News

It seems we are losing family around us. Grandpa Clark's wife has been falling so she is needing to stay at a nursing home, now. While Grandpa Clark's brother lost his fight with lung cancer December 24, 2007 about 1900-1930 Eastern Time. While I wait to hear from DHS and social services @hospice tomorrow.

Merry Christmas!

Eating again

While I called to check with the hospice house Monday evening I learned Mom was not eating for them. Since I planned to stop over on Tuesday or Wednesday I did not want to be a pest. Yet wanted to know she was adjusting well. Yet I knew that could be a real challenge. Finding I had messed up time on something here I had a small window to run over there and be back. So I ran over there to find her covered up in bed like she likes to do. Blankets over her head.

When I walked in her room she did peek out to see me. Told me to leave and hid again. I told her No I would not leave because she told me to and sang to her. She played in her bedding. I inquired about her eating and they had still been having trouble. I called her care giver and they changed what they offered her and how. She is eating for them now.

My next younger brother made it over today. She is doing well from the message i got I will need to get back with him soon.

Live has been moving faster than I can keep up so I better go.

Hospice House

Mom is scheduled to go to the hospice house for 5 days so her caregiver can get a little respite (rest/brake). so I dropped in to see what it is like. I looks very new and nice, caring and comfortable. I will try to be over to check on her more than i have been able to be the last few weeks.

Mom had a granddaughter turn 17, 5 days ago. Her second born child, son, has a birthday tomorrow. While her no longer youngest grandson will be 9 on the 12th.

Her walking was very unstable when I took her for her thyroid test, I used the transport chair at the Dr. office. When they could not draw her blood I had her walk in to the out patient surgery place. Her balance was real bad. She would not back up a step to sit and I was scared she would fall and hurt her self. We did OK.

Hospice House

Mom is scheduled to go to the hospice house for 5 days so her caregiver can get a little respite (rest/brake). so I dropped in to see what it is like. I looks very new and nice, caring and comfortable. I will try to be over to check on her more than i have been able to be the last few weeks.

Mom had a granddaughter turn 17, 5 days. Her second born child has a birthday tomorrow. While her no longer youngest grandson will be 9 on the 12th.


Her walking was very unstable when I too her for her thyroid test, I used the transport chair at the Dr. office but when they could not draw her blood i had her walk in to the out patient surgery place. Her balance was real bad. She would not back up a step to sit and I was scared she would fall and hurt her self.

Much Prayer

Weight loss, DHS, very good reasons to keep praying for mom. How long will it be before I hear back on the thyroid test? Will it mean changes? I do not know.

Time for New Mittens

Yesterday mom's Dr. office called saying they wanted another thyroid test taken. Since I have been trying to get over there since Saturday, today was my next shot at it. We got to the office they took her back and tried to draw her blood after longer than usual they brought mom out with a paper to take to another lab in the community. So we ran to the one I thought least out of the way. They asked why were there. I told them what I had been told about her clotting too quickly for them to get her blood drawn. They had it done in a few seconds. It took long to take her coat off and put it back on than it did to draw her blood.

Yet as I picked her up her care giver said she need mittens she cannot get her finger in her gloves. She had nice Issotoners. I have Thermolite (sp?) mittens, there are much better than Thinsolate. So I wanted to find Thermolite or Issotoners. I was able to get her medicine without trouble, and found Issotoner on sale 50% off at Younkers MITTENS. So she can cover her finger easier. I wonder if she needs a cord so she does not lose them.

Good Nurse Visit/Hospice House Stay

When the nurse called on Tuesday she sounded quite impressed. Mom is so much more alert, talking, hard to understand, yet talking.

Mom's care taker called as well. She is wanting a little time to get ready for Christmas. So mom is going to go to the Hospice House for a few days as long as there is availability. I pray this all works out.

Got it Straight Now

Mary the hospice nurse called. No urologist is needed. She does have a small cyst on her kidney. It is believed by her Dr. that does not need to be followed up on. Glad we are all finally on the same page. Dr., his office, hospice, me and all you who are care join along.

The nurse will be there today so I should know more later.

Christmas Shopping

While I did not take mom out, I was out today I did call mom's caretaker to get some suggestions for what would be a good gift for mom. I thought of one thing, but knew there had to be something she needed. She quickly shot back footed sleepers. While they will not be easy to find I will keep my options open to get her some. Just because there was none at Kohl's does not mean it is time to give up. Then again they may not be findable so I will search for what I can do. She mentioned how mom is always cold summer and winter. As long as I can remember she always has been. She said sweats would be good her favorites have appliqued pictures on the flowers hearts cuddly animals and the like. May be I should run out to one more store to look for her. I am tired, so I do not know.

Dr.s Office Called

While briefly home today I received a call from moms Dr. office. The nurse said she had some abnormalities in her stomach CT and she had a balder infection on the 16th when she was tested. I questioned and the 16th is when they got the results from the test, They want her to go to the urologist, I will talk to the hospice nurse about this development when she calls today.

Getting Better

Mom's caretaker called today. Mom talked, and dressed herself! She was still wobbly on her feet but much better than since she got out of the hospital. Her caretaker has not giver her any Linasinporl for a couple of doses. That helped bring her back. Mom has the best care she could have with dad gone. I can be thankful my brother insisted I look into her being cared for here. =-) We are both so happy about this!

Back Home on Hospice

As I drove over on Wednesday, Allen Hospital called. I was told they were releasing mom back to her care takers home as long as she was on hospice. Not a problem as they felt she is in the end stages of dementia, and a high risk for another stroke that will likely be her last. So after running across town for her medication to get those up dated, then back to get mom following eating and getting dressed. We got her in the house about 15 minutes prior to when I was to meet Hospice. Things went well with all of that.

Gripe with Allen. I told them all her meds, how many times? Way to many for them to have it messed up. She had been pulled off Lisinopril May 1st when when she had a stroke. So why did they have her on it and discharge her with it? I do not want her over medicated and loosing her hair unnecessarily. Well the hospice nurse checked her blood pressure 118/80. The Dr. said, "No! do not give it to her. So we are not. Her thyroid is upped, Lorazepam was upped last refill. Prilosac has not changed and back on potassium again. And Tylonal for pain if needed. Yet she is not likely to tell us she has pain too often. Another thing about Allen they are bad about letting me talk to the Dr.s. I never once talked to one while I was there, only on the phone, on days when I was not. What is with that!

While hospice did not mention it one nice service they offer. When the time come is to dispose of all prescribed meds unused. So we will not have the headache we had when dad left for his reward. Yeah! We are going to start with Hospice coming in three times a week, with a home health aid. They will come up to 5 days a week 2 hours a day. I am not sure of the time but think they are only doing one hour for now. I am still reading through there materials.

While the Dr. at Allen did his job, DHS called today. They are going to check tomorrow. I just pray the lady is reasonable. She will see all is in order and well recorded.

Mom's care taker pointed out what a great danger mom and dad were in. There was so very much grease on the broiler pan starting the oven could have started a fire! I can imagine how much worse that would have been.

To Waterloo to winterized the hot tub.

Much to thank the Lord for! Thank you Lord!!!

At Allen Hospital

About 3 p.m. I got a call that mom fell split her head open and was on her way to the hospital. I directed her to be taken to the right hospital. 8 staples later they are keeping her for 4-7 days I was told tonight. She has developed another UTI [=-(] and is dehydrated. So I will be going over tomorrow.

Doctor visit today

Let us go back one day to November 8, about 8 a.m. Moms Dr. office called. They wanted her to come in to talk about her most recent blood work, lab results. I was concerned but guess I did not need to be too much, as it turned out. I was told the Dr. was booked solid for three weeks. Then asked if we could be there at 10 today. I made some quick calls to cover the boys and work out my end of things here. The Dr. just wanted to up her thyroid medicine, and get her on potassium again. His next concern was that she is almost due for a mammogram. Yet I did ask about her eating and eating while loosing weight. He ordered a stomach CT, and chest x-ray as well as the mammogram for after the 13th. One year from when she last had one, translated when insurance would let her get another one. He inquired about her having a colonoscopy, which I told him she had one in May. I think I should have mentioned at Covenant since he might think she had it where she should have in stead of where she did. He was glad for that. But ordered testing as he thought possibly stomach cancer. So we will be going next week to check on that.

She got her flu shot today. I learned she had a pneumonia shot in 2004. More so they are good for 5 years, so if asked again I can now tell them or look it up.

Her new grandson has a shower tomorrow.

She is falling a lot and often bruised from her falls. =-(

Mom's weight is dropping!

Considering she was 160 in March and down to 114.6 now. I am getting concerned. The Dr. had me bring mom in for blood work today. Last time they said they could not get her blood. Today they could not from her right arm. After a good amount of time They tried her left and they got it. I ran her over to check her weight and last time I checked about a month ago she was 12? (124, 126). Today she was down to 114.6. She eats a lot and good food not junk. Still she is loosing, I will call the Dr. on Monday to inquire about it.

Took care of her banking today, and found all the licence's at there place I should have. Since my youngest brothers truck was on the renewal notice we wondered if his trailer was as well. Glad it was not. Just the truck we sold and Craig's I will not be paying the renewal fees for. Oh and baring hearing from my youngest brother soon like the next 12 hours. I will have sold the kitchen stove. It is going to a good home. =-) So we are rolling along.

Did I mention mom's 12th grandchild was born October 24. Cute as can be. There was a lot that happened in October with youngest dear brothers marriage ending. Dad's birthday would have been this month. His grand daughter born one day off from his had hers, the new grand son born, and youngest brothers intended wife had her birthday as well. Sold the truck, Amen! No need to pay for another year of license.

Sold truck

Sold dads truck today. Mom also has a new grandson today, so I got a new nephew. ;-)

We went to get her hearing tested

Thursday we get to get her hearing tested. She would not stay in the room with the door closed and just wanted out. So we only partially got the test run. They want me call and make an appointment to finish when she settles down. I am wondering if it is worth bothering or not.

Another call for Arkansas property

I discovered a second message from the first man I talked to about the property this weekend or was it today I am not sure. Then today I got a call from a second man. The lawyer said we will need to bring things up to date on it, and get a lawyer down there. I believe all is going well, though. Hearing test on Thursday as well as getting the deed to the Arkansas property. So leaving at about 10:30a.m. not getting home until bed time.

This Week

Mom is going to have her hearing tested again as it has been 3 years this weekend. Her appointment is on Thursday when the boys are running over there.

Also I received a call on Friday, A man wants to purchase her property in Arkansas. So I will need to leave earlier Thursday as I will need to stop at the lock box and see if the title/deed is in there. They bought it when I was a little thing, to the best of my knowledge they have not been there since 1976 when dad was carried out of Deere on a stretcher. Why he kept it all this time I do not know? Paying property tax and dues. The lawyer had advised we just let it go to taxes. I would rather sell it. So I will see what I can do to keep there credit ok.

Calls to make

I need to call hospice in her community and call her dentist back. I will not take her back in 4 months as they insisted in making her appointment. It will be 6 or not at all.

Surgery Went Well

Even though I over slept this morning I got there close to on time. We are only a minute or two late and they did not seem upset by it. Thank the Lord! Mom's pastor met us there and prayed with me as they took mom back. I had ask them not to put her all the way to sleep if they did not need to, knowing they would likely need to. When I picked mom up I knew this would be need to day thanks to moms wonderful care taker. And when they moved her from after 2 in the afternoon to 7:30 in the morning, they had decided to when they moved her up in the day, little did I know.

Things went well today. Much better in then in April when we did the right eye. Today was the left eye. She woke up and ate her muffin and drank her juice before leaving I had her back to her care takers early!

On the down side mom was up so early she gave her care taker a hard day being over tired today.

Tomorrow we will have a FULL day denist first regular, Dr. second and back to the eye Dr. in the afternoon.

We got the Lawn Mowed Today

We headed over early to get done before the Iowa vs. Iowa State Game. When dh learned it was a 12:30 start he said we would never be back in time. We forgot to pack our lunch, another good reason to get back to our home. So we got over there and started mowing. I got to ride it again, or most of it. Dh weed whacked and ds 16 pushed and rode some. We stopped in to see mom who was in the bath tub so I am the only one who saw her. I kept it short and barely made it home before the kick off. DH went where he was invited to watch the game and we listened along at home as usual. Well at least the CUBS are still in first and the one the opener today, and the lawn got mowed.

Almost Canceled

While the deacon who was going to stay with the boys was right on time. I was on the road a little earlier than I needed to be. So I stopped by mom's church, to ask a question. No one was there so I headed over to get mom. She was still in the the tub and I was a good half hour early. By the time she dressed and ate we had 8 minutes to make it across town. By the time we got in the office we were 10 minutes late. The lady sounded like they were going to cancel her appointment, only she found moms paper work where she had already been checked in, and were ready for her to come back. I forgot to bring her pre surgery physical form. They said the send it over. I'll try to follow up with it tomorrow.

One other note I talked to the Dr. about a cortisone shot he said he could do it if she needed it but not today. He authorized her getting a transport chair, so I ran over as he told them I was coming and we found she needs prior authorization from her insurance. They sent it with us and I did sign the return of the wheel chair form. So now if it all goes through it will cost $290 and be hers instead of renting it for $55. a month for 13 months then becoming hers. It is much lighter and does not rub my purse when pushing her. I like that. She wanted to use it on the way in and out of Allen Hospital where we changed chairs. She walked into the Dr. office and out beside me slowly. =-)

Surgery for Monday

Well this has been interesting. Yesterday, United Medical Park call with the surgery information for mom. Today the Dr.'s office called to change it, because I had questioned her being so late in the day, if they need to put her all the way under to do the cataract surgery. I ask them to try not to first, but know they may need to. They first scheduled her for 2:40 P.M. Then moved it to 2:20 P.M., Now it was moved a third time to 7:30 A.M. Since she needs to be there at 6:30 I will need to pick her up before that and be on the road early.

Still with not being able to have a drink 4 hours before surgery I am not sure how they expect her to take 2 of her medications. One they want her not to take that day.


So plans are in place, I guess. I will need to call hospice while she is in surgery to set up getting her started with them on Tuesday, now. Unless the Dr wants her to do any other things. I should ask him about cortisone shot for the torn rotator cuff.

Mom is Falling More

Today mom's care taker called. I am sadden that she is finding a way to fall out of her hospital bed. I will need to ask her Dr. about that on Wednesday when we are there. I was told mom is falling a lot more, and bruising easily still. Also I need to look in to possibly changing her wheel chair for a transport chair. Mom want to stay in bed much of the time.

Moms family, the children Merlin, Maxine (deceased 10/2000), Melvin, Clyde (deceased 4/2007), Flossie, mom, and Bill. I'll go in to more family another day.

Moms two closest friends in her adult life. Vi (Violet) T. the longest I believe I was told the met attending auctions together around some thing less than but close to 48 years, Sharon P. mom met working baby sitting in a church nursery when all of us children were in school all day so I would guess around 35 years now. She has always had church friends and neighborhood friends as well.

Invitation

I had sent moms caretaker an invitation to this blog some time ago. It must have expired and been lost as she no longer has it and it is not still listed where I sent it from. So I tried again last night. Maybe soon we can here more day to day stuff if mom does allows and her care taker is willing.

Dr. about a week away

We go to the Dr. on Wednesday.

No Hospice for Now. A Little Later

While having a cataract removed is not wrong with hospice it might not be paid the nurse said so we will wait until that surgery is done before she will enter hospice. So I will call them on the 17th to set up meeting them on the 18th.

I do not plan to do anything with the rotator cuff more at this time. If her regular physician wants to give her a cortisone shot so be it, if not I do not want to start all over again, if they can not help her anyway. She is out of the time frame to go back to Dr. Naylor and I do not want to start over with Allen Dr.'s.

I did not hear back today

I was too late this morning at 9A.M to send the fax before late afternoon. So that held up them being able to send them back. I did get them sent about 3 P.M. Still I did not hear back from them before calling it a day today. I need to follow up with some bill tomorrow and get back to school for the boys.

I had some picture of her grandson's running today but it is too late to figure out why I did to loose them just now. They would go better on my blog any way.

Hospice

I called Hospice in moms community today. I did not speak to the lady I had at the hospital there in May. I did try to bring the lady I talked to up to date since May just to touch base. She was ready to see if mom could come in today. She called moms doctor and he approved. So I will be getting her in soon I guess. I called moms care taker to let her know and see if we could get her a little more help. I guess this could help decrease some of mom's expenses as well, as they may pick up some of what we are privately paying for.

Cataract surgery scheduled

Mom was going to see the Dr. on September 18 but since she will have surgery on the 17 she needs to get in for a pre-op physical the week before. So I moved the Dr. appointment. While I do not know the time yet for the surgery. I do know it will be on September 17, with the dentist and the recheck on the surgery on the 18.

So things went well at the eye Dr. on Friday.

However, I am not sure about Auxi Health. They are telling moms care taker she should be in a nursing home. We both know she would not do well there. Mom has improved beyond what the hospital and nursing home believed possible being with her care taker. I am sure her care taker will tell me if she cannot handle mom. Mom is talking more again, since getting out of the nursing home. Walking more all the time. Her eating habits would offend her if she thought about it as she would rather use her fingers than her silverware. Yet she is feeding herself.

I need to call a few places for mom on Monday to find out what is up.

Eye Dr.

Eye Dr. in the morning.

Chairs and Hot Tub

We will get the hot tub drained on Friday. We just need to call Custom Pools and they will tell us how to do it.

As for getting mom a Geriatric Chair things are sort of on hold. I called Allen Medical Equipment. They do not have them. So I called Mom's insurance company. They said there are too many. Next I called the Auxi Health and the nurse is out for the day. So I am waiting to hear back from the nurse at Auxi, about what model and if we need a Dr.'s prescription or not, then I need to see if we need to exchange her wheelchair or not for the Geriatric Chair.

That's all for today folks.

Eye Dr. coming up

Eye Dr. appointment on Friday. I'll need to be on the road at 7:30 A.M. to have her there on time. I think they will schedule her other cataract surgery. Or at least that is what I am hoping for.

Were were going to go mow moms lawn again today but the rain was coming down good here. So we stayed put. We were told her yard needs it again. By the time I got a call that it had stopped there an hour ago, we figured by the time we finished what we were in the middle of, and got there there would not be enough day light or window of opportunity. We should be able to get it done while I take her to the Dr. This might be the last time that works out though, I hope not.

Backing to Tuesday August 7, 2007

Mom had a Dr.s appointment at 10:50 A.M. We got there right on time. While waiting in the waiting room mom was very active chattering and moving her wheel chair. She tried to leave the waiting room when I was checking her in. I was trying to keep her calm while waiting when she just stopped talking and moving. She froze with her head off to the side. She did not responded when I talked to her a couple of times. The other people in the waiting room did respond and I asked the checking people for help. I could not tell if she was breathing or not, she was frozen. I was afraid she was having another stroke. The doctors shuffled her back and sent her down to the Emergency Room for the next 4 hours. They could not find anything wrong. So they sent her home. =-) Her care taker had said that has happened a few times on her, and it scared her the first time it happened.

Mean while back a the ranch, my center three sons were over at her house mowing the lawn. Most of the rest of the week was filled with college visits, which is why I did not have time to update sooner. =-)

We had a scare today

We had a scare today Tuesday, I will have to post more about it later though.

Found Side Rail & A Problem

We walked in the door to the house at least 3 of the four sons I brought along to help look headed down the steps. I had said many times. We had looked where the bed was and could not find the other side rail but I would look there again or near dad's wheel chair in the closet. So one of the sons who had run down stairs came up and announced He had found the missing side rail. All would have been wonderful we could have turned around and left only the refrigerator was blowing hot air. There was very little in it but what was in was melted moldy smelly ice cream. So we took enough time to clean that out. Unplug it and leave the doors open before we left.

Now I have to decide if we should call a repair person or just do with out. It is not that old, but since I had a 6 year old refrigerator have the compressor go out before, I an guessing that is the problem here. I do not like making decisions like this.

Mom did not throw us out for once. She was eating lunch. Usually she tells the boys they must leave as soon as they walk in. Not today. We did not stay long as I did not want to run late for our mid week Bible Study at church. All in all a quick trip.

Mom needs that side rail

Looks like I will be over sooner than I was planing to be. Mom needs that side rail so I will be getting her one one way or another if I can.

Medication & MRI reading planned

Time to refill medications.

We will be going for the MRI reading next week. That should be interesting as they were not able to do the MRI.Mom would not sit still for it. Still I hope they can tell us some thing, otherwise why are they wanting us to keep the appointment.

Where does all the time go

I left on vacation for a week and did not want to pay roaming charges so I waited to answer most of the calls when I got back. I believe I mentioned mom had to go back to the care takers because of the mess still at her house.

Right away upon returning the Dr. had scheduled the MRI for mom. I did not have time to make it over on such short notice so my brother's dear wife helped out and save the day. Thank You C!!!

Then I had her appointment with Dr. Hoekstra on the 19, her regular Dr. He said I lot I wanted to hear. Like she does not need to go back and see the nerve Dr. who I think caused her stroke May 1. While she should get her other cataract done. and Go back to see the dentist. So I took car of all that.

I also put an arrangement on dad's grave. Red, white and blue with a flag. This all cause me to be late getting back that day and need to be at the Boy Scout Camp so that was phone call drive, where do I turn?

We did take the hospital bed over to mom's care takers last Saturday. yet we are missing one side rail. Now mom needs her medications refilled as well. So maybe I should go over before next time I plan to do yard work I am not sure.

More appointments coming up soon. I try to update this as they are nearing and pass.

I am not looking forward to the 10th. I cry when I think about it.

We had to Change Plans

When mom's care taker saw mom and dad's house she said we would have to go with her home, as mom and dads is still to messy, dirty and filled. So until we can get it cleaned up they will have to stay at her home rather than mom and dad's. I still would like to get them there.

When I moved mom from the nursing home she wanted to go to the farm. I hope being around her stuff will make her more comfortable since it is not at the farm. I think they will have more room when we can get them moved. She did not have me upset that she was calling me a liar. She wanted to come home with me because as she said I have a big table. While I can expand my table for an extra place setting I think what she is recalling is when we borrowed tables for Thanksgiving the couple of times we have hosted the dinner. I tried to tell her repeatedly I do not have a room for her in our 2 bedroom home. She told be I do have room in our big home. So I think she recalled where we lived for 17.5 years having moved in early May of 2006. Not where we are now. I do not have a bed she would be safe in or any privacy for her. She insist I do.

I did meet with the home health nurse yesterday. Things went well, they do not expect for mom to have help for long. I have not heard back from my sister in law about how the Dr. appointment went. I have heard she has a torn rotator cuff and needs a MRI. I wonder where and when.

This is likely my last post for several days. I will write when I am able to.

Lawn done, Dr. today

We got the lawn mowed yesterday at mom and dads place. Appointments today with the bone Dr. who did the surgery originally, and the nurse from a home heath care service. I wish I had called the insurance company before I set this up. Well I guess you live and learn. More later...

Feisty

Happy Birthday niece of mine, I am sure grandma would wish you one to if she understood who you are and what day it is.

So much to get done. Moving day just around the corner. Ah! Ready or not here it comes.

Today the nursing home told me she was being feisty. I was her pull her belt off setting off alarms. They shut it down while I was there visiting, but that was not long. We also took her out side on the porch for a while. Mom wanted to get in any automobile in the parking lot or get in the building. I wish I understood.

Abother brief visit

Today they had me come in and sign the forms to have mom released on Tuesday.

Mom is Going Home to Waterloo!

The Physical Therapist just told me they are releasing mom on Tuesday next week, discharging her. She could leave Tuesday or Wednesday or stay as private pay. She walks all over, yet she is not following commands (not much new there.) as far as I can tell she is basically back to where she was prior to May 1st stroke. Much to do, now. I need to cancel a Dr.'s appointment for next week and get it scheduled in Waterloo for her.

From Monday 26 June 2007

I was told when they took mom for her walk yesterday the therapist was trying to get mom to sit down following her with the wheel chair and she just kept going like the Energiser Bunny. =-)

I ask about the test they had told me about the night before for the infection. They said they did not have results yet. I am not sure they collected a sample for it yet as it looked like the gathering stuff was in her room. I need to talk to the Therapy people today I missed them yesterday. The nursing home is putting the new floor in the dinning room yesterday so she had her meals in her room yesterday all the residents did from what I was told.

Mom was very bright and alert as well. I do not know if having her up walking helped to stimulate her or if she was just having a good day. She ask for her pictures and identified some from her wedding party correctly. She told me my ds 14's name was my ds 16 name, so she was close and many call them by the wrong names. She even told me my name. I told her again about my brother and his wife's baby they are expecting. However her short term memory is not real good.

Momday June 25, 2007

Mom was being difficulty both times I stopped in today. She wanted to stand, not sit in a chair. DS 16 commented on how she was fighting to stand and set off her alarm. She worked word search puzzles today!!! She has not wanted to work them at all since this most recent stroke until today! They said she worked them all day, and wanted to stay out by the nurses station where there is more activity. YEAH! I am guessing she is getting back to where she was before the stroke.

They called me tonight they think she has an infection. They are going to test for it yet tonight. I hope to learn more about it as well.

Different

Mom was being different today. I brought her Bible down to the services at the nursing home and she did not want it. Then they handed her a song book she pushed it away as well. She did want to sing. We sang all the verses of Jesus Loves Me and Count Your Many Blessings from the hymnal. Once she started singing she both read and sang the words. LOL Still when I looked up the text for her she said she did not want the Bible and when I went to leave she wanted me to take it with me, so I did.

Then my next younger brother called as I answered the phone I found the one I grabbed was dead, and I was too late for another I stretched for. So as I walked out the door for the store I found he had left a message on my cell phone. Some one wants to buy the old pickup camper. It is falling apart and they still want it? So I talked to DH It cannot be worth much at this point. The brother who called is willing to clean it out and they are willing to get rid of the trees they have sprung up around it. So we might have more to mow next time. who can tell?

Night at ER

Tonight as I was out to get dh some thing for our anniversary, this weekend, my phone rang. It was the nursing home they had found mom on the floor. She had a fallen and had a large bump on her head. They asked and even suggested she should go to the hospital to get check out. So I went home got my paper work, a couple of boys, headed over to get her. There was an accident on our way there so we were delayed a couple of minutes to get around it. The boys helped me get her in and then waited. They did a CAT scan it was negative and she checked out well and was sent back to the nursing home.

The CNA said she should have been watching for the fall today as she was much more active today.

60'!!!!!! She did it!

Mom walked!!!!!!! 60 feet from her room to the nurses station! She is still having trouble going from sitting to standing. She walked with a walker and a couple of aids. I am so excited!!!

I knew she could do it. I am so happy for her.

Back to Skilled

Thanks B!!!

I talked to the head nurse on Wednesday. We started the ball rolling, Mom is back on skilled! It may be very short term the only way to tell is to try though. Today mom asked me to take her home again! yeah. She wants out of that Gery chair real bad! I promised her she could be soon. The head nurse thinks the soonest I could get mom home is July 5th, even though I think it could be sooner. I do not know how all this works. She is doing much better than the hospital made the nursing home believe she could do. Glad I never believed that.

Mom fell

As I was out the door Saturday on my way to the nursing home dh's cell phone rang. It was the nursing home looking for me. They found mom out of her chair on the floor. On her right side! The did not see any thing wrong and she said she was not in pain. Well I went in within less than two minutes, They called the nurse to come check her out. The nurse said they would check the next day or so too.

When I arrived on Sunday she was in her room in her chair, her roommate in the door. I got by her roommate, pressed the call the nurses light to get in them in there. She was trying to get out of her chair into bed alone. It takes two of them to move her with a hoyer lift. They wanted her to stay up until supper, she wanted in bed. It was early afternoon. Since I was there to visit, a nurse had me take her to a lobby to visit. She kept begging to go to her room and too bed. She rolled to one side and discovered she was wet so I had them change her. Then I left as she only wanted to be in bed. (sigh)

Excuses! I will get there.

Sorry I could not make it over to see mom yesterday. We watched a young man (6 year old) from 6:35 A.M so his mom could help another friend go check back on her brain surgery a 5 hour drive away. He left about 5:15 P.M. when his dad got off work and picked him up. Then our guest for supper arrived about 5:20 P.M. he played a game with most of the family and watched a movie with us. Thank heaven for a T.V. Guardian! (I do not like movies with out one.) He left about 9 and then ds 8 asked again if we could go over to the Balloon Glow, we had heard about on Tuesday at piano lessons. We missed it by missing a turn and a low fuel light on the work car. Even when we left for that I knew mom was already down for the night so too late to go visit.

I will get there today, yet I do have a lot on my plate for the day it looks something like this.
D. H. running his first race @8 A.M.
a presidential candidate (town hall meeting) stopping here at 9:15 A.M.
Visiting mom
caring for her property, so road trip.

I better go get ready for the day as dh rode his bike down to the start about 4 miles away. It is a 4 mile run. I hope he finishes as high as he thinks he might be able too. He is hoping for top 10 in his age group, go #345.

Not much to say

Nothing new to report really. The calendar at the nursing home had a man coming in to sing on Tuesday, well he showed up on Wednesday. He was singing when we arrived on Wednesday. So we waited though his show to visit with mom. I am thankful activities takes mom to music things. While there I asked about the animal control lady being there the Friday of the NICHE conference. She had brought a dog and mom loved the little dog who was very well behaved.

Thursday while visiting mom was on her way back from lunch and just wanted to get in bed. We read the Bible, sang and tried to visit but she wanted in bed so I let the nurses put her back in bed.

I am wondering if I should move her out of there sooner then I was originally thinking. More to pray about.

Stay

Today she wanted me to stay. I was planning on staying for a while when arrived yet she wanted me to stay. Then when I need to go she still wanted me to stay. (sigh) We read the Bible, sang and sat quietly. When quite for 5-10 minutes, I asked her what she was thinking. She said she was thinking about me. I asked if it was good or bad she said good.

Her plants do not look like they are doing well. I wish I knew what to do for them.

What I have learned

Today mom looked pretty good. Yet the nurse left me a note that mom is still bleeding in her stool occasionally. So I am glad I ask about that again.

Mom I am guessing had just eaten lunch so she was sitting up more than laying back. Yet I thought she seemed uncomfortable. I will have to talk with them tomorrow. One of the CNA's wanted to ask about it a couple of days ago, so I plan to on Monday.

5 of the residents attend the little church service today. We sang one hymn, Adam T sang a sepcial song and played guatar, then he preached. Simple striaght forward and to the point message. The best I have heard there. =-)

No News is Good News ...

Or so I am told any way.

Do Not Make Dr.'s Appointment on days that start with T.

Today she had a doctors appointment to check the progress of her shoulder, if it is staying in place. It is, Thank the Lord! She will go back in a month. She has a break in her longest finger on her right hand they are going to tape. (Heaven only know who that could have happened.) They did tape it, but she pulled it off. (She will be a stinker about this I believe.)

Taking the mini bus is interesting. The nursing home said to be there at 8:30 for moms 10:10 A.M. appointment, (not far away. About 2-3 miles.) A mini bus was there at 8:40 so I checked to see if it was mom's and if she was ready. She was, yet it was not hers so we waited. An aid brushed her hair and we waited. Her bus arrived about 9:25. We were there in plenty of time, early. She saw the Dr. he had X-rays taken and we saw him again. We are done the mini bus was called and we started waiting, after waiting some time, I looked at my watch from there we waited one hour 45 minutes longer for the mini bus. Mom was asking if cars, truck and others were her I almost had ds16 bring dad's truck to come get us. He was cooking lunch when we spoke or I would have.

I plan to get her moved back to 108 Bishop in Waterloo, on/by August 7, 2007. August 10th would have been mom and dads 50th wedding anniversary. I just could not keep up driving every day to Waterloo. Unless she has another stoke or something happens.

My next younger brother called, one of mom and dad's long time friends has passed away. We will have to send a card.

Thoughts from June 5th

While visiting with mom yesterday I, she asked me to read the Bible to her. So I did. Then I was singing to her she stopped me in the middle of the "The Old Rugged Cross" to ask if I was leaving. No, I was not leaving. Shortly afterward I noticed her mouthing the words to the song. I love it when she does that. She allowed me to have the curtains open while reading the Bible and singing. Yet after I closed it she complained it separated because of the plants.

Speaking of the plants the one from my brother is not blooming any longer but otherwise seem to be doing fine. While the one from B..... & J...... is not looking good. All the blooms are wilting. Otherwise it looks fine so I am wondering if they are just done blooming. ? . I hope it is doing fine.

She is not in pain, so that is good. I think we are ready for her Dr. appointment tomorrow.

Sunday

On Sunday mom spent all day out of her room.=-) When I was there so she could get to church on time she was in the front hallway. Ready to go. When I went back after church at night she was in the hallway on the side. She was awake more being out of her room.

They are telling me she is objecting to them using the hoist to move her. So I tell her she needs to do, what they say so she can walk again. One of the workers let ds 8 drive the hoiist to put his grandma from her Geri chair to her bed. A lot to do today.

Saturday and Sunday observations

While there last evening mom was on her way to supper. So I talked to her in the hall. She wanted to go in the dinning room. But they were lining them up and not quite ready yet. I got called home shortly after she got her food. Sitting there waiting while most had there plates, I thought they had forgotten mom. They had her seated at a table by herself as I was there. Yet I did notice some marks on the top of her head. When I inquired they said she has been scratching her head there.

Today they had her out and ready to go to church when I was there earlier. Yet I did notice her ear has been scratched and scabbed up and flaking off. It does not look good to my thinking so I will ask about it when I go back today.

We are going to have her shoulder re x-rayed on Thursday.

Good news!!!

Today I got some news that has me very excited. I was in moms room and walked up to tell the director of nursing I wanted to talk to her when she had some time. She stopped what she was doing and said mom ate 100% of her lunch. I thought good. Then she told me she tried to give her a built up spoon and mom would not use it. I thought Oh well. Then she added so she gave her a regular spoon and she fed herself her whole meal!!!!!! and ate it all. That got me excited. Not just the cold stuff like she did at the hospittal but all of it.

I asked her about her children she said the youngest name, added and, then said the middle sons name, and then added and, again but did not say more. Yet I can tell by her eyes she knows me somehow. She want the wrist part if the immobliser off. might be a long two weeks, yet. She wants to go home but will not tell me where home is.

On the last weekend she got a patrotic Felix the cat. She loves to hold him in her left arm She really likes him and tuck him in with her to sleep. =-)

Cut me to the quick

Much of the comments she makes hurt. She is getting demanding. ;-) But she told me I do not care about her. I replied that is why I come every day and she said I do not. I do but she does not remember I am sure. Then her asking to go home hurts too.

progress ?

She was doing well both times I stopped in today asking for me to take her home and with me. I was told she ate 100% of her meal. I was not able to stay very long either time but she was watching TV today again. Mom had the room dark again as well.

She loves that Patriotic Felix she has. Still wonder where it came from. =-)

Today mom was awake both times I droppes in to see her.

Today mom was awake both times I dropped in to see/visit her. The first time she was in the dinning room and told me to "take her with me" She also wanted my jacket as hers again. The second time she did not say much. She did ask me to read the Bible to her which I did. She also wanted the two sons with me to sing to her. It is clear she knew the songs. She also asked that we turn off the light as she was going to bed for the evening. There was a stuffed patriotic animal in her room she wanted to sleep with it. So I let her tuck it in her arms. She was even using her right fingers!!!! Yes!

Now to teach her to walk again. Or just to do it. I as told I got her going on Saturday when I was there on Sunday. They said she was talking for a long time after that!

I was there at the wrong time today

With commitments at 8:30 A.M., 10:00 A.M., and 6 P.M., some mending for mom's clothes I had gotten from the house, and dress pants for two members of our home. I got there about mid afternoon. I took my knitting if she was tired or if we could watch a movie together. The nurses said she was very alert today. I was relieved to hear that. =-) She ask to go home again but would not tell me where home is. =-(
Yet I got there as she and her roommate were napping. I opened the curtains for the plants. She wanted them closed. Then kept asking until I closed them 5-10 minutes later. I turned on the T.V. so we could find something to watch. I turned on the light over her bed. Then she wanted the light over her bed off and the then the T.V off. I kept the light on long enough to read Psalm 9 to her and sang "Jesus Loves Me" but she would not sing along today. She wanted the light off before, so I could not sing anything else. Yet she was agitated enough by any light, I could not sit in the dark and knit or tat or read. So I came home sooner than I was planning to.

The rest of my household went to Waterloo to do lawn maintenance. Only the rain prevented them from getting much done. Other than I hope they got the blade sharpened and the rototiller removed and lawn mower put back on. I better check if they got that all done.

Keep praying for dear youngest brother.

Went to the Eye Dr., Heard Back from her Dr.

Well where did today start? I know. I picked up the boys after my meeting and a return to the library that was missed last night. Then I was on my way to drop them so I could take mom to eye Dr. She was out of bed and dressed, the bus was there to get her. Yet we were not ready. She was in her Geri chair, not the wheel chair to go. I slipped on her shoes. Then we had to wait for a tray (which did not stay one well). The bus driver was not happy. We got there she did well giving them the information they needed out of her on the eye chart. The eye Dr. here whats to see her again in first he said 4 weeks, then changed it to 6 months. (sigh)

The hospital in Waterloo said they needed a death certificate to talk to me. (sigh) They also sent me a 112.80 bill to see her records so we will be taking about how that is wrong as well as all else.

I called about a stock we just learned about in yesterday mail but he did not call back. (sigh)

Some where this morning I talked to the nurse who had talked to mom's Dr. in Waterloo about why he said she needed all those medicines on 30 April (at least 11), they were ALL stopped on May 1, and only a couple started after May 5. He said they are monitoring stuff like her blood pressure so no need to medicate that unless it changes. As for the others she can stay off them until they see a need for one they may add it back. Without seeing he he could not say much more.

I told every one today I would like to have mom back home before August 10, 2007. I am hoping by about August 7 or close to that. The head nurse at the nursing home even raised my hopes today that she could ride in a wheel chair by then. So I am encouraged.

Well it is late and I am tired, so time to call it a day. Tomorrow mowing at mom and dads place.

Not Good News

Well I did get to the nursing home in time to see the Dr. yesterday. He said mom has progress where the dementia medicines are no longer helping her. So no longer any need for them.

The nursing home informed me that mom lunges forward and backward so hard that she is unsafe in a wheelchair, and needs help with everything. So they feel she is not showing enough improvement, which has her becoming private pay.

They did not mention calling Hospice which is what the hospital was saying. I believe I will call them anyway. She is off her blood thinners which increases her likely hood of having another stroke. She is bleeding internally and they see no reason to look for it any further.

She is eating good but that is about all I can say. Her drinking she drinks way to fast. So they have to give her little bits for sips.

Mom says...

Well now for days mom has said, "Take me home." Yet when I ask where home is she gives no answer. She also tells me "Take me with you." Which breaks my heart as I would love to but know I could not handle her. We come and go too much she would be alone and that would not be acceptable as the Dr. said right after dad died she cannot be left alone.

The Dr. still has not been there to see her. (sigh) They did tell me he comes once a month, at one point. Yet they told me he was coming on Wednesday last Friday. This morning I was told he is coming today, this afternoon. So I rearranged things to be there and was told after 2 hours he would be in on Tuesday morning. With all we have have on Tuesday I hope they are correct. They know I want to ask the Dr about her medications and bleeding. They said they would send him in to see her first. I had been told last week he had two patients to come see, I wonder if there is any more? Does not really matter. I just know with ds 14 class and piano lessons for three sons I do not have time to wait there for the Dr. if they were wrong again.

I need to ask if they are letting her feed herself what she can as, she needs to. I showed them on Saturday or Sunday evening.

I this a sign mom is getting better?

I this a sign mom is getting better? I have heard two things about it. Her appetite has been very good. They comment that she still seems hungry when her meal is finished. The other thing I have been told about her being hungry I do not want to think about.

While she wants to go home she does not tell me where home is. So I can only guess where her mind thinks home is. She does seem to know my face is familiar but i do not know if she knows I am her daughter.

Physical Therapy said she had a good day Thursday. She did not appear to be cooperating with them on Friday when they told me this.

Mom has a good appetite

I think Mom is getting better. Today they got her dresses and took her to the dining room. Where they had been helping her to eat in bed, prior to today. They have her restricted to using some thing called a Gerry chair where she lays reclined. The aid thought that is because of her immobilizer. The new Dr. should see her tomorrow. Then I want to read her chart. I would like to talk to him as well.

Some times she will say something but I do not understand what she is trying to say. Other times she repeats me. (Like she has been doing for a long time.)

She sings part of Jesus Love Me with me each time, I see her which is encouraging to me. I have been making it over there for short visits a couple of times a day at various hours. I still need to check in late at night, though.

Mom Moved Today

The hospital would not let me bring her, or let her sit in a wheel chair. So they made us use a more expensive transport service. To which I was quoted a price and the driver thought it was lower than it should have been. Yet he took what I had been quoted. Mom slept much of the way, yet woke up scared from time to time. I rode with her and assured her all was well. I got to the hospital right about the same time as the driver. I had hoped to be there earlier but that did not happen. Mom was NOT dressed and ready to go. So I dug her clothes out and learned she need button up tops until her right arm is better. It is in a immobilizer for now. So her current address is
Dubuque Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Ann M_ _ _ _ _ _ room A-10
2935 Kauffmann Ave.
Dubuque, Iowa 52001

I hope to have her back in Waterloo, walking and feeding her self soon. It was nice to be at an appointment with my family at 5, take the boys to Boy Scouts at 7, and check in on her until they got her ready for bed about 8. They are very nice there.

I need to go back to Waterloo for her brush at the hospital, her socks, button tops, and under garments, I will have to go Tuesday or Wednesday. I hope she can get well. Still debating what to do about her follow up eye appointment (May 25th) and her dentist appointment June 14. I have time, so that is good.

She did say she wanted the other bed not by the window. They said they have a T.V she can use I would not want to bring the Big screen or the 25 " from her home and we only have one 19" here. So if she gets a T.V. Her favorite son-in-law will become her best friend, to watch the Cubs. Her room needs a chair. I would like to move things around a little.

The only one I talked to from the hospital today was the social worker and the the CNA who helped her leave. So I am going to be reading the doctors notes soon.

Thank you Mom and B

Brother B called to night to wish me a Happy Mothers Day? How nice and told me he fed mom lunch and supper she ate all of both, and even had a second helping of mashed potatoes and gravy she ate about 10 bites of. He filled out her menu's for tomorrow. I told him if we hold it close she can feed her self and needs to. But I am planning to have her hear tomorrow, well before supper. I have an appointment at 5 I need to be at the house for, the friend who can drive my van back can not go before 10 but cannot afford any extra time. So I pray they can give me the details straight tomorrow, Morning. it would be nice if she can go in the late morning or early afternoon. By mid afternoon, it would mess with that appointment.

Not as planned, Still unsure

The plan was to go a little later on Friday, as I was going to be there late anyway. (Ds 16 was competing for a shot at state in track, in the area.) So I left about 10 AM getting there a about noon. I fed mom lunch (clear fluids) and left when it was getting close to time for our son to compete. I went back between when he was running. what I learned was she was having the colonoscopy at 6:30 A.M. Yikes!(Saturday). DH said I should stay, as much as I did not want to I knew I would not make it back if I got home at 11 P.M. (or later). I further knew it would be unsafe. So I ask to have ds 11 stay with me and we stayed the evening at there home. I set that alarms for 5:35 and was up every hour most of the night. Yet I managed to get there just after they had taken mom back about 6 or 6:10 A.M. Still the Dr. did come out and talk to me after ward. He did not find what he was expecting. No polyps or cancer! (YEA) he did find some little ulcers (rats). All in all it made for a every long day. DH went to take care of there yard today. So he took ds 11 when we met up for a late lunch. I did get mom's Bible, and some clothes for if she goes to the nursing home here on Monday. I think I will have to replaced elastic in the waist bands for 2-3 pairs of the pants I found I hope they fit her. Glad to be back home and seeing an end to being there daily. Now I am praying mom can be walking and feeding here self soon AND I can have her house ready for her to go home soon!

10 May 2007

Well as today started, I was getting ready to head over to Waterloo early. I updated my blog while my 16 year old was in the shower. Then I headed in to the shower myself, and as I was toweling off the phone rang. It was mom's hospital, Dr. calling. Her blood level was very low. Time for yet another decision. She is bleeding internally again. If we do not give her blood she will die, call hospice. If we do give her blood we should try to see if she can get well enough to do the colonoscopy. Which the Dr. does not think she is strong enough for. So I asked to give her some blood to buy me time to pray about what to do. I called 4 prayer warriors to join me. Then sthe doctor talked to me in person when I was there. She wanted a decision by late today.

Well I made the decision even though I am very unsure of what I am doing is right. I am going to have them do the colonoscopy. If she survives, Monday I hope to bring her here.

Dr. Kahal talked to me again today

While she greeted me with news that mom has had a massive stroke, and she did not see mom leaving the hospital. I told her, I cannot live with her staying here. So we discussed bringing mom to a nursing home over here. The social worker asked about her ability to make the ride over which has been running though my mind, too.

They did NOT find the she was bleeding into her stomach which could be fixed with a pill. What that leads to is mom up to finding where she is bleeding from. The Dr. believes not and if she were up to finding where she is bleeding from, she further believes mom is not up to treating it. So she will remain off blood thinners. Which the Dr. believes will lead to a stroke that does her in. Yet the Dr. added that since she has had a stoke while on the blood thinner for some time she does not think it helps her anyway.

I talked with Bonnie and she reminded me of several things, they have been wrong about with mom. She is so very helpful. Starting with she should not be her now, well she is so let us help her. Moving on they said if she ate she would die of pneumonia. She is getting stronger when she eats, if they quit putting her to sleep all the time! (May 1-3, took a couple day s to wear off. May 7 and 9. Still she is getting stronger.) Ultimately it is out of human hands and has been. Yes I did authorize them putting her to sleep on the 7 & 9th, as she need that dislocated shoulder put back in place and to see if she was bleeding into her stomach. I think if she makes it out of there she will make it longer then if she stays.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow I love you tomorrow, your only a day away.

They will find out about the blood in moms stomach. Is it dripping, is it steady, how should we treat it? I hope to know answers sometime after 7 A.M. I wish I was not a 2 hour drive away. Then again I need to be here for my family, too. Mom did not eat breakfast good for Brian, today. Yet she did eat half her eggs and a couple of bites of oatmeal. However, I was told she ate all her lunch, and all her supper. She did seem to me to be more alert and aware yesterday than today. Must be the dementia. The speech therapist said she did good for her. Yet the Physical therapist said he would come back later and did not return before I left. Mom has asked about Craig by name the last two days. She wanted to know where he is, tonight she asked Bonnie about him, yesterday she asked Brian and I about him. We called him and told him she was asking about him.

I called the nerve Dr. today and said I do not want her to be on Seriquil (I hope I spelled that correctly) anymore. I do think starting that 8-9 days before being hospitalized is what put her there, and caused the stoke.

Saturday

We met with Mom's doctor, Doctor Smith, to talk about her prognosis. Dr. Smith didn't give her much hope, saying it was likely she had had a stroke, and that her ability to swallow was impaired. Without the ability to swallow properly, a person will take some of the food they swallow into their lungs, which is called 'aspiration'. That causes pneumonia and eventually, death. Dr. Smith thinks mom is in such poor condition that her only hope of survival, for even a limited time, is the insertion of a feeding tube, which we agreed was against her wishes as expressed in the living will. We told Dr. Smith that we wanted to do everything possible short of the feeding tube to get mom's strength back and hopefully regain the level of functioning she had before this incident. We asked the doctor to order a nutrient IV, which she did, and to help us press the nurses to feed her in order to help her gain the strength to heal. We were able to feed her some juice and jello, and she seemed to perk up a little. Yet the nurses seemed just to be waiting for her to die and unconcerned about helping her fight to live. We continued to pray for God's will, whatever it would be, while working to keep her alive as best we could.

What is Happening on Monday

The hospital just called. Mom's right should is dislocated. It must have happen when she tripped coming out of the bathroom. Or when she fell, when the ambulance was called. Are my guesses? They are going to put it back in place tomorrow morning non surgically.

No wonder she cried out when they tried to to turn her on her right side on Saturday.

Today many things went better. She would not eat for Brian, this morning. She did eat a little for the hospital. Mom told Bonnie who all the people were in the pictures, and asked Bonnie to read the Bible to mom. Brain and his family came in and she ate some more. He sang to her. She was alert when Bonnie came in in the after noon and stayed alert until at least 2.25 hours. YEAH! She asked to go home but Brian did not ask her where home is. (Oh well, I only know because of Grandpa M.) You are never quite sure where a dementia patients memory is unless you ask. I am encouraged!

I have a LONG list of call to make for mom tomorrow, before heading over there. Better call it a day so I can get on them early.

Not happy with the Hospital

Not happy with the hospital. At least mom is getting some food. She enjoyed all her jello and at least half of her apple juice by spoonfuls while we were there tonight.

We had a talk with the doctor today. She is not hopeful for mom at all. I am sure they have seen this many times and do not want to raise our hopes, however they should be a mouse in the corner of that room. I hated leaving tonight she was so alert after she got some nourishment.

Her ear needs drained again and they do not want to mess with it. sigh I would be sleeping with no food as well.

The doctor ordered a nutrition IV this morning they still were not giving when I left this evening.

She enjoys seeing the recent picture of her and dad.

Update

Currently mom is not eating, walking or talking so she can be understood. She is still sleeping a lot even through the sedation has been removed.

I plan to get her a search word book (she loves those), a newspaper, she can still read, and bring her a few pictures from my house and hers, today. She loves flowers and plants.

Feeding tube or no?

The nurse discussed this subject with me today. So I have something more to pray about. And what does mom want at this point? This is a x dollar question.

The good or better news is Mom is breathing on her own without a ventilator. No more insulin since mid night last night. And she was moved to a regular room so she can now have visitors now, yes she got out of ICU today!

So if you want to send her a card as she can still read. Ann M (well you know how to spell the last name, for her security I will not spell it here.)
C/O Covenant Medical Center
3421 W 9th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702

Well I should go call the nurse and check on her again.

Ambulance

Bonnie call the ambulance about 1320 hours, then me. I left the boys at Piano lessons. I sat in Emergency from when I got there about 1500 hrs until about 1700 hrs. I called both brothers and stayed until about 2030 hours. When I got home about 2200 hours Both brothers and her pastor had been there again.

Her kidneys are a problem. Her iron is very low. They gave her blood as I was leaving last night. Call me if you need any more information I do not know when I will be back.

Mom made it to the doctor today.

No, thanks to the three of us children. Here is how it played out. Last Wednesday her care taker called and told me of a problem, we thought because of the new medication. Since I was supposed to call about the medication a week after she started it I was waiting until either Thursday a week from the Dr. appointment or Friday a week from starting the medication. well Life got away from me and I did not get it done. So while I stopped in Saturday before coming back home her care taker pointed it out to me and told me it was going down now.

I could not wait for Monday morning to call the Dr. office and ask. Well I did ask and gave them her care takers phone # to answer one question was it from the inner ear or not. Then I waited for a call back. Her care taker called and I called her primary care Dr. to get her in today. It was 1:30 by then. They had an opening at 2:30 Living two hours away I knew I could not get there quick enough to make that one but took it hoping one of my brothers could help. Care taker called youngest brother no answer. She, her care taker, could not make it, so I called and rescheduled for 4:00P.M. When our middle sons track meet was to start here. I could have left our boys on there own for rides and whatever. Her care taker said she could do it after 3. So I made more calls. They will direct bill me for the copay. She filled the prescription where I do and out of pocketed the copay on that. I told her they have the account # on file and to bill that should it come up again. I just got that taken care of when I was there with those three appointments in one week.

The doctor had never seen anything like it, called in a second doctor in there practice and went from there. He also said the medicine the nerve doctor prescribed was too strong. to cut them in half and if they were still to strong to cut them in quarters. So that is the latest for the present. Her ear may drain. She sleeps on a towel for drainage.

I am so very thankful, They moved where they did in 1996!!! Yes, I had been praying for them to get off that 17 acres that had them working Farmers Market so much. They could not get away too much of the time. God knows what he was doing! To have Miss. Allie B and Miss. Bonnie be their neighbors. Being on the corner with no other houses closer. Bonnie helped me back in 2003 with mom when the Dr. called and said bring her to the hospital NOW. I could not get her to get dresses all day. Bonnie to the rescue. While Miss. Allie B is gone now and sorely missed. I am so thankful for this Dear Sister!!!! God Is So Good!

Mom's ear

Her ear is swollen very big from that new medication. It is scary looking. Mom has been having trouble sitting so she is needing help being stabilized. She is back to not wanting to eat again. I wonder what is the best way to help her. Pray is the only answer I know of.

I wish i had remembered I took the camera today. Oh well may be next time. She sang Jesus Loves Me with us today again, Bonnie, Elisha, Mom and I.

I further need to call the Dr. about I prescription for her cataract she got a hold of the bottle and it is gone now. So Monday I have two calls to make for her.

Sceduled the next dentist appointment

The dentist office just called and we set up the next apointment for June?!? June 14, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. I hope it does not conflict with the boys summer activites.

Dexascan & medication

I got word today that her Dexascan (I think that was her bone density test) came back normal. Yeah!

Her primary physician said she should be on the medication prescribed yesterday and that the likely hood of stoke is very small. So I guess I will have her start it.

She is eating again, Dr.'s!

Yea, mom is eating again.

Now the nerve Dr. I am questioning for many reasons. He prescribe another medication and I am questioning it with her physician tomorrow. According to the side effects I do not think she should take this one. He also upset me telling me I should plan to move her to a nursing home with in two months. Bonnie and I talked and not if we can help it. =-) Those places do not care about her.

Time to call it a day.

Iron (Fe)

I think I have figured out what had happened now. I do know mom was to have 88 mg of iron or Fe twice a day but the week I/we pulled her out of the nursing home they called and said her lab work came back that they had to adjust it to 325 mg twice a day. The Dr. called the pharmacy with her prescriptions, that weekend. I told the Dr. she had just had her iron upped but many things did not agree. When I took her 2 weeks later they had moved the appointment and confirmed things by phone call.

The pharmacy had only sold me 50 mg tablets! With 8 other prescriptions the time and the 3 hour hassle I had I did not check them over, just a couple of them that were right. So while the office just checked her lab work on April 6, 2007. They called me on 8 April 2007 while I was in MI, with my aunt saying it was low. I was shocked since she was on 325 mg twice a day. They wanted her stool test to see if she was loosing they iron there.

So while dropping her off yesterday I caught the problem as her care taker, Bonnie and I talked. Since there were 45 mg tablets & 50 mg tablets for her. We choose to use them before getting more. So she will be getting 5 iron tablets (3x50 mg +2x45 mg=240 mg) three times a day. Then the Dr. wants her checked in 8 weeks. I plan to pick her up the 325 mg tablets as soon. I wonder if this will help her to become more alert again. One can only hope. I am a little surprised the nurse for the long term insurance did not catch it though. We learn as we live.

mixed news

Trouble in paradise. Mom is only wanting to eat one thing. Oatmeal. Growing up she did not like breakfast she ate a half a grapefruit every day for breakfast. Rarely would she eat Special K or Cheerios. For a little while they cooked Oatmeal , Cream of Wheat or Coco Wheat's for breakfast but that as I recall was only on Sunday's for 6 months or so. Oat meal is good and good for you but she does need variety in her diet. This refusing it eat is starting to scare me.

Another problem today was she did not want to get out of the van at the eye doctors or her house we went to get her a jacket for spring. I do not know what I will do if she keeps this up she will be more than I can handle.

As for the good news the return trip to the eye doctor said her vision had improved from 20/200 to 20/60!!! That is wonderful!!!

Bonnie had to put a slide lock on her door as mom has tried to run away a couple of times.

Cataract Surgery

Well I got up at 4 A.M. like I needed to. I was on the road in time, and watched the sun come up as I drove over. I picked mom up at 6:31 and we were where we needed to be at 7:00 A.M. From there we were shuffled along in a timely manor. They put mom to sleep, removed the cataract. I talked to the doctor he was happy with how things had went. He did put a stitch in to keep her from rubbing it open.

Tomorrow I hope we know more about the Corneal Guttata associated with Fuch's Corneal Dystrophy. I am not sure how long before the doctor will decide about it if it makes enough difference to remove the other Cataract. We do go back for a follow up to surgery appointment.

While it took quite a while to wake up afterward, mom was not hungry. She wanted to sleep and keep the 4 blankets on. We left about 11:30 or 12 noon with the help of two nurses and a belt to hold her. As we got close her caregivers house she said she need a week to heal, she also said she could not heel at the care givers home. She fought to stay in my mini van. Could be interesting tomorrow. When I get her I think it will go fine, but getting her back to the Caregivers could be where she puts up a fight again.

There is still much to learn about taking care of mom.

Right eye done, left eye undecided.

New Perscription Today

Mom got a new prescription today. 3 Potassium pills a day. I got her one for surgery and the 30 day ones. Ready for surgery? I hope so.

About moving out of the nursing home

I moved mom out of the nursing home. I was over in their community on Jan. 5th and 6th. Before I left town on the 5th I stopped in to see her at 8:30P.M. at night she was in bed fully dressed. So after going back to the house and working I went over to see her at 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning. She was in the same clothes, and she had soiled herself and was sitting in it. I waited 15 or 20 minutes and no one came to check on her or her roommate. I changed mom, then determined to get her moved ASAP. So on January 13th I moved her out of the nursing home. For two months she made the most incredible progress. I was in awe. She has regressed again yet she does still recognise me. She is living with a former neighbor who has the care of her cousin who is bed ridden and on IV's, and her 13 year old great nephew who was abused. We are trying to get mom's house cleaned out to move them back while Bonnie, her care taker, has an addition put on her house. Then we will decide which place works better for them. Mom did not know me when we moved her out of the nursing home.

Mom's Eyes (Ann)

While Bonnie had us looking for mom's glasses for more than a month, to no avail. Since it was in 2003 she had last gotten them she was due again, so I took her. I did learn she has cataracts in both eyes and corneal guttata associated with Fuch's corneal dystrophy. It was at this time I learned Uncle Clyde has glaucoma. Which I am sharing as these things are hereditary so you and your children should know it. I will assume you will inform them.

We returned to the doctor on 6 April 2007 for a cataract consultation. She will have out patient surgery on April 16, 2007. She may need the corneal replaced the doctor will advise after the surgery.

Mom has slipped again in what she know and does not know. This is hard. If you need more information please ask I will try to make it clear for you.