Mom is doing much better. Last Thursday, she moved to a new facility in Pensacola, FL. She has been much more alert and interactive. She is receiving some physical therapy while there. Last week, she also walked about 12 feet with a rollator!
Yesterday, she had her tracheostomy tube removed and the site closed. A few minutes ago, my Uncle Kevin called me and put mom on the phone. She talked to me for a bit, but answering questions is still somewhat difficult for her. Later today, she is going to be evaluated for a rehabilitation facility. So, things are looking up. I'll try to be better about keeping everyone posted. Sorry!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
530 and 830 Visit on 04/18/2009
Upon walking in the room for the 530 visit, mom looked distressed. She appeared to be uncomfortable, and I really could blame her since her bed was at a V angle. During our visit, she managed to tweak herself into as sideways a position in the bed as she could. She did not smile, and her reactions to us were very minimal. I started trying to comb out her hair and managed to get two small braids done.
The 830 visit was a little better. She appeared much more comfortable, but still somewhat restless. The nurse, H, taking care of her for the evening stayed in the room and spoke with us for approximately 30 minutes. During that time, he fed her, and I continued to work on her hair. I managed to get 3 more braids in, but there is still a lot of hair to untangle and braid. Babysteps. She is running a low grade fever, and they are keeping the room cool and giving her some pretty strong antibiotics.
That's it for now. I'll try and post more later today after the morning and/or afternoon visits.
The 830 visit was a little better. She appeared much more comfortable, but still somewhat restless. The nurse, H, taking care of her for the evening stayed in the room and spoke with us for approximately 30 minutes. During that time, he fed her, and I continued to work on her hair. I managed to get 3 more braids in, but there is still a lot of hair to untangle and braid. Babysteps. She is running a low grade fever, and they are keeping the room cool and giving her some pretty strong antibiotics.
That's it for now. I'll try and post more later today after the morning and/or afternoon visits.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Some Back Story and Updates
For those that have not gotten the whole story:
A few weeks ago, mom called her friend at work because she wasn't feeling well, and she didn't think she would be able to make it into the store. She described what she was feeling to this friend. Her friend, D, told her to call 911. Mom did, and the EMS showed up. D also drove over to mom's house. When D got there, mom was unsure of whether she should go with the EMTs because they said that her vitals were fine. As EMS was getting ready to leave, my mom went into cardiac arrest.
She had 100% blockage of the main artery to the heart that is "loving" nicknamed "the widow maker." The EMTs had to fibrillate her 3 times on the way to the hospital (It's about a 5-7 minute drive there from her house.) After arriving at the hospital, 3 stints were put in as well as a balloon to help her heart pump. She was originally given anticoagulants due to the stints however, they found a large hematoma (bruise) on her liver. Therefore, the blood thinners were stopped in fear that she may bleed internally. During this time, she also had a seizure and bit her tongue. She was on a respirator and an NG tube.
A couple days later, she was moved to the ICU from the cardiac care unit. She has since received a tracheostomy and the repirator is attached that way. She kept biting holes in the tube when it was in her mouth and down her throat. Earlier this week, she also had a PEG/G tube put in place, and the NG tube has been removed.
As of this morning/afternoon, she seems to be focusing on us with her eyes occasionally. She also smiles frequently. However, it is difficult to tell if this is similar to an infantile glee or a communicative intent. I am, of course, hoping for the latter. She was beginning to look like the Stay Puff Marshmellow Man with all the swelling in her hands and feet; however, that seems to have almost completely subsided. I am hoping to talk to a neurologist soon as well as other doctors, and will post an update once I have one.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
A few weeks ago, mom called her friend at work because she wasn't feeling well, and she didn't think she would be able to make it into the store. She described what she was feeling to this friend. Her friend, D, told her to call 911. Mom did, and the EMS showed up. D also drove over to mom's house. When D got there, mom was unsure of whether she should go with the EMTs because they said that her vitals were fine. As EMS was getting ready to leave, my mom went into cardiac arrest.
She had 100% blockage of the main artery to the heart that is "loving" nicknamed "the widow maker." The EMTs had to fibrillate her 3 times on the way to the hospital (It's about a 5-7 minute drive there from her house.) After arriving at the hospital, 3 stints were put in as well as a balloon to help her heart pump. She was originally given anticoagulants due to the stints however, they found a large hematoma (bruise) on her liver. Therefore, the blood thinners were stopped in fear that she may bleed internally. During this time, she also had a seizure and bit her tongue. She was on a respirator and an NG tube.
A couple days later, she was moved to the ICU from the cardiac care unit. She has since received a tracheostomy and the repirator is attached that way. She kept biting holes in the tube when it was in her mouth and down her throat. Earlier this week, she also had a PEG/G tube put in place, and the NG tube has been removed.
As of this morning/afternoon, she seems to be focusing on us with her eyes occasionally. She also smiles frequently. However, it is difficult to tell if this is similar to an infantile glee or a communicative intent. I am, of course, hoping for the latter. She was beginning to look like the Stay Puff Marshmellow Man with all the swelling in her hands and feet; however, that seems to have almost completely subsided. I am hoping to talk to a neurologist soon as well as other doctors, and will post an update once I have one.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Beginning of a Journey
As you should be aware, if you are checking this blog, my mother had a heart attack a few weeks ago. Since I am unable to communicate with everyone by phone or in person, I will be posting updates concerning her condition here. First update to come soon.
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