Update on my mom

As my puter time is still limited due to my monitor dying a slow death it's easier (and quicker) for me to respond to all of you that have sent PM's and well wishes in this way.

To sum up my mom's condition:

Toward the beginning of April she had a few mini-strokes that resulted in difficulties that were there sometimes and other times not. She was experiencing visual disturbances, weakness, dropping things like they were never in her hand to begin with, her words were getting jumbled up and she was having problems with short term memory.

She was suppose to go in for an angiogram on the 25th of April and then surgery on the 27th to clear a carotid artery blockage (the right side is 100% blocked, the left 70%). On my birthday (the 21st) she had a major stroke. She is paralyzed on her right side, is unable to speak and it appears she is having visual problems along with some other, yet undetermined issues. She is having unexplained episodes of severe pain that is so far undiagnosed...she went down for more x-rays yesterday. She is also having episodes where her oxygen saturation drops way to low and most recently has been experiencing problems with getting dehydrated. To add more to her complicated problems, she is not suppose to be using her left arm to much due to the previous removal of the lymph nodes when she had breast cancer a couple years ago. When it rains it pours.

Before I flew back home to FL she had been moved to the top rehab-center in NYS where she gets 4 hours of therapy a day. This is to say the least a very difficult time for my family seeing my mom this way and trying to hold everything together. My dad (max) is doing a phenomenal job taking care of everything including my younger handicapped brother who lives at home. My older brother (Sasquatch77) is right there helping out with my younger brother so dad can spend time with mom and still attend his meetings (he's on the village board). And mom, well even though she has her bad moments she is very motivated and working hard to get better. She still has that spark from her wonderful sense of humor and was even making fun of her right arm during her manicure..lol

I alternated taking my grandchildren up to see her and she really loved that. I also hung pictures on the wall by her bed of all of us so she can see us any time she wants. It's wonderful to see her eyes light up and see her smile when the staff there comments on her family pictures. On her closet door I hung up all the cards she has received and pictures the kids colored for her so she still has her 'refrigerator' art even though she's not home.

I plan on flying back to NY for a week or 2 when she gets out of rehab (approx. 21 days or more) so that I can help out getting everything situated. Wish I could have stayed up there longer this time but I need to go to the Dr.s b/c they won't renew my synthroid unless I come in for a physical and Chris and I are looking for a bigger apartment/condo before our lease expires. Have made lots of phone calls since I've been back looking for a place and things are looking promising so hopefully we can get everything worked out before I fly back to NY.

Thanks to all of you who have sent your prayers and well wishes...it has really helped me to draw strength and hope from all of you and I know if anyone replies to this it will also be encouraging for (dad) max and (my brother) Sasquatch77.

Hugs!
AbbySue

 

Abby, I must have missed this! I'm so sorry that your Mom is having such severe health problems. It sounds like she has such good support, and that is so important. It was so nice to know that my brothers were helping my Mom and supporting her so much while Dad was sick with me living so far away, and it was also nice once I was able to be out there with them. I think I was able to give them a little bit of a break in some ways, stepping in where I was most needed. I know you are doing the same when you can. We'll be praying for all of you.

 

Abby, it seems things are getting under a little more control now than they were a few weeks back. Still a long road to recovery, though, I appreciate that. I hope your mom continues to improve and can look forward to returning home soon.

My father had a heart attack and two strokes and carried on just fine for quiet a few years. Lost a bit of vision in the left side of both eyes, but wasn't too bad for a long time afterwards.

I guess status of mind and spirit plays a big part in the recovery process too. Sounds like your mom is in pretty good spirits.

I wish you and mom and the rest of the family all the very best, Abby. I know from the years that I've known you, that you come from a very close family. Say "Hi" to the space guy for me. <I see I have a new title, rofl!>


Fond regards.....Phantom/Barry.

 

Abby, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Just a point of observation....the way you and your family have supportive each other through this is a total credit to you all. You may say "but that is what families do...." but that isn't always how it goes. It has been so wonderful and a priviledge to watch in some threads the love and warmth shared within your family. It is this kind of love that provides the support and care your Mom needs to help her continue in her recovery.

 

((((Abby, Sasquatch, Max and family)))) you all are in my prayers...

 

Abby, I am glad to hear your mom is doing better and has such high spirits. Sometimes, that is the most important of all if someone wants to get better.
Your family sounds so close. Is wonderful.

You, max, sasquatch and all the rest of your family, especially your mom all in my thoughts and prayers.

Gal

 

Abby,
"Don't know you from Adam" as they say in England but my mom is recovering from bowel cancer and I know what that feels like.
A positive attitude goes a long way on the road to recovery. Hang on in there.
Just do what you can do and try to accept the stuff that's out of your control. I makes it a whole lot easier.
Hope things work out for you.

 

Abby, sounds like your mom is in the best possible hands, both family and the medical crew. Attitude indeed plays a huge role in recovery. Sounds like your mom's is excellent. Will keep you all in my prayers.

 

Abbey, I've been gone too long, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's health problems. Rest assured that I will lift her, yourself, and your family up in prayer. God will provide what is best for everyone in this matter. If there is ever anything that I may be able to do (although I can't think of anything other than prayer at this point) don't hesitate to call on me. Much love to you and yours.

Jack

 

Jeez, and just a few minutes ago I was upsetting myself over stupid prom.

I'm so sorry Teresa...I can't imagine how scared you must have been (and still are) for her, but I'm glad to hear she still has her "spark." I'm sending lots of hugs and comfort your way. I wish I could give you a real hug!

*Hugs for max and Sasquatch77 too*

<3.

 

You are all so awesome!!! Thank you so very much for all your support..it means a great deal to all of us during this most difficult time. I'm a firm believer in the power of prayer and positive thoughts and I'm seeing good things come from this already.

As I said before, my mom is experiencing episodes of severe pain but this time the Dr. happened to be in the hospital when she had a flare up. They determined the pain was coming from her abdomen and ordered xray's right away. One thought based on the xray findings is that she may have some barium hung up in her system from when she had the swallow test done at the other hospital. They requested a consult with another Dr. I know and have every confidence in and he has ordered a CAT scan. Hopefully we can find out soon what is causing her pain as it really impedes her progress. It is so frustrating because mom can't tell us what kind of pain it is or where exactly it is located so we are keeping our fingers crossed they can get to the bottom of it.

Another reassuring note...the rehab center received another one year accredidation....article is a little blurry from compressing for upload but I think you should still be able to read it if you'd like.

Thank you all once again! We all feel so frustrated cuz we can't make her better..it's so hard to see someone you love who has always been so independent and active all of a sudden needing help with the most basic of tasks. But mom's a real fighter and I know that God has a reason for everything. With love, support, prayer and encouragement along with the wonderful care she is recieving...and of course her sense of humor! I know she will make the best possible progress...

Love & Hugs to you all for your prayers and support!
AbbySue