Of course, my mom was not as distressed about the car transfer problem as she was about the temperature, and she has claimed to a few people that it was "snowing" while they had her outside for 15 minutes. What a California girl!
She got her last IV-type thing out today, so she's basically medically stable. She still has trouble with anxiety during the night (so we have slumber parties). However, the doctor said that my mom will most likely get to go home with a bunch of special equipment instead of to another inpatient rehab facility. Uncle Neil and Aunt Elaine are doing a bunch of research for us on medical equipment companies and wheelchair transportation, so we're starting to get prepared for the big trip.
I'm off to spend the night in the most uncomfortable recliner ever invented, but either Jill or I will post an update tomorrow night.
8 comments:
Good news, Amy -- especially getting all those IVs out. It's good that the goals are so clear, and I know she will do her best to meet them and you and Brian will do your best to support her. I can't believe you're sleeping there nightly, but I guess you're young and resilient. I'm surprised the MD isn't ordering stronger night sleeping meds, as there are some that are short-acting and quite effective. There is a new and excellent book by cognitive psychologist Dr. David Burns called When Panic Attacks that I would highly recommend you all get and look at together. Great techniques that really work and that are not drugs. A number of people I work with swear by this book, and I think it's as good as his classic book on depression. Another one of those take-it-or-leave-it thoughts. Love to you all, Carolyn
Hey Gang,
I am so happy to hear that Aunt Janet continues to improve. I know that she will do everything she can to get better as soon as possible. Let me know if there is anything that you guys need me to do at the house in Roseville to prepare for the homecomming. Jon and I would be willing to do whatever is needed to make Aunt Janet's arrival home as easy as possible. Lots of love,
Christine and the crew
Dear Brian and Janet,
I am so thankful that your family set up this blog site that I faithfully have visited since I found out about your accident on May 3rd. I deeply regret that my e-mails to you since then did not go through. Oh well, they may have been boring and way too lengthy. If it weren't for modern technology, we would have had to set up an old fahioned phone tree!
I have remained optimistic that the strength of yourself and your family and friends will pull you through this difficult time. That seems to be the case. I stay in touch with Elaine so I will do whatever I can to help out with your transition back to CA and to your own home. That is such good news that we may get to see you soon. WOW! You may be back home before we are out of school on June 6th.
Hugs to you all. I wish for your all a balance of laughter and tears (hope the tears are becoming less now) over the weeks and months ahead. See you soon, Barbara Mayers
P.S. Tell Amy that you would like your halo decorated. We used to put paper hearts, or flowers, etc. on the bars of my sister's halo. Anything to bring a smile to your face and that of others.
How nice to have specific goals to meet in order to get home. Won't it be wonderful to get from that #*@% wheelchair into that #*@% car the first time? When my mom was home after her recent ICU experience, we got her down on the floor to see if she could get up by herself (figuring that was a good indicator of her ability to be independent). It took a couple of weeks, but she sure was pleased when she managed it!
Janet, here's a kindergarten story that will probably bring back memories for you. Gina's class had some duck eggs in an incubator in the classroom, and 3 hatched. The kids voted on names and came up with--get this--Fairytopia, Furball, and Gordon. Gina does a great imitation of the ducks walking, swimming and chattering. Later, the ducks will leave to live out their days at some kind soul's farm. (Last year, when Evan said goodbye to his class's duck, Billy, he cried off and on all day.)
Love, Mary
Way to go, Janet!!!!! You are showing those doctors a thing or 10about the power of determination. Brian, watch out. Who knows what she has planned for you. Seriously, you are both amazing and I am thrilled they are removing all the stuff that makes one feel like a completely helpless specimen on some doctor's medical chart.
Yesterday was the Chillis newspaper's deadline day. The paper comes out on Thursdays so I didn't expect to hear anything until later today. If I don't I will call tomorrow and get an answer one way or the other.
I love you all very much. And this blog is a godsend.
Okay, I, too, am having problems leaving comments on the blog. Thought I had left one yesterday but it has disappeared into cyberspace.
Anyway, the news just keeps getting better, especially the part about being able to go right home from Idaho.
Here's another attempt at a late reverse Monday:
I was in Ohio last week for Mother's Day and had some good visits with her and with all of my siblings.
My youngest sister is recently divorced and about to retire and she wanted me to go with her to see a financial planner; it was very interesting and for a free consultation the guy gave her a lot of information. She spent the rest of the week waffling though because she has to sell the house next year she doesn't want to tie up her money in stocks; so I think she has decided to open a Roth IRA before she retires and leave the rest in CDs until her house situation clarifies; I tried to tell her about index funds; she sort of zones out; but then she complains about handling and renewing CDs and then she complains about not wanting to deal with it all. She is pretty much where most of us were when Brian helped start the NICL investment club.
Good thoughts of recovery being sent your way.
Love, Aggie
When my mother came home after her broken ankle surgery, the best piece of equipment we had was the bedside toilet. At night we kept it beside her bed. During the day it was used with a different container (shield) without a bottom and the whole thing could be placed over the toilet. It was high and easier for her to get up from.
You are all in my prayers each day.
Noel
Hooray!! I'm glad the worst problem with the car transfer was the weather. Way to go, Janet. Next thing you know you'll be training for a marathon at the rate you're going.
Amy, are you taking long naps in a bed during the day?
My kids finished finals and cleaned and redecorated the loft. They started cleaning their room, but it looks worse than when they started, although I did see them taking several huge bags of garbage out to the trash. Today they went to Disneyland with their friends. It was nice and sunny when they left and just a few minutes ago it was pouring rain. No snow here, though. Janet, if you can think of a way to bring some of the white stuff (snow, not illegal powders) back with you, my kids will love you forever.
Love, Teresa Liu
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