dorri
02-13-2009, 01:40 AM
She's been diagnosed with congestive heart failure again. Her Atrial/fibs are still there and her chronic high blood pressure is still not under control. That is what the first ER doc thought she had, congestive heart failure, but because she got better he changed his diagnosis to A/fibs and referred her to a heart specialist. She has an echo on the 27th. While the doctor last time was more hopeful, the ER doctor today told my sister that nothing can be done to fix it, and that she will continue to get worse with each attack. I'm glad she is going to a Specialist and I do hope their is some hope left for her.. She is in urgent care right now, and her feet are very swollen and she has fluid in her lungs again. This time her fluid isn't draining off as fast as the last time. I'm really quite worried and live hundreds of miles away from where she is, so if something should worsen I will have to find a way to see her.
One of the drugs she's on for her heart causes swelling in the hands and feet, this drug is supposed to control the A/fibs and her blood pressure, but it doesn't seem to be doing either? She is also on an additional heart drug but nothing is helping. I hope she gets in to see the specialist sooner.
I'm so sad and wish she would get better.
p.s she was a little more with it in the last two weeks but still was forgetful and confused. I don't know what to think anymore?
One of the drugs she's on for her heart causes swelling in the hands and feet, this drug is supposed to control the A/fibs and her blood pressure, but it doesn't seem to be doing either? She is also on an additional heart drug but nothing is helping. I hope she gets in to see the specialist sooner.
I'm so sad and wish she would get better.
p.s she was a little more with it in the last two weeks but still was forgetful and confused. I don't know what to think anymore?
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DGabriel10
02-13-2009, 02:03 AM
I am so sorry your Mom is back in the hospital. I do understand that helpless feeling of being hours away. It is difficult to deal with not knowing exactly what is going on.
I do hope your Mom gets some relief from her episode and improves. Hopefully the heart specialist can come up with an action plan that will be beneficial to her. Keep us informed and know I have you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers...
love, deb
I do hope your Mom gets some relief from her episode and improves. Hopefully the heart specialist can come up with an action plan that will be beneficial to her. Keep us informed and know I have you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers...
love, deb
dorri
02-13-2009, 02:28 AM
Thank you Deb, and yes, I do feel helpless but I'm hanging on to the hope that mom will get better. She is so unhappy and that isn't changing and inspite of our efforts to make her happy, there is nothing we can say or do to make her happy. Even after they fixed her up the last time and released her from the hospital, she had nothing positive to say, all negative, she is so unhappy and some of it does have to do with her health that she must still be aware of. If only we could help her?
caringsister54
02-13-2009, 08:27 AM
Dorri
I'm sorry that you are as upset as you are. And yes, being away from them does play havoc on our health and mind. While there is a specialist she could see you have to steel yourself that the diagnosis will be the same.
My mother has gall stones, deverticulitis, hiatal hernia, aortic stinosis, problems with her colon and hemorioids. Sister stood on her head through all this and the doctors told us awhile ago (3 years or more) that while each is minor to do anything would prove to be a negative. Whatever mind my mother had at the time would be loss to some degree through the anesthesia and it wasn't worth that. we would be in a gamble of whether she came through surgery fine but ended up a vegetable.
We chose to just have her the way she was, Sister had her for longer than it may have been and that was enough.
Unfortunately this is all the hard decisions and while you are fretting, I'm sure your sister has it worse to actually be there, here the diagnosis and have to be the one to make the on-the-spot decisions in her care.
As your mother ages each month, her heart is more taxed and the fluid will just keep returning -- there becomes a rhythm to the hospital visits, etc.
Please just know that each of us has an end of the towel and we're wrapping you in our embrance. Please share with us your thoughts, concerns and pain but we'll always tell you the truth so you will be able to mentally adjust for what's ahead. We wouldn't be good friends if we couldn't do that for one another.
Love to you always
CaringSister54
I'm sorry that you are as upset as you are. And yes, being away from them does play havoc on our health and mind. While there is a specialist she could see you have to steel yourself that the diagnosis will be the same.
My mother has gall stones, deverticulitis, hiatal hernia, aortic stinosis, problems with her colon and hemorioids. Sister stood on her head through all this and the doctors told us awhile ago (3 years or more) that while each is minor to do anything would prove to be a negative. Whatever mind my mother had at the time would be loss to some degree through the anesthesia and it wasn't worth that. we would be in a gamble of whether she came through surgery fine but ended up a vegetable.
We chose to just have her the way she was, Sister had her for longer than it may have been and that was enough.
Unfortunately this is all the hard decisions and while you are fretting, I'm sure your sister has it worse to actually be there, here the diagnosis and have to be the one to make the on-the-spot decisions in her care.
As your mother ages each month, her heart is more taxed and the fluid will just keep returning -- there becomes a rhythm to the hospital visits, etc.
Please just know that each of us has an end of the towel and we're wrapping you in our embrance. Please share with us your thoughts, concerns and pain but we'll always tell you the truth so you will be able to mentally adjust for what's ahead. We wouldn't be good friends if we couldn't do that for one another.
Love to you always
CaringSister54
dorri
02-13-2009, 12:03 PM
Thank you for the advice CaringSister. I guess that's the hardest part bracing myself that mom may continue to grow steadily worse.
DGabriel10
02-13-2009, 12:03 PM
Dorri, my Mom is the picture of health and she is miserable. No matter what we do to make her happy, she is miserable. That is definitely a function of her disease. It is a result of the chaos and confusion swirling in her head that she can not make sense of and has no explination for. If she has something as simple as a sinus allergy flare up it's worse because she has no understanding of what is making her feel bad. In her world if people would leave her alone, if somebody else would do something different, or if she was in a different place then it would all be ok.
Your Mom is aware that she doesn't feel right but not aware enough to understand why and that is scary for her. Not only does she not feel right medically but she doesn't feel right mentally. Throw on top of that her inability to express what she truly feels and you get that constant negative mood that you see. I know it well because my Mom is there as well.
Remember that the first area of the brain affected is the area that controls judgement and and behavior. Then the memory area is quickly behind it. So they may not remeber what happened or how they reacted but they do remember how it made them feel. The negative stays and is hard to break. Even if they break through for a while they go right back to that confused status quo in their brain.
If you think your Mom is depressed then there are medications that can help with that but it won't make all the negativity go away. I guess if I was unhappy, didn't know why, didn't know how to fix it, and thought it was the fault of something or somebody else.... then I would be negative as well :)
I do understand how difficult it is because I have been dealing with the same thing with my Mom for over two years. No I take that back... over four years because she was that way before her diagnosis. It wears on you. You want her to be happy and you try everything you can think of only to see her melt into her misery again. But just know it is not her choice to be that way, just a function of the disease that has a firm grip on her. Keep trying.... just don't take the result personally. It's not directed at you but at what the disease has done to her.....
Hang in there Dorri......
Love, deb
Your Mom is aware that she doesn't feel right but not aware enough to understand why and that is scary for her. Not only does she not feel right medically but she doesn't feel right mentally. Throw on top of that her inability to express what she truly feels and you get that constant negative mood that you see. I know it well because my Mom is there as well.
Remember that the first area of the brain affected is the area that controls judgement and and behavior. Then the memory area is quickly behind it. So they may not remeber what happened or how they reacted but they do remember how it made them feel. The negative stays and is hard to break. Even if they break through for a while they go right back to that confused status quo in their brain.
If you think your Mom is depressed then there are medications that can help with that but it won't make all the negativity go away. I guess if I was unhappy, didn't know why, didn't know how to fix it, and thought it was the fault of something or somebody else.... then I would be negative as well :)
I do understand how difficult it is because I have been dealing with the same thing with my Mom for over two years. No I take that back... over four years because she was that way before her diagnosis. It wears on you. You want her to be happy and you try everything you can think of only to see her melt into her misery again. But just know it is not her choice to be that way, just a function of the disease that has a firm grip on her. Keep trying.... just don't take the result personally. It's not directed at you but at what the disease has done to her.....
Hang in there Dorri......
Love, deb
Martha H
02-13-2009, 12:35 PM
Dear Dorri,
My first instinct is to say, "go and see her." Maybe you will be reassured, maybe not. But this may be a very good thing to do if it is at all possible.
Prayers go with you.
Love,
Martha
My first instinct is to say, "go and see her." Maybe you will be reassured, maybe not. But this may be a very good thing to do if it is at all possible.
Prayers go with you.
Love,
Martha
dorri
02-13-2009, 12:39 PM
Thanks Deb, and please know that I appreciate you taking the time to respond and the understanding. I know you are going through a hard time as well. My mom keeps saying "if only I could get away, things would be different" If only I could get out" If only I could do something different" Meanwhile, she was being taken out when she was here, we tried to entertain her in various ways, my sister is also trying to do all that she can to make sure mom's mind is being stimulated but it doesn't appear to be doing any good. My sister takes her to activities at the Seniors home, but mom choses to sleep through the whole thing.
I know everything you are saying is true, mom can't help any of it. Mom is sick physically and emotionally. I can only imagine the torment she must be going through, and I almost feel bad talking out my concerns about her. I find it hard to allow my mind to think about what she must feel, because it's like watching a loved one drown and yet I can't save her. Too, I guess I come here for understanding and to air out my frustrations and to give me relief to cope with the situation, so I guess in a way I'm trying to make myself feel better so that is a bit selfish of me.
I know everything you are saying is true, mom can't help any of it. Mom is sick physically and emotionally. I can only imagine the torment she must be going through, and I almost feel bad talking out my concerns about her. I find it hard to allow my mind to think about what she must feel, because it's like watching a loved one drown and yet I can't save her. Too, I guess I come here for understanding and to air out my frustrations and to give me relief to cope with the situation, so I guess in a way I'm trying to make myself feel better so that is a bit selfish of me.
DGabriel10
02-13-2009, 01:31 PM
What you wrote is in my head as well Dorri. It is not selfish to what to save your drowning mother. I wish, every day, that I could do the same. My heart aches for her even when my brain wants to strangle her. It is so hard to even conceive of what is going on in their head..... and no we don't even want to know. But knowing helps us catch ourselves and place the blame where it belongs. Rage against the illness. We all come here for vent our frustration. We have to vent or we will implode. This is way too much for one person to carry alone. So never hesitate to do so. Whatever it takes to cope!!! We all do it and understand how it feels when other's do it. I have done my share :) When I get wrapped up in a bad moment, this is where I come and I want to be here for others when they get into their bad moments. It is the only way to give back what I receive. Besides, if I let my brain focus on somebody else then it doesn't have time to brood on myself :) So I need to thank you for giving me that moment of relief as well
Love, deb
Love, deb
dorri
02-13-2009, 01:41 PM
Thank you as well Deb, and it really does help to be here and have the support of kind understanding people such as yourself and others..
I just heard from my sister who said the hospital called in the middle of the night saying mom was out of control yelling and screaming that she is not crazy and that my sister had left her there. They put mom on the phone hopeing my sister could calm her down, but mom yelled all the louder. They were mentioning that they would have to sedate her.
Sis is on the way to the hospital now and will fill me in later.
Thanks again for the support.
I just heard from my sister who said the hospital called in the middle of the night saying mom was out of control yelling and screaming that she is not crazy and that my sister had left her there. They put mom on the phone hopeing my sister could calm her down, but mom yelled all the louder. They were mentioning that they would have to sedate her.
Sis is on the way to the hospital now and will fill me in later.
Thanks again for the support.
Drews Gram
02-13-2009, 03:14 PM
Hi Dorri,
I finally got a minute to post. I wanted to last night but my eyes were actually crossing from fatigue. First I want to tell you how much I understand your frustration. No one can understand unless your living in the world of Alz and dementia. Then no explanation is necessary.
One of the hardest things for me to accept is the fact that I can't fix this for Mom. I still try to make her world happy and help her feel her best......its never enough. She is sweet and doesn't rant but she is not happy. I feel like a dog chasing its tail around and around in a circle. I think merry-go-round is better....up and down as your going around and around...:dizzy:....
Until I found this site all of my frustrations were kept inside or dumped on my husband and children. That has changed. I have people who bring me back to earth when I feel like I'm spinning out of control with the maddness of this disease. People who listen, don't judge, help me control myself, who just plain understand. I love them. :)
Mom has A-fib also. With CHF and COPD she swells too. Then we increase the lasix until it begins to slow her kidneys down. Then we decrease and the whole process starts over. Its terrible isn't it?
I hope things are looking better soon. I'll be thinking of you and your Mom.
Love, Chris
I finally got a minute to post. I wanted to last night but my eyes were actually crossing from fatigue. First I want to tell you how much I understand your frustration. No one can understand unless your living in the world of Alz and dementia. Then no explanation is necessary.
One of the hardest things for me to accept is the fact that I can't fix this for Mom. I still try to make her world happy and help her feel her best......its never enough. She is sweet and doesn't rant but she is not happy. I feel like a dog chasing its tail around and around in a circle. I think merry-go-round is better....up and down as your going around and around...:dizzy:....
Until I found this site all of my frustrations were kept inside or dumped on my husband and children. That has changed. I have people who bring me back to earth when I feel like I'm spinning out of control with the maddness of this disease. People who listen, don't judge, help me control myself, who just plain understand. I love them. :)
Mom has A-fib also. With CHF and COPD she swells too. Then we increase the lasix until it begins to slow her kidneys down. Then we decrease and the whole process starts over. Its terrible isn't it?
I hope things are looking better soon. I'll be thinking of you and your Mom.
Love, Chris
dorri
02-13-2009, 03:44 PM
Thanks Chris, my mom was also put on lasix. She has been on two lately but it doesn't work for long, yesterday she was getting it through the IV and her swelling wasn't going down as fast as the first time she was in for this?
Is your mom on coumadin as well for the A-fib?
Is your mom on coumadin as well for the A-fib?
Drews Gram
02-13-2009, 04:51 PM
Yes, she has been on coumadin since the first episode of A-fib. She was in the hospital after a surgery (can't remember which one) and I was sitting there reading while she tried to rest. Suddenly she said "Get help honey. Something is happening to me". Glad we were there. She was taken to the cardiac floor and monitored for a few days. She also has a heart stent. But that was done years before and she was no longer on coumadin. Everything seemed to get worse for her after the A-fib.
Chris
Chris
dorri
02-13-2009, 06:10 PM
I hope this isn't too personal a question, but did your mom develop or get worse with the dementia after she experienced the A-fib? That seems to be when it all started for my mom, well maybe not, my mom had chronically high BP for years, but the confusion, forgetfullness and not making sense didn't appear until she collapsed in Sept and was diagnosed with the heart problem? That is also when they added all the extra meds to treat the A/Fibs.
Drews Gram
02-13-2009, 08:55 PM
Dorri,
I've thought about when Mom started to "forget things" and its hard to pin down to one incident. Like I said before she had gone through quite a few surgeries before the A-fib happened. Two hip replacements, several major abdominal surgeries and a knee replacement. Then we discovered she had a TIA at some point. We're not sure when that happened. It showed on a CAT scan in the ER. That was a surprise.
She then started to take much more medicine at that time. Couple all of this with the fact that Alz and vascular dementia runs through her family on both sides. I'm sure the surgeries had an effect on her brain. The hip was replaced twice in 6 months. Not a good thing. She took pain meds for months and she still was in so much pain. That was a hard two years to recover. I'm sure all of these events stacked on one another is the reason for her dementia. Who knows for sure Dorri?
I know one thing. I'm going to think twice before I have any surgery for anything. If at all possible I'll try a spinal before I have anesthesia. It seems that a little less of Mom came home everytime she had surgery. The A-fib caused a weakness that I had not seem before. She began to fall alot also. Her legs seemed to just go out from under her. Strange.........I hadn't put that one together. Now she can only walk with a walker. Most of the time she is in a wheelchair. She is just weak. Only way I can explain her now. Now you've got me thinking.....not that there is anything I can do to help her but its a puzzle. Isn't it?
Love Chris
I've thought about when Mom started to "forget things" and its hard to pin down to one incident. Like I said before she had gone through quite a few surgeries before the A-fib happened. Two hip replacements, several major abdominal surgeries and a knee replacement. Then we discovered she had a TIA at some point. We're not sure when that happened. It showed on a CAT scan in the ER. That was a surprise.
She then started to take much more medicine at that time. Couple all of this with the fact that Alz and vascular dementia runs through her family on both sides. I'm sure the surgeries had an effect on her brain. The hip was replaced twice in 6 months. Not a good thing. She took pain meds for months and she still was in so much pain. That was a hard two years to recover. I'm sure all of these events stacked on one another is the reason for her dementia. Who knows for sure Dorri?
I know one thing. I'm going to think twice before I have any surgery for anything. If at all possible I'll try a spinal before I have anesthesia. It seems that a little less of Mom came home everytime she had surgery. The A-fib caused a weakness that I had not seem before. She began to fall alot also. Her legs seemed to just go out from under her. Strange.........I hadn't put that one together. Now she can only walk with a walker. Most of the time she is in a wheelchair. She is just weak. Only way I can explain her now. Now you've got me thinking.....not that there is anything I can do to help her but its a puzzle. Isn't it?
Love Chris
polina
02-13-2009, 10:44 PM
dorri
I can relate to the Chf/Afib. Mom was in the hospital 7 admissions last year for Chf. It is a go around. They increase the lasix/IV. They get her to the point where every thing is oK and send her home 2months later it starts up again. Her legs swell then she is back in the hospital. Each CHF episode and each admission into the hospital set her back with the Dementia. She would come home worse each time. She is home montiored through the VNA with a machine that we take her vital signs every day. Her BP Oyzygen and her weight for the Chf. Now I noticed tonight she has gained 5 pounds of fluid since last night. It is not from eating either because she eats absolutely nothing so I have a feeling we are on the road to fluid building up again. In January she was in ICU the fluid just would not come off they had to go in and tap it off her lungs. The lasix wasn't working anymore she now is on two loop fluid pills that have been working pretty good. It is a battle you have to watch they don't get dehydtrated from the fluid pills. Its a rollar coaster ride. It can go on like this for a long time. In and out of the hospital.
My mom has afib too she was on Coumadin but had a massive bleed out from it last year as well and almost died from the bleed . Was in ICU you for that . They won't send her home on coumadin anymore. She has had it in the hospital but when they sent her home this time she wasn't on it.
Its a long road the Chf and the dementia on top of it. I wish you and your mom all the best it is not easy.
Love Pauline
I can relate to the Chf/Afib. Mom was in the hospital 7 admissions last year for Chf. It is a go around. They increase the lasix/IV. They get her to the point where every thing is oK and send her home 2months later it starts up again. Her legs swell then she is back in the hospital. Each CHF episode and each admission into the hospital set her back with the Dementia. She would come home worse each time. She is home montiored through the VNA with a machine that we take her vital signs every day. Her BP Oyzygen and her weight for the Chf. Now I noticed tonight she has gained 5 pounds of fluid since last night. It is not from eating either because she eats absolutely nothing so I have a feeling we are on the road to fluid building up again. In January she was in ICU the fluid just would not come off they had to go in and tap it off her lungs. The lasix wasn't working anymore she now is on two loop fluid pills that have been working pretty good. It is a battle you have to watch they don't get dehydtrated from the fluid pills. Its a rollar coaster ride. It can go on like this for a long time. In and out of the hospital.
My mom has afib too she was on Coumadin but had a massive bleed out from it last year as well and almost died from the bleed . Was in ICU you for that . They won't send her home on coumadin anymore. She has had it in the hospital but when they sent her home this time she wasn't on it.
Its a long road the Chf and the dementia on top of it. I wish you and your mom all the best it is not easy.
Love Pauline
DGabriel10
02-14-2009, 12:14 AM
Dad had 5 bypasses back in the late 80's. In the mid 90's he had stints put in the veins of both legs. His vascular dementia showed up around 2000. He muttled along at about the same level for years until his afib attack in November. His mental condition slipped drastically after that attack. He was not on any heart meds at the time except his BP medication and Plavix. The heart specialist took him off the Plavix (more for his lousy leg circulation than for his heart) because of the bleed out when he fell. I agree that he came out of the AFib much weaker. His ability to ambulate is greatly decreased. The facility doctor did put him on Digoxin for the afib but he is not on any blood thinners. Standard protocal calls for the two meds together and not just Digoxin.
I truly think the afib was the trigger for his recent slide...
Love, deb
I truly think the afib was the trigger for his recent slide...
Love, deb
dorri
02-14-2009, 12:37 AM
When I come to think of it mom had mentioned falling quite a few times over the last 2-3 years. She has been using a walker at times as well.
Today she tried to escape from the hospital and apparently got out so they had to bring her back, so now they are really keeping an eye on her. I don't think she had a walker, so she must have forgotten that she used one.
They have her BP stabilized, she still has some swelling, they gave her something to sedate and calm her. If everything goes well, they may release her tomorrow afternoon.
Today she tried to escape from the hospital and apparently got out so they had to bring her back, so now they are really keeping an eye on her. I don't think she had a walker, so she must have forgotten that she used one.
They have her BP stabilized, she still has some swelling, they gave her something to sedate and calm her. If everything goes well, they may release her tomorrow afternoon.
DGabriel10
02-14-2009, 03:09 AM
It does sound like your Mom is getting better. It amazes me that, with determination to go somewhere, that they can manage to get from place A to place B, without aid, in super speed. Dad has trouble walking to dinner but he went down three flights of steps, slipped out the door, and was walking down the street in a flash. The hospital is new territory, and a scary territory at that, so I am sure she is wanting to leave. The sedation was probably necessary. I am glad her medical conditions are improving and hopefully she will be back home, and back to her feisty self, soon :)
Love deb
Love deb
dorri
02-14-2009, 01:00 PM
Thanks Deb, she's making sure the staff aren't slacking off. They have her seated at the Nurses Station just to make sure she doesn't take off again.
As you and Pauline have mentioned, there does seem to be a worsening of symptoms after being hospitalized with A/Fib. My sister just mentioned this the other night, that each time mom goes in the hospital, she comes out worse. Yesterday she was putting layers of clothes on, but backwards, what should have gone underneath went on top and what should have been on top was underneath like her dress pants.
What does concern me, mom was just in the hospital a couple of weeks ago with fluid in her lungs and swollen feet. I hope this isn't going to happen to her so soon after she gets released, like Pauline was mentioning was happening to her mom? It would be better if it didn't happen at all.
The doctor was concerned about her confusion, so has ordered another CT scan on her head. She had one in Sept but she has gone down rapidly since then, so they are going to take another look to see that she didn't throw some mini strokes. All these appointments seem to take forever to get booked. Sis is still waiting for the Assessment Appt.
As you and Pauline have mentioned, there does seem to be a worsening of symptoms after being hospitalized with A/Fib. My sister just mentioned this the other night, that each time mom goes in the hospital, she comes out worse. Yesterday she was putting layers of clothes on, but backwards, what should have gone underneath went on top and what should have been on top was underneath like her dress pants.
What does concern me, mom was just in the hospital a couple of weeks ago with fluid in her lungs and swollen feet. I hope this isn't going to happen to her so soon after she gets released, like Pauline was mentioning was happening to her mom? It would be better if it didn't happen at all.
The doctor was concerned about her confusion, so has ordered another CT scan on her head. She had one in Sept but she has gone down rapidly since then, so they are going to take another look to see that she didn't throw some mini strokes. All these appointments seem to take forever to get booked. Sis is still waiting for the Assessment Appt.
polina
02-14-2009, 09:04 PM
dorri,
I am surprised they don't have a bed alarm on your mom. Whenever my Mom has been in the hospital her room is always right next to the Nurses station because of her being confused and being a high fall risk. They also always have a bed alarm set. I was thinking when you mentioned the Ct scan they are doing on your mom that they never ever mentioned doing a ct scan on moms head. I would be interested in knowing what would show up on the results of a Ct scan for mom too?? They have always made mention of her confused state to me by asking is she like this all the time I tell them yes. Then I give them a little history of her cognitive abilities. I do hope your mom does better and does not have to many episodes of the CHF. It can be scary.
Love Pauline
I am surprised they don't have a bed alarm on your mom. Whenever my Mom has been in the hospital her room is always right next to the Nurses station because of her being confused and being a high fall risk. They also always have a bed alarm set. I was thinking when you mentioned the Ct scan they are doing on your mom that they never ever mentioned doing a ct scan on moms head. I would be interested in knowing what would show up on the results of a Ct scan for mom too?? They have always made mention of her confused state to me by asking is she like this all the time I tell them yes. Then I give them a little history of her cognitive abilities. I do hope your mom does better and does not have to many episodes of the CHF. It can be scary.
Love Pauline
dorri
02-15-2009, 12:41 AM
Pauline, not to disrupt your mom, but if she is hospitalized again, maybe you can ask them if they would do a CT scan just to check if that shows any more than what you already know?
All we know is that our mom has gone down rapidly in the last 5 months and my sisters think she is throwing clots from the A/fibs and because of it, her brain is being deprived of oxygen, killing off brain cells.
The hospital decided to keep mom in for the wknd to monitor her. They drained the fluid nicely and have added pottasium because she was on so much diuretic.
They also discontinued the ativan they gave her yesterday because she was so out of it today.
All we know is that our mom has gone down rapidly in the last 5 months and my sisters think she is throwing clots from the A/fibs and because of it, her brain is being deprived of oxygen, killing off brain cells.
The hospital decided to keep mom in for the wknd to monitor her. They drained the fluid nicely and have added pottasium because she was on so much diuretic.
They also discontinued the ativan they gave her yesterday because she was so out of it today.
petal*pusher
02-15-2009, 01:02 AM
My sister just mentioned this the other night, that each time mom goes in the hospital, she comes out worse.
Dorri.....that is the nature of this horrendous disease...ANY change, even a simple cold, can cause it to accelorate. I researched Atrial Fib. quite a bit a few years ago when I was diagnosed...and there is evidence that if dementia/Alzheimer's is already present when that first attack hits, it can definately cause noticable symptoms that have speeded up.
Atrial Fib. is VERY common! I was surprised how many people I know who also are on meds for it. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts........Pam;)
Dorri.....that is the nature of this horrendous disease...ANY change, even a simple cold, can cause it to accelorate. I researched Atrial Fib. quite a bit a few years ago when I was diagnosed...and there is evidence that if dementia/Alzheimer's is already present when that first attack hits, it can definately cause noticable symptoms that have speeded up.
Atrial Fib. is VERY common! I was surprised how many people I know who also are on meds for it. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts........Pam;)
dorri
02-15-2009, 01:09 AM
Pam, when you noted that A/fibs are common it reminds me that not everyone with A/fibs has dementia?
DGabriel10
02-15-2009, 04:14 AM
Not everybody with AFib has dementia. AFib is an irregular heart beat and it can happen to anybody. It's a short circuit in the electrical impulses that causes the heart to beat. It is most common in those that have other heart issues but can happen in an otherwise healthy heart.
If a patient already has dementia, it does tend to make it worse. Dad was not hospitalized. He was in the ER, diagnosed with AFib, released, and went to his heart specialist the next day. Yet that was the start of his downward spiral that we are dealing with now.
Pam is right, hospitalizations also make a dementia patient worse. Any change in your familiar routine can do the same. Mom and Dad took a downward turn when they moved from the home they knew to AL. Dad got worse after his hospitalization for the Xanax overdose. I expect them both to get worse when we have to move them again.
So there is the medical condition, being out of their familiar routine, and if you add medication side effects...... it is obvious how fragil their cognitive abilities are. Yet with other medical conditions we have to do something. What a tricky tightroap it is....
Love, deb
If a patient already has dementia, it does tend to make it worse. Dad was not hospitalized. He was in the ER, diagnosed with AFib, released, and went to his heart specialist the next day. Yet that was the start of his downward spiral that we are dealing with now.
Pam is right, hospitalizations also make a dementia patient worse. Any change in your familiar routine can do the same. Mom and Dad took a downward turn when they moved from the home they knew to AL. Dad got worse after his hospitalization for the Xanax overdose. I expect them both to get worse when we have to move them again.
So there is the medical condition, being out of their familiar routine, and if you add medication side effects...... it is obvious how fragil their cognitive abilities are. Yet with other medical conditions we have to do something. What a tricky tightroap it is....
Love, deb
petal*pusher
02-15-2009, 11:56 AM
When first diagnosed, this took me completely by surprise! My blood pressure was always perfect...no previous problems that led to this.
It was scary! The first night I realized my heart was racing and beating so hard you could see my clothes move was awful...I was afraid to fall asleep. I mentioned it to my family the next day...thinking it was probably too much coffee late in the day (!?!?)
A few days later, it started up again as I was eating breakfast...my husband saw the look on my face and insisted we go to the emergency room...they kept me there several days and made me aware of how important it was to get there if it happened again. It did. One week later, in the Dr.'s office, she noticed and did a quick EKG. She put a little monitor on me and said when several "little episodes" are recorded to bring it in...probably would take 3 or 4 days. It took 45 minutes! Mine was unusual in that it recorded 2 types of irregularities; ascending and descending rapidly in perfect number order, then rebounding all over the place in very sporadic degrees. I drove myself to the hospital...then had an ambulance ride to Ann Arbor! They did a heart cath, then told me there are 4 "common" types...and 1 unusual...and that's the type I have. I honestly attribute it to enormous stress! ARGH!!
Meds are wonderful at controling Atrial Fib. There have been no episodes since. I found out 4 aquaintences were also diagnosed at the same exact time...interesting! (Hmmmm...atmospheric conditions or something?!?...barametric pressure?!?...environment?!?)
This is such a stealthy disease we're trying to understand! Sometimes, we get so caught up in trying to figure out the next "step", we forget that there are other illness/conditions that have nothing to do with the Alzheimer's that will happen on the way. No matter what happens to our loved one...broken hip, common cold, environment, Atrial Fib.....it propels them more quickly down this awful path.
My Mom's body was very healthy when first diagnosed 10 years ago! That little woman ate seaweed in the 50's...baked everything from scratch her whole life...gardened organically...and worried about getting dandelion greens when first placed in the AF!! She will most likely die as a direct affect from the Alzheimer's than from any other condition..........Pam:(
It was scary! The first night I realized my heart was racing and beating so hard you could see my clothes move was awful...I was afraid to fall asleep. I mentioned it to my family the next day...thinking it was probably too much coffee late in the day (!?!?)
A few days later, it started up again as I was eating breakfast...my husband saw the look on my face and insisted we go to the emergency room...they kept me there several days and made me aware of how important it was to get there if it happened again. It did. One week later, in the Dr.'s office, she noticed and did a quick EKG. She put a little monitor on me and said when several "little episodes" are recorded to bring it in...probably would take 3 or 4 days. It took 45 minutes! Mine was unusual in that it recorded 2 types of irregularities; ascending and descending rapidly in perfect number order, then rebounding all over the place in very sporadic degrees. I drove myself to the hospital...then had an ambulance ride to Ann Arbor! They did a heart cath, then told me there are 4 "common" types...and 1 unusual...and that's the type I have. I honestly attribute it to enormous stress! ARGH!!
Meds are wonderful at controling Atrial Fib. There have been no episodes since. I found out 4 aquaintences were also diagnosed at the same exact time...interesting! (Hmmmm...atmospheric conditions or something?!?...barametric pressure?!?...environment?!?)
This is such a stealthy disease we're trying to understand! Sometimes, we get so caught up in trying to figure out the next "step", we forget that there are other illness/conditions that have nothing to do with the Alzheimer's that will happen on the way. No matter what happens to our loved one...broken hip, common cold, environment, Atrial Fib.....it propels them more quickly down this awful path.
My Mom's body was very healthy when first diagnosed 10 years ago! That little woman ate seaweed in the 50's...baked everything from scratch her whole life...gardened organically...and worried about getting dandelion greens when first placed in the AF!! She will most likely die as a direct affect from the Alzheimer's than from any other condition..........Pam:(
dorri
02-15-2009, 02:37 PM
Pam I can see why that must have been so frightening for you, but TG that you did go in when you did before anything even more serious happened to you. Prolonged stress is a big factor and does affect the heart in a harmful way. I know when I get stressedI get heart palpitations. When I went running to the doctor last year, because of them, my EKG showed an enlarged heart, but I was sent for an echo after that and they don't really know where it came from?. My mom has an enlarged heart but has had chronic high blood pressure. My bp has increased since my mom has been sick but even though it is higher I still make the bracket where I haven't been prescribed meds.
I think we all need to learn how to relax more, but how??
I think we all need to learn how to relax more, but how??
caringsister54
02-15-2009, 06:02 PM
Hey gals and guys. from the stress with my Mother the same thing is happening. I wrote it before and I'm repeating it again.
I failed minor pre-op admissions tests and now have been told I have
An Enlarged Heart. I now have high blood pressure and I'm pricking myself 6 times a day for borderline diabetes which will be reviewed by my doctor next week.
So for someone who always had low blood pressure, and now have what is considered high and being given medication, its scary.
I'm hoping now that Mom passed, we will be able to relax, and not have the stress and I can get back to where I won't have any medical issues. I'm already a sufferer of Chronic Fatigue Syndrom and have Mediterrean Anemia all my life, so I've had issues most of my life.
Take Care. From one enlarged heart to another. . .
Caringsister54
I failed minor pre-op admissions tests and now have been told I have
An Enlarged Heart. I now have high blood pressure and I'm pricking myself 6 times a day for borderline diabetes which will be reviewed by my doctor next week.
So for someone who always had low blood pressure, and now have what is considered high and being given medication, its scary.
I'm hoping now that Mom passed, we will be able to relax, and not have the stress and I can get back to where I won't have any medical issues. I'm already a sufferer of Chronic Fatigue Syndrom and have Mediterrean Anemia all my life, so I've had issues most of my life.
Take Care. From one enlarged heart to another. . .
Caringsister54
disney world
02-15-2009, 06:52 PM
hey diane, remember me disney world. you help me out so much leaning how to post. still confusing at times. Iv been reading about your mom. so sorry for your lost. but if anyone knows the hurt of losing love ones. its you. now you have to take care of yourself. hope your sister is doing well. sincerely faye, disney world
carsam
02-15-2009, 07:32 PM
Hi Dorri,
Have just been reading through your post....and hoping your mom is doing okay and is able to be released from hospital when the weekend's over...
Sending you my prayers, please take care of yourself also.
Love, Caroline xo
Have just been reading through your post....and hoping your mom is doing okay and is able to be released from hospital when the weekend's over...
Sending you my prayers, please take care of yourself also.
Love, Caroline xo
caringsister54
02-15-2009, 11:19 PM
Dorri
One can not be so selfish and self-centered in our times of grief that we can't be sympathic to others in the throes of this illness.
I truly hope your mother gets better and you can have many more days with her.
I, myself, am feeling relief that now we can move on. For too long we were in limbo not sure what was going to happen. Being sick that I may have been forced to move since I live in a home my mother owned and give them money towards the cost of running the house, etc.
I know my mother is in a better place. I hope your Mom comes home soon.
Love you
CaringSister54
One can not be so selfish and self-centered in our times of grief that we can't be sympathic to others in the throes of this illness.
I truly hope your mother gets better and you can have many more days with her.
I, myself, am feeling relief that now we can move on. For too long we were in limbo not sure what was going to happen. Being sick that I may have been forced to move since I live in a home my mother owned and give them money towards the cost of running the house, etc.
I know my mother is in a better place. I hope your Mom comes home soon.
Love you
CaringSister54
dorri
02-16-2009, 12:08 AM
Thank you CaringSister. I hope you can start to heal now that your mom is at peace.
I guess you can say that we have been in a similar limbo with mom, not knowing from one day to the next what is happening with her? There is no stability with her condition.
Mom had her echocardiogram and her brain scan today. They took out her IV and now, I guess it's a waiting game for the results of those tests. Apparently they have the fluid drained but mom's blood pressure remains on the high side. If anyone prays, please say a little prayer for her. She still hasn't been released, and tomorrow is a Civic holiday over here, so it may be a few days before she gets some results.
I guess you can say that we have been in a similar limbo with mom, not knowing from one day to the next what is happening with her? There is no stability with her condition.
Mom had her echocardiogram and her brain scan today. They took out her IV and now, I guess it's a waiting game for the results of those tests. Apparently they have the fluid drained but mom's blood pressure remains on the high side. If anyone prays, please say a little prayer for her. She still hasn't been released, and tomorrow is a Civic holiday over here, so it may be a few days before she gets some results.
DGabriel10
02-16-2009, 03:38 AM
I understand your fear Diane. I was you 17 months ago. We admitted Mom and Dad to AL and I went to the doctor. My EKG was ok but I took was sticking the finger 6 times a day and recording every bite I ate. My BP was higher than normal and though not diagnosed with AFib or an enlarged heart I too had palpatations. That's when I strated doing three things... eating better, exercising, and making sure I had some down time. I have lost 70 pounds, ride my bike for 10 miles at least 3 times a week (more if I can), and only a few times has my sister made my blood boil. I finally got my head wrapped around Mom and Dad's condition and handle it with less stress that before. I have also become rather outspoken. I stopped holding in all the worries and stress. Some don't like it but oh well :) So set a new course for yourself. Enjoy just sitting on the beach and watching the waves break on the shore or the sound of good music curled up in your boyfriends arms. Get that much needed exercise. That will absolutely reduce your sugar levels. Oh, and put cinnamon and garlic in everything... or even get supplements. They do a phantastic job of regulating your sugar level. The new you will come out :) There is light at the end of that tunnel....
Dorri.... I do hope the test come back with answers that will help them stabalize your Mom. The IV being out is a good sign. Hopefully the test results will come back and she will be home feeling better soon.
Pam, your Mom sounds like mine. The picture of physical health. She always ate right and yes, we had our own garden and even raised our own meat. She baked what she didn't grow. She was up with the chickens to walk her daily route. She even beat breast cancer. To see her now is sad. Almost makes me want to go eat a quarter pounder with cheese!! Such a healthy little body with such a sick brain. It is just not fair.
Love, deb
Dorri.... I do hope the test come back with answers that will help them stabalize your Mom. The IV being out is a good sign. Hopefully the test results will come back and she will be home feeling better soon.
Pam, your Mom sounds like mine. The picture of physical health. She always ate right and yes, we had our own garden and even raised our own meat. She baked what she didn't grow. She was up with the chickens to walk her daily route. She even beat breast cancer. To see her now is sad. Almost makes me want to go eat a quarter pounder with cheese!! Such a healthy little body with such a sick brain. It is just not fair.
Love, deb
Martha H
02-16-2009, 11:21 AM
I also got high BP and heart palpitations during the time I lived with Mom. I almost think it is a side effect of being a caregiver, with all the worry and stress. Now I am fine.
Love,
Martha
Love,
Martha
dorri
02-16-2009, 12:38 PM
Deb, how did you manage not to let your blood boil with your sister. How did you learn to cope so stress didn't affect you the way it had befor?.
I find it so interesting to hear about mother's who were into health and now are suffering AlZ/dementia.
My mother is a breast cancer survivor as well. She had it twice.
while she never paid much attention to her diet, she was into all kinds of herbs and supplements over the years. Since my dad, and then later her companion passed away, she quit eating, but I think she was eating just forgot that she was eating. She did lose weight so I think she was eating something, just forgetting some of what she ate so would tell us she couldn't eat. She was still taking the odd supplement but not nearly enough of it to have made any difference to her health.
For the last several years, especially the last couple of years she was obsessed with her health, complaining that she had a bladder infection, stomach, all kinds of problems.. When we were at home last and checked out her prescription bottles she had been running to ER weekly by the dates on those bottles, all different ER doctors, all different medications. She had them filled but would take one and find a side effect with it so would refuse to take more. She must have felt something wasn't right back then.
I find it so interesting to hear about mother's who were into health and now are suffering AlZ/dementia.
My mother is a breast cancer survivor as well. She had it twice.
while she never paid much attention to her diet, she was into all kinds of herbs and supplements over the years. Since my dad, and then later her companion passed away, she quit eating, but I think she was eating just forgot that she was eating. She did lose weight so I think she was eating something, just forgetting some of what she ate so would tell us she couldn't eat. She was still taking the odd supplement but not nearly enough of it to have made any difference to her health.
For the last several years, especially the last couple of years she was obsessed with her health, complaining that she had a bladder infection, stomach, all kinds of problems.. When we were at home last and checked out her prescription bottles she had been running to ER weekly by the dates on those bottles, all different ER doctors, all different medications. She had them filled but would take one and find a side effect with it so would refuse to take more. She must have felt something wasn't right back then.
DGabriel10
02-16-2009, 03:25 PM
Mom went to the doctor and was diagnosed with depression. I agree with you that she knew something was wrong, found a lable, and stuck it on what she was feeling. She would also get her medication filled and not take it. A month's supply of depression pills lasted for months and months. Yes, she does have depression, for the first time in her life, but it was because of the ALZ. Dad's dementia is directly related to his vascular condition.
Dorri, it's mind over situation. Knowing when and how to release. It's being firmly planted in reality, validating myself, and not absorbing the responsibility for other's actions.
When I look at my sister 4 I can see that she is frustrated and overwhelmed. I also know that she can not accept help graciously. Those are things that I can not control. It's like the weather. It does no good to get all worked up on the day of the picnic because it's raining. It is what it is. The same is true with Mom and Dad. There's is an impossible situation. They refuse to be apart but their interaction creates more problems because neither of them have the cognitive ability to do different. I konw in my heart that I am trying to do what is best for Mom and even what is best for Sister 4. That is all I can control. What Sister 4 thinks or does is not a reflection on who or what I am or what I am trying to do. Her actions are her responsibility and my actions are mine. As long as I don't internatlize her thoughts as my own, then I only have myself to answer for.... and not to her but to myself. It is when I internalize her comments and question myself that I have to defend myself. In the end, I end up feeling sorry for her more than anger at her. So if she needs to blame me, I know better but it is futal to make her think differently. Does she get to me occassionally.... yes she does. But at those points I vent my frustration in a safe haven. Sometimes that is here. Then I let it go and go back to what I know is right. And I already remember..... Regardless of the outcome, always do things for the right reasons. It's better to have done the wrong thing for the right reasons, rather than the right thing for the wrong reasons. Being right is not always right. She is doing the right things for the wrong reasons. Sometimes I have to back up and do what I have to do for the right reasons. I don't have a problem with being "wrong" as long as it is for the right reasons :) Somewhere in there I find contentment. So I can talk to her, listen to her venom, watch her angst and tears, and go right back to Mom's and do what needs to be done. I know in my heart that she is struggling.... and I am ok :)
Love, deb
Dorri, it's mind over situation. Knowing when and how to release. It's being firmly planted in reality, validating myself, and not absorbing the responsibility for other's actions.
When I look at my sister 4 I can see that she is frustrated and overwhelmed. I also know that she can not accept help graciously. Those are things that I can not control. It's like the weather. It does no good to get all worked up on the day of the picnic because it's raining. It is what it is. The same is true with Mom and Dad. There's is an impossible situation. They refuse to be apart but their interaction creates more problems because neither of them have the cognitive ability to do different. I konw in my heart that I am trying to do what is best for Mom and even what is best for Sister 4. That is all I can control. What Sister 4 thinks or does is not a reflection on who or what I am or what I am trying to do. Her actions are her responsibility and my actions are mine. As long as I don't internatlize her thoughts as my own, then I only have myself to answer for.... and not to her but to myself. It is when I internalize her comments and question myself that I have to defend myself. In the end, I end up feeling sorry for her more than anger at her. So if she needs to blame me, I know better but it is futal to make her think differently. Does she get to me occassionally.... yes she does. But at those points I vent my frustration in a safe haven. Sometimes that is here. Then I let it go and go back to what I know is right. And I already remember..... Regardless of the outcome, always do things for the right reasons. It's better to have done the wrong thing for the right reasons, rather than the right thing for the wrong reasons. Being right is not always right. She is doing the right things for the wrong reasons. Sometimes I have to back up and do what I have to do for the right reasons. I don't have a problem with being "wrong" as long as it is for the right reasons :) Somewhere in there I find contentment. So I can talk to her, listen to her venom, watch her angst and tears, and go right back to Mom's and do what needs to be done. I know in my heart that she is struggling.... and I am ok :)
Love, deb
dorri
02-16-2009, 06:00 PM
Wow Deb, I see strength in your reply. Thank you for passing it on to me.
My sister has decided to go and see mom. All last week I was so unsettled because I wanted to go and see mom but wasn't sure how because of the distance. When my sister decided to go, I still wasn't sure because of a couple of appointments, but now I will rebook one and make other arrangements for the second so I can go with her tomorrow.. My sister decided to drive but because it is so far, we are going to drive to a mid point one day, stay over night and then continue driving there the next day. Slowly but surely we will get there. Hopefully the highways will be good and we don't run into some major snow storm along the way.
My sister has decided to go and see mom. All last week I was so unsettled because I wanted to go and see mom but wasn't sure how because of the distance. When my sister decided to go, I still wasn't sure because of a couple of appointments, but now I will rebook one and make other arrangements for the second so I can go with her tomorrow.. My sister decided to drive but because it is so far, we are going to drive to a mid point one day, stay over night and then continue driving there the next day. Slowly but surely we will get there. Hopefully the highways will be good and we don't run into some major snow storm along the way.
DGabriel10
02-16-2009, 06:27 PM
Where there is a will, there is a way. I am so glad you are going to get to go see your Mom. It's always better to see for yourself. Yes, appointments can be rescheduled and when an opportunity comes you way you have to grab hold of it. I do hope you have a safe trip and a good visit with your Mom. Along the way, enjoy your sister and find reason to laugh.
Since we are thowing out quotes...... "You are what you think" is one of my favorites. So keep the thoughts on the plus side :)
Love, deb
Since we are thowing out quotes...... "You are what you think" is one of my favorites. So keep the thoughts on the plus side :)
Love, deb
dorri
02-16-2009, 06:59 PM
Did I get my last post bleeped...for saying I'll cancel and make another appointment...hmm..wonder what could've been wrong with that common word...ha ha.
Anyways Deb, thank you for wishing me a safe trip. Where have I heard that phrase before "You are what you think you are"? It wasn't Norman Vincent Peale was it?
Anyways..see you all in a week or so.
Anyways Deb, thank you for wishing me a safe trip. Where have I heard that phrase before "You are what you think you are"? It wasn't Norman Vincent Peale was it?
Anyways..see you all in a week or so.
carsam
02-16-2009, 07:35 PM
Dorri....
Sending you prayers for a safe and peaceful trip to see your mom.....come home safely, we will be waiting for your safe return!!!
Love, Caroline xo
Sending you prayers for a safe and peaceful trip to see your mom.....come home safely, we will be waiting for your safe return!!!
Love, Caroline xo
dorri
02-16-2009, 09:16 PM
Thanks Caroline. It's only been a month and a half since she left here to go to my sister's but apparently she has gotten worse according to some, so I hope she is still with it enough that we can still communicate and have some quality time left together. The doctors think she's had some strokes since her last CT scan but what is puzzling to me, was she was confused and forgetful before that first CT scan but it didn't show that she had any recent strokes just a little transient one before. We are awaiting results of the CT scan she had done yesterday to see if there is any change since Sept?.
I hope they can get her blood pressure down. It's still elevated and it is not fluid that's causing it because they have her swelling under control. Hope to get more answers when we get there.
I hope they can get her blood pressure down. It's still elevated and it is not fluid that's causing it because they have her swelling under control. Hope to get more answers when we get there.
DGabriel10
02-17-2009, 02:46 AM
I think Peale's actually quote was..... "You can if you think you can". "You are what you think. You are what you go for. You are what you do." was actually Henry Ford. "What you think you become. ... We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think" is actually a quote of Buddah. The idea has been around almost as long as modern man but well worth remembering.
Strokes and dementia are two different medical conditions but strokes are something that doctor's tend t look for with a certain set of symptoms. When Dad's symptoms became markedly worse a few years ago they immediately said stroke. When they could not find evidence of a stroke they sent him back home assuming his dementia was worse for unknown reasons. He ended up back at the hospital hour later and that time they kept him for "unknown" complications. He had a medication overdose that required a week stay in the hospital. When function deminishes, stroke is the buzz word, until they come up with an accurate diagnosis :)
Again... have a phantastic trip Dorri and I look forward to hearing about it when you return.
Love, deb
Strokes and dementia are two different medical conditions but strokes are something that doctor's tend t look for with a certain set of symptoms. When Dad's symptoms became markedly worse a few years ago they immediately said stroke. When they could not find evidence of a stroke they sent him back home assuming his dementia was worse for unknown reasons. He ended up back at the hospital hour later and that time they kept him for "unknown" complications. He had a medication overdose that required a week stay in the hospital. When function deminishes, stroke is the buzz word, until they come up with an accurate diagnosis :)
Again... have a phantastic trip Dorri and I look forward to hearing about it when you return.
Love, deb
Drews Gram
02-17-2009, 10:18 AM
Safe trip Dorri. We'll be thinking of you. Everyone is so right. Its better to see for yourself how things are going. I hope your visit is a good one and gives you some peace.
:)Love Chris
:)Love Chris
caringsister54
02-17-2009, 01:08 PM
hoo, hoo hoo -- can we go for the ride? Can we, can we please
I wanna go this way I can say all the way down "are we there yet?"
LMAO
Have a safe trip. If you see any good looking guys, pretend your loss and you need their help
still lmao
Take Care
Caring
I wanna go this way I can say all the way down "are we there yet?"
LMAO
Have a safe trip. If you see any good looking guys, pretend your loss and you need their help
still lmao
Take Care
Caring
DGabriel10
02-17-2009, 02:57 PM
Diane..... I have this huge smile on my face. I see your spirits lightened as if the weight of the world has been lifted off of your shoulders. It has given me a warm fuzzy today and a sense of hope.
Dorri..... you are in my thoughts and prayers that your visit goes well. Don't expect too much but enjoy whatever you take home with you.
Singing in Diane's chorus..... "Are we there yet?!" :)
Love, deb
Dorri..... you are in my thoughts and prayers that your visit goes well. Don't expect too much but enjoy whatever you take home with you.
Singing in Diane's chorus..... "Are we there yet?!" :)
Love, deb
babag1
06-13-2009, 09:13 PM
i feel your pain about your mother. i am a 69 yr old mother and have atrial fib and high b/p. have had two ablations for the fib (operations at a university) and i am due for a 3rd one. i don't know what your mother's health other of this is but demand to talk to her dr. even if it is by telephone. write the questions you want to ask him and because you are so far away, tell him this.
dorri
06-13-2009, 09:34 PM
Sorry to hear that you too are suffering A-Fibs.
An update on mom, her A-Fibs are under control for the most part and so is her blood pressure. The Specialist has put her on medication to slow her heart rate down and she only had one episode of leg swelling in the past couple of months. She is now in an Nursing Home and hates it there and wants out but she is much more with it now but is still very forgetful at times.
An update on mom, her A-Fibs are under control for the most part and so is her blood pressure. The Specialist has put her on medication to slow her heart rate down and she only had one episode of leg swelling in the past couple of months. She is now in an Nursing Home and hates it there and wants out but she is much more with it now but is still very forgetful at times.
DGabriel10
06-13-2009, 10:44 PM
Babag, sorry you suffer from A-fib... my dad has it as well but for now it is under control with medication.
Dorri, Glad your Mom's A-fib is better. She may not like it where she is but it is probably the best place for her considering all of her medical issues. I konw you feel better having her closely watched :)
Love, deb
Dorri, Glad your Mom's A-fib is better. She may not like it where she is but it is probably the best place for her considering all of her medical issues. I konw you feel better having her closely watched :)
Love, deb