Tuesday, October 11, 2011

A New Day

Today is a new day with it's own set of issues and challenges for Mom.  Dad and I left her last night around 9pm in the hands of a nurse that we really liked and were comfortable with.  We came back at 7:30 this morning to find Mom in a tremendous amount of pain due to her headache. She said she had an awful night because they had to wake her up every two hours to check her vital signs. We got her some new refillable ice packs from CVS last night and I quickly filled them upon our arrival this morning. These seem to be doing a good job, although she still likes my glove ice packs also :).  After some encouraging, Mom agreed to push the button for extra doses of the pain medication.  After 3 pushes of the button over a period of about an hour and a half, she was feeling much better and proceeded to enter a deep sleep.  Mom is also having rib pain when she breathes deeply, which is obviously no fun.  She has a cut mouth and bruised and swollen lip from where they intubated her - I think her mouth was really dry when they took it out, which caused the cut.  All of these factors are adding to her discomfort and are items we are trying to address so she can feel better as soon as possible.

Today she will have to get out of bed and walk for the first time since her surgery.  The mere thought of it sends her into a crying state, so we are going to try a bit later after she gets some rest (she is sleeping as I write this.) 

I was able to get some rest last night and I'm ready to help Mom with all of the challenges ahead of her today.  Here is hoping for a glass of lemonade by the end of the day!!

I'll try to update later this afternoon.  Thank you to everyone for your continuous love and support. I have read your comments to Mom and she really appreciates everyone who is behind her during this challenging journey!!

4 comments:

  1. Hang in there, Lettice. The lemonade is coming!! I have two neighbors who had back surgery this summer (USC abd UCLA) Both are in recovery mode and doing the "slow stroll" daily past my house.
    Thinking about you.
    Kathy apRoberts
    San Luis Obispo

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  2. Lenna... I am so so sorry you have to go through this... I think about you all the time (tears in my eyes as I write this)....
    Julie.. THANK YOU for all you are doing! You are a sweetie!

    Sending healing thoughts your way, Lettice.
    XXOO

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  3. Dear Lettice - I am so sorry for all the pain that you have to go through to get to the other side and have the pain free enjoyable rest of your life that you so deserve. You have untertaken a tremendous task to get what you want and you will be successful!! We are pulling for you every inch of the way and have you in our prayers and thoughts every day. "..angels around you ..!!! - Carol Bechta

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  4. I know we haven't seen each other in years..but I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and I just know everything will be ok! Hang in there sweet one!
    Blessings and hugs,
    Mara

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