The Mom news isn't good

[susandennis]

She's deteriorating fast. She's very confused and paranoid. She keeps thinking everyone is my sister-in-law and telling everyone that they have stolen her furniture and moved someone into her room. She thinks she is in her apartment - the one she moved out of last Summer. And she thinks 'they' are going to force her into something she doesn't want.

And she probably has pneumonia. Her regular doctor has been out of town and will likely be to see her early tomorrow morning. Polly had me call his on-call who was very wonderful and got the hospital staff marshaled to her particular needs. And Polly is spending the night there with her.

The only funny was after I hung up with Polly the last time. She was on her way home to grab a toothbrush. About 20 minutes later the phone rang again. Caller ID said it was Polly's cellphone. I said 'hello'... and I got no response except a dog barking in the background. More silence and a dog barking more. So I hung up and called her land line. Turns out it was her purse calling me. She says when the phone gets squished in her purse it just calls the last number dialed. We agreed that I was now her purse's new best friend. We needed the comic relief!

Comments

[dizzdvl.livejournal.com]

Oh my. I am thinking of you and your mom. If you need anything I might be able to help with please ask.

*hugs*

[susandennis]

Thanks so much.

[geordie.livejournal.com]

Oh crap :-(

[susandennis]

yeah. my thought exactly.

[rivendweller.livejournal.com]

Oh, man. That's bad news indeed. Is your mom by chance on morphine for the pain? It tends to cause paranoia. Maybe if the doc puts her on a different type of pain medication it will relive her anxiety. It might be worth asking about.

[susandennis]

I'm fairly sure it's lack of oxygen that's causing her confusion - she just had no capacity for breathing well at all.

[pinkrose70.livejournal.com]

I've just caught up on all of your recent LJ posts.

OK..now I'm just going to stay calm...and hope you will, as well.

First of all, it's a Holiday Weekend...drat your Mom's luck,..but it is.

Alright...Polly is a doll, no doubt...bless her.

Let's move forward to tomorrow morning.

(I don't mean to be condescending..I really don't..but from the 10 years I worked at the hospital, on the Cancer Floor...I fielded many calls from families, for the Doctors and for the Discharge Planners and Nurse)

Take my advice for what it's worth..or don't. I will never know the difference!

In the morning....after the Change of Shift..where the Day Nurses come on Duty..and have gotten report from the night nurses...or better yet...if you can wake up very early..about 3:30 AM your time...and 6:30 AM East Coast time, I think that you will get a very true..and clear picture of your Mom's condition and frame of mind...the Nurses will have been on duty all night with her. Ask for the floor..the Nurses Station where your Mom is.

She may even be awake, and alert..and anxious to speak with you.


If not..at the very least..you will get a good report from her caregivers. Be sure to tell them that you are her Daughter, calling long distance from Seattle!

My best to your MOM!

---Anne

[susandennis]

Thank you. She has the best people looking after her. Polly's there and she's far more competent than I am in these kinds of situations.

[jawnbc]

Oh dear. Will you go?

[susandennis]

I don't know. Probably not. There's nothing that I can do for her that isn't being done by those far more capable than I. And, selfishly... I don't want to see her like that. It's hard enough to hear it on the phone.

[jawnbc]

I hear you. And I know exactly what you mean...

[treebreeze.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear the news. You are in my thoughts.

[seattlejo.livejournal.com]

You and your mom are in my thoughts.
Hopefully her real doc will be able see her and make some helpful reccomendations :-(

Susan, I'm so sorry

[vixter.livejournal.com]

It does sound like she's oxygen starved. She's dodged bullets before, maybe she can do it again. I'm glad you've got Polly and her purse.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

Oh, SUsan, I'm really sorry to hear this. I hope things improve quickly.

Turns out it was her purse calling me.

I carried my first cell phone in my belt pouch for a while, until one day the movement as I walked caused it to redial the last number called, resulting in a very long and very puzzling message on my brother's answering machine.

[pinkfish.livejournal.com]

Remember the last time you and I went to a Pawsox game? You called me, to let me know to pick you up (I drove that one).

My phone had several calls on it when I got home, all of which had game noises in the background. Some even with my own voice on them.

[ruralrob.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear this Susan. Know that our thoughts are with you.

[laciann.livejournal.com]

I don't know if this applies or not, but not too long ago my grandmother was on morphine, and the most genteel, composed lady became a cowering, paranoid child. It heartbreaking until we realized it the drugs talking. As soon as she was off the painkillers, she became the same grandmother she'd been. That may well be what's happening to your mother.

BTW - thanks for adding me! I've been fascinated by your renovations and purging!

[judith.livejournal.com]

Oh man, hard times. I am sorry, Susan. My best wishes and hopes for you.

[greggorythomas.livejournal.com]

Oh g-d didn't even finish reading and I just wanted to say your in my thoughts.

last year we had an Grandma incident, no one thought she was going to make it. accusing my father of being a bad son, Merle of trying to kill her, she swore barking dog's were crawling around on the walls.

That was a year ago, and she bounced back and is good as new. So she might bounce back, That fat lady is not singing yet.

BTW grandma turned 95 in Janurary.

[minimac.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear that things have taken a turn for the worse :(

You and your Mom are in my thoughts.

[nitemirror.livejournal.com]

She's deteriorating fast. She's very confused and paranoid. She keeps thinking everyone is my sister-in-law and telling everyone that they have stolen her furniture and moved someone into her room. She thinks she is in her apartment - the one she moved out of last Summer.

That sounds *very* familiar. It may or may not be her deteriorating. Sometimes older people have some strange reactions to medicines that the hospital gives them. Add in the unfamiliar setting of a hospital room to the mix ..., Well it's not a good recipe, and I know exactly how scary it can be to see that kind of thing. Have hope.

[frl.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, Susan - You and your mom are both in my thoughts. When I read this, I got teary eyed. I wish only the best, whatever that may be, for your mom.

*hugs*

[melodysk.livejournal.com]

Susan, I have only just woken up and seen this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful, funny mum *hugs*

[lino.livejournal.com]

I'll make sure you're all in my thoughts, and only the good ones :)

[teasdale.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear this. Please know that my thoughts are with you.

[ruby-stone.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear the bad news Susan. I know how hard it is having distance between you and a parent, it's so frustrating not to be able to see them. Thinking of you.

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry to read this. Since your mom is so confused, Polly is probably the best one to be with her. You know what's best.

She would probably really be more confused if you showed up right now.

Polly will let you know the best move in her opinion.

I wish I had had a Polly when i needed one. I am glad you appreciate her so much.

[lordjim.livejournal.com]

I hope everything with your mom turns out ok. I'm sending good thoughts.

[pheon.livejournal.com]

Lots of sympathy. You are blessed with some good support folks back there.

[nt.livejournal.com]

I hope your Mom gets better soon. I now how distressing this must be for you.

[phornax.livejournal.com]

::: thinking good thoughts for you and your Mom :::

[cathboblet.livejournal.com]

I've been away from my computer -- so sorry to hear about everything! I hope everything works out . . . my fingers and toes are crossed and I'm thinking of you (and Polly!) :)