Mom is Now Home

Well, in the continuing saga of Mom's health, she was so miserable in the rehab clinic, that we decided to bring her home. She will now receive home therapy by a home health agency. And yes, that definitely means Marti and I have canceled our trip. In fact, we have changed our future plans as well. Let me explain.

Every day I visited mom in the rehab clinic, she would constantly tell me she was miserable, that she wanted to come home, that she couldn't survive another minute, that nobody loved her, that nobody paid any attention to her. She wouldn't do her therapy, she hardly crocheted. She mainly laid in the bed feeling sorry for herself.

I decided to not go into the rehab center one day (as an experiment) to see what she would do. I talked to her on the phone and she seemed ok. Then later that night (midnight) I got a call from the nurse saying she was extremely agitated. I talked to her on the phone and it was evident that she was very distraught insisting that I take her home. No amount of talking changed her mind. I finally went in to see her and got her calmed down and back to sleep. However, it was because of this that Marti and I realized that it would be impossible for us to leave town for two weeks, let alone one day.

Our next thought was to take her up to stay with Nick and Pam (as was the original plan) but we knew that would be extremely taxing on them as she cannot remember to walk with her walker. Someone would need to sleep close to her and when the bed alarm sounds, immediately wake up and help her into the bathroom.

So we scrapped that idea. However, we still had the dilemma of how to take care of our business interests in Idaho. Gradually, the idea settled in that Marti and I simply needed to move back to Idaho. It seems the best solution which actually appeals to us.

Marti, at this point in her doctoral pursuits, is working on the writing portion of her dissertation and is not required to take any further classes. She must do a considerable amount of research which she can do at the county library system in Idaho (inter-library loan, etc) and on the internet. She needs to present her prospectus before we leave and she is scheduled to do this on August 21st.

So we could leave soon after this date. Hopefully, mom will be in much better condition by then to be able to travel across country. The particulars on how we’ll do that is still up in the air but it will depend on mom.

I appreciate the words of support, advice, counsel you’ve all given both through emails and on the phone. It has been much appreciated. As I write this, mom is sitting in her chair working on her crocheting and very content. There was very little discomfort during the drive home and as long as she doesn’t move, she feels very little pain. Her stamina is very low but that should improve with time. The most important aspect of this is her state of mind. Everyone, except her, understood that she needed to stay in the rehab center. And yet, here she is. Both Marti and I know that her upkeep has now moved up quite a bit. We’ll see how it goes tonight. Is there such a thing as a crib for an adult? How about duct tape?

Continues to Improve

Mom continues to improve although that also means she wants to come home more. There is an alarm on the bed and an alarm on the wheel chair but if the nurses are busy elsewhere...as happened last evening. Mom was up and had walked about 10 feet down the hall before someone saw her. They put her in her wheel chair and took her to the nurses station. When Marti and I came in about a half hour later, the nurses were very frustrated because mom was adamantly requiring that she be allowed to go home. Marti and I got very angry with her and laid down the law and she quieted down. She was much better today. Anyway, I think she'll be better as time goes by but every time she gets on her feet, she is astonish anew that her left leg is in so much pain.

Yesterday was a better day for mom. She is throwing off the pneumonia and is much more steady on her feet. She had good therapy and even did some quality crocheting. However, there is one thing troubling that happened. She aspirated, meaning she had either food or water go down her air pipe. She has done this every once in awhile for the last year and it is rather severe. It can be caused by one of two things, either she swallowed and breathed at the same time or some fluid refluxed back up and overflowed into her air pipe. She recovered ok but it took a lot out of her. In speaking with the doctor, this is something that sometimes occurs in older people, meaning the severity and it can be a great concern. So, we watch. In the past, and even this time, it has only occurred while she was eating or drinking. While she is in the rehab unit, they are going to work with her a bit on swallowing techniques to see if this can be circumvented.

So, other than this, she is in good spirits. She wants to come home, of course, and she will although when that happens is up in the air.

July 15, 2009

Well, today, mom is doing much better although she keeps saying she wants to go home which can't happen yet. We just arrived back at the rehab center in room 311 this time. Her phone number is 850-216-3109. Just understand that she may not remember who you are but she will enjoy talking with you.

At the moment, I'm having a wonderful conversation telling her all about her family and friends and it is pleasing to her. She is in great spirits, especially now that the heart monitor leads have been taken off.

Sunday night, when she came back into the hospital, she didn't get any sleep even with all the medicine they gave her. She also didn't sleep the next day. However, starting Monday night, she has been almost non-stop sleeping and it has been a healing sleep.

As it stands now, she still has pneumonia which put a strain on her heart. At first they thought it might be a heart attack but it is just pneumonia caused strain. Her heart is enlarged a bit and irregular so that is a concern but it is just age related and not unexpected in someone her age. Her pneumonia is much better now and the rehab will be good for her even though she doesn't want to do any of it.

More later.

Dorothy Allen Health Situation

July 14, 2009

Hi Everyone. This is Dennis Warr. I decided to create this blog so that everyone would be apprised of Dorothy's latest health situation. As you may or may not know, Dorothy and Elden moved in with Marti and I in February 2005 in Rexburg, Idaho. Elden lived with us for 2 years before he died. Since then, we've enjoyed having Dorothy living with us. In January 2009, we moved to Tallahassee, Florida so that Marti could pursue her lifelong dream to get her Doctorate in Music. Dorothy (age 92, will be 93 on August 28th) is now fighting the fight of her life which I will explain in the blogs to come. I've been sending email update's to my brothers so I will use these emails as the first entries on this blog. After I finish with these emails, I will simply update via this blog. So, here are the emails.

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July 5, 2009

I just wanted to bring you up to date on some poor developments on mom (Dorothy). Yesterday, 4th of July, we were attending an outdoor barbecue with our neighbors. It was probably about 90 degrees. Anyway, we got mom situated in the shade and were visiting with our friends. Marti went to take a drink of punch to mom and noticed that mom was unresponsive and drooling out of her mouth. She couldn't talk or anything and seemed far away. We quickly called 911 and carried her back into our house. By the time paramedics arrived, she had recovered. At the hospital, it was determined that she probably had some type of heat stroke. They decided to let her come home and we went to bed around 1am. We all woke up about 9am. When I went to check on mom, I noticed her bedroom door was opened and her bed made. I was about to go into the living room to see her when I noticed her lying on the floor with her head propped against her bed. Evidently she had fallen when she was putting her nightgown on a hanger. We tried to move her and she was in pain. So we took her to the hospital again. After a ct scan, it was discovered that she has a pelvic fracture. She is in significant pain and will probably stay at the hospital for several days. What will happen next is really up in the air. She won't be able to walk for awhile and I'm not sure what will happen. We'll keep you posted with more developments. Thanks

July 5, 2009

Barry Warr wrote: "Mom did fracture her pelvic bone in Eugene about 15 years ago, fell on her night stand and was laid up for a couple of months... They could be seeing the old fracture, she has probably strained something severely causing the pain..."

Steve Warr wrote: "Thanks Dennis. I know she's in the best hands with you and Marti."

Nick Warr wrote: "Thanks for letting us know about Mom. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Pam’s father, Bill (he turned 92 this March), took a fall a few months ago and fractured his pelvis. He had to stay in an extended care facility for about six weeks while he healed up, and then went through some physical therapy, but he’s all healed up now. He later took another fall, and split his head open, but that was just a few stitches and he’s fine. His biggest worry is why he is taking these falls, so I think maybe it would be good to try to find out why Mom’s (falling also)."

July 6, 2009

Thanks Barry. I had forgotten that. I'll mention it to the ortho doctor in the morning. Also, Nick, thanks for the heads up. If it is a new fracture and not just a strain, then we know what we have to be prepared for. Marti and I are staying at the hospital with her tonight as she is a bit insecure to be alone. She was finally admitted from emergency to a regular room at about 2am. She also has a very low threshold for pain, like a child almost. She has been given morphine and that seems to do the trick. I'll keep you posted.

July 6, 2009

I told you last night that it was a pelvic fracture, but I spoke incorrectly. It was a fracture of the femur where it attaches to the hip. It is definitely a fracture. We have not yet spoken with the ortho doctor who will give us more information as to the severity and length of recovery. I'll keep you posted.

July 6, 2009

We just talked to the ortho doctor. I wasn't exactly accurate as to what was fractured. It was the femur head, the ball part of the ball and socket joint section of the hip. We have three options.

1. We do nothing and she may recover completely. However, she cannot put weight on her leg for 8 weeks and she runs the risk of breaking the bone completely meaning the two parts of the cracked bones may become displaced which will necessitate option 3. Performing any movement is very painful for mom and may also risk displacement of the bones just moving around in bed.

2. Minor surgery which includes putting in three screws. This will stabilize the bone reducing significantly the risk of displacing the bones completely. However, she still cannot put weight on her leg for 8 weeks. The downside to this procedure is that her bones are week and soft due to her osteo condition so this procedure might not even work, or at least, it may prove to be insufficient. Performing movement will be less but still significant.

3. Perform a partial hip replacement. This is a bit more intrusive and traumatic. However, the bone will be completely stabilized. The downside is that even though the bone pain will disappear, there will be pain from the surgical procedure. The best thing about this is that she will be able to put weight on her leg immediately and the recovery time will be less. Also, performing hygiene by the nurses and Marti will be much easier on mom.

If we perform surgery, it will happen tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. As it stands, I don't feel we have any choice other than option 3. That decision came crashing down this evening when mom insisted that she get out of bed to go to the bathroom. For a good half hour, we struggled with her. She was begging to be able to get out of bed, crying and calling us mean and that she hates us. She kept trying to get her right leg out of bed but she couldn't move her left leg without pain. However she still insisted that we help her as though it would be possible. We finally got a bed pan under her and the pain was excruciating. Even then, she still insisted she be allowed to go to the bathroom. There was no logic.

Based on this and many other incidents, I think it will be impossible to keep her from trying to walk, Also, if we opt for option 1 or 2, she will probably injure herself which will then make option 3 the only option. The only way to prevent injury is to physically restrain her and then she will really rant and rave. I don't want this to be the way mom finishes her life.

True, the third option is more surgically traumatic and there is more risk involved because of her age. However, not performing the surgery will make her life miserable and I'm not sure she would survive the next 8 weeks of not walking. Also, regardless of what option we do, mom is looking at about a month of living in a care facility where they can monitor her 24/7.

So, my decision is Option 3. Please let me know what you think. I need to know tonight as we need to make the decision very early tomorrow morning. Thanks.

July 6, 2009

Barry Warr wrote: "Neither of the 3 options are good ones, because her age is against her no matter which choice is made,,, However a choice must be made. Therefore, I agree with Dennis that for Mom to have any chance of quality in her life from here forward, option 3 is the only choice because of the more rapid recovery... I do have a fear around it though, as no one can predict whether she will survive so much trauma to her body. What are the Doctors thoughts about that Dennis?"

Nick Warr wrote: "You have thought it through and arrived at the right and only decision. You have our complete support and love to Marti and Mom."

Dennis Warr wrote: "That has been a concern from the very beginning. With her age and fragility, this type of surgery is a risk. However, the other two options are greater risk. In speaking with the doctor and several nurses, they feel that the risk is acceptable. They have performed this surgery on many elderly patients, some older than mom with great success. The surgery will take about an hour and a half at the most and probably only about 45 minutes. Any time you use anesthesia, there is a risk. Of course there will be pain with the cutting and bruising, but that will heal pretty quickly. Her age is a consideration, but I don't see any other alternative. One thing that gave me comfort is that people tend to heal rather quickly from hip replacement, much more so than knee replacement. It'll probably happen about 10am Eastern Time tomorrow morning. I'll keep you posted."

July 7, 2009

Steve Warr wrote: "You have made the right decision, Dennis. We're with you -- and Mom -- and Marti."

July 7, 2009

Last update before surgery. We talked to the surgeon this morning and he said that by putting pins in, mom will actually be able to put weight on her leg right away so we decided to do the pins. If, when they get in there and it is apparent that the pins won't work, they will then proceed to do the partial hip replacement. We are very confident with the surgeon. He has performed many of these procedures on elderly people and they have had great success. The surgery is very simple and quick (20 minutes for pins, 45 minutes for partial hip replacement). They are now taking her to surgery. I'll contact you later.

July 7, 2009

Success. The surgery went well. No complications but she is still in recovery. She has two pins in her hip and the surgeon has declared her full weight bearing. We'll let you know how she recovers. I'll do another update in a bit.

July 8, 2009

Mom is recovering nicely. She actually was able to take some baby steps today. At first she was frightened because for the past two days, just moving her slightly meant great pain. However, after she was moved from the bed to the chair, taking baby steps with a walker and lots of help, she declared that she was amazed that it wasn't as painful as she thought. A few hours later, they had her walking a bit more and seemed to do well I'm told. However, she is a bit tired from the ordeal.

She even was able to do some crocheting this evening even though she was much slower than her normal self. The incision in her hip is about 2 inches long and is not that painful so she no longer takes the morphine but is limited to Tylenol and another pain killer (I forget what) and she is much more alert.

We investigated some rehab facilities today (Marti is very thorough in her research) and have identified our first, second, and third choices. She will move either tomorrow or Friday depending on how she is doing.

The downside to the whole day is that somehow her glasses have been lost. They were on her serving table this morning, but when we got back in to see her this evening, they were gone. So it looks like we'll need to get her some new glasses. (note: we have since found her glasses. They were in my computer case for safe keeping. ;} )

July 9, 2009

Mom will be leaving the hospital today and going into a rehab facility. She is alert, and still feeling some pain but nothing like before the surgery. She just did a potty run and it hurt her some, but she is all snug in her bed again. Below is the information of the rehab facility which is only about 5 minutes from our home. She will have a phone in her room so I'll get that number to you as soon as I can. If you want to send a card or something, please send it to the address below. Specify that it is for Dorothy Allen. We will bring in some things from home so that she feels more at home.

Consulate Health Care of Tallahassee
1650 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5304
850-942-9868

You know, it is very interesting. Mom is probably one of the quietest people I know (how 5 rambunctious boys came from her is beyond me) and yet, her absence from our home is deafening. It's just not the same without her there. She is a quiet presence that emanates throughout our home and we miss her greatly. Marti and I are reluctant to leave the hospital to come home. Needless to say, I'll be spending a great deal of time at the rehab facility with her. I'll keep you apprised of her progress.

One final note, Marti is wonderful with mom. I think mom misses Marti more than me when we are away from her. She lights up when she sees her and Marti has developed a bond with her. I will say this, it is impossible to not love those for whom you serve. It tears my heart apart to see her suffering and in pain and would take it away if I could.

Steve, our thoughts and prayers go out to you also. Let's hope Kenny doesn't find a new baseline 10 and that things will improve from here on out. Every time I think of our mole hill difficulties, I'm reminded of the mountain of struggle you and Kathy are going through. I think we all feel your pain. Know that we love you and are constantly mindful of your situation.

Thank you for all your support and prayers. I will keep you posted.

July 10, 2009

Mom's phone number in her room (409W) is 850-216-3127. She is now in a semi-private room but will be moved into a private room soon. I will get you that phone number when it becomes available. Don't be alarmed if no one answers. If there is no nurse nearby or I'm not in the room at the moment, mom won't know that the phone is ringing and may not answer. I will be with her quite a bit so hopefully she will be able to talk if you call. (note: just be aware that she might not remember who you are.)

July 13, 2009

Well, we have some troubling news. Mom developed pneumonia which caused a heart condition. At first they called it a very minor heart attack, but then backed off from that. Basically, her lung congestion and the stress of the past week, caused her heart to be overtaxed. So, last night, at 1:30 this morning, the rehab center called to say mom was going back to the emergency room. We got there before she did and basically stayed the night in ER. About 7am, she was admitted into a private room. Needless to say, she doesn't like all the probes and such and constantly tries to detach them. When Marti and I stepped away for a few minutes to get some breakfast, she succeeded in pulling all the probes off and even pulled the IV out. So, now we stand watch. Marti and I are doing shifts.

Finally, she seems to be better. They have her new IV wrapped and she has had a bath and two good meals. However, at times, she forgets who Marti and I are and is amazed that she has lived with us for the last 4.5 years. So, it seems we'll be repeating the Elden experience. However, each case is different and how long mom will continue to be with us is unknown. We could be looking at between 6 months to 5 years. But her hip is doing much better and her spirits are good so we expect a full recovery of her body.

We'll keep you all posted.

July 14, 2009

Mom's situation is uncertain at the moment. She is having symptoms of heart problems but they are uncertain whether this is from the pneumonia or whether she really has a heart problem. There is no feeling that this is life threatening, at least in the short term, but there is no way to know for sure when you're dealing with the heart. It's now 4am and I'm doing the night shift while Marti get's some needed rest. Mom is sleeping peacefully (for the most part) which she hasn't done for almost two days. The interesting thing is that mom, who hardly does much talking in a social setting, almost nonstop talks when she gets agitated. They gave her an ultra sound of her heart yesterday and she has some irregularity which they will look at. It could be pneumonia related but we'll see. She is back on morphine. I don't like it because it really puts her out of sorts and confused. But for night time to help her sleep, it is a good thing. I'll keep you all posted on all the latest developments. Please keep Dorothy in your prayers. Thanks.