Just spoke to Nancy at Forum. Papa was found leaving the AL area last night in middle of night. He actually got out into service area beyond the assisted (AL) area. Of course, the security alarm went off when he went through doors with punching in passcode. Nancy indicated they were going to have to put a wander bracelet on him. Costs around $65. This will trigger alarm whenever Papa approaches the AL doors that are secured.
Dr. Harris saw Papa yesterday and said he seemed good. Nancy indicated most days now Papa's face is very puffy and feet are swollen. She also indicated that Papa is beginning to show signs of being anxious late in afternoon and evening. He's not good at those times. Example: last night had to have his meal in his room. He could not go to dining room. Nancy also indicated that they have noticed that his appetite is not very good.
Finally, the hard question: do they have an idea about how much time poor Papa has? Nancy indicated they still do not have an idea...she said it could be any time. Said she would not be surprised if she walked in his room one morning and he was gone. Just thought I should let you all know.
Love, Tish
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Update on Pops
7/18/08: Gosh it's been forever. Just a real fast update. Forum called about 2 days ago. The medical staff noticed a worsening of edema for Pops, so Dr. Harris has prescribed Lasix again. Just wanted you all to know.
I hope the Summer is treating all of you well...
Love, Tish
I hope the Summer is treating all of you well...
Love, Tish
Thursday, July 3, 2008
More info
Hi from Kate...
I went to see Mama today and got to speak with her nurse, Heather, and the physical therapist that works with her. She had a pretty good day yesterday, but not so good today. She was very combative today, and tried to hit her nurse. Heather said she feels that Mama's pain is not under good control, so she requested a pain med change from Darvocet (every 12 hours) to Percocet every 4-6 hours. She feels they can manage Mama's pain better this way, and also said the Percocet also has Tylenol in it..for added pain relief. Doctor has approved this order.
I loved Heather, who gave me lots of information and walked me down to meet the physical therapist. The physical therapist told me that Mama was also combative with them today, but that they did get her sitting for a bit in her wheelchair, and even standing for a short while. She should only bear 50% of her weight on her bad leg, and she doesn't understand that directive, so it is a challenge. They are hoping to get her pain under control first, and then she will be able to do more.
She didn't eat too well, but they were going to try again at dinner. And she was refusing to take her meds...I suggested crushing them and putting them in chocolate, I know the Forum has success with that. They said they would try it.
When I saw her, she was asleep in her bed (afternoon). She opened her eyes briefly, and told me she loved me "so much". It was sweetly sad. I rubbed her hands and arms with lotion and put cold cream on her face....she really seemed to enjoy the physical touch. I put her glasses back on, sat holding her hand. She spent most of my visit sleeping, opening her eyes occasionally. Heather said she had been awake all morning, and that she thought the pain meds were just kicking in...so after a short visit, I left.
Papa was asleep when Margaret and I arrived for a visit Weds evening. He was sleeping so soundly that we didn't wake him...We knew Tish had been there earlier in the day and Lita and Bob had been there the day before. We were able to bring some Ensure, shampoo, and body wash that he needed, and Tish had brought some more root beer, so he is stocked for now. He might want some more little sweet snacks if someone wants to bring some. The nurse did tell me that his confusion seems to be increasing.
All in all I feel pretty good about Mama's situation, as good as I can. They do seem to have some really good people there, and I don't think we could do any better. They only had Mama in a shirt, diaper, and socks. I think this is for comfort as they change her...it is too painful to have to pull all her clothes off. But, she did seem cold to me, so I asked for extra blankets and Heather rounded up three or four. Mama smiled and said "thank you" as I put them on her.
Okay, that's all you will probably hear from me for the next ten days or so, as we will be out of town until the 12th. Hope all is well with everyone. We will be enjoying some local Fourth of July activities before we head out of town. Have a safe holiday, and talk to you all soon!
Love,
Kate
p.s. Thank you to Mary for meeting Mama at the doctor next week.
I went to see Mama today and got to speak with her nurse, Heather, and the physical therapist that works with her. She had a pretty good day yesterday, but not so good today. She was very combative today, and tried to hit her nurse. Heather said she feels that Mama's pain is not under good control, so she requested a pain med change from Darvocet (every 12 hours) to Percocet every 4-6 hours. She feels they can manage Mama's pain better this way, and also said the Percocet also has Tylenol in it..for added pain relief. Doctor has approved this order.
I loved Heather, who gave me lots of information and walked me down to meet the physical therapist. The physical therapist told me that Mama was also combative with them today, but that they did get her sitting for a bit in her wheelchair, and even standing for a short while. She should only bear 50% of her weight on her bad leg, and she doesn't understand that directive, so it is a challenge. They are hoping to get her pain under control first, and then she will be able to do more.
She didn't eat too well, but they were going to try again at dinner. And she was refusing to take her meds...I suggested crushing them and putting them in chocolate, I know the Forum has success with that. They said they would try it.
When I saw her, she was asleep in her bed (afternoon). She opened her eyes briefly, and told me she loved me "so much". It was sweetly sad. I rubbed her hands and arms with lotion and put cold cream on her face....she really seemed to enjoy the physical touch. I put her glasses back on, sat holding her hand. She spent most of my visit sleeping, opening her eyes occasionally. Heather said she had been awake all morning, and that she thought the pain meds were just kicking in...so after a short visit, I left.
Papa was asleep when Margaret and I arrived for a visit Weds evening. He was sleeping so soundly that we didn't wake him...We knew Tish had been there earlier in the day and Lita and Bob had been there the day before. We were able to bring some Ensure, shampoo, and body wash that he needed, and Tish had brought some more root beer, so he is stocked for now. He might want some more little sweet snacks if someone wants to bring some. The nurse did tell me that his confusion seems to be increasing.
All in all I feel pretty good about Mama's situation, as good as I can. They do seem to have some really good people there, and I don't think we could do any better. They only had Mama in a shirt, diaper, and socks. I think this is for comfort as they change her...it is too painful to have to pull all her clothes off. But, she did seem cold to me, so I asked for extra blankets and Heather rounded up three or four. Mama smiled and said "thank you" as I put them on her.
Okay, that's all you will probably hear from me for the next ten days or so, as we will be out of town until the 12th. Hope all is well with everyone. We will be enjoying some local Fourth of July activities before we head out of town. Have a safe holiday, and talk to you all soon!
Love,
Kate
p.s. Thank you to Mary for meeting Mama at the doctor next week.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Mama info
Hi all...it's Kate
I just spoke with Mama's nurse, Sheena. Sheena has been there with Mama Monday, Tuesday, and Weds. Tomorrow and Friday, Mama's nurse will be Heather. Sheena told me that they did begin physical therapy yesterday, and are working on transfers and sitting up right now...not walking yet. They got her in and out of wheelchair several times and she went down to the dining hall for breakfast today in wheelchair. She seemed to enjoy the dining hall, and ate a full bowl of cereal with some hot tea. (They were offering coffee, and I told them she prefers tea...so she will get tea from here on out.) I also told them she loves fruit, and that is something that she will usually eat. She will receive physical therapy 5x a week (Monday-Friday).
She does have a bed alarm on the bed now, so if she attempts to sit up and move off the bed the nurse's station will be alerted.
Lastly, she does have a follow up appointment with the surgeon on July 9th at 11am. Sheena has arranged for transport to and from, but is hoping a family member will be available to meet Mama at the doctor's office (Sheena said she has given Mary the info on address, etc.). Margaret and I are out of town this whole week...so is there a family member that can do this? We defintely need someone to listen to what the surgeon says and pass on info, ask any pertinent questions, etc.
I talked to the hospice nurse yesterday, Denise. She was waiting for Papa to come back to his room from lunch, so we got to chat a little bit. She was the one to see Mama when Mama fell, so she wanted to know how Mama was. For insurance reasons, we had to withdraw Mama from hospice while she is being treated for hip fracture and recuperation...then she can go right back under hospice care when she is back at the Forum.
Denise also told me that she knows Papa has little sweets around his room, and seems to really enjoy those...Technically Papa is on a sweet restricted diet. She felt the enjoyment he gets from these is more important at this point, and asked if it was okay to talk with the doctor about doing away with the restriction on his diet. I said yes. One more step...
I think that is all for now. Margaret was hoping to see Mama and Papa today. I am hoping to see one today and one tomorrow. Margaret and I will both be out of town from July 5-12. Cell phone service is spotty up at the Ranch. If an emergency arises, try my cell...but then Wolf Lake Ranch phone is 1-231-745-3890. One of the owners, or staff will answer, but they can get us a message. (We might be down at the lake, or on a horse ride, so if you leave message with them, they will track us down.)
I thinks that is all for now. Love, Kate
I just spoke with Mama's nurse, Sheena. Sheena has been there with Mama Monday, Tuesday, and Weds. Tomorrow and Friday, Mama's nurse will be Heather. Sheena told me that they did begin physical therapy yesterday, and are working on transfers and sitting up right now...not walking yet. They got her in and out of wheelchair several times and she went down to the dining hall for breakfast today in wheelchair. She seemed to enjoy the dining hall, and ate a full bowl of cereal with some hot tea. (They were offering coffee, and I told them she prefers tea...so she will get tea from here on out.) I also told them she loves fruit, and that is something that she will usually eat. She will receive physical therapy 5x a week (Monday-Friday).
She does have a bed alarm on the bed now, so if she attempts to sit up and move off the bed the nurse's station will be alerted.
Lastly, she does have a follow up appointment with the surgeon on July 9th at 11am. Sheena has arranged for transport to and from, but is hoping a family member will be available to meet Mama at the doctor's office (Sheena said she has given Mary the info on address, etc.). Margaret and I are out of town this whole week...so is there a family member that can do this? We defintely need someone to listen to what the surgeon says and pass on info, ask any pertinent questions, etc.
I talked to the hospice nurse yesterday, Denise. She was waiting for Papa to come back to his room from lunch, so we got to chat a little bit. She was the one to see Mama when Mama fell, so she wanted to know how Mama was. For insurance reasons, we had to withdraw Mama from hospice while she is being treated for hip fracture and recuperation...then she can go right back under hospice care when she is back at the Forum.
Denise also told me that she knows Papa has little sweets around his room, and seems to really enjoy those...Technically Papa is on a sweet restricted diet. She felt the enjoyment he gets from these is more important at this point, and asked if it was okay to talk with the doctor about doing away with the restriction on his diet. I said yes. One more step...
I think that is all for now. Margaret was hoping to see Mama and Papa today. I am hoping to see one today and one tomorrow. Margaret and I will both be out of town from July 5-12. Cell phone service is spotty up at the Ranch. If an emergency arises, try my cell...but then Wolf Lake Ranch phone is 1-231-745-3890. One of the owners, or staff will answer, but they can get us a message. (We might be down at the lake, or on a horse ride, so if you leave message with them, they will track us down.)
I thinks that is all for now. Love, Kate
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