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Post by Angel_of_Music on Apr 8, 2023 15:28:04 GMT -5
Lori, my our friend from agility that mom and I have known for years, came and got me on Thursday and we went up to see her. Apparently she wasn't speaking to anyone. She had been speaking to the one doctor and then just clammed up. When Lori and I got there, she didn't say a word to either of us and just the way she tried to follow what we were saying, it was like no one was there. We stepped out of the room for a moment because it seemed like maybe we were pestering, so we spoke with the one doctor who I couldn't quite understand, but tried. After a little talk with her, we went back to see mom and she was in the middle of something. We asked the nurses if they could find her phone, I wanted to get my Uncle's number. They found it and put it on the table, where I was able to plug it in as it was dead, let it charge enough that I could turn it on and got his number. I then left it charge, but the only thing mom said to us that night was 'I want my phone', that was it. After that she said nothing, even after I showed her the pictures of the Easter eggs on the azalea bushes out front, the hyacinths I got and the pansy hanging basket and the ones of Blake. She didn't say a word. We left after a few minutes as we didn't want to pester her. We were there for maybe about an hour or so.
This morning around 6:45, mom called me via the hospital phone. The nurse was on the other end and said my mom wanted to speak to me. I sat bolt upright as soon as mom said my name. She was saying how much pain she was in, how it felt like someone was ripping her apart,, that she loved me so much, she was sorry she was a bother, she was in pain, she loved me so much, she asked how Blake was, she loved me so much, if I was coming to see her with Lori today, what time I got off work today...it was good to hear her voice, but I hated hearing the pain in her voice. I answered her questions, I told her I had to contact Lori and said we'd be in later. We talked for about 7 minutes before I said I had to get ready for work. She said she loved me and told me to have a good day. I contacted Lori as soon as I hung up with mom and Lori said she'd come get me, but it wouldn't be til around 6. I stopped at Walmart on my way in to work to get a 6 foot charging cable for her phone, that should be a help because I don't think she really needs a 10 foot one >.>
I'm beat as hell from work, but I'm still going to go see her and if she asks how my day was, I'm just going to say, typical Saturday, got our asses handed to us, especially in the last hour of my shift. I don't want to stay too long because I don't want to have Blake in the crate too long. I mean....he's already been in the crate for 7 hours, he's going to be out for a couple and then back in it for a couple more hours. I seriously wish I could drive so I could just go myself, but I'm glad Lori's willing to come get me and I'm glad mom's talking.
As for everyone else going through things, seems we're all in the same boat when it comes to health things. Hugs and good vibes all around *sends hugs and good vibes to everyone*
Edit to add update, 9:43 est: Omg I could cry right now!!! Lori came and got me and we went to see mom. I made one quick run back into the house because mom had stopped at Dairy Queen and gotten mom a small dish of chocolate and vanilla swirled ice cream and she got me a blizzard. I ran in to put my blizzard in the freezer. We got there and checked in and up to the room we went. We walked in and...just...omg...she was awake and the moment she saw us...'oh my god you don't know how long I waited to see you two today!!' and she had the biggest smile on her face. We were there from about 6:25 to about 8:20. We sat and talked, I told her about my day, the inspection, how Erin and Jen asked how she was doing and said that they hope she feels better, we talked about the dogs and past stories about the dogs and....oh my gods it was like we were sitting at home, just chilling, nothing wrong at all with mom and we weren't in a hospital room. Mom was smiling and laughing and....she was normal mom. I felt so happy. Lori and I got out of there and...I just wanted to kick up my heels like they do in the movies and just do the happy Snoopy dance. I want more days like this please.
Okay and to prove how happy I am right now....I'm drinking a Coke that is in the starting stages of being flat....and I don't care!!
I hate drinking flat Coke, even when it's in the beginning stages, but right now....I don't care!! XD
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Post by Operetta on Apr 9, 2023 11:53:44 GMT -5
I'm sorry to hear that everyone else seems to be going through a tough time right now as well. *hugs for all*
My mother seems to be in the middle of another psychotic break. Rasa is doing her best to mitigate the situation. We think it is being caused by her anti-depressant being upped from 300mg to 450mg. She's bi-polar, and when she goes manic, she goes psychotic. She started getting the higher dosage on the 26th, and by the 30th, she wasn't okay. But we weren't sure since she'd been in the hospital for the fall. So, we thought it might be that. But, it's clear now that she's unwell. So, Rasa has been staying with her and my dad since yesterday, and she backed the dosage down. So, now we're waiting to see if that helps, but it will take time for the extra medication to work itself back out of her system. If that doesn't work, it's going to be another week-long stint in the mental hospital, and that will probably be the end of all of Rasa's leave from work. And if that's the case, that will mean trying to board Tai, even with his messed up leg, because I'm leaving town on Sunday for the same conference that I missed last year due to this exact same issue. So, I can't really miss it for the same thing this time. *sigh* What a LONG week it has been.
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Post by PookaWitch on Apr 10, 2023 13:46:19 GMT -5
OMG! So many of you are going through such a rough time. My heart goes out to those of you dealing with sickness, surgeries and stress.  |
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Post by springacres on Apr 10, 2023 14:16:45 GMT -5
Some good news! I just heard from pathology - the cancer was stage 1A, meaning it hadn't spread even beyond my uterine lining and we caught it as early as we could! The cysts on my ovary turned out to be benign too  |
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Post by Angel_of_Music on Apr 10, 2023 16:45:02 GMT -5
I got a call from mom this morning on my way in to work. She sounds in good spirits and asked if Lori and I were coming to see her today. I said I would talk to her. Originally Lori said she would come get me and we'd go see her, but then this afternoon when I checked my phone, I saw a text from Lori. Her van was acting up and she has to take it in to get looked at, but that's not til tomorrow afternoon and she doesn't feel comfortable driving it at the moment. I told her it was okay. So I let mom know that Lori and I wouldn't make it, that Lori was having an issue with her van, but I told her that Blake and I love her. I know she'll be a little sad, but...I sadly don't drive and I REALLY do not trust the busses around here...not with the stories I've heard from co-workers. Could I walk to the hospital? Yea, it would just take me an hour and some minutes to get there and then an hour and some minutes to get home. I wish the hospital was a little closer, but...yea...it's not. So Lori and I are going to shoot for Wednesday to go see mom, which will be nice. That's good to hear spring!! Congrats on that good news |
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Post by Operetta on Apr 12, 2023 19:15:06 GMT -5
So, Rasa was able to get my mom to her psych on Monday, and he prescribed another medication for her, which she was on before. When she was on it, she was really stable, but she took it as shots. He couldn't do the shots, so he prescribed the pill form. We were very hopeful that it would work, and this morning she seemed to be doing better, but this evening, she took a turn for the worse. Rasa had to call an ambulance to collect her because it seemed like she might be turning aggressive. Considering she attacked Rasa last time this happened, we thought it best to call in the professionals at this point. So, she'll probably be in the hospital for at least a week. Luckily, I called our vet earlier today and managed to snag the very last boarding spot for Tai for when I'm gone to the conference, but Rasa is going to miss probably two weeks or more of work at this point.
I also found out today that my boss is retiring, which is great for him and horrible for the office. He's going to try to stay on part time, but it hasn't been approved yet. If they don't approve it, then I'm in charge, and I don't have the experience to be in charge of our office. I just got my current position two years ago.
*bangs head against keyboard*
That's wonderful news, spring! I hope you can visit with your mother as planned, AoM.
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Post by Sweetintoxikation on Apr 13, 2023 21:51:28 GMT -5
*stops in to offer hugs, warm drinks, and good vibes to everyone dealing with the insanity that is life and the traumatic things with health and family.*
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone. I'm hoping for good things for you and sending you sprinkles of pixie dust.
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Post by Angel_of_Music on Apr 15, 2023 21:03:39 GMT -5
Well Lori and I walked into the hospital with Blake and the receptionist got the 'yes it's clear' for us to have Blake in even though he's not a therapy dog. Lori told her that that oncologist had said that it was okay for us to bring him. We got up to the 6th floor and...the nurses at the station saw him and loved up on him for a couple of minutes. We went to mom's room and she had her eyes closed, but we let Blake go right to her and after a few seconds of him nuzzling up on her, she opened her eyes and boy did they light up. She was happy to see him. She smiled. She didn't say a word during the time we were there, but she was happy to see him. I had also printed off some pictures....two of them with BeeGee and Trace, one with Trace and Blake, one of mom, Trace and I in Gettysburg, one of her and Blake from the one fast cat event in May last year and one of her, Blake and I in October with the Phillies 'Rally for October' fan bus....and she liked those, she smiled in seeing the flowers as well and the cookies.
Me on the other hand....yea...I believe she's a little pissed off at me because there were times I'd look at her and talk to her, but she just had this sort of 'how dare you' look on her face. At least she let me hold her hand for a few minutes. The reason for her being pissed at me is because I gave the consent for them to do inpatient hospice. Due to the nature of her exterior tumor and another thing that has come up, she needs the inpatient hospice because if she came home, it wouldn't be safe. Lori told me that she's so used to being in control of things and with this, she's having to learn that she can't control this, she has to let the doctors and nurses HELP HER. I know that after a few days...I hope...she'll forgive me for giving the consent for them to do the inpatient hospice, but this is for the better. With this she'll be able to get that 24/7 care that they can provide that I can't. Lori and I just sat and chatted, she listened and pet Blake. Of course Blake drew attention from some nurses that came to see her and they'd talk a little with us. Yea...not so bad, but it makes me feel a little better. Lori had met up with the case worker(someone that knew mom when mom had worked at the hospital), the palliative nurse and the oncologist(one that mom trusts) and they had a 'chat' with mom. Yea, they chatted, mom had her eyes closed, but she was listening. They were all in agreement that mom need the inpatient hospice. Lori called me yesterday afternoon to let me know what was going on and asked if I'd give consent to them starting the hospice. Yes, I was for it. I know she'll be pissed at me, but it's for her own good.
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Post by Operetta on Apr 19, 2023 14:20:51 GMT -5
Dogs are amazing and wonderful and make life better. It's tough to deal with that for sure, AoM.
So, update from my corner of the world. Mom should be out of the hospital tomorrow. It has been like pulling teeth to get the hospital to tell us anything, so we're still not sure even what happened. Also, conference is over, so I'm home again, which is happy. Everyone at the conference kept asking me if I was going to take my boss's job since he's retiring, and I am second in command in the office, which was a bit rattling cause I've only known a week. Was able to pick Tai up from the vet where he was being boarded, so I have my fluffy baby home, which is also happy.
However, my dad isn't doing well and had to be taken to the hospital again. I'm thinking that the UTI he had was so bad that the antibiotics weren't able to get rid of it completely. So, we've now had FOUR 911 calls in three weeks. Poor Rasa is a mess from all the stress.
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Post by Angel_of_Music on Apr 26, 2023 23:46:23 GMT -5
So Tuesday I got a text from my mom saying that the ambulance was coming to get her at 4:30 and was taking her to her new location. Okay great, I thought she got into one of the places she had been looking at. I had a break and asked her where she was going. She was going to a place that was down the way from the hospital, but from our house to said location was about 7 minutes drive time...which is the same amount of time to get from our house to the hospital. Okay, she had a place to go, she'd be away from the nurses who annoyed her and the doctor who annoyed her. Good. Nope, not good. 12:30 in the morning I'm getting a text from her saying that she hurt and she 'swore that if the butt(she used a different word) is here again, I will have them arrested for neglect!!!! This is freaking ridiculous!!! What do I have to do to get some relief of pain?!!!!??!!!' which was then followed by 'since when is the new 20 the new 30 around here?!!!?!?!!!' to which was followed by her trying to call me at 1:30 in the morning. I was sadly too deep asleep that I didn't even hear my phone go off and my phone is RIGHT by my head with the volume up and for me to not hear it....you know I was out. Then around 7 Wednesday morning, I'm getting the text of 'whatever happened to loving each other? It has been a horrible night' and she went on to describe how she had had no real help, got NOTHING for her pain, couldn't get any sleep because she hurt SO BAD and how no one wanted to touch her to help clean her up(she wasn't dirty, but because of the mass, she needed to get a bit clean). I apologized for not answering her text and call, said I was asleep and beat from the previous day's shift...which I was. I then told her that Lori and I would be in to see her later. She texted back with 'okay, sorry.' and then said about her mp3 player and how she couldn't get her music. I said I'd take a look at it when we got there. She then said 'they can't know anything about this or they can single me out. I'm starved!!'. She then asked about what buttons to push on her mp3 player to get the music back, which was followed by 'I'm shaking soooo bad'. If I could have taken the day off, I would have, but it's already passed the 'safe to call out and not get written up' time, so I couldn't. I told her what buttons did what and hoped she could get it to work. She then asked me if I had the one case manager's number, I said I didn't and said 'maybe lori might'. I got the face followed by 'thank you, I have to get a hold of her'. Her meaning the case manager. Now skip to the visit. Never...NEVER have I EVER wanted to hunt down a supervisor and explode. I had the bags of stuff mom wanted me to bring. Lori and I got there and I grabbed the bags. The place looked nice and all. We got in and got scanned and 'registered', then found out which way to go. We made our way to mom's room and we walked in and...my mom, who is normally a strong woman...is practically in tears, STILL in pain, hasn't eaten anything because she was so nauseous and just wanted to get out of there. She was shaking so bad and as I said, practically in tears. She was saying how the others in the hall probably hated her because she was crying out in pain all night and they'd walk by her room, glare at her and walk off. Folks, when I tell you that my inner dragon was ready to come out...I mean it. I have the marks on my left palm to prove it. I was tight fisted so bad, that the nails on my left hand were digging into my palm!! I...I am still pissed off at this place!! My mom needs a certain care and she wasn't getting it. When she's laying in the bed, shaking and crying and she's saying 'Jenny I'm so sorry, please don't be mad at me, I can't take another night here'....it's striking my heart and I wanted to go hunt down a supervisor and let my dragon tear out. Lori talked to her and spoke of Lehigh Valley Hospital, told her what she could get there and mom wanted out of there. Lori went and talked to the nurse, who had to get it okayed. It got okayed, so the ambulance was called. Lori and I packed up her things and the crew arrived and when they asked where she was going...mom, Lori and I all said 'Lehigh Valley'. The one guy recognized my mom, which was good and Lori and I moved stuff out of their way. They got her out and into the ambulance, Lori and I packed her stuff into her car and off we went. The entire trip, I was...I was just talking...about things to keep my mind settled and to shut my inner dragon up for a bit. Lori told me she had that feeling that the other hospital mom had been in was jerking her around and I took a breath and said 'yea, I wouldn't be surprised'. We got closer to the area and the ambulance was behind us...not lights and siren, but they were behind us. They made the one turn, we went up to the next light and then turned in. We got parked, I grabbed mom's purse and left the rest. We went in and mom wasn't registered just yet, but they said we could have a seat and they'd call us. I sat down, Lori used the ladies room and then joined me. I...scrolled through my phone to just settle my mind a little. It was maybe ten minutes when they called my name and we were escorted so far, then were told where to go. Lori and I went to the room and mom looked a little more comfortable. I sat down and...the very cute doctor walked in and got info and then left. No sooner was he gone and mom went 'well he was cute'. Yup, okay...that's the mom I know. The nurse came in, gave mom the medication for the nausea, then the medication for the pain, did one other thing, then took the blood to the lab. Registration came around, got the information for mom and then took her leave. It was quiet, mom actually snoozed, came awake, talked a little, kinda snoozed, woke up, talked a little, then did a little on her phone. We were there til about 10:50. Mom asked for a couple of things...her phone charger, computer, mouse, mousepad...and when Lori went to get those things, she said 'thank you both for staying as late as you did'. That made me feel better to see her in lower pain. Lori came back with the things mom asked for, plus a couple other things, and set them on the chair and we put her computer and that on the table. We went to wheel it closer and...yea she got a little snappy and told us to 'just forget it' when we tried to get it set for her. Eeyup...that's just the pain talking a little. So long story short...mom is in a better hospital, will get the better treatment and will hopefully be moved to a better room tomorrow or so. Once Lori and I got out of the hospital, I asked if there was a Wawa around and said 'my stomach is chewing at me' and she laughed and said 'yea there's one up the way'. We made a quick stop and I got something to eat and a bag of chips. I feel better that mom is in a better spot, but I just feel so mad that this other place wasn't as nice as it was made to sound. Granted where mom's at now is almost an hour away from me, but I feel better with mom there. What gets me is that the hospital mom was in before had said that 'no she wasn't accepted to Lehigh, she doesn't meet their criteria'. Uuuhhh really? Because she was admitted pretty quickly there without a problem. It was like this other hospital didn't even try. Either way...my brain is dead, I just wish this wasn't happening, but at least mom will have better doctors and nurses helping her. |
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Post by springacres on Apr 27, 2023 7:35:16 GMT -5
I'm so sorry you're having to deal with all this, AoM. But I'm glad your mom is in a better hospital now and that you have a friend like Lori there to support you both.
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Post by Angel_of_Music on Apr 27, 2023 9:52:20 GMT -5
I'm so sorry you're having to deal with all this, AoM. But I'm glad your mom is in a better hospital now and that you have a friend like Lori there to support you both. Paaaarrrt of this is kinda mom's fault because she waited so long to get this condition looked at and let it get so bad. It's all a mess, but yes, I am very glad that mom is at a better hospital. Lori is actually a retired oncology nurse, so she has been a GREAT help with it and she had actually worked at Lehigh Valley Hospital, so that was great. I had heard about the hospital so many times from mom because she'd be in and out of there with the ambulance when taking patients there and was always impressed with it, so I know she's in really good hands. Mom now has a room and while I haven't heard from her yet, I'm sure she's a lot more comfortable. Funny thing is that at one point this morning I got a call from the other place we had gotten her out of and the woman was asking if they should hold the bed for mom. Haha...oh lady do you REALLY want my answer to that? I had a few choice words, but I simply said 'No!!' and left it at that. She said 'okay, just wanted to verify that and I'll get it into the system'. I hung up with her and sort of snoozed for a few minutes longer. I also got a text from the place asking for feedback. I clicked the link and...as politely as I could...I told them how I felt about the visit yesterday. I pretty much told them that I was not happy, that I was pissed, about some of the comments some of the staff had made, how she had gone so long without pain med, how she was shaking so bad and in tears....oh yea...I let them have it. If this is how they are going to get treated...you people need to reevaluate things and do better. |
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Post by springacres on Apr 27, 2023 15:53:44 GMT -5
It sounds like your mom has a really strong independent streak, and I think it's often harder for people like that to admit when they themselves need help. And it doesn't help at all that our society often treats people who need such extensive medical help like they're unwanted burdens. I wish it weren't the case, but it is.
Sending good thoughts your way, AoM.
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Post by Angel_of_Music on Apr 28, 2023 6:56:03 GMT -5
Yea, mom has a stubborn streak to her, which it came around to bite her. At least with where she is now, she's getting better treatment. Since she's been up there, I haven't had any texts or calls in the middle of the night. I woke up this morning to one text from her, but that was an hour before I normally wake up. She sent me a picture of the sunrise sky and to tell me to have a good day at work and she hopes she can watch the baseball game. I texted her back and said that I hopes she has a good day as well, but let her know the baseball game is actually either streaming on Apple+ or is on MLB tv and I don't know the channel set up for that area. So...she may get MLB tv at the hospital or she might not. So that'll be called 'open a tab on your computer and keep track of the score that way' XD And no, it's not right when medical help treat people like unwanted burdens. I was not happy. You're there to do a job, to help people in need and if you can't do that, find a different profession. Thank you for the good thoughts |
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Post by Moophles on Apr 30, 2023 3:42:18 GMT -5
Aw man... im sorry everyone is going through so much I'm glad we can all at least give each other support. <3 |
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