Sunday, March 29, 2015
Mom is watching television while sitting in her new wheelchair. We have been using it to give her leg time to heal. And I think it’s working quite well, except that we are creating a monster. A lazy monster, who seeks to be wheeled around wherever she goes. Still, pain is pain. I have wrapped her leg in a bamboo wrap. Bought it for myself some time ago, but it didn’t seem to do any good. Packed it away and lost it for a while, but fortunately found it again. And it seems to be doing mom some good. She won’t be without it.
And then there is Lila, my “other” patient. She is now suffering with abscesses on her gums and is feverish. Her teeth are in horrible shape. Last night, I was able to get a liquid antibiotic for her by calling her PA. But I fear it’s too little too late. The CNAs did not notice before this episode that her gums were swollen and red and blistery. As Lila is demented and cannot express herself normally, no one knew. It was the fever that served as notice. Our worry is also with her son, who would take her passing so very hard, even though she is nearly 98 years old. Our only recourse is prayer. Sooner or later, Lila—like the rest of us—will succumb. The overall feeling is one of imminent loss and grave sadness. The CNAs and I have all been with Lila for more than 3 years now. She is family, as is her son. This being Holy Week, I have no idea what will happen. The winery has us on for 3 days with extra hours, but I will do my best before then. I doubt, at any rate, whether her oral surgeons will take her now in her current condition and age. They last saw her 2 years ago, but she was in better shape then. The ER is the only other recourse, but then we face the probability of nosocomial infection or worse. If Lila dies in the hospital, her son will consider it the highest betrayal.
Mom, Lila, the CNAs, her son… Much to pray for this week and ever.
thecaregiversdiary 
So pitiful that the CNAs didn’t notice her condition of her oral cavity until she got so sick her system had no other recourse then to send her body into fever! How could they not notice her appetite and consumption of meals? It is beyond me! Thank goodness she had you to raise the flag of concern!
Your compassion for others continues to have your platter full and over flowing! Glad mom got a new ride! I took my husband to a flea market and got a wheel chair for him. He seemed joyful at the prospect to be wheeled around but I was there to say get up and walk. It is only for use when you have had enough of walking.
Your mom needs the wheel chair to assist in repairing her leg! It is a wonderful invention as is the gel cushion you got for her. Nothing like a cushie for the tushie!
Have a peaceful week!
Martha
Actually, the CNAs did notice her swollen gums, but as you said, only when it was very late in the game. Have made an appt. with an oral surgeon. We have a consult tonight at 6:00. I will drive her there with two of the CNAs. Not sure what they will do, as she is in terrible shape and 96 years old.
Mom is doing relatively well. Says her back hurts and her thigh. Even if we do find out what’s wrong, I doubt we can do anything about it. Just time and rest. The damage is done and it will take her a very long time to recuperate–if ever. We just out in the yard purring and cleaning up. Overdid it of course. Then I got the call that mom was in the bathroom. My husband did not know to take the toilet paper away from her. So by the time I got there, she was pretty much covered. She cried about having to take a shower, but there is little time to waste when a UTI might be in the offing! Mom is now resting in her chair in front of the TV. If my brother calls, she will tell him that she is fine. He has no clue.
Was so glad to learn of your wonderful reunion, Martha. And glad you got your husband out for a trip. Sounds like fun. Nancy is totally housebound, but her husband is getting PT. Yet he is sleeping longer and longer. Sometimes for nearly 2 days–with short breaks in between. I wonder if he is suffering additional strokes or just healing?