Caring for the elderly.

[Linda W]

Skippy, my sweetie pie,

I am so glad that your dear mother is doing well. What a relief for you and your dad.

I know how painful hip surgery can be, but once she heals she will be able to do all the things she could not do before. My friend Renee had one last year and she emailed me and said she is so happy she can walk without pain now. She had the surgery, right after our highschool reunion last year.

In fact, she said she felt like a "spring chicken" again, tee hee. I bet your mom will too.

Hugs to you and a speedy recovery to your mom. Also sending a special hug to your dad.

Love, Linda

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/11/2008 11:50:19 PM
Author: Linda W
Skippy, my sweetie pie,

I am so glad that your dear mother is doing well. What a relief for you and your dad.

I know how painful hip surgery can be, but once she heals she will be able to do all the things she could not do before. My friend Renee had one last year and she emailed me and said she is so happy she can walk without pain now. She had the surgery, right after our highschool reunion last year.

In fact, she said she felt like a 'spring chicken' again, tee hee. I bet your mom will too.

Hugs to you and a speedy recovery to your mom. Also sending a special hug to your dad.

Love, Linda

Ah, thank you Linda, you have me teary eyed now. hehe You are very right about it being better than how she was before, there is only one person I heard a negative experience and the rest positive and it was because she didn't get Physical Therapy right away so I will be on that for sure in the next few days!! Thank you for the hug for my dad; he was so scared today so I am sure he will be happy to have a hug. He is much better now that he knows she is much better. xoxox and many thanks friend!!!

Linda, thank you for sharing that positive information on your friend; I am so happy she is feeling like a spring chicken

 

[Kaleigh]

Awww, I know it''s hard Stephanie. You must have been such a huge comfort to your Dad today. Thanks for the update, was thinking of you all day. I was just wishing, praying and hoping all would go well. Sounds like it did. Phew... Get some good sleep, nighty night!!!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/12/2008 12:03:04 AM
Author: Kaleigh
Awww, I know it''s hard Stephanie. You must have been such a huge comfort to your Dad today. Thanks for the update, was thinking of you all day. I was just wishing, praying and hoping all would go well. Sounds like it did. Phew... Get some good sleep, nighty night!!!

Thank you Lisa, I knew my friends would be cheering her on. Thank you for the strong prayers. sweet dreams to you too.

 

[Linda W]

Skippy,

YES, YES, YES, Physical Therapy is Very Important. Renee didn''t want to do it at all. Her 87 year old mother, as well as Renee''s husband were on her case daily. You can bet she went and she WAS SO GLAD SHE DID!!!!!

Her mother is adorable. She is teeny tiny and I can just see her shaking her finger at Renee. She came to our reunion for a few hours too.

The hardest thing is getting up and walking after surgery, but it is necessary. I am sure your mother will. She has a beautiful and caring daughter and husband to see her through it.

Love, Linda

 

[Skippy123]

Linda, your friends mother does sound like a cutie (shaking her finger, hehe); I bet she is glad she kept her inline! You are right PT is important; I am so happy for your friend. Thank you and sweet dreams!!!

 

[Kaleigh]

The sooner she is able to get up and moving the better. I will be praying for her recovery, it''s not easy, but with you by her side it will be less painful. You are a ray of sunshine, your Mom is so lucky to have such a loving, caring and devoted daughter.

 

[diamondfan]

Skippy, sending good vibes and healing your mom''s way.

The worst is hopefully over, she needs to keep her spirits up and have gentle but firm assistance in getting up and around and motivated.

You are a blessing to her I am sure, and I know in a short time she will be her old self again.

 

[justjulia]

Skippy,

It was touching reading about your dad. My parents were divorced so very long ago and there was no worrying for the other in times of later life illnesses. It''s nice to hear about people who care so much about each other after being together so many years.

 

[Ellen]

Skippy, thanks for letting us know how things went, which sound good! I''m sure your dad really appreciated you being there with him. You''re a good daughter.

 

[diamondsrock]

Skippy thanks for letting us know how she is doing. I agree the physical therapy is very important. My friend had hers started in the hospital and then it continued at the rehab center. I remember before she went home they had to make sure she had the right chair to sit in. She couldn''t sit on the couch at first since it was too low. She was very good at doing her exercises. I think a woman from the reahb center came to her apartment when she got home for a day or two per week to make sure she was on the right track.

She''s going to do great with the right care which it sounds like she will get. It will be wonderful for her to be able to get around without discomfort.

 

[turtledazzle]

Hi all,

Thanks for all of the support. My mom is doing pretty well. They had some trouble getting her the right type/amount of pain meds yesterday, so she was sort of out of it for a while, but she started doing much better last tonight and today she stood on her good leg and sat in a chair!

Her blood pressure is a little low, but if that can get resolved she may be discharged tomorrow or Saturday and then into an inpatient rehabilitation hospital very close by (makes me soooo happy because it is on the campus where my husband and I work so we''ll be able to visit easily).

Mom''s being a lot more negative than I want (but unfortunately that''s nothing new), and the whole time she was standing and then trying to turn to get into the chair she kept saying "I can''t" while actually doing it.

We keep reminding her to stay positive and that it is going to be hard work but if she sticks to it she''ll be fine. In the inpatient facility, she won''t really have an option ''cuz they''ll work her hard there ... so I''m very optimistic.

Lisa -- so glad to hear your father is doing better and fantastic that your mom is stepping up to the plate, so to speak.

Skippy -- I''m happy to hear your mom did well in surgery, and I agree it is so touching to hear how worried your dad was. My father died when I was very young from heart disease, so my mom was always the one worrying. My brother -- the 48 year-old momma''s boy -- flew in to see our mom in the hospital yesterday which was really sweet.

Hugs to everyone! (and a big special bear hug for you, Ellen!)

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/12/2008 4:22:29 PM
Author: turtledazzle
Hugs to everyone! (and a big special bear hug for you, Ellen!)

Aw, thank you.

I'm SO glad to hear your mom's doing well, if not a lil grumpily.

Just try to ignore that, and keep on keepin on. That's all you can do. And yes, they'll whip her into shape in no time! Keep us posted turttle, and take good care of you!

 

[Skippy123]

Lisa, Ellen, Diamondfan, Diamondsrock, JustJulia, Linda, and Turtle thank you for your sweet thoughtful words.

It is sweet to see my dad worried for my mom; thank you!

My dad spent the whole day at the hospital again so I had him go for another walk just to get away. I took the afternoon/evening shift. heeh I think he likes the walk

They had my mom get up and walk a little but I she didn't really want to but knew she had to. I guess baby steps and lots of rest

Diamondrock, I am glad your friend is doing better, thanks for sharing that info and I will make sure when she gets home she has a chair that isn't too low. I appreciate your info and kind words!!

eta: this thread is great!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/12/2008 4:22:29 PM
Author: turtledazzle
Hi all,

Thanks for all of the support. My mom is doing pretty well. They had some trouble getting her the right type/amount of pain meds yesterday, so she was sort of out of it for a while, but she started doing much better last tonight and today she stood on her good leg and sat in a chair!

Her blood pressure is a little low, but if that can get resolved she may be discharged tomorrow or Saturday and then into an inpatient rehabilitation hospital very close by (makes me soooo happy because it is on the campus where my husband and I work so we'll be able to visit easily).

Mom's being a lot more negative than I want (but unfortunately that's nothing new), and the whole time she was standing and then trying to turn to get into the chair she kept saying 'I can't' while actually doing it.

We keep reminding her to stay positive and that it is going to be hard work but if she sticks to it she'll be fine. In the inpatient facility, she won't really have an option 'cuz they'll work her hard there ... so I'm very optimistic.

I hope her blood pressure improves and is able to leave soon to inpatient rehab. Yay for the baby steps and good for the optimism You are such a sweet daughter; lots of prayers for you and your dear mom. ((((HUGS))))

 

[turtledazzle]

Mom has been moved to inpatient rehabiliatation!!!

She''s doing well and in good spirits. She stood on her good leg and pivoted over to sit earlier today with *much* less trouble than she did yesterday, so yay for her. Oops ... gotta run now, she''s asking me to open her container of pie ... her appetite is definitely good!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 6/13/2008 6:26:13 PM
Author: turtledazzle
Mom has been moved to inpatient rehabiliatation!!!

She''s doing well and in good spirits. She stood on her good leg and pivoted over to sit earlier today with *much* less trouble than she did yesterday, so yay for her. Oops ... gotta run now, she''s asking me to open her container of pie ... her appetite is definitely good!

That''s great news!!! Yay for her, and yay for you!!!

 

[justjulia]

Date: 6/13/2008 6:26:13 PM
Author: turtledazzle
Mom has been moved to inpatient rehabiliatation!!!

She''s doing well and in good spirits. She stood on her good leg and pivoted over to sit earlier today with *much* less trouble than she did yesterday, so yay for her. Oops ... gotta run now, she''s asking me to open her container of pie ... her appetite is definitely good!

Great!! This is such good news!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/13/2008 6:26:13 PM
Author: turtledazzle
Mom has been moved to inpatient rehabiliatation!!!

She''s doing well and in good spirits. She stood on her good leg and pivoted over to sit earlier today with *much* less trouble than she did yesterday, so yay for her. Oops ... gotta run now, she''s asking me to open her container of pie ... her appetite is definitely good!

Wonderful news; I am so happy for you two!!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/13/2008 6:51:19 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 6/13/2008 6:26:13 PM
Author: turtledazzle
Mom has been moved to inpatient rehabiliatation!!!

She''s doing well and in good spirits. She stood on her good leg and pivoted over to sit earlier today with *much* less trouble than she did yesterday, so yay for her. Oops ... gotta run now, she''s asking me to open her container of pie ... her appetite is definitely good!

That''s great news!!! Yay for her, and yay for you!!!

Ditto''s!!

 

[perry]

Wow; this thread moves a lot faster than I have time to follow it.

Thanks for all the support for those who have offered it.

There are also a lot more people than I seem to be able to track this morning who are now onboard in this thread and helping their parents.

I wish you all the best, and thank you all for your your example of loving devotion and support - even if I cannot name all of you at this time.

I struggle with the issue of taking the time to read in detail all the post in the last couple of weeks and listing and responding to all the great people here (as one part of me tells me I should do) - versus other things I feel a need to get done this AM on a more immediate basis. Please forgive me if my prioritization seems cold. I do care; but am also a bit burned out.

All, have a great day - and may things work out with your parents in a more blessed way.

Perry

 

[AGBF]

Date: 6/11/2008 11:40:23 PM

Author: Skippy123

Ahhh, thank you for thinking my mom and keeping her in your prayers, they are very much appreciated. It was a long day; they didn''t have a room for her for a few hours but good thing she was out of it. I stayed with my dad the whole day and had him go for a walk with me near the hospital to help distract him worrying if she would get a room. I forget how emotional all this stuff can be; so when I saw her I got teary eyed. She slept most of the day and the nurses were wonderfu; she has a wonderful surgeon too. Tonight she was more awake and aware; I am pretty sure she will be fine. I just love my mom so much and worry a little but she is on the road to recovery and I know she will love it when she can do things she because use to not doing because of her bad hip. I will go back to visit her tomorrow; she has to be in the hospital till at least Sat.

How is she doing today, Skippy? (It''s now Saturday.) I can''t believe that they took her into surgery and didn''t have a room for her when she got out! I would have been crying buckets! You are a wonderful daughter. Thank God you were there for your mother and your father.


Love,
Deb

 

[turtledazzle]

Thanks to everyone! What a wonderful, supportive community!

We''re getting ready to head over there with her clothes (no more hospital gowns!!! yay!) and to eat lunch with her. She''s already had a round of physical therapy this morning ... I cannot wait to hear how it went (no doubt there will be many dramatic faces from my mom -- that''s her drama queen coming out

).

Skippy -- how''s your mom doing today?

 

[AGBF]

Date: 6/14/2008 12:04:19 PM

Author: turtledazzle

Thanks to everyone! What a wonderful, supportive community!

We're getting ready to head over there with her clothes (no more hospital gowns!!! yay!) and to eat lunch with her. She's already had a round of physical therapy this morning ... I cannot wait to hear how it went (no doubt there will be many dramatic faces from my mom -- that's her drama queen coming out

).

Turtle,

I may have missed it, but although I saw you described your mother as, "older", I didn't see her exact age. Did you post it anywhere? I also did not see any prognosis having been made since her surgery for her being able to return to independent living. Is it too early to tell? I am hoping that she will be able to return to a happy, productive life. In the meantime, I hope that her pain medications have been stabilized and that she continues to eat well.

I am glad that she is close to you and your husband and that you can get to see her easily. I wish you all the best.

Deb

 

[Skippy123]

Deb and Turtle and friends, thank you sweeties for asking about my mom. She was moved from the Surgical floor to a different hospital where they will be doing physical therapy with her for 3 hours a day and will be inpatient for a week. She still needs oxygen but she is improving little by little each day which is expected. I thought she would be coming home but I learned that this is what is best for her to help her during her recovery. Deb, my mom was out of it when they didn't have a room ready; I did ask to talk to the nurse and the nurse was very nice and comforting; we were all nervous about it but we knew she would have a room soon though. You are so sweet, thank you.

It is nice that my hubby goes for a couple hours too and has been a big help and same with my sister and her DH. My 2 yr old nephew has to see his grandma too, which is soooo cute; he just loves my mom and of course it brings her joy to see her grandson! My dad and I have been taking turns staying with her so she has some company. I also try to make sure my dad is eating and I have him get out and go for a walk with me each day just to help clear his mind from sitting there. Tomorrow after church we will take him to breakfast and then go see my mom. She is on the road to a good recovery; the nurses are great so that helps a lot! Thanks all (sorry so long); big hugs friends! Deb, how are you and your dear father? I have you in my prayers and thoughts often.

Turtle, yay for her own clothes, getting PT and continued prayers for you and your mom's recovery, you are such a sweet and loving daughter!!!

Thanks for asking about my mom too. Keep us posted on her recovery.

Perry, thinking good thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Lisa, Linda and Ellen how is your family? prayers outgoing for you and your families

Thank you friends for all your prayers and good thoughts!!!

 

[Ellen]

It sounds like she''s doing great Skippy, good to hear!!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/14/2008 7:44:57 PM
Author: Ellen
It sounds like she''s doing great Skippy, good to hear!!

Thank you friend.

 

[Linda W]

Skippy,

I am so glad that your dear mother is on the road to recovery. I am also glad she will be getting the physical therapy that she needs. She will be up and about, before you know it.

You are such a sweet daughter to take care of your father like you do. I used to do that for my dad too, when my mom was ill.

Please keep us posted, prayers and love coming your way.

Linda

 

[Kaleigh]

Thanks for the update Skippy,
You have been on my mind for the past two days as you deal with you Mom and her recovery. I am glad she''s going to a rehab, where she will get the PT she needs. I know your Dad is very happy to have his walks with you, just a time to get away from it all. Bless you and your precious heart. Keeping the whole SKIPPY family in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you have some time tomorrow with your dad to wish him a happy father''s day. Knowing you, you have it all planned.

Sweet dreams, Lisa

 

[turtledazzle]

Date: 6/14/2008 12:27:11 PM
Author: AGBF

Date: 6/14/2008 12:04:19 PM

Author: turtledazzle

Thanks to everyone! What a wonderful, supportive community!

We''re getting ready to head over there with her clothes (no more hospital gowns!!! yay!) and to eat lunch with her. She''s already had a round of physical therapy this morning ... I cannot wait to hear how it went (no doubt there will be many dramatic faces from my mom -- that''s her drama queen coming out

).

Turtle,

I may have missed it, but although I saw you described your mother as, ''older'', I didn''t see her exact age. Did you post it anywhere? I also did not see any prognosis having been made since her surgery for her being able to return to independent living. Is it too early to tell? I am hoping that she will be able to return to a happy, productive life. In the meantime, I hope that her pain medications have been stabilized and that she continues to eat well.

I am glad that she is close to you and your husband and that you can get to see her easily. I wish you all the best.

Deb

Hi Deb,

I''m not sure if I mentioned her age or not. She''s not that old, actually, at 71 years-old ... but she''s an "old" 71 if you can understand my meaning. She didn''t take care of herself very well at times, smoked for 40 years (quit last year thankfully), and has a history of some mental illness and depression and some early signs of dementia (which may have been a result of a med she was on, but we''re really not sure). But with loving family members and decent doctors, she has been living quite well on her own now for a while. We''re hoping that she''ll be able to return to her own apartment living on her own. It is really too early to tell yet -- the "real" physical therapy will begin on Monday and we''ll just have to see how well she does and how hard she''ll work. I''m cautiously optimistic.

My thoughts are with you, your daughter, and father -- I hope you are all doing well.