Evening update

Just talked to Mom. She sounds tired again. Hopefully she will get a good night's sleep tonight. She sounded a little bored. She said that she is not doing much. I think she feels unproductive because she is so used to being active.
They enjoyed the pool today...hanging out with their friends and enjoying the sunshine. The nurse that drew her blood said that this would be the last day for that. That is hard for me to believe because they haven't gotten the results from today's test and her INR level has yet to be regulated. I guess we'll see what the head nurse says. She may be coming by tomorrow. Mom wasn't sure.
They all went out to eat this evening and everything seemed to go well. Mom and Annette played some cards today and Mom won. Sounds like she's really learning to compensate well for her lack of vision. She talked again about coming home...and said they would probably be making a decision soon as to what they were going to do.
Lou should be getting home soon. He had a layover...so it was a long trip home.

Not as tired today

Mom had her last occupational therapy today. No more "brain exercises". They have given her lots of things that she needs to do on her own...but she has made tremendous progress and no longer needs the therapist. Annette said that she finished one of the coasters that she was making. That was the "stitching" that we have been talking about. She finished one!!! Mom's blood pressure was good this morning when the therapist was there. The nurse will come soon to take Mom's blood...she won't find out the results of the blood test til tomorrow though. After the nurse comes she is planning on going to sit by the pool and enjoy the sunshine. I told her she wasn't missing anything here as far as weather goes...SNOW!
She didn't sleep last night very well...even though she was "a party pooper" as she said and kicked everyone out early. She seemed to be in much better spirits today though...Annette said that lack of sleep must work well for her.
Lou is on his way home now. He should be on the plane now. Thanks Lou for all that you did while you were there. I know that Mom and Dad both appreciated your help!

Went to bed early

Talked to Lou. Mom kicked everyone out around 8:30 so she could go to bed. She was tired. Sounded like they had a good time out with Skip and Janet. I found out that Skip and Janet aren't leaving until Friday...but tomorrow they will pack it all up.
Mom did a row of her stitching today without making a mistake. This is an improvement from earlier in the week! Every week she improves more and more.
Tomorrow the nurse will come in the morning and check her blood and blood pressure. Then the occupational therapist will come and "work out" her brain. That might be the last occupational therapy she receives. Lou will be leaving Mom and Dad's around 11:30am.

Another Florida Day

Sounds like things are going well in FL today. Everybody seems to be enjoying the weather. Dad, Lou, Skip, and Dick are playing golf. The girls (Annette, and Mom) are watching the ocean and rearranging the flowers that Mom has gotten. Mom said that she did all of her "exercises" this morning and she did her jumble. She said she was a little restless falling asleep last night...but she slept pretty good once she was asleep.
Mom plans on getting a little more sun this afternoon on the sun deck. Wanting to enjoy the Florida weather while she has it. They are going out to eat at a fancy restaurant tonight with Skip and Janet. They will be leaving tomorrow. I know Mom and Dad will miss them. Lou will also be leaving tomorrow. Mom said Lou has really been doing great with their stove (which has been challenging to get used to for her)..they are eating well. He has been taking good care of Mom and Dad!

Annette made it!!

Annette made it to Florida! Mom and Dad enjoyed the pool today. Mom and Lou made Salisbury steak for dinner...Mom said she puckered out and Lou finished. Mom saw dolphins today! She said there were lots of them. Sounds like everyone is in great spirits glad that Annette is there.

Afternoon Update

Just talked to Lou. Mom's doctor told her to take an extra dose of the Coumadin tonight at dinner to bring the INR level up. Tomorrow she is supposed to just take one as normal again. They will test her blood on Thursday (as Kim had noted) and then evaluate if she needs more Coumadin or not. Mom's blood pressure was higher today 158/86. It wasn't yesterday...but it was again today. Don't know yet what that means as far as a change of medication or not.
Her physical therapy went great today. The therapist said that Mom does not need PT anymore...so today was her last visit. She will still continue with the Occupational Therapy. The home health care evaluator will come out at the end of the week to re-evaluate what is still needed with the OT and Nurse.
Mom's spirits are high...though she is still talking of coming home as soon as she can.
Dad is doing well. Not feeling tired out on his walks anymore and not feeling dizzy. I think when Mom was in the hospital he was just not sleeping. Now that she is home he is doing much better.
Mom and Dad are at the pool now with their friends enjoying the sunshine.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Hello all. I will be arriving in Florida this evening.
I'm looking forward to seeing Mom and Pop.
I'll bring her all your love and prayers,
and try not to hug her too hard.
peace,
Annette

Good Night

Mac slept better than she has in a while. The nurse called and her INR level (1.48)is higher than last time, but they still want it above 2. FYI, Her PT level is 16.7, she was at 13 last time. This is the clotting time. The lower the number means it is thicker. They are not as concerned with the PT level as the INR. She will stay on the medicines that she is already on and she can add her antibiotic. They were supposed to stop taking blood test this week, but the nurse put in an order to extend it a week or two. Her next blood test will be Thursday. She will have physical therapy later this morning. The nurses will talk this week and decide what therapy she still needs and what will be covered by Medicare.

She made Parmesan chicken with Lou last night and she squeezed the orange juice this morning. She is trying to do more things. She is looking forward to Annette's arrival tonight. - Kim

Playing Phase 10

Lou said that he and Mom are deadlocked in a game of phase 10. They sounded like they were having fun. He said they were not able to get the INR level today. The nurse did everything she could...but couldn't get the results yet. She said that the lab opens at 8:30am and will call then to find out the results. They are waiting on that to see if she can remain on the Coumadin...or if her blood is too thin again. Every other time they have put her on it she has had to come off of it very shortly after because her blood was TOO thin. BUT, she needs to be able to stay on it and maintain a good INR level for 2 weeks before they can do anything with her heart. So, we want her to stay on it for now. Lou will let us know when they find out tomorrow.
Pray for a good night sleep tonight.

Got some sun

Just talked to Lou. Mom sat out on the sun deck for a little while today so she could get a little sun. Her spirits are high.
She didn't sleep well last night because she was worried about her cough and being on the Coumadin. She started coughing after they played dominoes...then she was concerned that she would start coughing up blood. She couldn't relax her body or her mind. Lou said that her blood pressure was NOT high today when the nurse took it. That is good news because they were going to have to change her meds if it was high again today. Still haven't heard about her INR reading from this morning...though the nurse they have sounds awesome. Dad said that she was thinking about Mom all weekend and came by first thing this morning so that she would have the results this afternoon. Apparently the insurance doesn't cover the machine that reads the level right there...so the nurse is "working the system" for them. It sounds like she really cares about Mom. Dad also said that she is very easy to talk to.
Lou said that Mom breezed through the occupational therapy today...and the therapist said that she was going to bring her some harder stuff next time. Things that she was having a hard time with last week...she isn't having difficulty with this week!

Morning Update

Mac played dominoes last night. She was coughing last night and did not sleep well. She used her inhalers and took her medications and is not coughing much today. The weather is better today. The nurse came first thing this morning to check her INR level. She was trying to work on her stitching, but is still having a little difficulty with it. Ernie went for a walk this morning with Paul. Mac will have therapy this afternoon. After the big day yesterday, they plan on staying home and resting today. - Kim

Birthday Outing

Mac had a restless night last night. They went to church this morning. When they were singing, Mac got to the end of the page and stopped. Lou would point to the top and she would pick it back up. By the last song, she did not need Lou to point to the top. After mass they went out for a birthday lunch. She went home to take a nap. Her friends might come to visit and play dominoes. She is having a good birthday. - Kim

Lou has made it.

Lou is now in Florida. His mom is doing well. She was coughing a little, but not bad. She did not have therapy today, because there is no therapy on the weekends. They went to the American Legion Hall for dinner with Skip, Janet and Paul. Then went back to the condo and enjoyed the candy and cookies that Mac has received. Mac is in good spirits. - Kim

Gift

Mom got her hearing aid gift certificate. She LOVES it! She sends thanks out to everyone who contributed.

Having a great morning

Mom and Dad are having a great morning! A typical vacation morning...without the pool and the sunshine. Mom is enjoying all of the gifts that she has received. She got a gift basket and some Harry and David yummies and she is enjoying them. She told me that the cardiologist did not restrict her diet so she is eating whatever she wants. She did the jumble and all of her morning exercises prescribed by the physical therapist. She sounded very upbeat. Lou will be there this afternoon to help out.

Steve is home Mom won Dominoes

I made it home. Thank you for all of your prayers. It was a long day but a productive one. Mom got to see a Doctor for the first time since she left the hospital. The Doctors are sharing information with each other. Mom played Dominoes tonight and won, Dad said she was able to play and socialize at the same time. She is either able to see better or learning to compensate. She is eager to do whatever it takes to get better so she is working real hard at physical and occupational therapy. Start praying for Lou next. One other note: Mom has already started to receive some of your birthday cards and gits which she is really enjoying. Thanks for all of your support while I was visiting Mom.

Spirits are UP

Steve called and said that Mom and Dad's spirits are up since they went to the cardiologist. Mom has clearance to fly home whenever she wants to. That will be up to Mom and Dad as to what they want to do. They have not made any decisions yet. He said that they probably would not be leaving for a little bit still. The doctor also said that they were a little concerned about her higher blood pressure today and she seemed to have some swelling in her legs. She has lost a little weight...Steve attributed that to his cooking. I'm sure he is wrong...he was taking very good care of them while he was there! It was probably the days of not eating in the hospital that caused that. She definitely has her appetite back.

update from Cardiologist

The cardiologist put Mom back on the Coumadin. He said that her biggest risk right now is another stroke...and with her INR level being low enough today...her blood is too thick without the Coumadin. She is going on that AND the antibiotic. Apparently they do not counteract eachother...they will both be thinning her blood(doing the same thing). They just have to keep doing blood tests every 2 days to make sure it isn't getting too thin.
They are still wanting to shock Mom's heart...or do something to get her heart regulated...but they can't do that until she has been on the Coumadin for a few weeks consistently. She has been on and off of it since she got to the hospital almost 2 weeks ago. We need to pray that they can find the right amount to give her so that she can remain on it. We also need to pray that she doesn't have another stroke during this period of "figuring out the Coumadin".
Steve is on his way to the airport headed home. He has been such a great support for Mom and Dad. Thanks for all you have done brother!

Good Job Steve!

Thanks for all that you have done. Mom is progressing well. I am sure you have had a great deal to do with that. Thanks for your patience.

Nurse came...tense again

The nurse came again this morning. Mom's INR level was low enough to get back on the Coumadin again...however the doctor (different doctor Mom's is out of the office) said that because she was coughing up blood she shouldn't go back on the Coumadin...but she should go to the ER. Mom and Dad don't want to go to the ER because she has coughed up blood before with her Brochiactisis and they think it might be related to that. They don't want to be re-admitted. They have a cardiologist appointment today at 2pm and Steve is leaving at 3pm. Please pray that all goes well. They are going to be without help for 24hours...and this is sort of a critical time. Her blood pressure was higher than it has been when the nurse was there. Her pic line is no longer in. I just found out that they took that out when she left the hospital. She is supposed to be having a physical therapy appointment now...but they haven't come yet.

Heading to Florida

FYI. I'll be heading to Florida tomorrow and will be
there until Thursday. I should be arriving between 3
and 4 PM.

Lou

Better this morning

Steve called and said that the sun is up...and Mom slept well. She is not coughing as much this morning. No coughing up blood this morning. The mood is better today. Thanks for the prayers last night.

Down for the night

Mom is sleeping now...but was really disappointed by today's episodes and now wishes she was home again. She is frustrated because she feels like she had a set back today. She is emotionally down. Her hearing aids weren't working well today...so she was frustrated by that and so were those around her. They found out that she cannot take the antibiotic she was on because it will interfere with the Coumadin.
Mom and Steve cooked dinner together. Steve said that Mom did most of the work. She was even chopping veggies. The occupational therapy today went okay...not great because Mom couldn't hear what the lady was saying to her. She couldn't hear the instructions so she was answering wrong.
I did find out that Mom almost won the domino game that was played last night...so not only did she keep up...but she almost won the game!!! She is definitely learning to compensate by looking to the left. Steve said that he has seen a vast improvement since he got there on Monday.
Please pray that tomorrow is a sunny day in Clearwater. Today and yesterday have been foggy and that hasn't helped the mood. Pray that Mom and Dad wake up in the morning with peace again. She has a physical therapy appointment tomorrow...and Steve is leaving around 3pm.

A little bit shaken up

Mom coughed up some blood this afternoon. She was a bit shaken by it. She is not on the Coumadin yet so that wasn't the cause. Dad talked to Mom's doctor in St. Louis who was concerned that she has not been in as much contact with the cardiologist as she should be. He said that she should be receiving more care about the irregular rhythm and that he was going to personally call the cardiologist to see what the plans were for follow up. She was on an antibiotic before they went to the hospital because of some coughing episodes...Dad is now wondering if she needs to be back on that or not. They are talking to the doctor and pharmacy about it now.
On a positive note...Mom was coughing up blood one day while she was in the hospital and with doing her lung exercises and being off of the Coumadin longer it stopped. Please pray that it does again this time. She is doing her lung exercises more frequently again and that should help.

Another day with Therapy

Mom had someone come today and take her blood this morning. Not sure yet whether she can be back on the Coumadin or not. She was with an Occupational Therapist doing some "brain exercises" when I talked to Steve and Dad.
Steve said Mom is trying to get back to her normal routine of doing things. She has been making the fresh squeezed OJ in the morning again...and having her normal prayer routine.
She has been having a hard time with her sewing and still having trouble with the sudoku, but she is doing much better with dominoes. Last night they played with their friends again and she was able to keep up with everyone and have conversation at the same time.
Mom has a follow up appointment on Feb. 11 with her doctor in Florida. There has been no talk of shocking her heart then. Her rhythm is still irregular but the rate is staying in the 60's and 70's.

Out to Lunch

Mom, Dad, Steve, and Skip and Janet(their friends) are on their way to a fancy lunch. Dad said that Skip and Janet were taking them out. Mom sounded great. She was bragging about how Debbie was in the St. Louis Post today...and how I needed to check it out.
Steve said Mom's cough seems to be doing better. Mom said that she passed all of the Occupational Therapist's tests yesterday. Today she said that she was doing the Jumble in the newspaper and was starting writing the letters in the second square instead of the first. She didn't realize it until Steve pointed it out. She said "I just need to train myself to look to the left". She really has a great attitude about it.
They are coming again tomorrow to test her blood. No therapists today. Sounds like they are finally able to enjoy their Florida vacation. Thank God!

Wanting to learn

Steve called with an update. Jim passed the baton to him and is on his way back to St. Louis via airplane. This morning after breakfast Mom said that she wanted to do something that would be therapy for her. She played some dominoes with Steve while Dad went for his walk with Paul. She couldn't handle 15 dominoes at a time...but she was doing well with 12. She is re-training her eyes to look farther to the left when she can't see something. Steve said when she couldn't see the end of her train she was following it down from the top and then could see it. She was also doing some puzzles that were having her find the differences between two pictures. She found most of the missing objects.
An occupational therapist is coming out this afternoon to work with her. They found out that insurance is not going to cover the blood work that she has to have 2 times a week...it would cover if she was in St. Louis...but not there. Steve said that it will only be $11 each time...so it isn't as bad. Still going to have to have it done. The blood work tests how thin her blood is...to see if she can get back on the Coumadin or not.

Steve made it

Just talked to Jim and Steve. Steve just got to the condo.
Mom had a good day today. Very eventful. She had a physical therapist and a nurse come by today and she was taken off of the coumadin again. Her blood was too thin so they will keep her off of it for a few more days and then test it again. Apparently it is very typical to go on and off coumadin during the "figuring out" phase. They need to find exactly the right level that will go along with Mom's eating habits and blood.
She must have been feeling pretty good because she went to the grocery store with Dad and Jim and made it through just fine. They have had lots of visitors today also. Ted (the neighbor) came by to visit along with many other of their Florida friends.

Weekend Wrap

I talked to Mom on Sunday evening. She was relaxing watching the NFL Playoffs. They all went out to eat at Steak 'N Shake and enjoyed a nice treat. Mom is doing better and learning to relax.
I talked to Jim and Dad and they all sounded a little tired. It's been a long week. A new week is here and another sunrise and sunset to enjoy. Please keep them all in your prayers, as with life many bumps along the way.
The humidity in the condo is higher than it was in the hospital and Jim said he noticed the affects immediately with Mom's cough. (Using the inhaler.)
Steve Sciaroni is arriving today and will be there all week.
Thanks Jim for all your time.
Andy

Hearing Aids

Haven't heard from anyone except John and Steve. Anyone else wanting to go in on some hearing aids for Mom. Her birthday is the 27th...I thought we could give her a "gift certificate" for them. They are $4,000. She doesn't know this is being posted...but I know that lots of people that know and love her are checking this. Let me know.
mlnoeth@sbcglobal.net

No Dominoes

Just talked to Jim and he said that Mom can't play dominoes. She was sort of frustrated because she loves to play...but she seemed to be taking it in stride. With practice I'm sure it will come back. It was hard for her to see all of the trains...she was playing on other people's trains, made her own train go 2 different directions and was playing out of turn. They stopped playing for now and are watching the football game. She said she hasn't been able to see the dolphins yet...but she has seen the pelicans.
Mom said all of the flowers are still looking beautiful...and she loves the bag from Evelyn and the Harry and David's that came from Janet and family.
She sends hugs and kisses to everyone.

SHE'S HOME!!!

Just talked to Mom...and Jim. She is back at the condo on the porch watching a tennis game in the 74 degree weather. She sounded glad to be home. She said that they have enough medication to medicate all of St. Louis for a while. She is on meds for her heart, cholesterol, lungs, and more. She said cards and gifts keep arriving. She really appreciates all of the care and support she has received from everyone. Her hearing aids aren't working well today so it is very difficult to talk on the phone. She said she needs KMOX to tune them properly (everyday she tunes her ears by the radio).
They got a seat for the bath tub for her...but she went home with no walker. She doesn't really need it anyway...as long as she is careful to look where she is going on the left side. She is on a much lower dose of coumadin and they will be going back to the doctor on Monday to check her levels.

Saturday AM

Slept well last night. Positive attitude this morning. Had her last physical therapy here already.

Just finalizing everything so we can get out of here... Not much new to report...

Are We Out of Here Yet?

We are all ready to be done with this place. They haven't done anything wrong (today), but we are just looking foreword to "normal life." Mom is restless.

She has been struggling to hear everything. She really needs to get new hearing aide's. She told dad "that is the first thing we are doing when we get back home." They are a bit pricey...

She signed her walking papers already. They basically say that she can not be re-admitted for the current reason again for 30 day's. So she will be out of here tomorrow after a round of physical therapy...

Friday AM

Another good morning. She cleaned her plate this morning. I guess the appetite is back.

She is in her second hr of therapy right now. That is going well.. She moves around just fine.

Dad has been felling tired and a little worn out. Not quite felling well. Mom is a little worried about that.

I played a little Phase 10(a card game) with her in between therapy this morning. She couldn't remember how to play right off the bat. That frustrated her a little. We figured it out though. We are only up to phase 3 .

I'm Home

Just thought I'd let everyone know I made it home safely. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. I'm very tired, so I will write something more tomorrow.

I just decided to edit this post and add my feelings and comments here instead of a new post. It is good to be home knowing that Mom is 5,000 times better than she was when I got there. She really is doing so well. The doctors, nurses, and therapists have commented on how AMAZING it is that she is so well so fast. I think that it is all the prayer support that she has been getting from all of you. She will be happy to get to the condo and be able to sit on the porch and watch the dolphins. She has mentioned that a few times. I only hope that it is not difficult for her to find them now with her vision issues. That will be a real disappointment if she can't see them.
Please continue to pray for Dad too. He really wasn't feeling too great yesterday and he said that he was even a bit worried about it. He had the nurse take his blood pressure and it was fine...but we don't need anything happening to him right now. He has been tiring out really easily on walks and has felt a bit light headed. Not sure what it all adds up to. It could just be the combination of worry and lack of sleep. Just keep him in your prayers as well.
Jim is doing a great job taking care of them both. He has been supplying Dad with his needed coke and giving him time to walk on the beach every day. He has been a great de-stress companion for Mom. He really knows how to make her laugh.
Anyone who wants to go in on some hearing aids for Mom's birthday...let me know. They will cost approximately $4,000!!

Appatite May be back!

She had a good afternoon! she had another 2 hrs of workout. Including how to fold laundry, and how to get in and out of the tub.

She is no longer needing the "Mask Nazi"(nebulizer) That is the one that always found her whenever she was trying to sleep. That is down to a as needed thing. she hasn't had it in almost 24hrs. I personally don't think she will request it unless she has a coughing fit. She hates it!

She cleaned her plate tonight at dinner! That is the first time she has felt like eating in a long time. Her appetite may be back due to three things. 1 no nebulizer 2 no horse pill (antibiotic) 3 she took something for nausea. Either way we are happy to see her eating again! As a reward she had some chocolates tonight. Thanks Tony she loves them.

Mary is in Charlotte... She will be in STL at about 11:00 central tonight... I dropped her at TPA at 5:30. I just talked to her. She has a hr and a half wait till she takes off again. We miss her already, but her daughters are sick and need their mom too....

So Far So Good

Mom slept well last night. That is really the first time in the 5 days I have been here that she has said that.. She really likes the nurse that is here at night.

She is doing better today with her diet. She ate her breakfast and her soup at lunch. That is an improvement. We will have to see how she does with dinner.

She is still on target to get out of here on Saturday. She has been very active with the therapy this morning. and in between she actually did some needle work. She was able to continue the pattern perfectly on that.

The dietitian was in and explained that while on the coumadin (blood thinner) she has to avoid eating things with Vitamin K. Because that counteracts the blood thinner. So she was educated about what foods have Vitamin K. She can still have those food's, but she has to have them on a consistent basis so that the regulation of coumadin is consistent.

The home care people were in. She will be receiving care at the condo several times a week after she gets out of here. That is all covered by Medicare.

She is looking foreword to getting out of here. So she can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the beach. Also looking foreword to domino's with friends. They said that will be good therapy if she can do it.

Made it home

Hey Andy thought I should let you all know I made it home to S.C. safely. We drove out of Tampa yesterday morning, and arrived in Charleston around 5:00 p.m. It was so hard to leave both Mom and Dad, but I knew it was time. It was so nice to see the boys and especially Dan. Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement when I was there. I miss you!

Wednesday Evening

She worked out another 2 hrs this afternoon. It was all good until she did the visual rehab. It made it obvious to her and to everyone what her limitations are. I wasn't in there, but it was some kind of simple pattern puzzle she couldn't solve. She is a little down about that right now, as is Dad. With time and some work she will learn to correct it. As of right now, she would be at risk of tripping on something she didn't see and possibly falling. They will be working on that over the next few day's. She can walk just fine, but she just can't see everything.

She is very likely to be going to the condo on Saturday. A therapist will be going there. She will be receiving therapy there to help her with ordinary day to day things. I think she will do just fine.

I believe Mom and Dad will be staying here for their whole time as planned. Not coming to St. Louis before originally expected.

appetite

We talked with the nurse last night and she said that the antibiotic she is on (septra) may be causing her to not be hungy. That should be back to normal when she is off of that in a few days. She was eating an everything bagel with veggie cream cheese from Bread-co when I left the room to blog. Seemed to be enjoying that.

Wed am

Mom is doing very well this morning. She said she slept better...still woke up a few times...but she had some weird dreams...so she must have been sleeping good. She has already had about 2 hours of physical therapy this morning and will probably have another hour and a half this afternoon. The nurse said she thought mom was doing great and might get out of here by Friday. However, the student doctor said that they need to get her INR level (the thinness of her blood) regulated with the cumidin before she is released. Today her level was still too high to put her back on the cumidin. They will check again tomorrow. That may prevent her from leaving Friday. We'll know more tomorrow about that.
Dad has been walking every morning with his friend Paul, but he has been getting tired out much faster than usual. He got to play some dominoes with his friends last night and I think that was a much needed mental break. I can tell that he is really ready to have some sense of normalcy with Mom out of the hospital (though he doesn't want to rush her out before it's safe for her). He is just missing his lovely bride taking good care of him.
I will be leaving tomorrow night and Jim will be staying til next Tuesday to help with the transition back home.

Tuesday Evening

Mom is tired still. Hopefully she will rest tonight. We have a running gag about the nurses coming in if she ever tries to fall asleep. It seems to be true. She does take naps, but she doesn't realize it all the time.

The "cut vision" is not a blindness in one eye. She can see out of both eyes. Her brain just doesn't always allow her to see things to the left. I personally think that is improving. Partly because if she turns her head she sees the whole picture and she is getting used to it. If that is the only bad thing she takes away form this.... We can live with that!

She was ready to go with the physical therapy this morning, but it wasn't till after lunch that she actually did it. It was driving her a little stir crazy waiting. Mary and I went and got her games form the condo when we went to lunch. We played cards for a little while. Mom was happy and had fun but was quickly worn out.

Dad brought her the soup she wanted for lunch. She devoured it! She did well at lunch. That was good, but she didn't eat hardly anything for dinner. Working on getting her things from the outside that she will eat.

She is almost ready to open up her own floral shop here! Thanks for all the flowers. She has the best smelling room in the place!

Tues am

Dad is out walking on the beach in sunny Florida this morning. Mom didn't sleep great last night, but she is still in good spirits. She hasn't quite gotten her appetite back yet...but she was eating peanut butter crackers in the night. She asked Dad to pick up some soup for her at a local restaurant that she likes...so hopefully she'll have a good lunch. She is in her normal clothes now. She got dressed by herself this morning when the Occupational Therapist was there. She is really ready to do what is needed to get out of this place. Her peripheral vision on the left side seems to be a little better today. It is definitely better than it was. The doctor said that it might not ever fully be restored, but she realizes now that she isn't seeing the "full picture" and she is able to turn her head to see what she needs to see. Before she wasn't realizing that anything or anyone was there if you were on her left side. Now she will turn her head to find what she hears. That is great improvement.
The intern was in this morning and said that her heart rate is doing great. She is on a medication (I can't think of what it is right now) to keep that lower and it is working well. Last night it was 87bpm. That is much improved from the 180bpm that it was when she came here.
Please continue to pray that she will gain more and more strength and that her heart and blood will remain normal. They will evaluate today to see if she can go back on the cumidin (blood thinner) to prevent another clot from forming.
I'll let you know when we find out more.

Gaining independence

Mom is settled down for the night. She got ready on her own. I was standing next to her but she was not holding onto me. She brushed her teeth and did all of her night-time routine without assistance. She seemed relaxed and ready to get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow the physical and occupational therapists will evaluate her and we will have a better idea of how long she will be here. Mom said thank you to everyone that sent flowers and cards. Thanks for all of your prayers. Keep them up. They are working!

New Room, New Attitude

442 is the new room number. The room is much nicer. More room to move around, only 1 bed. They plan on having her move around up there... She had a few friends visit today. Also received quite a few flowers. She is in good spirits. Still tired though.
I expect (after talking to the social worker on that floor) she will be out of here in 3 day's. As long as there are no further complications. They are getting closer to having the "just right" regulation of the medicine for her heart.
Tina is leaving... She has played a major part in keeping things together around here up to now. I will do My best to fill her shoes.

MOM'S Moving to REHAB!!!!!

The Doctor just told us that Mom will be moving to REHAB! That means up a floor and almost out the door! She looks so great...1000X better than when i first got here the other day. She said she didn't sleep well, but i know she rested better...she is herself again. She will be checking out and checking into the Rehab floor. We will let you know when she does it today. This was the corner she needed to turn for me to leave. I am so thankful for the miracles that God performed on Mom. I will be leaving either this afternoon or tomorrow am.

Monday am

Mom is doing so well this morning. She slept okay..not great but she did get some rest. She said she doesn't feel as uptight today. The doctor said that would go away 3-5 days after the stroke...so it has!!! She walked in the hallway this morning with the physical therapists and felt like freshening up so she walked over to the sink (with my assistance) and brushed her teeth.
She said that she was up for her friends from the condo to come visit this morning for a little while! This is the first day that she has been wanting visitors!!! The audiologist repaired one of her hearing aids this morning but she may be needing new ones. She is worried about the expense but I think we could all go together and get her some new ones.
Her spirits are high and she is doing all of her exercises so that she can "get out of this joint".
Haven't seen her doctor yet this morning, but the resident explained that they took her off the cumidin because her blood was TOO thin on that and the heprin. They will re-evaluate today to see if she can start on that again.
Dad took a walk on the beach again this morning and is doing MUCH better since Mom has been improving. I think his stress level is much lower with all of the help.
Thank you for all of your prayers. HE is answering!!!

Good News tonight

Hi Everyone! I have a lot of good things to tell you tonight. Mom's X-ray came back "much improved" and she does not have as much fluid in her lungs!!! YEAH! All those lung workouts are working for Mom...she has a sense of humor about it all and says, "OK..i'll do it..i'll be a good patient" but she does not like them! Her vision is still cut which basically means she can't see anything on the left side unless she turns her head, however the neglect (slow turning) is getting better! She has stopped coughing up blood! She is also getting up and going to the bathroom with very little help. AND...the night nurse is HUMAN and will treat her with love. It is very hard at night leaving her in hands that won't treat her with gentle love. The other gift has happened throughout the last few days; seeing all of the beautiful moments that we have shared watching Mom look at Dad. She lights up when he walks in the room, and gives him the most loving gaze. She doesn't want him to leave her side...it really has been something i never saw before, and it is beautiful!!!
I miss you.

pm

Mom just had a chest x-ray. I'll let you know the results when I get them. Please keep praying that pnemonia doesn't set in and that her Bronchiactisis is not bothered by her meds. She still hasn't slept. Please keep up the prayers for rest.
Thanks again.

Tina be safe

Tina have a safe drive home to SC tomorrow..

Flowers for Mom

Hey Everybody! I finally made it on here! Mom is doing pretty good today, but she still isn't resting too good. These hospital beds are so comfy! If you wanted to send flowers the address is: Sun Coast Hospital
2025 Indian Rocks Road
Largo, FL 33774
Her room number is 325

I know she would enjoy receiving flowers now! Today Mom also had a man from the local Catholic Church come and give her the Eucharist. She was very talkative, and wanted him to pray for all of you. She is, like always, more concerned with everyone else than herself. Do we have the best mom or what?
That's all there is for now. I need to get back and check on our favorite patient.

lunch update

Jim made it to Florida! Mom has been taken off of her cumidin and heprin drip because ther INR level was too high. Not fully sure what that means...but she does need those medications...so we should pray that her INR level goes down and her DR gives the okay to start again. She started coughing up some blood this morning. Haven't gotten to talk to the DR about what that means. Please continue praying that pnemonia doesn't set in.
Her spirits are up again and she was glad to see Jim. She just finished lunch...and enjoyed her sherbet temendously. Thanks again for praying...keep it up!

Sunday AM

Mom did not sleep so great last night. The nurse wasn't very helpful when she wanted something and she said that her heart monitor was disconnected all night. She has her sense of humor about it, but she is not in good spirits today. Please pray that her spirits are raised, she eats a good lunch, and that she gets a helpful nurse today. She said that she won't let the DR leave the building this morning til she gets the catheder off. Dad said that if she is crotchety it means that she's getting better...so I guess she's getting better. Thanks again for all of your prayers.

last post of the day

Mom did so great today! She was asking about people and talking to us all day. I think her brain is a bit over stimulated thinking about what all has happened to her. She was out of it a lot yesterday...but she was alert and awake all day today. Please pray that she sleeps well tonight. She is in a regular room and doesn't have a roommate yet but will probably get one as soon as a new patient arrives in the hospital. Dad is hanging in there and was glad to see Mom like she was today. He even went for a walk on the beach with his friend. A much needed break.
She is off of the oxygen and the blood pressure cuff is off of her, so she is feeling a little less "wired". She has been getting out of bed to eat and sitting in a chair. She has been using her left side a lot more today than yesterday.
She LOVED the pictures that were sent. I put them in an album and she was looking at them all so intently. She wanted to keep looking at them. She recognized everyone!
Her appetite hasn't fully returned, so pray that tomorrow she will be able to eat normally. She is still coughing up stuff...but it didn't seem as green today. Continue to pray that she doesn't get pnemonia. Her heart rate was about 102 most of the day which is much better than it has been. The doctor said they won't even think about shocking her heart again for a few weeks...and that could be an outpatient procedure if it does have to happen.
I realize that this post is a bit scatterbrained. Please forgive me for that. I am just writing my thoughts from the day. Mom appreciates everyones prayers so much. Thank you all for praying. He is answering our prayers!!!

Sat. Update

Mom's been moved out of the ICU, yeah!
She continues to improve and everyone who is down in Florida is excited for her.

10:30 am

Mom went to her MRI in a wheelchair, she got out of bed with minimal help. Tina and Mary are on their way to the Walgreen's to pick up the photos sent Thanks Cindy. Dad talked to mom on the phone before coming to the hospital. He felt good about being able to carry on a conversation with her. Dad is doing better. results to come asap.

8:30 am update Saturday

Report from Mary: Good news! Mom slept great last night. She is herself;not crabby.
She was asking about everyone. The nurses heard about her new great-granddaughter and Mary expecting grandchild #34 (?).
Mom might be moved from ICU today. She has an MRI scheduled at 11am (EST). They were able to resume the blood thinner, after confirming there was no bleeding in her brain. She has accepted that she had a stroke and is aware that her vision on the left is impaired. When spoken to she glances to the right, regardless which of her sides they are on.
Today she was drinking coffee with her glasses on when Mary arrived. Tina, Mary and a sign have been successful getting the staff to call her Mac. The girls are relieved that Mac is at the point that she can communicate for herself to the staff.

Evening Update

Please continue to keep Mac Sciaroni (Mom, Grandmother) in your prayers, she is making remarkable progress.
- Today she was able to sit up and with help walk to a chair and sit down.
- eat
- rest
- she was coherent all day and talked to Tina, Mary and Dad.
While her vision is still acting up she is feeling much better and if she continues to improve will be moved out of the ICU tomorrow.
All positive signs.

Jim is heading to FL

Jim's ticket was reserved today on Southwest Airlines today. He will be arriving in Tampa Bay on Sunday morning. He is planning on staying in Florida until Jan. 22nd.

Sending Pictures to Florida

Cindy wants to send some digital pictures to be printed for Mom to enjoy. She wants to know if anyone would like to send pictures on the same order. You can just e-mail them to Cindy and she will send them to Walgreens to be printed. She wants to send them tomorrow morning.
Also, we need to hear from someone in Florida who can pick them up from the Walgreens in Belleair Bluffs (about 20 blocks north of the hospital).. If you want them sent to some other Walgreens she could do that instead.

4 pm update

Just talked to Mary. Mom just recognized her and ask her how long she was there, after talking to her most of the day.The Doctor said her reflexes ignore her left side right now, like when you call her from the left she turns right. This may or may not go away. One major concern right is mom getting pneumonia she is really coughing up a lot of stuff. The X-Ray and MRI we thought would be today are now set for Saturday..more to come.

1;30 pm update cst

I just got off the phone with Tina and Mary. Mom is making noises Like mumbling. If you ask her a question (sometimes more than once ) she will give you a clear and full answer. She is out of the norm crabby, but has been cracking a couple of jokes. Mary thinks she was that way because they were not giving her any food or drinks for fear of them ending up in the lung. last night she tried to pull her IV's out so that is why she was restrained. About an hour ago they gave her some food to eat, fish mashed potatoes,and pears. She scarfed it down like she hadn't eaten for a while Loved the pears. They still are care full when giving her liquids they put something in them to thicken it up so it wont go into the lungs.physical therapist came in a little while ago. Mom has regained some sight in her left eye, feeling in her left leg but still no feeling in her left arm. on her own she got out of bed and into the chair in her room. She is finding it easier to sleep sitting up, as well as coughing up stuff from her lungs ( This is a good thing )

10 am update

Tina says mom is resting right now. Her color is better today. A Priest came and anointed her she was sleeping at that time. Tina is so happy that mom is getting some rest now. Her left eye is still not clear. This afternoon she will get a chest x-ray and another MRI. we will get updates asap. The staff is so nice and helpful. A social worker will come in this afternoon to talk to dad.

Mary is now in Florida

I just got off the phone with Mary she is off the plane and on her way to the hospital.

Friday Morning Update 8:00 AM CST

I talked with Tina this AM, who is in Florida.
- Mom had a restless night, not much quality sleep and her heart is still racing
- Tina was upset this AM, when she came in this AM Mom was tied down, to keep her from moving.
- she was happy to see Tina, but surprised she was gone so long.

A few items to take note:
There are no flowers allowed in the ICU.
Pictures are allowed, hint, hint. She can even have pictures of flowers.
The address of Dad and Mom's unit in Florida is:
Landmark Tower 1
1230 Gulf Boulevard Unit 1005
Clearwater, FL 33767

Thanks to all for help and support

We would like to thank all our friends and family for all the help and support offered today...M.A.C and Ernie's Children

The best time for me to go

The 3 weeks from January 27 until February 16 would work out well for me.

Ernie

4:03 update

I just spoke to Tina and she said that Mom is in out of consciousness. She can move all of her limbs but she said that she can't feel when someone touches her LEFT side. Tina thought it was right earlier...but it is definitely left. She is very restless. Her heart rate is still high...130-145bpm. The cat scan (MRI) showed that her stroke was the "good kind". It was caused by a single clot (they think it was the one in her foot that dislodged) instead of continued bleeding in her brain. There is no bleeding there! In 2 days they are going to do another MRI and for now she is on medication to regulate her heart rate. Call me if something here doesn't make sense. I just realized that I didn't mention. Tina said that she cannot see out of her Left eye.

work together

Anyone want to get together to work out a plan let me know..tonight is good for me

Mom's neighbors

I just talked with Sr. Rebecca, Mom's friend that lives upstairs from them. She is going to have her friends on their block pray. St. Stephen's has been contacted and they are praying. If there is anyone else that people can think of that need to be contacted...let me now.

Going to FL

Is anyone else considering going to Florida? I have been given a free plane ticket and really want to go. I don't want to overwhelm them...but I really want to be there and am not sure what is right. Any input?

heart attack

They said that Mom probably had the heart attack 6-9 months ago.

earlier info

Mom had a test at 3pm florida time. It was the MRI that was supposed to have been done earlier. She fought them this morning and wouldn't let them do it because she didn't want her eyes covered. They don't have the info on MRI yet...I will update when they call.
Dad needs our prayers, he is very tired. He and Danny went out for lunch and that seemed to be a much needed break. Mom is now moving both sides of her body as normal. Tina said that the only irregular thing is that her speech seems to be slirred slightly. She is coherent and understanding everything. She was smiling and interacting somewhat normally.
Please call me, Vince, or Andy if you have any questions.

update 2:38pm

Tina just called and said that Mom had the MRI and they know nothing else new. They are putting a "pick line" in her arm to regulate the blood thinner right now. She will call when she knows something else...but for now...just call Me, Andy or Vince if you need info. They are sort of overwhelmed with phone calls.
Mary Lyn

Health Update

Mac had a stroke today, she also has had a heart attack. They are going to do an MRI and find out what else is going on...

More to come.

Andy