Caring for the elderly.

[Skippy123]

Linda, Ellen, Deb and Lisa, and friends, thank you for your kind words. My mom is doing well, just the meds are making her tummy really bad.

I am going to take over some peppermint tea, see if that helps ease the tummy a bit. eta: I told hubby about the peppermint tea idea but he feels it won't work, but I will try it anyway.

We took my dad out for breakfast today and then stayed with my mom for awhile and then left so she could rest. Her Physical Therapist is wonderful; we are lucky she is being looked after so well by the hospital staff. Thanks again, you lady's really help make this journey easier for sure to have support like this since you have been through similar things. How are your familys? I hope you and your family's are having a wonderful Father's day!

Turtle, wonderful that your mom will begin her PT tomorrow. I am glad she stopped smoking too; that is a wonderful step!!! Prayers continued for her and you. Our mom's are close in age, just a few years difference. Take care and keep us posted.

 

[Skippy123]

Turtledazzle, I have been thinking about you and your dear mom. How is she doing? How is PT? Hugs and good thoughts your way sweetie!

My mom is doing well, she just gets very tired from the PT. They changed her meds (thanks Ellen for the suggestion) and now her tummy isn't a mess like it was.
The only thing is one leg seems quite a bit longer and the PT has a call into the Surgeon so hopefully that can be correct on it own somehow. Thanks for all the good wishes friends!!

 

[Ellen]

I''m so glad they found a med that works! I hope they figure out quickly what''s wrong with the leg, let us know Skippy. You are doing a great job!

 

[Linda W]

Skippy, I too, hope they find out what is wrong with her leg. Please keep us posted.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/17/2008 5:05:04 PM
Author: Ellen
I'm so glad they found a med that works! I hope they figure out quickly what's wrong with the leg, let us know Skippy. You are doing a great job!

Oh thanks, Ellen, it is great to have friends listen and give suggestions, it really is wonderful!!! My sister was saying that it happens having one leg longer than the other so I too hope they get it figured out, thank you; I soooo appreciate the kind words!

Thank you too sweet Linda!!!

Maybe someone else who's mom or dad who had something similar happen after surgery will chime in?? TIA

 

[turtledazzle]

Date: 6/17/2008 4:46:18 PM
Author: Skippy123
Turtledazzle, I have been thinking about you and your dear mom. How is she doing? How is PT? Hugs and good thoughts your way sweetie!

My mom is doing well, she just gets very tired from the PT. They changed her meds (thanks Ellen for the suggestion) and now her tummy isn''t a mess like it was.
The only thing is one leg seems quite a bit longer and the PT has a call into the Surgeon so hopefully that can be correct on it own somehow. Thanks for all the good wishes friends!!

Hi Skippy,

You''re so sweet to ask. My mother is doing well ... catheter was finally removed today (I had to ask some questions to get that process started, which was annoying but it''s out now). Yesterday she was able to move the injured leg from side-to-side really well for the first time -- I was so happy to see that. She is still having trouble bending that leg at the knee, but the knee is still very swollen and she has ~40 stitches so I guess it is understandable. She seems to be doing OK in her therapy sessions (they are doing physical, occupational, and memory therapy -- yay!), though I don''t really get a good synopsis of what she does in them from her (kind of like asking a kid what they did at school today ... she says "I dunno ... we worked on stuff"

).

My main concern now is that she seems confused at times, but the confusion is intermittent. Sometimes she''ll forget what city she''s in, and things like that. I have talked on here before about my mom''s potential dementia ... but that she got a lot better after getting off of a certain medication (Detrol LA) ... so her psychiatrist said he was not really sure if there was dementia or something else going on. She had been doing really well prior to her fall, so I am keeping a log of this confusion. It is not uncommon for elderly patients to experience confusion for a couple of weeks after being under anesthesia and other medication (and she was moved among three different hospital rooms and now in new room in a rehab hospital ... so that would contribute to confusion as well). So, I am hoping it just resolves itself with time, but keeping an "eye" on it just in case something else is going on.


I''m glad to hear your mom is doing well -- my mom is tired after her PT sessions as well. I hope they are able to figure out the leg length difference quickly!

How is everyone else doing?

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/17/2008 5:19:51 PM
Author: turtledazzle

Hi Skippy,

You're so sweet to ask. My mother is doing well ... catheter was finally removed today (I had to ask some questions to get that process started, which was annoying but it's out now). Yesterday she was able to move the injured leg from side-to-side really well for the first time -- I was so happy to see that. She is still having trouble bending that leg at the knee, but the knee is still very swollen and she has ~40 stitches so I guess it is understandable. She seems to be doing OK in her therapy sessions (they are doing physical, occupational, and memory therapy -- yay!), though I don't really get a good synopsis of what she does in them from her (kind of like asking a kid what they did at school today ... she says 'I dunno ... we worked on stuff'

).

My main concern now is that she seems confused at times, but the confusion is intermittent. Sometimes she'll forget what city she's in, and things like that. I have talked on here before about my mom's potential dementia ... but that she got a lot better after getting off of a certain medication (Detrol LA) ... so her psychiatrist said he was not really sure if there was dementia or something else going on. She had been doing really well prior to her fall, so I am keeping a log of this confusion. It is not uncommon for elderly patients to experience confusion for a couple of weeks after being under anesthesia and other medication (and she was moved among three different hospital rooms and now in new room in a rehab hospital ... so that would contribute to confusion as well). So, I am hoping it just resolves itself with time, but keeping an 'eye' on it just in case something else is going on.


I'm glad to hear your mom is doing well -- my mom is tired after her PT sessions as well. I hope they are able to figure out the leg length difference quickly!

How is everyone else doing?

Glad, the catheter is out; wow, 40 stitiches your poor mom. I was going to say that the anesthesia does leave them a bit confused and also the pain meds too depending what she is on. I hope they figure it out, soon why she is forgetting; take her to a specialist once the dust settles, maybe others will chime in on their experiences. Does your mom see an Occupational therapist too? Hugs and good thoughts continued for you and your mom Turttle and thank you. Keep us posted please

 

[Skippy123]

Great news!!! I we all had a meeting today with the doctor, nurse, PT, and OT, my mom get's to come home on Monday, yay!!! I am so proud of my sweet mom!!!

I hope she continues to do well, they are going to work on mastering some little things and then Monday will be here before we know it and she can come home! My hubby is out of town on business but I can't wait to tell him tonight when I talk to him. Thanks friends, and thanks Ellen for this thread!


Turtle, how is your mom doing? I prayer she continues to heal and do better.

How is everyone else???

 

[Ellen]

Good news!

 

[Kaleigh]

Oh Skipppy THAT''S WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! Yay for your Mom!!!!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/19/2008 3:36:54 PM
Author: Kaleigh
Oh Skipppy THAT''S WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! Yay for your Mom!!!!

Thank you Lisa, and thanks for keeping her in your good thoughts, I appreicate all your sweet thoughtful words!!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/19/2008 3:34:35 PM
Author: Ellen

Good news!

Thank you dear Ellen, I feel like that little emoticon jumping up and down, hahahahaha

I appreicate your sweet thoughts!

I forget how scary this can all be but you guys have given me strength through this or I think I would be more freaked out so big fat THANK YOU ALL!



Thanks you Deb, Turtle, Ellen, Lisa, DF, DS, Storm, Wifey and Linda as well for good prayers and thoughts!!

 

[Ellen]

Since we're bumped up here, I do have some news. My mom has to get some teeth pulled next week, and have a partial made. So I'm going to have to get creative and cooking, as she will have no teeth on the bottom, except for about 5 in front....So chewing is just about out in the real sense of the word. And then 6 weeks to heal.

And Skippy, you're very welcome!! Glad we could help.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/19/2008 3:47:16 PM
Author: Ellen
Since we're bumped up here, I do have some news. My mom has to get some teeth pulled next week, and have a partial made. So I'm going to have to get creative and cooking, as she will have no teeth on the bottom, except for about 5 in front....So chewing is just about out in the real sense of the word. And then 6 weeks to heal.

And Skippy, you're very welcome!! Glad we could help.

Oh gosh, I am sorry. Does she have a blender, where she could make smoothies or cold soups? I am sorry, I hope they get the partials made soon. Wow, 6 weeks to heal, I will send strong prayers they heal faster!!! You are so sweet to look after her Ellen!

 

[Ellen]

Thanks Skippers. Yes, let''s pray she heals well, and quickly. Frankly, I don''t think she has a clue what she''s in for with all of this.

 

[Linda W]

YAY Skippy!!!! That is wonderful news!! I am so glad that she is doing well.!!


Ellen: That is certainly no fun for your mom. I hope she heals realllllly fast.

Linda

BTW, we are leaving tomorrow morning for vacation. We will be back the 29th. DH and I are taking the boys camping. I have been loading up the 5th wheel with clothes. It is supposed to be 98 there tomorrow. ICK

, but next week mid 80''s, which won''t be tooooo bad.

It is a lovely resort area, with tons of kids activities, plenty for them to do, swimming, olympic size pool, fishing, peewee golf and a 45 minute drive to Monterey too. We may take them to the beach one day.

I will think of all of you.

Love, Linda

 

[Skippy123]

Ellen, I will pray it is super duper quick that she heals, sweetie!!!!

Linda, honey, thank you! Have a wonderful trip; we will miss you!!!! I hope it cools off for you soon, it sounds like a blast, I read you were making the grandson's all their favorite meals, you are darling!!! Have a wonderful time!

 

[Kaleigh]

Ellen,
I will be prayinf that your Mom heals quickly!!!

Linda,
Have a wonderful vacation!!! Sounds like fun!!!

 

[Skippy123]

I was wondering how everyone was doing Ellen, Kaleigh, DF, Linda, Turtle and others??? Thinking about you friends

My mom is doing great; she has been home. My dad has to leave town on business so I will be going over to their house to stay with her. I made a fresh spinach lasagna for us; she is excited. Hope everyone is having a great weekend

 

[diamondfan]

I hope all of you are doing well, and that your folks are healing and recuperating nicely too. With such devoted and wonderful "nurses" they should all be on the mend god willing.

Please also make sure in the heat that the elderly are monitored and kept well, it does not take much to make an elderly person feel ill in the heat.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/5/2008 10:06:05 PM
Author: diamondfan
I hope all of you are doing well, and that your folks are healing and recuperating nicely too. With such devoted and wonderful 'nurses' they should all be on the mend god willing.

Please also make sure in the heat that the elderly are monitored and kept well, it does not take much to make an elderly person feel ill in the heat.

DF, that is a great reminder!!! Thanks, you are so sweet and thoughtful sweetie!

 

[diamondfan]

Will you make me some spinach lasagna too?

edited for spelling I cannot do it tonight!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/5/2008 10:14:04 PM
Author: diamondfan
Will you make me some spinach lasagne too?

Sure, it came out super good; come on over darlin!!!

I was nervous about screwing up but hubby gave it the thumbs up.

I used low fat ricotta, a little parmesan, a little mozzarella, parsley, scallions, onion, garlic, lots of fresh spinach, tomato sauce and of course the noodles. Thanks

 

[Kaleigh]

Glad it turned out so well Miss Skippy. Sounds delish!!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/5/2008 10:24:50 PM
Author: Kaleigh
Glad it turned out so well Miss Skippy. Sounds delish!!

Thanks Miss Lisa, please come over too

!

 

[diamondsrock]

Skippy, that sounds wonderful! Now I want some! Glad your mom is doing so well. You are a super caring daughter to her and she is lucky to have you. You know I think you'd make a great nurse, or a volunteer in a nursing home!

I'm off to lunch with my grandmother today. Trying to get her out of the house. She's had quite a bit of company lately. Seems like people in town she knows are coming out of the woodwork to visit her which is nice. Plus she went to a cookout the other day with some friends so that was good too. I think the zoloft is working it's spell on her - not nearly as many compalints, bad moods, crying, etc.. She seems much more content now. What a reflief for me to see her in better spirits. I just wish we'd get some good weather. Every day lately has been cloudy, humid, chance of showers, etc... Not great weather for walking or working outside. Plus she is greatly affected by the weather. Good sunny days really lift her spirits.

Ellen, hope your mom has healed well from the teeth. That doesn't sound like fun.

Hope you all are enjoying the holiday weekend!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/6/2008 11:31:41 AM
Author: diamondsrock
Skippy, that sounds wonderful! Now I want some! Glad your mom is doing so well. You are a super caring daughter to her and she is lucky to have you. You know I think you''d make a great nurse, or a volunteer in a nursing home!

I''m off to lunch with my grandmother today. Trying to get her out of the house. She''s had quite a bit of company lately. Seems like people in town she knows are coming out of the woodwork to visit her which is nice. Plus she went to a cookout the other day with some friends so that was good too. I think the zoloft is working it''s spell on her - not nearly as many compalints, bad moods, crying, etc.. She seems much more content now. What a reflief for me to see her in better spirits. I just wish we''d get some good weather. Every day lately has been cloudy, humid, chance of showers, etc... Not great weather for walking or working outside. Plus she is greatly affected by the weather. Good sunny days really lift her spirits.

Diamondsrock, thanks sweetheart; you are so kind!!!


Great news on your grandmother; I am so happy the medicine is working.

It is so heartbreaking to see loved ones not doing well so I am glad she is doing better. You are such a sweet granddaughter; I bet she appreciates you looking out for her!!! Hope there are many sun filled days out there! I think cloudy weather can be depressing but I hope the sun comes out quick for her. Hugs and prayers continued she does well. Have a great weekend and come on over for some lasagna! hehe


Ellen, ditto, how is your mom honey?

 

[justjulia]

Yes, Ellen, ditto- how is your mom?

 

[Ellen]

Thank you all for enquiring about mom. I''ve been out of town, so please don''t think I was ignoring you.

She did just fine having the teeth extracted, no problems. And she was doing just fine for the next few days, but of course called me the day before we were leaving to tell me there was a lump on the extraction site. So I had her call the doc and tell them what was going on, and they decided to just wait and see if it went down or got worse. Later that night I called her to tell her good bye, and we got to talking about the lump, and I asked her if she could have done anything to cause it. She then tells me she was eating Cashews (how you eat those with only front teeth I have no idea), and she said she got aggravated with her friend and chomped down on one ON the site, jabbed a piece of nut into the gum and it started bleeding. No wonder she had a lump. *sigh*

But it seems to be going down so I guess it''s going to be ok. Hopefully she remembers not to eat hard things....




dr, I''m so glad to hear your grandmother is doing better, that''s great news! Hopefully she''ll just continue to improve. And here''s hoping for sunny weather!

 

[Linda W]

Ellen,

Welcome back from vacation. Now how could your mother eat cashews LOL. I am glad she is doing better though.

Skippy: You are so sweet to make your mother lasagna. It sure sounds delicious!!! Can I have some too???

Lisa: I hope you don''t mind me asking, but how are your parents doing? I hope they are well.

We returned from our 3 day trip last night, so I am catching up on emails. My mom is doing "so-so" She has a doctor''s appointment on Wednesday to have her numbers checked. She keeps saying she hopes she will be around by Christmas. I wish she would stop saying that, it is very depressing. She doesn''t know what her numbers are yet.

We are going to see her this weekend. I''ll find out more, when I am with her.

Love to you all,

Linda