Thursday, March 13, 2008

Good News Update

I spoke with the Nurse Practitioner who is in charge of my mom's case this afternoon, and she said mom is doing MUCH better. That she seems to be reacting really well to being off of the Paxil, and that she seemed chipper and upbeat.

She left the hospital today, and is being moved to an extended care facility in Anchorage, where she will continue to receive both physical and occupational therapy until she is ready to come to California. If you would like to send her an email there, you still can at the same website, just pick Providence Extended Care from the drop down, and remember to address it to Lilith, not Joycelyn. (Joycelyn is her middle name.)

You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that she is doing better. She was really resisting her physical therapy, not wanting to get up, not wanting to help the nurses to help her. She was like a different person than the mom that I know, and that was kind of scary. I was starting to wonder if something had happened with the anesthesia or something. But she got up and walked 4 times yesterday, vs. earlier in the week when they could barely get her to walk once. Oh, what a difference it makes to not be on medication that isn't helping you in the least!

So, it's still a long haul, I would think. She still has a lot of discomfort, and a lot of hard work, ahead of her. But it's good to know she's back on board with this whole thing, and feeling better. Even if she is still tired and sleeping much of the time. ;)

More good news: Richard received word that the estimate for moving mom's things to California was high, really high, and the actual expense will be closer to $4,000. Whew! We have received $1,310 from kind souls; friends and family that we know in person, and friends that we only know through the internet. Please know that your generosity is greatly appreciated, and has made a difficult load easier to bear. Not just financially, but also emotionally. Thank you all.

13 comments:

Jill said...

Yippee! Yippee! Yippee!

kenju said...

Your updates are so welcome, J. Thanks for doing it. I will send another email. I am so glad to know that she is responding well now.

Kate said...

I am so relieved too! And I need to tell her that if she gets to a point where she can get out of the convalescent place but still isn't well enough to go to Stockton, she can always come & stay with me. I'm home most of the time so I could help her, although I'm not a nurse. But I could be a way station.

Anonymous said...

What excellent news, J.! Thank you so much for taking the time to keep all of us (her distant friends) posted on her progress.

Never That Easy said...

Such good news: I've been holding my breath for a good report! I'm so glad she's feeling a little bit more like herself.

Bugwalk said...

Good, good and good!!

Joy Des Jardins said...

Yes, yes, yes! What great news Julie. That's the J that we all know. I'm so happy that she's off of that medicine. It's amazing how it can take over and make you into a different person....we've all had experiences just like your mom's. Hugs to you both....and thanks for the update.

Tabor said...

I am also happy to hear that she is up and moving about. It will take time and patience, but your blog is good news indeed.

Uncivil said...

Haha
I was getting ready to say "Yippy Kie Yay and read Jill's comment!
That is wonderful news :)

joared said...

Glad to hear your Mom is doing so well especially after all she's been through. Take advantage of all the therapy she can get because, usually, frequency is never as much in a setting other than an institutional type rehab setting. Though it may not seem like it now, but the therapy will end all too soon. Tell MG I'm continuing to root for her.

Laura said...

I am relieved as well... I keep thinking that this has got to be so hard on you. Being so far away when a loved one is ill makes the stress and worry even worse. Is the Paypal still open? I've been having a hard time getting in and would dearly love to contribute.

m said...

Hi Julie

So glad to hear that she's doing much better. Now I know your mom is a great reader let us know when she's getting bored and needs reading matter standing by to send something.
mary in Scotland

oh ps sent your mom an email as well.

J said...

Mary, you are kind to offer reading materials. :) I will let you know as soon as she gets to the point where it doesn't take her all day to read the funnies.

Laura, you're so kind. :) I just checked the paypal link, and it worked for me, so it should be OK.

Everyone, thank you for your continued support. Being so far away from my mom right now has been absolutely horrid. I keep thinking I should go back to Anchorage, to be with her. Then I think, but for how long could I reasonably go, before I would just have to turn around and leave again? It sucks.