Ugh.

May 1, 2008 /

My regular readers know that my mom has had health issues as of late. She had a heart attack in February, which landed her in the hospital, where she received heart bypass surgery (otherwise known as a ‘cabbage’, I hear). She spent some time in assisted living, getting strong enough to care for herself, to the point where she can move to California, and stay with her friend, Kate, regaining her strength.

Well, she’s been doing ok, but not great. There was some misunderstanding between the cardiologist in Anchorage, and the doctor at the extended care facility, and she didn’t receive some of the heart medications she should have been receiving. Now, she’s in CA, and finally has some insurance issues straightened out, and is in the position to see a doctor. But wait, she hasn’t been able to stomach food for awhile now. She doesn’t eat, and the smell of food turns her stomach. She’s lost a lot of weight, and while that in itself might be OK, she’s losing it too fast, and she’s not getting any nutrition to give her the strength she needs to do physical therapy, etc.

Then, early Wednesday morning, she fell and hurt her back. Not horribly bad, not enough to go to the hospital, but badly enough that she’s very uncomfortable, and can’t get up, can’t go to the bathroom without help, can’t have a bath without professional assistance, etc. Poor Kate is, at this point, watching my mom decline, seeing her get weaker and weaker, trying anything she can to get her to eat so she’ll feel better SOON. Nothing works.

Then this morning, mom wakes up and is feeling queasy, queasy like she did when she had her heart attack. So Kate called the advice nurse, and they said to get her to the hospital.

So. Mom’s back in the hospital. They ran some tests, and she has congestive heart failure again. She may have pneumonia, they’re checking on that. They’re straightening out her medication issues, getting her started on physical therapy again, and trying to figure out what the problem is with her appetite and not eating. She’ll be there for a few days, perhaps longer. Then, since Kate isn’t able to give her the care she needs yet, nor am I, she will probably go to another assisted living facility for a short time. Then, hopefully, back to Kate’s house.

That’s how I spent my day on Thursday. At the hospital. That’s how mom and Kate spent Thursday, at the hospital. But Kate and I got to go home. Poor mom, she’s stuck.

(cross posted at Maya’s Granny.)

14 Comments

  • ML

    May 2, 2008 at 4:56 am

    Oh no! I’m so sorry that you’re Mom had a relapse. Keeping my fingers crossed that she’ll pull through this with flying colors.

  • Beenzzz

    May 2, 2008 at 7:54 am

    I’m so sorry to hear that your mom is back in the hospital. I hope for all the best for all of you and a speedy recovery for your mom!

  • Autumn's Mom

    May 2, 2008 at 8:34 am

    Oh J, I’m so sorry. I know this is so tough on all of you. I hope that she’s on the road to recovery again soon. Sending you a huge squishy hug 🙂

  • CuriosityKiller

    May 2, 2008 at 9:56 am

    Oh no. My heart goes out to you, your mom’s friend Kate, and above all – your mom who’s the one in pain. This is a rough situation alright. I really really hope and pray that things will look up from here on. Hugs.

  • Theresa Bakker

    May 2, 2008 at 5:42 pm

    I’m so sorry. All my best to your mom. Your whole family. Keep your fecking chins up. (Can you tell I didn’t grow up here? I tried to use the Fairbanks version.) BTW, I’ve been telling your F-word story to everyone who’ll listen. Always revealing my source, of course.

  • Chrissy

    May 3, 2008 at 8:46 am

    Oh, J! I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. You guys are all in my thoughts and prayers. My dad had a heart attack five years ago (followed by a stroke ten months after the heart attack). I know how hard it can be to go through something like this. The good news is that with all the technology and medical advancements, your mom will pull through this 🙂 My dad doesn’t even look like he’s had a stroke and he hasn’t had any heart problems since.

    Hoping and praying for the best. Hugs XOXO

  • jeri

    May 4, 2008 at 12:08 pm

    Oh I am so sorry to hear this. Your mother is certainly being challenged with health issues. I, too, am glad she is at least closer this time. My best wishes for her recovery.

  • Angie

    May 4, 2008 at 8:22 pm

    Oh, so sorry to hear about your mom. Was hoping she was on the road to healthier times.

    Hang in there, we’re thinking about you.