Stroke

[TW]

She's going to go into familiar surroundings. That's going to do her a lot of good. Instead of feeling like she's an intruder, or an "inmate" somewhere she doesn't want to be, and may not be able to leave, she's going to start becoming comfortable, and that's when the changes will really start to begin, but they will go slowly, not rapidly.

You can't see the changes using a stop watch. You use a calendar, and count it in "weeks," not days.

[packerbap]

Thanks for those thoughtful words TW. I certainly hope you're right. Mom came home today. Today was pretty good. Let's see what happens tonight. She does realize she's at my house. She also knows she get confused. I'm just praying she can sleep for a couple of hours without getting up and wondering about her location. Harley and her have bonded. I believe Harley will be one of the best forms of therapy for her.

The prayers and support from my Packer family have helped me through the last 6 weeks. Now the next step those prayers and good thoughts are still needed so I hope the wells not dry.

[packerfanfran]

I hope everything gets better every day Bap.

[packerpowergirl]

The well of thoughts and prayers is NOT dry yet... We're here for you. Sending lots of prayers and love your way...

Take it slow and easy Bap. I know how difficult it can be to take care of a parent and you should be told how lucky she is to have a daughter that will care for her with such love and patience.

[packerbap]

Mom had a great night! I hope those continue. She only got up once during the night. Otherwise slept from 10 PM- 8AM. Based on hospital personal she would be up every 15 minutes. Both the dog and mother had great nights; I was up every so often because I couldn't believe it.

[happypacker]

alright! things are looking better, the power of prayer from us all and your kindness and devotion to your Mother will see her through back to a normal life for all. God bless and kept it up, we are all with you.

[packerbap]

It's been two weeks since Mom "moved in." Her confusion is minimal which is a good thing. The last few nights she has only gotten up once or twice a night. This is an improvement from 8-10 times a night. The biggest concern is still the stupid C-Diff bug which doesn't want to leave her system. Until this comes back clear we can't take her any where!

She still has a way to go but every baby step is something to cheer about.

Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming her way.

[thegreenmeanie]

I am glad to hear that she is doing better!

C-diff is a nasty little bug that we come across a lot here. Do they have her on IV medication for it?

[packerbap]

No, they sent her home from the rehab facility with it and left me to deal with its destruction. She is now on 1500 mg of flagyl a day. The last round was rough. I won't go into the gory details. The next drug of choice would cost $1000.

[thegreenmeanie]

Gah! I am sorry to hear that. That is a bad combination to have with her just starting to feel better so I hope the medicine starts to work. Let us know!

[TW]

I've never had C-diff, but I've heard it's a difficult problem. I hope the meds work for her.

I'm glad to hear she's more cognitive. I knew being in familiar surroundings would help her, but it's still a slow process.

Like you said BAP, baby steps.

[happypacker]

BAP, i will continue to keep you and your mom in my prayers. Is she improving more each week? I realize it will take time, so hang in there, has the C-diff cleared or lessened any? I hope so. Take care,and with well wishes.

[packerbap]

Mom's been with me almost 3 weeks. Last night she seemed to have her sense of humor back; more like pre-stroke Mom. She still has C-Diff. They now have her on 1500mg of flagyl (if the spellings incorrect live with it) per day. We are starting to go out in public but getting home before she has to go to the bathroom. Saw the geriatric psych the other day. He said the stroke caused perm. cognitive damage but once she recovers from the C-Diff she would be able to live in assisted living. He was apalled that anyone suggested she needed to be in a nursing home.

Last night I met with a realator. The house will be for sale by the end of April. I trust the individula; he's my godson's uncle and a great Packer fan. It was mom's decision that the house be sold. She said she doesn't want to live by herself any more.

Lack of sleep is catching up to me. Mom is still getting up 3-4 times a night. We are working on giving her small amounts of meds so she can sleep through the night or rather I can sleep through the night. Three to four is better then 7-8.

Family and friends have been great about staying with her so I can work. I think the best therapy for all of us has been my puppy Harley. She's mom's best friend and when ever someone leaves I make sure I see her in the house. Next week I begin my spring intersession; hopefully Harley will realize who she really belongs to.

Again, keep those prayers and good thoughts coming this way. A lot of decisions and work to be done over the next 3 weeks.

[happypacker]

Bap, thanks for the up date, a pet is a persons good friend, do you have a photo of harley? that is a great name for a dog! what breed is he?

[packerbap]

Mar 27, 2009 9:21:52 GMT -5 happypacker said:

Bap, thanks for the up date, a pet is a persons good friend, do you have a photo of harley? that is a great name for a dog! what breed is he?

Here's a picture taken a month ago. Harley is a Lakeland terrier.