed I drove her out to sit by the fire. I was trying to decide what to do. Terry thoughtfully called the nurse and reported it. At this stage there isn't anything we can do, but wait for her to wear it off. At the least it would be called a minor overdose. No more pills left laying around!
She confessed to me that she is anxious about my leaving. She wants me to go. She knows I need to go, I should go. I told her I can cancel at any time, and so she feels guilty. She wants me to stay.
Right now she is better. More cognitive, more clear headed.
Thank you for your continued prayers. I depend on them daily. I cannot do this without them. I cannot do this without the Lord's constant, faithful help and tender mercy.
Hopefully this crisis has passed.
This morning was nearly tragic. She slept until 10:00, three hours longer than normal. OK, a little odd, but no crisis. Her visiting nurse and aide called for their appointments. I told both of them she was still sleeping. The nurse came anyway and did her exam while Mom was still in bed. Mom was very bewildered the whole time. Besides noticing that her pulse rate was increasingly slow (sounds like a contradiction) nothing was creating a red flag, so we only lessened one of her heart medications. I assumed that her moderate confusion and agitation were part of the normal routine. It usually passes in a few minutes. It didn't. It lasted for several hours. The whole time Virginia was here and the whole time Terry was here. Repetative questions, anxious questions, tears, quaky nervousness, agitation, more questions, more confusion. She couldn't hear or understand us, She wouldn't allow me to leave the room. She didn't want me to talk to Terry or Virginia, at least not while we were in another room. She didn't want me to leave her at all. If I turned my back to discuss medication renewals, she was unhappy. I told her gently, repeatedly that we were not telling secrets or saying anything she didn't already know. We all tried to talk with her present, facing her so she could hear. More tears. More paranoia. Terry tried to give her a bath. I had to stay in the bathroom too. This was so strange!
I snuck out when Terry was washing Mom's feet. I was trying to make her bed when I noticed that her little glass dish that I keep her mid-night pain pills (Vicodin) in was EMPTY. Normally I leave five or six pills there so she has a supply if she needs one during the night. Only that many so I can count them in the morning to see if she took one or not. She wouldn't remember. Usually they are all still there as she hasn't felt the need for one. The last time I looked they were all still there. So. It is possible, I guess, that she saw the dish there and thought I'd meant for her to take them all. The tiny white plastic cup that I give her her pills in does not look anything like the green lidded glass dish. Alarmed, I spoke to Terry from outside the bathroom door so Mom couldn't see me and quietly told her what I'd found. Terry was alarmed, too. Mom heard and understood every word. Terry was surprised at that. When Mom was dressed I drove her out to sit by the fire. I was trying to decide what to do. Terry thoughtfully called the nurse and reported it. At this stage there isn't anything we can do, but wait for her to wear it off. At the least it would be called a minor overdose. No more pills left laying around!
She confessed to me that she is anxious about my leaving. She wants me to go. She knows I need to go, I should go. I told her I can cancel at any time, and so she feels guilty. She wants me to stay.
Right now she is better. More cognitive, more clear headed.
Thank you for your continued prayers. I depend on them daily. I cannot do this without them. I cannot do this without the Lord's constant, faithful help and tender mercy.
Hopefully this crisis has passed.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
not much news
The past week has been slightly uneventful...Mom did mention that her foot was bothering her again. When I looked at it I found another blister, this one the size of a large mushroom...maybe as wide as a half dollar. We put a clean white sock on it and her pressure tube-sock. I am hoping that it will reabsorb or drain on its own. Then I will need to keep it dry and clean until the wound heals.
I don't understand the new blister. Her other foot is just fine, not even an abrasion. She must be using that foot to turn over in bed, or get herself up from sitting. The good news is that she feels the sore. (if you can call that good news) Meaning that she still has feeling in her feet. She dreamt that she had it amputated, bit by bit. Usually that happens with diabetes complications like gangrene, which she doesn't have.
She does have a new UTI and yesterday her Urologist gave her an antibiotic. If her foot gets infected, this will help on both problems.
She will stay close to her room all day today so it is not so far to walk to the bathroom.
I don't understand the new blister. Her other foot is just fine, not even an abrasion. She must be using that foot to turn over in bed, or get herself up from sitting. The good news is that she feels the sore. (if you can call that good news) Meaning that she still has feeling in her feet. She dreamt that she had it amputated, bit by bit. Usually that happens with diabetes complications like gangrene, which she doesn't have.
She does have a new UTI and yesterday her Urologist gave her an antibiotic. If her foot gets infected, this will help on both problems.
She will stay close to her room all day today so it is not so far to walk to the bathroom.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Cornea Stitch
Sorry to be so late...I meant to get to this Monday.
Mom had been having some terrible discomfort in her right eye, the one where the cornea had been replaced years ago. We used Visine drops and compresses, but nothing took the pain away permanently. I made an appointment with her eye Doctor, but first I would need a referral from Dr. Adey. She was willing to FAX the form over to them as it was somewhat of an emergency. When Sue came on Wednesday she and Tom took Mom in. Dr. Jacobson discovered that one of the stitches holding her new cornea in place had come undone and should be re-set. They needed two people to do the procedure. They did need to numb the eye & area to do it, and now we have some special drops. She is doing much better.
We have increased the home-health-aide visits to three times a week. We try to keep the same aide, (Terry) because Mom really is comfortable with her. However, Terry is not always available on Wednesdays so today we are trying someone new called Penny. In the past Mom has had annoying experiences with some aides and wants to keep with Terry as much as possible. First we thought that we would stay with her regardless of the days she could come, but that wasn't a viable schedule as it confuses Mom when things are not consistent. It will be better to keep with the same days always, instead of the same aide. Terry will come every time she can, and Penny will come on the off days. This will work.
Although it is not a crisis, when Janet and Sue switch days (which they often do) it takes a few moments for Mom to adjust. They don't tell me that they are doing it (which is fine) as I am not to be involved in that program. They get a laugh about it, pretending to be each other.
Mom had been having some terrible discomfort in her right eye, the one where the cornea had been replaced years ago. We used Visine drops and compresses, but nothing took the pain away permanently. I made an appointment with her eye Doctor, but first I would need a referral from Dr. Adey. She was willing to FAX the form over to them as it was somewhat of an emergency. When Sue came on Wednesday she and Tom took Mom in. Dr. Jacobson discovered that one of the stitches holding her new cornea in place had come undone and should be re-set. They needed two people to do the procedure. They did need to numb the eye & area to do it, and now we have some special drops. She is doing much better.
We have increased the home-health-aide visits to three times a week. We try to keep the same aide, (Terry) because Mom really is comfortable with her. However, Terry is not always available on Wednesdays so today we are trying someone new called Penny. In the past Mom has had annoying experiences with some aides and wants to keep with Terry as much as possible. First we thought that we would stay with her regardless of the days she could come, but that wasn't a viable schedule as it confuses Mom when things are not consistent. It will be better to keep with the same days always, instead of the same aide. Terry will come every time she can, and Penny will come on the off days. This will work.
Although it is not a crisis, when Janet and Sue switch days (which they often do) it takes a few moments for Mom to adjust. They don't tell me that they are doing it (which is fine) as I am not to be involved in that program. They get a laugh about it, pretending to be each other.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Post Birthday Party Blues
I guess I'm going to be posting on Monday's instead of Sunday's after all. There is more to tell after her hospice visit, and I actually have more time. So check on Monday nights.
Yesterday after meeting we went to Tom & Sue's for a Hemet birthday party for Helena. Mom had had a really good night's sleep the night before and we actually made it to Sunday School...a first in months. Since Brenda and Helena we here for the long weekend (MLK) she decided to host a family party here for her town-bound folks. Brenda was very very worried because she and Helena had just finished with a bad cold and she thought it was maybe too soon, too risky to expose Gramma. Since the party was outside in the sunshine and breeze, Mom thought she would be fine. Besides, there was birthday cake to eat.
Tim and Edie Brown were still here, so they were invited too. Sue made her wonderful spaghetti, and there was salad and garlic bread and tree-ripened green olives from Corning, Ca. yummy. Mom had liberty with the menu, except maybe too much Parmesan, I thought. No after affects, though.
At 3:00 she announced that she wanted to go home. I was a little surprised as it's usually me that is anxious about the right departure time. She went straight to bed and slept for six hours. I stayed home from Gospel because I didn't want her to wake up and be alone. She is often confused about the time if she wakes up in the dark. She woke at 9:00pm and was hungry and in pain. We took care of both, ( english muffin and hot tea) and had her sit up in her chair for a few hours. At midnight she went back to bed with her night time pills and sleep aid pill and slept until 7:30 this morning.
I guess EVENT days are going to be like this. go go go, and then collapse.
Her nurse this morning was concerned about some new 'cracklings' deep in her lungs...usually a sign of agitated congestive heart failure. No signs of a cold. YAY. All else was good. We had been keeping her blood sugar readings low especially, and her blood pressure low too, so she could have cake and salt and noodles and olives. She was one happy camper!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Today isn't such a good day
I'll try to catch you up on the last few weeks. Mom did terrifically well at Burbank. She behaved herself with the food and got enough rest. We had our Special Supper in the hotel restaurant with Shawn Palmer this year. In the past Anita James has joined us, also Tori Counsel. Mom had Crabcakes, which she says are the best she has ever had. The price seems to go up and up, but to me it is a once in-a-year treat, so we don't mind. (too much)
On Saturday afternoon (1/5, last week) I was washing dishes when I heard something odd, and then found her on the floor of her bedroom. Apparently she had tried to get dressed warmer (putting on her sweatpants) by sitting on the arm of her rocker/recliner. She lost her balance, fell down, and rolled over to the dresser. She remembers hitting her head, and her glasses jabbed her eyebrow.
Frightened, I called Hospice. They asked if we needed assistance. I thought yes, Mom thought not. I could get a neighbor to help lift her. I called Becky and she stayed on the phone as Mom insisted she could get up & Becky is of the school-of-thought to let her. I relented. She slowly got up to her knees and then crawled over to the offending chair. She wrestled her way up to the seat, and then on to the seat, and collasped. Hospice called back and I talked to them awhile, and told them not to send the team, she wasn't cut, broken, or loopy. My second concern was really the thought process that created the fall. Why would she think that was a valid idea?
I am always suspicious of this getting-herself-up procedure, I am so reluctant to let her get up on her own even if she can... she could get up halfway and fall again and really hurt herself, or she could fall on top of me and hurt both of us. It's not that simple. Bill called later in the evening and she was very sweet, but not entirely honest, telling him that it was just a simple slip and she was fine. hmmm.
All week long has been a struggle! She made it to meeting on Sunday OK, and to Gospel. Then the week went downhill from there. Tuesday, Sue was concerned about her slowness, Wednesday, Janet was more concerned about her poor concentration and focus. Thursday, Kelly brought lunch because Becky was home with sick Barry. Friday, Becky noticed the shakiness and the weepies.
Also Terry, her home health aide was very concerned. She'd actually called me at work that Friday afternoon to suggest that we step up her visits to three times a week instead of two. I needed to convince Mom that Terry was there to help her bathe and dress, and that it was not a race. Terry had told me before that Mom seems to always be in a worrisome hurry, as if Terry needs to be finished ASAP, so she can get to other patients. She is actually allotted two hours for travel and care for each patient. Mom was convinced. It will be a good help.
Sometimes at night Mom will wake with a start. Once she got up at four in the morning and rolled her walker down the hall to ask me why I was still awake...as I'm lying in bed looking at her. I guess she saw the night-light on in my bathroom. She often will hug me long and so tight at bedtime, and tell me she loves me.
Saturday night I went in to her room at 9:45 to get her ready for bed. She was sound asleep in front of her TV. I woke her and she jumped out of her skin...looked at the clock and scolded me: "We are going to be so late! Why did you let me sleep so long, and why did you let me sleep in my chair!!!???" It took some doing, but I assured her that weren't leaving for at least 11 hours, it was still Saturday night, I hadn't give her her sleeping pill yet, and she could still go to bed.
But on Sunday she was so tired and still quite sore. She didn't want to get up, or eat, or get dressed. This is a first. Usually she is so ready when it's time to get up. She spent the day in bed. Daniel was in town so he popped over for a long visit between Breaking of Bread and lunch. ( he'd driven off before I could give him keys, or tell him the lay of the land...so he tapped on her bedroom window to have her get up out of bed and let him in....grrr) Sue brought her lunch from the buffet when she was done eating herself and spent the early afternoon there. I came home @ three and Mom was sleeping again. I stayed with her until Gospel, then came home and sat with her through a British comedy & then a mystery, then put her back to bed.
Today she had her weekly session with her visiting nurse and her extra visit with Terry. The nurse was straight-forward and told us that Mom was on one of two trajectories. Either this decline was a residual symptom from the fall; that she could be sore and achy for weeks, including the emotional damage of the mistake, or she could be on another plane entirely, that being, and this was more serious, evidence of her CHF worsening. I can only leave this with the Lord, as He knows all, and cares for her more than I do. He has given me such divine patience now, and a most evident grace. I have told Mom, "If the Lord calls you home, He wants you with Him now, and you should go."
I also put back another chair in her room. I had taken it out for more space. Live & learn!
On Saturday afternoon (1/5, last week) I was washing dishes when I heard something odd, and then found her on the floor of her bedroom. Apparently she had tried to get dressed warmer (putting on her sweatpants) by sitting on the arm of her rocker/recliner. She lost her balance, fell down, and rolled over to the dresser. She remembers hitting her head, and her glasses jabbed her eyebrow.
Frightened, I called Hospice. They asked if we needed assistance. I thought yes, Mom thought not. I could get a neighbor to help lift her. I called Becky and she stayed on the phone as Mom insisted she could get up & Becky is of the school-of-thought to let her. I relented. She slowly got up to her knees and then crawled over to the offending chair. She wrestled her way up to the seat, and then on to the seat, and collasped. Hospice called back and I talked to them awhile, and told them not to send the team, she wasn't cut, broken, or loopy. My second concern was really the thought process that created the fall. Why would she think that was a valid idea?
I am always suspicious of this getting-herself-up procedure, I am so reluctant to let her get up on her own even if she can... she could get up halfway and fall again and really hurt herself, or she could fall on top of me and hurt both of us. It's not that simple. Bill called later in the evening and she was very sweet, but not entirely honest, telling him that it was just a simple slip and she was fine. hmmm.
All week long has been a struggle! She made it to meeting on Sunday OK, and to Gospel. Then the week went downhill from there. Tuesday, Sue was concerned about her slowness, Wednesday, Janet was more concerned about her poor concentration and focus. Thursday, Kelly brought lunch because Becky was home with sick Barry. Friday, Becky noticed the shakiness and the weepies.
Also Terry, her home health aide was very concerned. She'd actually called me at work that Friday afternoon to suggest that we step up her visits to three times a week instead of two. I needed to convince Mom that Terry was there to help her bathe and dress, and that it was not a race. Terry had told me before that Mom seems to always be in a worrisome hurry, as if Terry needs to be finished ASAP, so she can get to other patients. She is actually allotted two hours for travel and care for each patient. Mom was convinced. It will be a good help.
Sometimes at night Mom will wake with a start. Once she got up at four in the morning and rolled her walker down the hall to ask me why I was still awake...as I'm lying in bed looking at her. I guess she saw the night-light on in my bathroom. She often will hug me long and so tight at bedtime, and tell me she loves me.
Saturday night I went in to her room at 9:45 to get her ready for bed. She was sound asleep in front of her TV. I woke her and she jumped out of her skin...looked at the clock and scolded me: "We are going to be so late! Why did you let me sleep so long, and why did you let me sleep in my chair!!!???" It took some doing, but I assured her that weren't leaving for at least 11 hours, it was still Saturday night, I hadn't give her her sleeping pill yet, and she could still go to bed.
But on Sunday she was so tired and still quite sore. She didn't want to get up, or eat, or get dressed. This is a first. Usually she is so ready when it's time to get up. She spent the day in bed. Daniel was in town so he popped over for a long visit between Breaking of Bread and lunch. ( he'd driven off before I could give him keys, or tell him the lay of the land...so he tapped on her bedroom window to have her get up out of bed and let him in....grrr) Sue brought her lunch from the buffet when she was done eating herself and spent the early afternoon there. I came home @ three and Mom was sleeping again. I stayed with her until Gospel, then came home and sat with her through a British comedy & then a mystery, then put her back to bed.
Today she had her weekly session with her visiting nurse and her extra visit with Terry. The nurse was straight-forward and told us that Mom was on one of two trajectories. Either this decline was a residual symptom from the fall; that she could be sore and achy for weeks, including the emotional damage of the mistake, or she could be on another plane entirely, that being, and this was more serious, evidence of her CHF worsening. I can only leave this with the Lord, as He knows all, and cares for her more than I do. He has given me such divine patience now, and a most evident grace. I have told Mom, "If the Lord calls you home, He wants you with Him now, and you should go."
I also put back another chair in her room. I had taken it out for more space. Live & learn!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)