August 2, 2010

  • An Update on My Mom

    If you have a weak stomach, turn back now. GRAPHIC PHOTO…you’ve been warned!

    My day off. I had to be at my mom’s doctor’s appointment this morning. She was transported by ambulette because it is too painful for her to travel in a car. She has been in and out of the hospital and nursing home for 7 months, since having a heart attack, heart bypasses, and bypasses in her legs (which have since been removed). I think she has been home a total of maybe three weeks since before the first of the year. It took the EMT’s a long time to get her there for some reason, and I spent a lot of time staring at the walls in the waiting area. It wasn’t too bad, the decor was nice. The waiting area has an ocean theme, complete with a salt water aquarium with marine fish. I snapped this photo with my phone while I waited:

    Mom is diabetic (Type II). She has very poor circulation all over, due to arteriosclerosis, but particularly in her extremities. This has led to her having developed dry gangrene in her toes on her left foot. Here is a photo of a person’s foot (not my mother’s foot) with dry gangrene. Her toes look very similar to this:

    Yeah, it’s gross, and painful. The doctor is going to give some other wounds on her more time to heal, and in two weeks they are going to attempt to do another bypass in her left leg in an attempt to save any part of her leg that they are able. If they are able to find a good way to bypass they may only have to take her foot, or maybe a portion of her lower leg. If they can’t find a suitable way to bypass they will take more of her leg a day or two after they attempt the bypass.

    My mother is only 66 years old. To some of you that may sound ancient, but to me that isn’t very old, and certainly too young to be facing all the things she’s been dealing with.

    I am off soon to the nursing home for a meeting with her social worker and therapists. My day off isn’t really a day off, after all. The dishes will wait…I have to attend to my mother’s needs. It’s the least I can do for the woman who brought me into this world and took good care of me as an infant and child. Amazing how some things come full circle.

Comments (14)

  • I remember your mother. She is a very talented blogger and seemed to be a very nice lady.  66 is young, this is very sad.

  • @trunthepaige - Thank you, Paige. Yes, it is very sad. 

  • So sorry you are having to deal with your mom’s health issues.  Yes, I’d say 66 is way to young for her to be in such bad health.  I do hope she being kept comfortable.  It seems like she must be experiencing a lot of pain. It is very sad to see that.

  • That’s sad. Truly. But there is almost, I dare say, beauty in what you said about coming full circle. That is how it should be. You are a good daughter and you will be blessed for it.

  • @dingdongdingbat - She’s on some heavy duty pain killers, so they are keeping her as comfy as possible. :-/

  • @Xcholo4u - Dare to say it. There is beauty in all that humanity suffers, experiences, cycles through. I guess it is how it should be…we do things for our loved ones selflessly. The increase of blessings for doing what we do is just a bonus, ya know? I should add that because of my work schedule and having to attend to the needs of my kids, I do the least of any of my other family members where my mom is concerned. I am thankful that she has a good support system, and that I do, as well.

  • I’m so sorry your mom is going through this. She is much too young. :( She is very lucky to have such a wonderful daughter to see to her needs.

  • @teefahknee - Thanks, Tiffany. Yeah, this all really sucks. I hate that she’s in so much pain. I just wish I could do more.

  • I’ll keep your mom in my thoughts and prayers!

  • @TheCheshireGrins - Thank you so much!

  • Sorry to hear about your Mom…

    just curious…has the therapist (o.t. or p.t.) told you about REAL SHEEPSKIN BOOTIES?  there have been numerous studies done that show that the booties, when worn, create an ideal environment.  temperature and it also acts as a ‘dressing’.  

    also ‘honey treatments’ have also been quite effective.

    some of my patients have this same issue.  it is chronic in our elderly.

    i hope she stays strong!

  • @Curlyquilter - No one has said a word about any of those things. Thanks for mentioning the honey. I knew that but had forgotten. Raw honey is the best/only good honey to use, if I remember correctly. I know they sell “medicinal” honey, too. Thanks for the great ideas, and well wishes!

  • @CynaraJane - you’re welcome! 

    the area should be kept dry at ALL times!  i will msg you with a few more questions…

  • @Curlyquilter - Okay, thanks!

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