It's been awhile...mainly because there wasn't much to write!
But yesterday changed that!
Miscommunications meant that Mom was taken to the ER from Oakwood, and was there by herself for over an hour while I drove out to Oakwood thinking she was there, and then to St. Mary's. I was relieved that she was doing fine, but she was really glad to see me. Because she was experiencing a significant amount of rectal bleeding, the ER was definitely the right medical choice.
I don't know about anyone else, but for me, time CRAWLS in the ER. Everything seems to take so much time, but at least they had decided that Mom would be admitted. The doctors and nursing staff were wonderful, and were totally correct in their assumption that it was a diverticular bleed.
Once in Mom's room, again the nursing staff were amazing. The GI specialist made the decision to scope her last evening, and not only found the bleed, but clamped it, and as of right now, there hasn't been any bleeding since! I can't say enough good things about St. Mary's hospital and Dean doctors!
What I really wasn't fully prepared for was how Mom in her current stage of Alzheimer's Disease would handle a hospital stay. She is so disoriented, but then for small bits of time seems to "get it".
Taking off the heart monitor leads, messing with the IV port, picking at the ID, fall risk and DNR bracelets, being fixated on finding her clothes, getting up out of the chair and taking herself to the bathroom while I was away getting some food, and of course, the same questions over and over and over.
I have been in tears today more than usual, and chalk it up to exhaustion and stress...because physically Mom is doing well and should return home to the Knoll at Oakwood tomorrow.
Thankful for Jessica and Will who were with her this morning, allowing me to take a walk through the gardens and zoo; and for Tom, who when I was at the end of my rope, took over and allowed me to run some errands and have a bit of time at home.
Also incredibly thankful for the staff at the Knoll... I always appreciated what they do, but after today, that increased exponentially!
