Wow, is it Saturday already?  What a difference a week makes.  Last week, Mom and I were all excited because the Ohio Hickman's were in visiting and Mom was at the top of her game, interacting with everyone especially Tommy and Katie.  We had a marvelous weekend not knowing what Easter Sunday would bring (the big fall!).I'm so glad that we all got to go to Cracker Barrel (Mom's favorite place) together.

 

Well, yesterday i rode the "roller coaster ride" of emotions.  As I was feeding Mom her breakfast, physical therapy came in and "dropped the bombshell", saying, "well since UTCC (rehab unit) has disapproved her admission, we need to teach you about getting your Mom from bed to wheelchair and back so she can go home".  I was shocked because it takes 2 and sometimes 3 people to get her transferred now and they are expecting me to do this myself.  Drama Queen me immediately burst in tears and ran out of the room so Mom didn't see me cry.  The therapist said, "didn't you know they had denied her?"  which no one had told me.  Then I asked well is there not some other rehab facility she could go till she is a little stronger and I know how to get her in and out of bed?  They then suggested a couple of other free-standing rehabs which I requested they pursue.  They said they would contact them but the paperwork has to go to Charleston, WV for approval and this would take longer.   They showed me how to get her up and it was all the 2 of these experienced people could do to put her in the cardiac chair and they left.  I was feeling so helpless because as I usually do, I put all my eggs in one basket (UTCC) and they got scrambled.  I prayed to God that I knew when he closes one door, he opens another one and I would accept wherever she needed to go or to give me the strength to take her home immediately.  I was sitting quietly with tears running down my face when the Nurse Manager who comes in early every morning asked me why I was upset and I told her.  She said, "wait a minute, I just came out of a meeting where they were going to ask UTCC to reconsider their request because she had actually walked 15 feet the day before with assistance (once they got her out of bed and in the chair).  She told me not to get my hopes up but that she would let me know the outcome before the day was over.  It wasn't 15 minutes and in walked Tina, the social worker and said that UTCC had reconsidered and would accept Mom to their rehab either Tuesday or Wedneday when bed is available.  PRAISE GOD!!  You could scrape me off the walls, I was so greatful.  All I am asking is that Mom be given a chance to get over her fear of falling and to gain some strength back and let me learn how to help her.  I always got her up by putting my arm under her left arm and now I can't do that any more so I have to be retrained.  God is so good and we are on our way!

 

Still having a problem getting Mom to eat and drink.  Doctor put her on a medicine to make her eat and drink and I think it is beginning to work as yesterday - would have very little breakfast but for lunch ate a little bit but did drink her coca cola (she seems to love that now) and for dinner she ate some mashed potatoes and a few peas, refused their version of chicken parmesean but ate all her banana pudding and actually drank a little coffee (hasn't even been drinking that).  So I can see improvement. 

 

I have been going out and feeding her all 3 meals.  At home she fed herself but since this admission to the hospital refuses to hold the silverware and wants me to feed her.  I keep trying to get her to do it herself but not successful YET. 

 

After I fed her dinner I left and came home and finished up my taxes which I will take to the post office on my way to the hospital this morning.  Also, got her some new donuts and Easter peeps that I'm hoping I can tempt her with today.

 

Jack and Wilma came and spent the afternoon with us and Jack and mom had a party.  He can seem to get her to eat when i can't.  They were eating cookies and Easter peeps yesterday afternoon together. She will eat as long as he eats with her. 

 

After I left last evening, Jack and Wilma came back out to visit her.  They said she was very tired and sleepy.  I had kept her up in the cardiac chair from 10:30 a.m. till 4:30pm, so that may have been a little long, but I had her feet up like she was in her recliner at home, but she only took a little catnap.  She loves watching the cars in the parking lot

(employee lot) and thinks that she and I own that car lot and yesterday "sold several cars including a beautiful red one".  She said we had to sell them because we need the money". 

 

Well, that is the update for today.  If I am boring you and you want removed from this group, just let me know.  I don't know any easier way to get the news out to everyone and thought this would work.

 

Love and prayers, vada