Monday Mom had an appointment with her primary Dr (Dutter) in Flora. He read the hospital report and turned to Mom to ask her some basic questions. Of course she couldn't tell him anything, at least nothing coherent. The rest of the visit, he and I discussed her condition and he made some recommendations.
The number one most important decision was to completely ignore the carotid theory which stated that was probably the culprit that contributed to her "spell." With a 45% blockage, it would be foolish for us to even consider putting her through that operation. In fact, Dr Dutter said she would more than likely die on the table. He surmised that she probably had another stroke (TIA) and of course it affects the weakest area of her body- her brain. He said the next big TIA could be the one to take her life but she's survived at least 4 of them since living with us so you never can count out the come-back-kid.
He noted also that the tests revealed a lesion in her occipital nerve. That makes sense since she has developed a great sensitivity to light and her eyes always look like they are in pain. Often she complains of her eyes hurting.
Her blood pressure is perfect so at least we don't have to change meds again to keep that under control.
She is still terribly confused. Has never been in our house, can't find her bedroom, bathroom or kitchen. Stands still and stares around her in a complete fog. Has no memory of being in the hospital. Has to be helped getting dressed, bathing and walking (very unsteady on her feet). Asks every morning where she is. Difficulty watching TV because of her eyes and I'm sure there is no comprehension at all. Rarely reads. Mostly sits in her rocker in her bedroom for hours at a time. When I suggest something to do she usually replies that she is very happy where she is and she doesn't want to do anything.
Friday night Deke's 3 secretaries from church are all coming here to the house so that we can go out for an evening. It about brought me to tears when they contacted me to volunteer for this special treat. I don't know for sure what we will do but it'll be fun to just be together.
Well, that's about it for now. I'll try to keep you posted.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Unbelievable Surprise!
I have to admit it's not often that I am completely taken unaware. I can usually figure out surprises easily; I have a nose for them. But this time, I was completely and utterly surprised. Erin, Jon and family drove 12 hours to land at our door this past Thursday just around noon. On a whim them decided to come see us for a few days. I just couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing. My babies were here at my house on my porch!
We didn't do anything major but we did pack a lot of activities in one short time span. Jon and the kids went sledding one afternoon and spent some time the next day building a snow fort. Then too Jon managed to combine the visit with some business as he spent a couple of hours with the management of Purdue's facilities. In addition Grandpa took off work Friday afternoon to take the 4 kids "training." One evening we celebrated 3 birthdays- Daniel 2/16, Ryan 2/22 and Hannah 2/24. Gorged ourselves on Pizza King and birthday cake. UGH! The last night we played charades. Nothing major; just lots of love and hugging on one another.
The Varnell clan left this morning. I refuse to dwell on the negative of missing them; I'll just savor the memories and tuck them away in my heart until I can be with them again.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Mystery
Mama Jo much the same. This morning she asked me 14 times where she was. Terribly confused about her surroundings. She was the same in the hospital. Sunday morning, the day after her admittance, Deke and I walked into her room and after some time Deke asked Mom if she knew where she was. She answered, "Why yes, I'm sitting in your house."
So here's the mystery. After work one day, Deke stopped in the hospital room and was recounting his day. He had visited an office where on the white board was written a riddle. He relayed the riddle to me and I was sitting there contemplating the thing when who pipes up but Mom with the correct answer! How can that be? How can she not know where she is and yet be able to solve a riddle?
To help you out of your suspense, here's the riddle. I'll post the answer tomorrow but if you think you've solved it, be sure to let me hear from you.
1) You will find me in a mine
2) I am completely encased in wood forever
3) Most people in the world come in contact with me every day
So here's the mystery. After work one day, Deke stopped in the hospital room and was recounting his day. He had visited an office where on the white board was written a riddle. He relayed the riddle to me and I was sitting there contemplating the thing when who pipes up but Mom with the correct answer! How can that be? How can she not know where she is and yet be able to solve a riddle?
To help you out of your suspense, here's the riddle. I'll post the answer tomorrow but if you think you've solved it, be sure to let me hear from you.
1) You will find me in a mine
2) I am completely encased in wood forever
3) Most people in the world come in contact with me every day
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The New Normal
Well, it's not good news folks. Mom has definitely dropped down another notch since her latest "spell." This morning she came out of her bedroom and said, "Where am I?" That just about sums up her condition. She can no longer do any task on her own initiative. I need to tell her to do everything.
She doesn't seem able to see very well. She has the weirdest wild-eye look, much like the look in Dad's eyes the last year or two of his life. It's a look of complete bewilderment and fright. She says also that her eyes ache. That's always the alarm when she has a stroke; her eyes are affected.
I don't know if this is her new normal. Hopefully, she will bounce back once more but if not, she is now in a deeper never-never land where there is no yesterday and no tomorrow. Just existing.
I am taking her blood pressure at least 2x/day and then report the readings to her Dr in Flora. We see him next Monday, not Saturday as I originally reported. I'm still mostly zeroing in on her new blood pressure medicine as the culprit.
Well, keep praying and we'll keep keeping on. I fall back on the Lord and rely on His wisdom in knowing what Mom's future holds. Pray for me that I will hear His voice to be able to do what needs to be done for Mom.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Home from the Hospital
I brought Mama Jo home from the hospital today. She has a wild look in her eyes and is very confused. She asked me numerous times in the hospital where she was and was always surprised when I told her she was in a hospital. When we drove into the garage today, she said, "I would never have guessed you lived here." I asked her if she remembered that she had lived here for the past 2 years. Surprise again. She walked into the kitchen and looked and looked around saying that she had never been here before. I had to show her where her bedroom is and she spent the next few minutes exploring the house. For the past hour she has been watching a movie in the basement. Just minutes ago she asked me where the bathroom was. This is not good and I'm hoping it's not a new normal for her.
The hospital tests were inconclusive. After consulting with different doctors, nurses and support staff EVERY DAY, I've come to the conclusion that hospitals are equipped to meet their needs, not the needs of the patients. Mom's primary Dr in Flora NEVER does hospital calls on his patients. Hospitals now have Drs on staff whose only job is to see patients in hospitals. They do not have private practices. They are paid by the hospital and have nothing to do with the hospital patients once they are released. These in-house Drs write up the patients using individualized computer centers stationed right outside the hospital room. The info he/she types goes on a network that the primary physician accesses from his office computer to learn about his patient in the hospital. So, the old method where the Dr that knows you sees you, has gone out the door. Each day I had to explain Mom's situation to a new Dr (Mom had 3 different Drs in 3 days). No continuity. Can you imagine what Mom would have told them had I not been there?
Anyway, they couldn't figure out why Mom had this spell. Her blood pressure has been as high as 210/90 in the hospital. When we left today it was 136/60. Very high for Mom. Their best guesses center around her carotid artery being plugged up. At checkout today, I learned from Mom's nurse that the blockage is 45%, hardly enough to put her through another operation. I think the whole thing has come about with the change of Mom's blood pressure medicine 3 weeks ago. Mom does not do well with meds and any new med is suspicious until it has been tested for days and days with her. Saturday we go to Flora to see her primary Dr so all this will be discussed with him.
I think I should have stuck with chemistry; I'd have been a better Dr than any I've seen lately.
The hospital tests were inconclusive. After consulting with different doctors, nurses and support staff EVERY DAY, I've come to the conclusion that hospitals are equipped to meet their needs, not the needs of the patients. Mom's primary Dr in Flora NEVER does hospital calls on his patients. Hospitals now have Drs on staff whose only job is to see patients in hospitals. They do not have private practices. They are paid by the hospital and have nothing to do with the hospital patients once they are released. These in-house Drs write up the patients using individualized computer centers stationed right outside the hospital room. The info he/she types goes on a network that the primary physician accesses from his office computer to learn about his patient in the hospital. So, the old method where the Dr that knows you sees you, has gone out the door. Each day I had to explain Mom's situation to a new Dr (Mom had 3 different Drs in 3 days). No continuity. Can you imagine what Mom would have told them had I not been there?
Anyway, they couldn't figure out why Mom had this spell. Her blood pressure has been as high as 210/90 in the hospital. When we left today it was 136/60. Very high for Mom. Their best guesses center around her carotid artery being plugged up. At checkout today, I learned from Mom's nurse that the blockage is 45%, hardly enough to put her through another operation. I think the whole thing has come about with the change of Mom's blood pressure medicine 3 weeks ago. Mom does not do well with meds and any new med is suspicious until it has been tested for days and days with her. Saturday we go to Flora to see her primary Dr so all this will be discussed with him.
I think I should have stuck with chemistry; I'd have been a better Dr than any I've seen lately.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Hospital
Mama Jo is in the hospital. Found her Saturday night in the bathroom unresponsive, clammy, with sweat dripping from her nose. We took her to emergency where they hooked her up to an IV, ran tests and came back with nothing conclusive. Sunday was a bust because no Dr will talk to you on that day so I am hoping that I find out something today (Monday).
Will keep you posted.
Will keep you posted.
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