Mom seems to be in a holding pattern, with slight improvement. They still don't really have a diagnosis for why she's not talking, other than it's not a stroke. So I'm sticking with my own diagnosis - the stroke she had a couple of years ago hit her language center, so now whenever she gets a bad infection, it goes into partial shutdown, like the body's attention is elsewhere so talking becomes a non-essential function or something. I've been calling the nurses for updates, since I don't want to distress her by making her try to talk on the phone, and they seem to think she's improving. It's a little tough for me because it seems like around 5 or 6 at night is when she runs out of steam and struggles harder, so by the time I get there after work, she's started shutting down again. I'm choosing to believe that as the infection(s) are controlled she'll be improving her stroke-like symptoms as well. And her infectious disease doc is great, so hopefully things are looking up.
I am kinda exhausted. But I'm managing. Hopefully I won't stay so late at the hospital tonight (with one thing and another, I didn't get out of there until after 10 last night or the night before, and hadn't eaten dinner). My house is a nightmare of piles of mail and bathrooms that need to be cleaned, but I'm picking and choosing where to spend my energy (last weekend was dishes and my bed and some laundry). We have a lady who does some cleaning for us, but I haven't even tried to schedule her because I can't figure out a time when I'd be there to let her in (and she's chatty, I definitely can't handle chatty right now). And still trying to maintain some social time - currently trying to firm up plans with a friend I reconnected with at WhoCon, and if that doesn't come together...at least I have an optometrist appointment Saturday, that's sort of social, right? ("Demented and sad, but social".) So yeah, plugging along. What choice do I have, right?
My friends did come out to be with us on Monday night (my BFF and her parents, who are friends with Mom), and BFF came out for a bit last night, so that was nice.
And thanks for asking, I'm glad you have my back too.
Sundowning is definitely a thing, so it's normal for her to lose focus and wobble a little in the evening. I hope she continues to improve, Epic.
Good to hear about the competent infectious disease doc. It makes a big difference to have confidence in the health care provider. Thinking of you often, Epic. Many of us have cared for our parents and understand the struggle. Sending strength and wishes for energy to get through the long emotionally exhausting days.
Hope the meds work well and soon for you, Teppy. I've known others that had side effects for just the first few days on a new med.
As for my troublesome stomach issues, I have an appointment with a surgeon for October 2. We'll see what happens.
I hope it's a solution for you, Tep. This has gone on far too long already.
I don't want surgery, but, yanno, if it would help the pain and nausea, I'll do it.
Honestly, you've gone through much more intense surgery. My gallbladder lapro eviction, I was out walking 3 miles 5-6 days later (because I was going insane with inactivity.) I had no other surgery to compare it too, but even so found it pretty easy. I mean, worst part for me was the swimming ban for a month, not the few days of really having to strategize getting out of bed (and keeping Loki off me.)
I hope it is the fix you need. And if it isn't, hey, you'll avoid a full blown gallbladder attack. Which was a gajilliion times worse than the recovery.
Steph I hope the itchiness goes away soon.
Epic lots of health~ma to your mom
I get the crazy -bad itching sometimes, Teppy, and I put cold on it--either a cold washcloth or if it's my feet and lower legs which seem to get it the worst, I just stick them under the tub faucet with water as cold as I can stand for a few minutes and that seems to stop it altogether. I usually HATE doing anything cold, but it actually feels good in this instance.
I hate, hate, hate feeling itchy, but this has made it manageable.
