Update on Mom

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 4:57 am

Mom will probably be home on Sunday with a wheelchair and walker. Still partial weightbearing on the left leg and a stubborn attitude that she should be allowed to stand (push/pull to get up) among other things all by herself (meaning not having anyone there for backup in case she becomes unbalanced. Her balance has been impaired for years.

She is still not eating very much at all... especially foods that could supply the vitamins, protein, etc. that her body needs to heal. She is a very stubborn lady. Lucky I didn't inherit that trait (HaHa)

Anyway, going shopping today for some items to aid her disability such as a sliding shower chair, etc.

I had another training session yesterday and one scheduled for Thursday for helping her to the toilet, out of bed, into the car and pushing the wheelchair up and down ramps. The wheelchair is the easiest. HaHa

At least the training sessions helps a bit to make me more comfortable about caring for her.

Love, Shirley

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 5:53 am

Shirley,

I'm glad things are moving right along with your mom. Hopefully once she is home she will feel more like eating. The training should help you learn to lift and help without hurting yourself!

Larry's 94 y.o. grandmother fell and broke her hip at the nursing home about 3 months ago. She spent about 5 days in the hospital and has been back at the nursing home since. The bone has neglected to heal properly and she still has to keep the wrap (bandage) on it. The doctors are talking about another surgery (which she has declined) to help with the healing.

She is losing her eyesight, hearing and mobility but her spunk is still there - quite the little attitude giver! lol She makes us laugh (with her) at every visit!

Here's to continued healing.......... remember to take care of yourself too!

Love and hugs,
Mars

mbeezie · Post by **mbeezie** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 6:00 am

Hope it all goes well Shirley. Will you be getting any help with your mom? There are probably services available to you so you can get a bit of a break occasionally. If a Social worker didn't arrange anything maybe contact the Agency on Aging My SILs mother (also from PA) has them come out a few times a week to assist with showers and cleaning etc.

Mary Beth

ant · Post by **ant** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 6:10 am

Dear Shirely

Sounds like looking after your ma is 24/7. I agree with others: hope you have some help and time for yourself.

Love, ant

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 6:25 am

I was going to ask how your Mom is doing now. Sounds like some progress. Maybe, she'll eat better now that she is home. My brother took Mom out of the nursing home because she wasn't eating...the food wasn't good.

I hope she makes good progress and that you get some help.

:bigbighug:

Stanz · Post by **Stanz** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:19 am

I wish you all the best with these changes in your life, Shirley. Hopefully she will regain some strength with a better diet at home.

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 3:45 pm

Good luck, Shirley. Nursing home food is notorious for being bland. She should have more of an appetite at home.

I agree with Mary Beth - you should try to get in-home assistance, if for no other reason than to give yourself a break.

Gloria

Post by **tex** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 4:50 pm

Shirley,

I agree with that advice, too. You won't have much free time, otherwise, and if you were to sprain your back, or something else, (which is bound to happen, sooner or later, especially without help), the demands on your energy, (and abilities), could increase in a hurry.

Hopefully, things will go smoothly, though. At least now, you won't have to spend as much time driving all over town.

Love,
Tex

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Wed Apr 14, 2010 5:29 am

Thanks Everyone,
I'm sure hoping for a good outcome. Thanks for the good advice also. You are all so right about needing some time for myself (I've always needed that even when things were good). Also, there are errands to do such as the grocery store, etc. which everyone has to do.

My Sister and I have a TENTATIVE plan which involves her flying with Mom to Pa. Perhaps I already posted about that. Can't remember. It's possible to get a straight through flight from an airport near Orlando to Elmira, N.Y (which is close to my home in Pa.). If Mom is able to do the trip in about 6 weeks we might try that. I, of course, would be driving.

I'm sure hoping it will work out.

Love, Shirley

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:31 am

Hi Shirley,

I know how anxious you are to return to PA, so hopefully this tentative plan will work out. If you are driving back, any chance I could meet you somewhere for lunch on your way thru MD? That would be fun!

I hope Mom takes advantage of at least some of the advice that will help her recover quickly. I know she has a mind of her own, from what you have said! I can sympathize because she sounds a lot like my MIL (it's her way or the highway! - LOL).

Thnking of you. At least you were able to get most of your dental work done before Mom's care needs increased.

Love,

Polly

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Wed Apr 14, 2010 3:04 pm

How is your mum coping with the adjustment.... apart from the stubborn thing and the less than ideal food.

and how is your MC. is your body behaving while you focus on your mum?

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Thu Apr 15, 2010 4:21 am

Mom is just very, very READY to come home. She is dealing with everything pretty well though considering her age (will be 87 in less than 2 weeks). She had one day of really noticeable depression but it didn't last too long as far as I can tell. Once she gets home I think I can get the swelling in her leg and foot down. I think that will help some. She still seems to have determination to get better which is a blessing.

As for my MC, I've had good and bad but not horrible. All in all, I think I've done pretty well. I had a followup with my GI doc last week. He seemed to think that the one Asacol I'm clinging to wouldn't have much of an effect if I dropped it but I told him I'd rather wait until things settle down some. I'll probably wait until when (I'm not going to think IF) I get back to Pa. Also, perhaps the Boswellia Steratta has helped. As I said in a prior post.... I'm quite sure it hasn't hurt. HaHa I plan to continue with that when I get around to giving up the 1 Asacol. Maybe even increase it a bit.

Polly............
How close are you to I81. I have absolutely no idea what time of day I might be going through.

Love, Shirley

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 12:07 pm

Hi Shirley,

How is Mom doing? Well, I hope.

I-81 has 12 mi. that go thru MD, and it's about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. from my house. I just need to head west, and the roads are excellent. If you think you might be able to pinpoint a time you'll be passing thru, that would be doable, I think, for me to meet you for a cuppa, or lunch, or "whatever".

Love,

Polly

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 5:41 pm

OK, Polly, I'll keep that in mind. I'm sorry it's so far from where you are. I don't do so well driving in cities if I don't know where I'm going ahead of time so if you're willing to drive a bit it would help. A bit of a break would probably be very welcome. If it seems like a "doable" time, I'll give you a call.

Thanks so much. Love, Shirley