Temporary Success

Mom was in surgery for about 7 hours last night (noon to almost 8 PM), and she was in recovery for a couple hours after that so we didn't get a chance to see her, but Dad called today and she is groggy yet doing all right. Now begins the rough part, and it sounds like she will be discharged tomorrow or Thursday and then sent to Maryville for skilled therapy.

This of course is not going to be good news to Mom, but it's the option that makes the most logistical sense and keeps her safest until she can heal.

Wish I Had Good News

Mom and Dad came down to our place for a lovely Thanksgiving dinner, but early Friday morning, during a groggy trip to the bathroom, Mom fell and broke her right arm just above the elbow. She was taken to the E.R. and after an x-ray it was determined that the break required surgery, so she has been in the hospital all weekend.

She is in surgery at St. Vincent's as I write this, and should be out around 4 PM. The doc said that the surgery would be low-risk, but she'll need about two weeks of recovery before her arm can begin physical therapy without a cast or splint of some sort. This is going to make it difficult for Dad to help Mom around the house, but the splint they are going to use is designed to be rugged and used as a place to grip someone. She has been doing well getting around her hospital room so hopefully that will translate well when she is released to go home.

More as I learn it.

Update: Smooth Sailing

Well, Mom has been home for two weeks now, and her strength is not only still intact, but she's getting around beautifully, and the string of home care professionals that have been stopping by for therapy and whatnot seem to really be making a difference.

Everyone...breathe a BIG sigh of relief. :-)

Third Time's (Hopefully) a Charm

Mom is home, safe and sound as of yesterday afternoon. I was able to take the afternoon off work and help her get home via MetroWest, and after a couple bathroom visits, Dad's estimate was that she is stronger than ever before and more likely to be able to handle her new level of mobility. The new dilantin dosage must really be helping, but to be sure, a nurse will be by today to take levels and make sure that she's on track medication-wise. There are also some home care and therapy visits scheduled today and through the next several weeks, all of which should really help Mom handle her surroundings.

All I know is she is thrilled to be out of Maryville, and the morale boost alone has helped tremendously.

Once More...WITH FEELING!

Just got word that Mom will be getting out of Maryville tomorrow (10/17) at 2 PM. I will be leaving work at noon to go up and help with the transfer, and she should be well settled in by dinnertime if you'd like to stop by.

More Of The Same

Mom is still at Maryville but spirits are gradually improving, especially since her roommate, who's on a respirator, will be moving out in the next day or so. She fell a little recently and bumped her head so she has a small bandage on her right temple, but the physical therapy is doing her some good and Dad's seeing her just about every day at around lunchtime.

It's Beginning To And Back Again

Mom was released from St. Vincent's today around noon and is now at Maryville at the request of her doctor and the staff therapists. The prevailing opinion is that she needs more rehabilitation if she is going to stick it out for the long haul at home, but it's unclear how long she will be expected to stay at Maryville.

As soon as I have any more information, I will post it here.

EDIT: Mom is in room 215 (just one room over from where she was before). She'll be there at least a few days at Dr. Unger's request.