pleasant news re: my mom, from my sister who visited her at the hospital today:
"Mom is amazing. She is so back to herself. She says she feels normal and except for bed head looks good. Michelle if you go up today could you please take a brush to do her hair. It is really bothering her that is so flat. Once she is stronger I will wash her hair. She had a bowl of oatmeal porridge, a boiled egg, orange juice and coffee for breakfast. Fed herself for the most part. Just need a bit of help holding the coffee. I got some Fixodent for her teeth and she talks louder and more clearly now that her teeth are solidly in her mouth. She isn’t at all confused now. Just remembers the bad dreams and told me about them. I never knew she could drive a bus!! I talked to both resident and her doctor. They still aren’t sure what caused her problem. Because they started treating her with antibiotics as soon as she got to St. B the spinal fluid may not clearly show an infection. It needs to be properly read by the experts. Same goes for the MRI. Should have that done tomorrow. They are going to stop the IV fluids as she is eating and drinking now. But will continue with the 3 antibiotics. Her white blood count is 4 and that is okay. They like it between 1 and 5. They have done blood work to check her heart as well. Will know much more tomorrow about all tests. The doctor thinks she will have a 2 week hospital stay and said she has 4 days under her belt already. She didn’t like that too much. I think she expected to be released and time now. He then said it will all depend on what the tests show. Thorvaldson has very strict criteria for her being discharged back there and the Dr. said they would not think of discharging her until it is safe. Then he laughed and told her they can’t afford to keep her for no reason. She is quite weak and he wants to see about getting her a walker and having her get some exercise to get her strong again. She liked that. Again a rule for getting her back to T’s. The way she is eating, that will help. After he left I talked to her about not going home too soon and maybe getting sick again and having to come back maybe even sicker. She could see the sense in that. Ruth, she was very happy you had sent an email to T’s to thank them for her care and also another one to let them know what is happening now. She said she really appreciates T’s. Can’t think of a better place to live. Her room is nice. She thought it is in the poor part of the hospital, but I explained it sure is not. I wish I had such a nice room last time I was in Hospital. She is in a one bed room with her own bathroom and a big window with the sun shining in. When she sits up she can look out to south/ east Tache. Very pleasant. Much nicer for visitors as well. "
Tache is a picturesque street just outside the hospital.
What's happening in your neck of the woods November13
Good to hear your Mom is doing so much better Susan.
I hope her improvement continues and she is able to get back to Thorvaldson.
-42C here this morning, nuff said!
~M~
Brrrr and I thought we were having sub-zero weather..
Susan, wonderful news that they see improvement in your mom..know you are terribly worried!
Sitting here wondering if I should have someone take snow off the roof or if it would be bad for shingles..never worried about it other winters but with a bit of thaw and then freezing I'm sure it's awfully heavy.
Today I will spend the it organizing my craft room, much to do! With getting a few more units I think I can know where everything will be when needed..lol. Doubtful, but I shall try
Leaving tomorrow for Sharon's, will spend quiet New Years Eve with mom and Jim, hard knowing it will be his last then forge on New Years Day and go with him to hospice..it will be a difficult day as Sharon will feel she is letting him down..then add it is the anniversary new years day of losing my Roger, well, just have to put big girl panties on..
She promised she will be with him 24/7' sure wish she hadn't promised such a thing, she is already run down dealing with all the issues of the last month...big sigh
Hope you are all enjoying the festivities of the season.
Susan - glad to hear your mom is doing so well. Let's hope that continues into the new year.
Happy New Year to all of you. Stay safe this evening if you are celebrating.
Happy New Year to you as well Ann ..
Will be 'trying' to stay awake to welcome in the new year .. but .. it is SO cold here .. -45 this morning!
Always amazes me how the heck SPRING blooms after all this cold weather, darned mosquitoes make it EVERY year !!
~M~
HAPPY NEW YEAR to one and all - in an hour and a half, it will be mine too lol
Happy New Year as well..may 2014 be everything you need it to be..
Snowed in, waiting for plow then off to Orangeville to offer support to DS Sharon s ambulance will take Jim to hospice at 1:30pm
Still snowing, so hope I can make it..wasn't able to yesterday!
For everyone on the Canadian Gardening Forum ^_^
http://www.bluemountain.com/view.pd?i=303466050&m=9235&rr=y&source=bma999&c=embm63459&utm_medium=internal_email&utm_source=pickup&utm_campaign=receiver
~M~
Betty, I sure hope the road conditions improve .. you have so much on your mind on this day besides Jim and Sharon.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Drive safe, and take care
~M~
not going anywhere "M"
stuck in the drive
photo 1 is depth of snow we got yesterday
photo 2 pretty though
photo 4 tried to get out, stuck now
photo 3 drats, municipal plow just put 3' of snow at end of drive
was trying to remember weather when Roger died NewYears..bitter cold like you have "M"
snowing on our way home from Toronto ..
Big Sigh
Loved the card "M" thank you
ty for the card, Marilyn - lovely lovely lovely!
I used to belong to Blue Mountain cards, back when it was all free lol
Susan, I'm glad you liked the card .. I know your in Wpg now visiting your Mom, I certainly hope all goes well ..
Betty, condolences on the passing of your step father, Jim. I can only hope Jewel took his hand and they have carried on together ..
We've all kind of had a crummy Christmas/NY .. most particulalry you
Jewels funeral was outstanding !! Lots of wonderful memories relived .
Bedtime for Bonzo ^_^
HUGS
~M~
Thanks "M"'
Can only hope things get easier
After 43 yrs of having Jim as a dad it was hard watching him suffer, add in the no hydro for 5 days while caring for him and storm days with 1 to 1 1/2 ft falling with high winds and being housebound hasn't been easy..now comes mom, that will be the hardest part , not an easy task to deal with
Now comes the healing time for Jewel and her family and friends..sending hugs
Susan, hoping to hear how you are doing and how mom has made it through the night. Your days in Winnepeg are dwindling and am sure that is upsetting!
This is my 3rd day of 7......
Saw my mom today.... her shoulder hurt, so they gave her morphine. When I arrived, she said her legs hurt, so they gave her morphine...... 1st dose didn't do anything, so they gave her more, and she slept through most of my visit, which was fine.
The nurses and aides all give the 3C's - Care, Comfort and Compassion....... they are so "dear" to her..... call her sweetie, etc......
They're talking about putting her in a Palliative Care room...... hope that means a private room, so she can have a window! There's always a curtain drawn between her bed and the next, and the next person has the window side.......
and NPO which means she's getting no nourishment...... although my brother came to see her yesterday as we (Alice & I) were leaving... he was DRUNK. He'd cut his finger at work (in a restaurant) so they sent him home. He was "coming up right away" - 1 hour bus ride.... took him 3 hours and a taxi ride (!!!!!) because he was upset that Alice told him mom was dying (she said it nicer than that... but he couldn't handle that.......)
Then, when he arrived and had to gown up..... he only put glove on cut hand, not the other... DUH! Then he told Mom all she needed was a good meal (remember the NPO?) He got a meal for her and fed her........ all pureed of course, but we were ALL told that if she tried to eat anything, she could aspirate and die!! Sorry people, but my brother is an A***.......
Morning all,
Am sure you are relieved Susan at seeing the care your mom has been given..since going through this with Jim last week it gives one great comfort knowing they are well looked after.
The week I'm sure is going far too quickly..will be difficult to leave but having spent the week with her has been a blessing!
Had a bit of snow yet last night, if we get rain as they say we will what flooding there will be..flooding in the basement for sure.
daily, I think "this is the day she will pass, and I'd like to be with her when she does"........
It is truly amazing at how hard these souls fight to keep with us! You just have to let them know it's ago to close their weary eyes and rest that we shall be ok.
Prayers coming your way
I will be going up to see my mom, later, but my sister Alice just phoned from the hospital, says my mom is sitting up and happy that we're coming to see her. She is on full meals - had porridge for breakfast & soup and toast for lunch. She's still on palliative care, but she's comfortable & happy.
And that's the point of Palliative Care - to keep them comfortable & happy :-)
Your being there certainly has been a godsend, likely why she has shown improvement!
two of her daughters and her son won't be coming to visit Mom, but at least Alice and my daughter Michelle will be there to visit her
are they finding it too difficult..my brother Bernie just did the same, not sure if it was a cop-out or truly felt it overwhelming..
my eldest sister says she doesn't want to see my mom this way. The 3rd sister (Ruth) had a planned trip to Phoenix, and won't be back until the 25th. She & Alice were the ones to look after Mom, get her into the senior's home, etc...... Ruth & Alice are the "executors of the Health Directive" etc. They are both the bulwarks of the family, and I don't fault Ruth for not being here. She left about a week ago (as planned).
Then there's Stan..... and he's not allowed up to see her if he's drunk. The nursing staff is keeping an eye out for it - know he's an alcoholic.
Hardest part sometimes is knowing life goes on..she just may be here smilling when Ruth gets back.
As for not wanting to see a loved one in their fight for life, my goodness what kind of life would it be it nobody went to see our ailing..
How did yu find your mom today? Are staying at your daughters, perhaps you have said but mind not working the best these days.
I've been working hard since early morning, am amazed at how much I accomplished..moved the couch to wash the floor and found a bag of wool,hook and some grannie squares, decided I'd make an afghan or two for The hospice facility, can put them in their spring sale
Just ordered chicken souvlaki dinner, guess I best go get it
She may be, Betty - she had most of her dinner - said she was determined to eat as much as possible to get well, and leave the hospital.
Evelyn is wrong in my opinion, to not go see Mom, but... Evelyn is still grieving for her husband (who passed away 1 1/2 years ago) and cannot go to a hospital. She remembers the last time they went to a restaurant - she, mom, and Stan - and that was a good memory......
Plus, Evelyn is still hurt that Stan took her and Alice (Ruth?) off as the 2 signatories on Mom's bank account. He took Mom to lunch, then to the bank and got her to close her acc't with my sisters on it, and opened another account naming Stan as the only other signatory.....
So, Evelyn's hurt....... this happened in March, I believe, just before Mom moved into the senior's residence in April.
Anyway, back to today - spent 3 1/2 hours with Mom, and it was great - perky, even. Stan came to see her for 3/4 of an hour and it was good too. Lots of reminiscing, etc.
I am staying at my daughter Michelle & son-in-law Lonnie's home. Really enjoying it, and now I'm going to go watch a movie with them.
Susan - thinking of you at this time. It's amazing how times like this bring out the best and worst in family. Sounds like your Mom is comfortable and that's important.
Bed time but taking a few minutes to wave
Susan, yes, can understand why she is upset!
My day was overwhelming
Hard to accept that you are a terrible daughter then to come home to 3" of water in the basement, just not good
Of course had I not been so careless and unplug 2 sump pumps when I unplugged the freezer to defrost it yesterday the pumps likely would have kept up to the flash flooding going on.
Greg came and with his and my shop vac we were able to suck almost all of it up..just knew when I sked myself a few days ago when cleaning 2 linen closets why on earth I needed all those towels and bedding, now see they would have helped absorb last of damp surface but no a friend picked them up
Calling it a night
Quite the time Betty .. glad Greg was around to lend a hand ..
I MAY be scarce for a little bit
Babysitting the grands in their home while DS and DDinlaw head south for a week.
Hoping I do NOT catch Austins strep throat !!!!
Biggest deal is going to be the 3 dogs .. H Y P E R !!!!!
Take care everyone
~M~
hello everyone - thank you for your thoughtful prayers, etc
I spent the night with Mom. She had a very fitful night - had to have morphine for pain. Alice says it's "phantom pain". Anyway, I sang her to restfulness, and rubbed her back, forehead and stroked her hair. She calmed down then (she had been hallucinating). I think I got about 3 1/2 hours of broken sleep.
The hospital was sweet - the "overnight stay" was a last minute decision when I found out that I could stay. They provided me with my meds (for epilepsy), and a cot next to Mom's bed.
This morning she woke up very slowly...... then ate breakfast, then went back to sleep.
The nurse says that usually someone in her state has a good day, then it's all downhill. She had 2 good days in a row, so they have no idea other than she's "spunky".
When Alice came by, I caught a ride home with her husband (to my daughter's that is).
I then had a 2 hour nap, then dinner.
Heading back tomorrow - should arrive at 10am, then leaving at 4pm to meet a friend, then back to Michelle's for dinner.
I go back home Tuesday am, so tomorrow is my last visit with Mom.
Dropping in to say hello... Susan I hope your Mom is comfortable, it was so nice to know you were able to see her and your family as well.
Gordon and I are finishing up our babysitting job at Murrays. He and Alison arrive home from the Dominican on Monday night at midnight.
It has been a long week, but, a good week as well.
The kids have been great, the dogs were a handful!
My mantra right now is 'there,s no place like home '.
Hope everyone is well
M
"M" was wondering also how Susan's mom is doing.
You will so enjoy being home Tuesday, bet it will be a p.j. Day for sure.
Still snowing and blowing, weather alert on for tonight, sure wish it would have waited till morning.
Guess there is some shovelling to do
Sorry - I seem to be chatting all about myself and what's going on in MY life.......... how tedious of my lol
My mom's "up & down". She was great the day before I left to return to Calgary, but when I got home I got an email from Alice saying Mom had gotten out of bed (80 lbs, 1/2 cup soup only that day, and complete bed rest), walked 3 steps to a chair and collapsed into it. Good thing her roommate woke up and called a nurse. They got her back into bed and lectured her.
She hallucinates and forgets she has to stay in bed.....
One minute the nurses/Drs are saying "weeks, rather than months" and the next they're saying "she may go back to the semi-care home, so don't give up her room there - could live to 98".
Ladies..........she's 80 lbs, no IV or feeding tube, and is too tired to eat most of the time. I'm trying to be realistic here.
Had something nice happen on Friday - a "living/loving memory" plaque that holds about 100 mini plaques, went missing from the Church while I was away. Everyone looked high & low for it.
Friday night Bob & I went to put away all the Christmas decorations......... I peeked into the music equipment room, and there was the plaque, jammed inbetween the wall and a file cabinet, with only 2" or so showing...... someone deliberately jammed it in there...... don't know why?!?!
Susan .. when things get tough, there's no place like here to come and 'rant'
How is your Mom doing today ?
Happy to hear about the plaque ^_^
I'm doing what I do .. cook, clean yadda yadda .. did 'mentor' a nursing student .. a work in progress .. hopefully it'll turn out well .. I tend to think it will ..
How are our 'ANNs"? (Edmonton and Ottawa)
Keeping warm through these cold spells .. ??
Know how 'BUSY BETTY' is doing from the general discussion forum .. B U S Y !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take care all
~M~
yesterday Michelle phoned and said she got a lovely surprise when she went to visit grandma.
She was sitting up in a wheelchair, eating her lunch, at the nurses' station! Apparently the aide couldn't spend an hour with mom to make sure she was eating, so they moved her to where she could feed herself, with supervision.
Really happy to hear she got out of bed (which is what she desperately wanted) with assistance.
Quite a lovely surprise for my daughter.
Today Bob got a call from the Dr's office re: his blood tests 2 days ago. He's got High Cholesterol (4.4, instead of 3.2) and needs to make a lifestyle change...... less red meat, fats, and breads. More nuts & fish & yogurt.
No cookies, cheese & crackers for evening snack, and less whole milk......
Tuesday he goes for a complete physical, and Feb 1st he goes for a CT scan.
Heart issues are scary, to say the least, and Bob deserves me for a good many more years!!
This message was edited Jan 23, 2014 3:47 PM
Morning all, again a record breaking day...say frigid air coming from Maniyoba, bet "M" you've sent it my way! NOT going to say thank you. Lol
Do you think this winter will break a record for the coldest winter?
Susan, that is great news re your mom, she sure is a fighter.
Answers to Bob's recent blackouts..know you, you will have his cholesterol readings down in no time.
The Ann's I'm sure are already planning their gardens
And Viola Ann doing something interesting as always..love hearing about her travels
Coffee's calling!
Unfortunately Betty, it seems the inclement (COLD) weather went from me to you ..
Yesterday was almost unbearable, I was standing in a parking lot waiting for Lorna, and, in about 1.5 minutes I was nearly frozen !
One thing about this hip, the metal gets cold when the temps go down and you're out ..
Anyway, today we are on the PLUS side .. go figger ??
Susan, good luck with Bob and his cholesterol .. i would imagine they are looking for a narrowing of one of his arteries, that usuallly causes the 'fainting spells'.
Off n runnin here
~M~
Keep thinking spring, know its a long ways away..
I don't mind the snow but these -30-40 temps for weeks on end is making winter that much more unbearable
Oh well, took a turkey out of the freezer, plans the cook it tomorrow then make chicken pit pies..now you just have to know I'm tired of being housebound when I decide to cook
ok, I am officially SCARED for Bob...... spoke to my neighbour last night, who's a nurse, and she said that it could be indicative of a stroke - him passing out and all...... why o why can't we Get A Break........ he's my rock, my indestructible one........
Your break will come when they tell you all can be dealt with with meds and change of diet
Don't let the nurse next door put such ideas in your mind..am sure the doctor who saw him yesterday would have had an opinion re stroke Nd would have mentioned it..
Hugs
M you sent Betty and I your weather. Boooooo!!! It is -27 on the lake side deck and a high wind has come up so the temp will go down even more. The pups still don't want to go for a walk. They were quite disgusted with me earlier as I made them go outside with me as I got wood for the stove. This heating with wood is almost a full time job but I wouldn't change. Wood heat is so comforting and warm - at least to me it is.
Vann now the Christmas season is over do you play your bells on a regular basis? I am assuming you still have regular practices... am I right?
Susan sending positive thoughts to you and Bob. Don't jump too quick onto what your neighbour said. Wait until you hear it from the doc. If he doesn't say anything about mini strokes ask him - I am sure he would be most keen to answer any and all of your questions.
Its a bluster, dreary cold day out there. Was all sunshiny this morning but this latest storm is moving in. All the public school kids that are bused were sent home at noon.
Stay safe and warm everyone.
Dianne
Hi All Alberta Ann here. I have been lurking and can only get on here at work during a break. I have been running. Will start on the garden thing soon and went to see how my stored Canna's and begonia's look. They still have substance so will have a go at waking them up in a month or so. Got some seeds coming but not too many. I am running out of places to put my Hosta's and yet they still call me from their spot on the lists of others. What am I going to do!!! LOL.
Been watching all the health issues and am thinking with my family that I am very grateful that we live in Canada..... wouldn't have a house if we lived in the USA.....
Weather is wacky but there you go I am in Alberta and don't blink as it will change!
Bye for now.
Alberta Ann