When I first saw mom today, she opened her eyes a lot but didn't appear to be able to see me...she didn't track me at all visually. It seemed that she was more in tune with me auditorily instead. I needed to go voice some concerns with the head nurse in charge regarding---a bag of garbage on the floor, used gloves on the chair, the room was dark with lights out (like a night time set up), her pillows were not set up correctly for neither her arms or her feet, and the diaper they had on her was far too small for her. I was very upset but kept my cool and firmly voiced my concerns... All issues were resolved by the time I left. Voicing the same concerns over and over again is frustrating to say the least. Please pray for resolve in this area. Also continue to pray that the personnel (CNAs, nurses, and respiratory therapists...) all assume a caring, kind, concerned, gentle affect with mom. I have heard that this type of situation persists in many different facilities and it is so very disheartening and upsetting to say the least. It is so important to have family and friends with mom as much as possible in order to avoid such problems.... the more present we all are, the more care and vigilance is directed at mom.
On a better note, I spoke to the nutritionist---our new hero!!! She said that, after 2 weeks of chasing, she finally reached the doctor and was able to tell him our concerns about all the medication mom is on. He agreed with us and her and said he would take her off the ZOCORE (cholesterol medication) and the Standing 9 p.m. Insulin shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! If anyone has the time to, look up the side effects of ZOCORE and INSULIN and HEPRIN....if you have extended time, look up the side effects of Labetalol and Dilantin and Coumadin too!! Your head will spin. She said that the doctor didn't write the order to stop these meds yet but would chase him until he did so.
When Claudia and Dad arrived tonight, Claudia found the DOCTOR!! She asked to speak with him and he was very nice. He asked for background on mom....how she was before the aneurysm and after...(I CAN'T BELIEVE HE DIDN'T ALREADY HAVE THIS INFORMTATION ON HER AFTER ALL THESE MONTHS!!!!). Anyway, Claudia provided the background information, along with all our concerns about the facility and the medication. HE AGREED to WEAN HER FROM THE DILANTIN pending a phone conference with the doctor from the hospital. PRAISE GOD AGAIN!! He said he doubted that the meds are preventing mom from waking up...but he said he is willing to give it all a shot!!!! THE POWER OF PRAYER!!!
We next need to see about getting mom off the current blood pressure medication and onto the Diovan she was on before this all happened. And maybe off the Coumadin and back on the ECOTRIN? Pray for guidance for us in this area. Claudia reached mom's general practitioner, who is a doll, and he said he can't be mom's doctor out at the facility because he isn't affiliated with them but he'd help answer questions. The hospital doctor still hasn't called Claudia back yet.
BEST NEWS...while the doctor of the facility was talking to Claudia and dad, he asked where mom is at now and what her functioning ability is ... Claudia explained all and he said the 2 steps forward and 1 back pattern we are seeing is typical in the recovery process... HOWEVER...he asked mom if she heard what they all were saying, "Dotty, you're listening to us aren't you? Can you hear us Dotty? If you can hear us, blink your eyes twice" MOM DID IT!!!!! Dad and Claudia began to cry. Then he asked, "Dotty, if you can hear us, wiggle your toes" MOM DID IT!!!
CLaudia said it seemed like mom was focusing on her and dad and on the TV (MASH, mom's favorite show). She said mom actually kissed her good-bye when they left too.
KEEP PRAYING...it's working!!!
"The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring." Isaiah 58:11
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