K9karen
02-28-2004, 10:44 PM
Thanks so much Souraya and Kim (Catnapper)for the AK and MS quarters. They arrived at a special time. I wasn't going to say anything on PT but I want to explain why I haven't been active.
Of course Logan, Sandra, Rachel, Pam and Jackie have heard the whole scenario for months and have been a constant source of compasion and encouragement.
My mom had a mild case of shingles in Oct 02 before my dad died and ever since then, tho she's had no pain, her legs got weaker and weaker until about 3 weeks ago, she was almost totally unable to walk without help. My brother and I barely got her out of bed and to the doctors. We talked her into a hospital stay (1st time in her life) in order to get a slew of tests done at one time.
For her age (83) all was fine. A lung biopsy showed mucus due to a lifetime of allergies and sinus problems and she was put on antibiotics. Our family doctor (don't go there) told me to put her in a nursing home, but I spoke to her neurologist who had her re-evaluated for phys. therapy. (She had been in bed at the hospital for 8 days so how could they conclude she'd never walk again?)
So. right now, since Tues, she's in a rehab. Of course it really is a nursing home/rehab and the memories of my dad (whose problems were mental and physical at that point) brings back horrendous, sad memories.
Altho her therapy is only 1 1/2 hrs a day since Thurs (she was too upset, tired and had a low oxygen leven the first 2 days) I praying that her stint will be over in 2 weeks.
She had been so sick, our weekly hairdressers/lunch "date" was cancelled for 6 weeks so she looked terrible. Today after lunch, since I was the "wheelchair driver", I took her outside, got her into my car, folded, lifted the wheelchair and off we went for a day of beauty and early dinner. Despite her protests, she said she was so glad I took her. Even the nurses said she looked so different and gorgeous.
So, I've been spending 4 hours in the morning and at night, running home to cater to my sweet, loving Klo, who is off schedule and bewildered.
Tomorrow (Sunday) my do nothing brother will spend the day with her. I left my ankle weights so he could work with her until therapy on Monday (I also work with her at night). We are bound and determined to get her home as soon as possible and strong enough to at least dress herself (she also tore her shoulder rotator cuff) and use the loo without help. I may need neck/back surgery, but until then, my personal physical therapist has promised to see her either at home or at his office.
Anyway, my unemployment is over in April, but I made a solemn promise to stay home and help her out. My boyfriend is a big help too. He can actually carry her!
So, you see, she was so thrilled about 2 quarters!! She was so astounded that Souraya sent one all the way from Germany and that Kim (who went to college around the corner from my house...small world!!!!) took the time to look for one too!!
She thanks you from the bottom of her heart and so do I. Please forgive me for not responding to your threads but my prayers are always with you all, in happy, sad, good and bad times.
Please say a prayer that she doesn't give up. She's kind of depressed and anxious. I'd really appreciate it.
Lots of Love
Karen
PS..I still need Maine LOL!!!
Of course Logan, Sandra, Rachel, Pam and Jackie have heard the whole scenario for months and have been a constant source of compasion and encouragement.
My mom had a mild case of shingles in Oct 02 before my dad died and ever since then, tho she's had no pain, her legs got weaker and weaker until about 3 weeks ago, she was almost totally unable to walk without help. My brother and I barely got her out of bed and to the doctors. We talked her into a hospital stay (1st time in her life) in order to get a slew of tests done at one time.
For her age (83) all was fine. A lung biopsy showed mucus due to a lifetime of allergies and sinus problems and she was put on antibiotics. Our family doctor (don't go there) told me to put her in a nursing home, but I spoke to her neurologist who had her re-evaluated for phys. therapy. (She had been in bed at the hospital for 8 days so how could they conclude she'd never walk again?)
So. right now, since Tues, she's in a rehab. Of course it really is a nursing home/rehab and the memories of my dad (whose problems were mental and physical at that point) brings back horrendous, sad memories.
Altho her therapy is only 1 1/2 hrs a day since Thurs (she was too upset, tired and had a low oxygen leven the first 2 days) I praying that her stint will be over in 2 weeks.
She had been so sick, our weekly hairdressers/lunch "date" was cancelled for 6 weeks so she looked terrible. Today after lunch, since I was the "wheelchair driver", I took her outside, got her into my car, folded, lifted the wheelchair and off we went for a day of beauty and early dinner. Despite her protests, she said she was so glad I took her. Even the nurses said she looked so different and gorgeous.
So, I've been spending 4 hours in the morning and at night, running home to cater to my sweet, loving Klo, who is off schedule and bewildered.
Tomorrow (Sunday) my do nothing brother will spend the day with her. I left my ankle weights so he could work with her until therapy on Monday (I also work with her at night). We are bound and determined to get her home as soon as possible and strong enough to at least dress herself (she also tore her shoulder rotator cuff) and use the loo without help. I may need neck/back surgery, but until then, my personal physical therapist has promised to see her either at home or at his office.
Anyway, my unemployment is over in April, but I made a solemn promise to stay home and help her out. My boyfriend is a big help too. He can actually carry her!
So, you see, she was so thrilled about 2 quarters!! She was so astounded that Souraya sent one all the way from Germany and that Kim (who went to college around the corner from my house...small world!!!!) took the time to look for one too!!
She thanks you from the bottom of her heart and so do I. Please forgive me for not responding to your threads but my prayers are always with you all, in happy, sad, good and bad times.
Please say a prayer that she doesn't give up. She's kind of depressed and anxious. I'd really appreciate it.
Lots of Love
Karen
PS..I still need Maine LOL!!!