Thank you Duane for summing up the last couple of hours. I wanted to add some things. From the helpful and thorough explanations of Sue Dyle and Cody Young, I understand that the experiences that mom is having are, for the most part, a normal part of this process. The medicine does make her drowsy and feeling confused, but the goal is to get her the pain relief she needs without the drowsiness. Duane wrote that blog at 2 or 3 in the morning, and it had been a long day. It is now 12 noon on saturday, and mom is getting all the care that she needs. The orthopedic doctor wanted to make sure that there was not anything more serious that is causing the pain in her stomach, so they took an X-ray. Stomach distention is a very common and much disliked side effect of the narcotics, and since mom has been on some, that has caused some of the problems with her stomach.
Over the past 24 hours, mom has met with 4 or more pain specialists, even though she cannot remember the meetings at this point. What a blessing it has been, however, to have a "private duty" nurse the last 2 nights. At any given time, the normal duty nurses have 6 to 10 patients to care for, alot of responsibility! The private duty nurse can stay in the room with mom, and give her the medicine and care right when she needs it. It was great to have peace of mind during the wee hours or the morning when Duane and I went to sleep.
I will post the results of the Cat Scan asap, but I have been assured by the Doctor that it is more likely just constipation. Mom is now on 2 forms of pill medication when she needs it, and also a very low dose of morphine that she can push a button for right when she feels the pain. The first 3 days are the hardest, it will only get better from here!
Thank you to all family and friends for your love and concern, we can feel it all the way here in New York. Thank you to my wonderful husband and best friend Duane for standing by Mom's bedside and comforting her throughout this whole process, I love you! More updates soon,
Kelty
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May
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- Video for Ginger's Family and Friends
- Thursday and Friday May 29th and 30th
- Mom is awake! She was able to sleep for almost 4 h...
- Meeting with Dr. Boachi
- More Awake!
- Tricia's Coming Out to Join Us
- CT Scan
- Kelty Here
- Thanks for your words of encouragement
- Another Tough Day
- Photo & Video
- Duane Here
- Friday Morning
- A Rough Night with a Great Walking Moment
- Mom is finally in her own room!
- Wednesday's Recap
- Recap from the Kids
- All Went Well
- Right On Time
- This is my unquestionably final post! All three of...
- Ginger here. Such odd sensations at this juncture...
- Getting Prepped for Surgery!
- Ginger's NYC address
- Dear People I Love
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2 comments:
Mom,
I just got off the phone with Duane and it sounds like things are progressing. I have been thinking about you nonstop since leaving NY. It sounds like the last few days have been rough, to put it lightly. You are going to continue to improve. It is hard to be this far from you and feel like there is little I can do to help. I am so glad that Kelty and Duane are there by your side. Perhaps we can iChat in a bit and say hello to you. I sure do love you!
-Arian
You guys are amazing for taking care of Mom the very best you possibly can. I really understand, since I was there, how difficult this task is right now and how emotionally demanding as well. Your devotion to Mom shines as a great example deep love and commintment. I know that Mom will truly be so thankful for all that you are doing once she is out of her current state. Love ya!
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