Update on the visit to the surgeon...

Good news today...Mom can now put weight on her left leg! Hopefully this is going to really help with the transfers-in and out, up and down, etc. The doc was ready to send her to rehab but since she really could not walk too well prior to the break, this is not something we will actively pursue. For those who follow my FB page, think back to my reference to Amy Winehouse a month ago:) LOL

For those who may not be aware, last week we engaged the services of a local hospice. We will now maintain her status as is, without seeking to rehab her to a walking state or pursue any further surgeries, etc. So far, everyone has been really sincere and helpful. It's like a revolving door at our house! Tomorrow I am meeting with the social worker and I hope to plan something really special for Mom's birthday in July...keep you posted on that.

It was really cute today at the surgeon's office. He asked her if she had been putting weight on her leg, and she said "well yes-I've been walking to the kitchen"...NOT. She also of course told him that she really had not broken her leg. Oh the joys of short-term memory loss. I had just reminded her about it in the car en route.

Well, that's about it for now. I hope we have a quiet night...I am on duty. Paul had to get up about 4 times last night. I am really blessed to have a husband who will do this for his mother-in-law.

Take care,
Sharon

7:05 a.m.

Was up 3 times between 2:45 and 6:30 with Mom-thanks to Paul for doing the last one! Now the nose bleed has started again. I guess it is time to check the cumadin dosage again. In case you didn't already know, she has a large DVT, or a blood clot (DVT just sounds smarter-:) First the blood gets too thin, then we adjust the meds and it gets too thick. Meanwhile, we keep the washer going, cleaning nightgowns and sheets.

Will check in again later...

Okay, here goes...

I have never been a blogger before but do like to read them sometimes. Since I have been doing lots of reading on various medical conditions due to Mom's health, I thought this might be a great way to keep family and friends up-to-date on how she (Jean, Wanda, Mom) is doing.

For those who know Mom and how independant she has always been, you know how hard this is for her. She still thinks that she would be fine moving back to her home and just carrying on as usual. Sometimes she does not remember that she even broke her leg; she just wonders what that funny-feeling 14 inch line on her leg is all about.

We are still working on getting a smooth system in place to care for her. During the day, Paul is the main caregiver,with my sister Karen and her husband Dave, filling in as needed. We take turns getting up with her at night and sometimes Anne helps too. Emma is around to take point on occasion as well. By now we are well-versed in how to use a "gait" belt (or is it "gate") and a transfer board and how to take the arms off a wheel chair...just what we all wanted to learn!

For our family and Mom's friends-just know that we think of all of you often. We cannot get Mom interested in calling friends or family and that is part of the progression of dementia. Please don't feel slighted or sad. You can call us any time and we can fill you in.

We would love to hear from you...more to come later.

Sharon