Caring for the elderly.

[Kaleigh]

Ellen,
Welcome back, hope you had a great vacay!! Your Mom ate cashews?? Oh my. But sounds like she's on the mend.

Hi Miss Linda,
My Dad is doing really well. He's much happier, and is doing welll health wise. Mom is having some health issues, but all is being managed. Thanks for asking!!
I hope your Mom's numbers come back ok. I hope you have a nice visit with her this weekend.

Skippy,
How is your Mom doing? Is she able to do PT yet, or is she still resting? How's your Dad?

 

[Linda W]

Lisa: I am so happy to hear your parents are doing well. I''m also glad your mom is doing better too and that her health issues are being managed.

Hugs to you my friend.

Linda

 

[Skippy123]

Linda, since the lasagna was a success I bought more stuff to make another one now that I am a pro (I wish)! hehe

I left the rest with my mom since she loved it so I thought, I can just make another! hehe Thanks and come on over; I would love to have you over

How is your mom doing?

Ellen, oh no to the cashews!!! I remember when I had my wisdom teeth taken out and the surgeon told me not to drink out of a straw or it would open the incision. I have no idea why but without thinking I drank out of drink box senior year of high school and started bleeding; I think we just forget, totally weird. I hope she is okay! You are sweet to check on her!

Lisa, I am glad your dad is doing better. Sorry about your mom; you are such a good daughter!!! My mom is great and my dad is great thanks sweetheart for asking! My mom's last day of PT is today and in 2 weeks I will go with her to the see the surgeon to see how she is doing but the nurse told me this morning she is doing great! I am going to push for a cleaning person to come out every once a month to help them out, yanno.

 

[Ellen]

Linda, thanks! And yeah, how could she eat them?? I dunno, lol. (a rabbit eating comes to mind...)

On a more serious note, is your mom on an anti-depressant? And if not, would she consider one? I'm grasping here, but maybe it would help? {{{hugs}}}



Lisa, thank you, and yes, we had a great time! I'm glad to hear your dad is doing well, hope your moms issues get resolved.



Skippy, I'm glad your lasagne was a hit! And she sounds like she's doing good. I would push the cleaning lady too. Well, not literally.

And as all of you know, no reason to hold back, if you need to talk, we're here! Just a reminder.

 

[Linda W]

Ellen: NO, my mom doesn''t believe in them. Go figure. I don''t even tell her I am on meds for my panic attacks. She would just tell me "what is the matter with you, fight them on your own".

It is just the way she is and believe me, nothing will ever change her mind.


My brother also suffers from panic attacks, they are hereditary and she talked him out of taking them. I was so upset with her.

Linda

 

[Ellen]

Aw, I''m sorry. But I totally understand, I have some family members like that too. You''ve done all you can do. *sigh*

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/7/2008 5:06:53 PM
Author: Ellen
Aw, I'm sorry. But I totally understand, I have some family members like that too. You've done all you can do. *sigh*

Ditto Linda, I am glad you are doing what is right for you!!! We big puffy heart you Linda!

 

[Linda W]

Right back at you my Skippy sweetheart and thank you Ellen. I would rather take my meds, then have panic attacks. HA!!!

 

[Skippy123]

Ellen, how is your mom's mouth? I hope it is healing okay. How is everyone else?

 

[Ellen]

Thanks for asking Skippy, she''s doing ok I guess. The biggest crisis at the moment is a box of supplements that she ordered still hasn''t arrived. lol

How is your mom? and is she getting the cleaning lady?

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/9/2008 5:20:34 PM
Author: Ellen
Thanks for asking Skippy, she's doing ok I guess. The biggest crisis at the moment is a box of supplements that she ordered still hasn't arrived. lol

How is your mom? and is she getting the cleaning lady?

Oh no, are the supplements something she really needs or is it something she feels she needs? hehe I hope they come soon. Thanks for asking too, she is very very well. I meant to look into the cleaning lady; I want the person that use to clean my house to clean hers. I think they would get along well but we will see; my dad was out of town and is now back so they seem well. I took over some fresh fruit yesterday just to say hi and things are very well which makes me happy that they are happy. hehe Miss Ellen, keep us posted and thanks again honey!


Linda, Lisa, Diamondrocks, how are you all?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/9/2008 5:24:55 PM
Author: Skippy123
Oh no, are the supplements something she really needs or is it something she feels she needs? hehe I hope they come soon. Thanks for asking too, she is very very well. I meant to look into the cleaning lady; I want the person that use to clean my house to clean hers. I think they would get along well but we will see; my dad was out of town and is now back so they seem well. I took over some fresh fruit yesterday just to say hi and things are very well which makes me happy that they are happy. hehe Miss Ellen, keep us posted and thanks again honey!


Linda, Lisa, Diamondrocks, how are you all?

Bingo!

She doesn''t "need" any of the 15+ she takes.

I''m so glad your mom''s recouping well!!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/9/2008 5:28:41 PM
Author: Ellen
Bingo!

She doesn't 'need' any of the 15+ she takes.

I'm so glad your mom's recouping well!!

Hey, I can read your mind. lol I gotcha, wow 15! I thought I took a lot, 1 multivitamin, fish oil and glucosamine. hehe Thank you for this thread!!! You know it helped me emensly while I was worried over the operation and recovery. Thank you dear friends!!! Hopefully if someone's mom is having hip surgery I can chime in someday

I think just having someone listen to us really is a comfort!!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/9/2008 5:37:51 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 7/9/2008 5:28:41 PM
Author: Ellen
Bingo!

She doesn''t ''need'' any of the 15+ she takes.

I''m so glad your mom''s recouping well!!

Hey, I can read your mind. lol I gotcha, wow 15! I thought I took a lot, 1 multivitamin, fish oil and glucosamine. hehe Thank you for this thread!!! You know it helped me emensly while I was worried over the operation and recovery. Thank you dear friends!!! Hopefully if someone''s mom is having hip surgery I can chime in someday

I think just having someone listen to us really is a comfort!!!

Oh dear, you''re not taking near enough! Here, take some of my mom''s....

And yes, most of the time, I think we post just to commiserate.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/9/2008 5:56:00 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 7/9/2008 5:37:51 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 7/9/2008 5:28:41 PM
Author: Ellen
Bingo!

She doesn''t ''need'' any of the 15+ she takes.

I''m so glad your mom''s recouping well!!

Hey, I can read your mind. lol I gotcha, wow 15! I thought I took a lot, 1 multivitamin, fish oil and glucosamine. hehe Thank you for this thread!!! You know it helped me emensly while I was worried over the operation and recovery. Thank you dear friends!!! Hopefully if someone''s mom is having hip surgery I can chime in someday

I think just having someone listen to us really is a comfort!!!

Oh dear, you''re not taking near enough! Here, take some of my mom''s....

And yes, most of the time, I think we post just to commiserate.

gosh, if I take more I think I would gag!

I have a hard enough time trying to take the horse shaped glucosamine. hehe

 

[diamondsrock]

Lisa, glad your dad is doing well and your mom''s issues are under control.

Skippy - sounds like your mom is doing great. How wonderful! I saw you said you take fish oil. Do you mind if I ask what type? I bought some for dh and he won''t take it because he says it smells bad. I got him lemon scented pills or something like that, too, but he still won''t take them. ARgh!

Ellen - amazing she would even think to eat a cashew. Like Skippy said, she must have forgot. I can see why that would cause problems, though. Ouch just thinking about it. I remember when I had my wisdom teeth out I had "dry sockets" and it wasn''t fun.

Linda, there are just some people who don''t believe in meds and you are right, they won''t change their minds. It is too bad because they are putting off something that could help them. I think some the older crowd (and maybe the younger crowd, too) tends to see them as something for weak willed people or something like that. Too bad they don''t understand how the human body works and that sometimes the brain needs meds, too.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/9/2008 6:47:53 PM
Author: diamondsrock
Lisa, glad your dad is doing well and your mom''s issues are under control.

Skippy - sounds like your mom is doing great. How wonderful! I saw you said you take fish oil. Do you mind if I ask what type? I bought some for dh and he won''t take it because he says it smells bad. I got him lemon scented pills or something like that, too, but he still won''t take them. ARgh!

Ellen - amazing she would even think to eat a cashew. Like Skippy said, she must have forgot. I can see why that would cause problems, though. Ouch just thinking about it. I remember when I had my wisdom teeth out I had ''dry sockets'' and it wasn''t fun.

Linda, there are just some people who don''t believe in meds and you are right, they won''t change their minds. It is too bad because they are putting off something that could help them. I think some the older crowd (and maybe the younger crowd, too) tends to see them as something for weak willed people or something like that. Too bad they don''t understand how the human body works and that sometimes the brain needs meds, too.

Off to look at the fish oil info; be right back

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 7/7/2008 5:11:15 PM
Author: Linda W
Right back at you my Skippy sweetheart and thank you Ellen. I would rather take my meds, then have panic attacks. HA!!!

Yup!! Linda, I am sorry she's not wanting to take the medicine. But as Ellen said you do what you can do. You've done a lot in my book. Hang in there.

Diamondsrock, thanks, all is well knock on wood.

Thanks Miss Skippy and Ellen. Glad all is fine with your Mom's!!

I leave tomorrow for Nantucket, guilt free. Doesn't get better than that.

I'll be back Monday, and will be back and forth all summer.

 

[Ellen]

Aw, have a great time Lisa! I''ve always wanted to go there, hopefully some day. I''d love to see pics of your house if you ever feel like sharing.

Have a safe (and guilt free) trip!

 

[Skippy123]

Diamondrocks, you are such a sweetie, sending you a hug!!! How is your grandma? Okay, I found the fish oil info. I talked to the pharmacist at Costco and they said the "Enteric Coated" won't (this is gross) burp fish oil. I take it with my breakfast and have not had that problem. The one I take is the at Costco, the Kirkland brand of course "enteric coated" Fish Oil Omega 3 one a day capsule. Hope that helps. Thanks for your kind words, friend!

Lisa, I am so overjoyed for you!!! You will have a fab time; I hope you get to do lots of bike riding and relaxing! Take me and Ellen with you!

Thanks Lisa!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/9/2008 7:03:36 PM
Author: Skippy123

Lisa, I am so overjoyed for you!!! You will have a fab time; I hope you get to do lots of bike riding and relaxing! Take me and Ellen with you!

Thanks Lisa!

Yeah, yeah, that''s the ticket!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 7/9/2008 7:08:14 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 7/9/2008 7:03:36 PM
Author: Skippy123

Lisa, I am so overjoyed for you!!! You will have a fab time; I hope you get to do lots of bike riding and relaxing! Take me and Ellen with you!

Thanks Lisa!

Yeah, yeah, that''s the ticket!

Oh that would be such fun!!!

I''d love that!!!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/9/2008 7:39:58 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 7/9/2008 7:08:14 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 7/9/2008 7:03:36 PM
Author: Skippy123

Lisa, I am so overjoyed for you!!! You will have a fab time; I hope you get to do lots of bike riding and relaxing! Take me and Ellen with you!

Thanks Lisa!

Yeah, yeah, that''s the ticket!

Oh that would be such fun!!!

I''d love that!!!

Ah, that would be a blast!!!

 

[Linda W]

Wait wait wait, Lisa can I come too?? I can''t take this heat here anymore!!!

Diamondsrock: You are right, she feels I have to be strong and fight the panic attacks myself. Well I tried it, before I sought the help of my Dr. Believe me, they only got worse. They began when I was going through Chemo for Ovarian Cancer and just stuck with me, how lucky am I. blah.

Skippy and Ellen, I am so happy your mother''s are doing well.

My mom had her doctor''s appt today and she isn''t doing that well. 2 weeks ago her number was 17. Today it was 16 and a half, so it is dropping. She told me when it hits 15, it is the beginning of "good night nurse". I swear, her choice of words, are something to be desired!!!

She asked her doctor if she will be here at Christmas and he told her he didn''t know. So now I am complete stressed out tonight. I am trying not to think about it. Maybe she will hold that number for awhile and not drop. She is supposed to see the doctor again in 2 weeks, but she said she can''t be bothered, to make it 3 weeks. My aunt and uncle are coming up from San Diego to see her and us.

So..... that is my update.

Ellen: I, too, want to thank you with all of my heart again, for starting this thread. It really helps to talk about it.

Lisa, have a wonderful time in Nantucket, I will be thinking of you, my friend.

Love,
Linda

 

[Kaleigh]

Linda, of course you are invited sweetie. I hope one day I can have all 3 of you!! Us caregivers need a break. I was talking to one of my best friends who just lost her Mom and is taking care of her Dad. She is a saint, she sees him every day. She asked about my parents, as she always does. I said, I have been given a reprieve. I know the Sh*t will hit the fan sooner or later, but at least I have one last summer to enjoy.... Knocking on wood again, I had to leave Nantucket countless times because of my grandfather...Not complaining, just saying, I don''t count on anything. I am wiser than that.

Sorry about the heat, I know it''s just terrible. Sending cooler vibes your way!!!

HUGS dear friend.

Lisa

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/9/2008 11:45:43 PM
Author: Linda W
My mom had her doctor's appt today and she isn't doing that well. 2 weeks ago her number was 17. Today it was 16 and a half, so it is dropping. She told me when it hits 15, it is the beginning of 'good night nurse'. I swear, her choice of words, are something to be desired!!!

She asked her doctor if she will be here at Christmas and he told her he didn't know. So now I am complete stressed out tonight. I am trying not to think about it. Maybe she will hold that number for awhile and not drop. She is supposed to see the doctor again in 2 weeks, but she said she can't be bothered, to make it 3 weeks. My aunt and uncle are coming up from San Diego to see her and us.

So..... that is my update.

Oh gosh, Linda I am so sorry. Prayers and hugs outgoing. You take care of yourself. I pray your aunt and uncle help lift her spirits. Huge hugs outgoing during this stressful time sweetie!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 7/10/2008 12:21:07 AM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 7/9/2008 11:45:43 PM
Author: Linda W
My mom had her doctor''s appt today and she isn''t doing that well. 2 weeks ago her number was 17. Today it was 16 and a half, so it is dropping. She told me when it hits 15, it is the beginning of ''good night nurse''. I swear, her choice of words, are something to be desired!!!

She asked her doctor if she will be here at Christmas and he told her he didn''t know. So now I am complete stressed out tonight. I am trying not to think about it. Maybe she will hold that number for awhile and not drop. She is supposed to see the doctor again in 2 weeks, but she said she can''t be bothered, to make it 3 weeks. My aunt and uncle are coming up from San Diego to see her and us.

So..... that is my update.

Oh gosh, Linda I am so sorry. Prayers and hugs outgoing. You take care of yourself. I pray your aunt and uncle help lift her spirits. Huge hugs outgoing during this stressful time sweetie!

Oh Linda, that''s hard, so sorry. Sending prayers her way and yours. I am hoping that your Aunt and Uncle, will be able to lift her spirits and nourish her with love and support. HUGS!!!

 

[Skippy123]

Linda, I am thinking good thoughts for you and your mom today. (((((HUGS)))))

Lisa, have a safe trip!!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/9/2008 11:45:43 PM
Author: Linda W
Wait wait wait, Lisa can I come too?? I can''t take this heat here anymore!!!

My mom had her doctor''s appt today and she isn''t doing that well. 2 weeks ago her number was 17. Today it was 16 and a half, so it is dropping. She told me when it hits 15, it is the beginning of ''good night nurse''. I swear, her choice of words, are something to be desired!!!

She asked her doctor if she will be here at Christmas and he told her he didn''t know. So now I am complete stressed out tonight. I am trying not to think about it. Maybe she will hold that number for awhile and not drop. She is supposed to see the doctor again in 2 weeks, but she said she can''t be bothered, to make it 3 weeks. My aunt and uncle are coming up from San Diego to see her and us.

So..... that is my update.

Ellen: I, too, want to thank you with all of my heart again, for starting this thread. It really helps to talk about it.


Love,
Linda

Oh Linda, you are so welcome. This is why I made the thread, so I''m really glad it is helping you.

As for your mom, I know you wish her attitude would be different, we all do. But as has been said before, that''s because we (selfishly) want her to stick around. Unfortunately, that''s not our choice, it''s hers, to do with what she wants. Apparently she''s quite decided she doesn''t want to prolong this.

So sweetie, as hard as it may be, try to make peace with that, and focus on enjoying the time you have left with her, make the most of it. In a way, this is something of a small gift. Many of us have no warning when a loved one is about to leave us. There are things often left unsaid, things that don''t get done with them. You have the advantage of knowing, and the ability to take advantage of that. So make this time count, and you will be one of the luckier ones left with no regrets.

And then, someday in the future, we''re all going to have a big girl slumber party with Lisa.

 

[Linda W]

Ellen: OK lady, you have the tears rolling down my face now.

, but what you say is true. I still grieve for my dad at times, I still miss him, my mom does too. I miss his sense of humor. He was so darn funny and she is so lonely without him. I wished she lived closer to us, but she is an hour away.

My aunt and uncle are coming up, for a week like I said. My aunt drives my mom nuts ha ha ha. She is a non stop talker, yak yak yak yak. My mom always has to tell her to please stop talking, she is giving her a headache. HA!!!!!

Skippy: Thank you for your sweet thoughts today. How is your dear mother doing today???


Love,

Linda