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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.