Like A Pike

We went to visit my dear MIL at the rehab facility today after church. She was sitting in a chair and anticipating her lunch while we were there. Her appetite is fair and her spirits are good, for those two things we are thankful. I left there feeling discouraged, however; she doesn't seem to be the least bit interested in improving her situation even one tiny bit. She has little to no desire to participate in physical therapy, she is indifferent when it comes to socialization with the other residents and shows complete disregard for the planned activities. She is content to do exactly what we found her doing today: sitting and watching television, in her room all by herself. She complained that her lips were dry, we directed her attention the lip balm on her chair-side table, not even one foot away from her. "I'm too lazy to reach over for that" was her reply. I didn't make a move to get it for her, she did pick it up and use it shortly after that. She claims to want to go home within the week, that is the frustrating part for me, her actions don't demonstrate that desire. My husband is equally discouraged but told me that he admits to suffering from "pike syndrome" when it comes to encouraging her. For years he has tried to gently coach, boost, strengthen, inspire and energize her, but she refuses; it is downright disheartening. And so, we left her, alone in her room watching television. She seemed happy enough with that. I have prayed that she can go back home again, what she has told us that she truly wants to do. I'm just not so sure about that anymore. I am fine tuning my prayers on her behalf now, asking God to impart peace and wisdom for this situation, so that she truly understands what is necessary for her own best interest. I'm praying for my husband too, that pike starved itself to death(!); my prayer is that God will enlighten him with understanding and direction along a new path.

Life is Good!

On this, the thirteenth day of November, I am thankful for

the loving role models God has provided within my family.

It's Frozen!

So, after suffering with a painful left shoulder since October I decided, at long last, to go to the doctor. Yeah, I know... but, I thought I could treat this myself! To begin with I did away with the heavy handbag swinging off that shoulder; I used moist heat, I used ice packs, I used a sling, I strapped it up, I wore a compression sleeve, I took ibuprofen... nothing worked. Finally, on Tuesday, I cried "uncle". After a quick trip to my PCP's office yesterday morning and an even faster referral to an Orthopedic Specialist I was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder yesterday afternoon. Well, all things considered, (it was 2 degrees outside our back door when I got up today) what isn't frozen? I received a cortisone shot in the shoulder which immediately freed up the movements within; that, in itself, was next to miraculous. I had my first PT session this morning; all went well, the therapist is great and I have a printout of exercises to do at home as a supplement to my workouts there. This is going to take time... but it will get better. The Ortho doc prescribed some high-powered pain meds and suggested taking those prior to each session with the physical therapist; I did that, the session went just fine... but, it didn't sit very well with my stomach and I was sick as a dog (sorry, Hannes!) after returning back home. I believe I'll cut that dose in half for next time. It's onward and upward from here. The best news? If it doesn't hurt, keep on doing it, that includes longarm quilting! The puzzled look on the therapist's face when I explained what a longarm machine is, and asked if it would do any harm, was priceless... he hadn't a clue.

Life is Good!

A Whole New World

Mom's hospital time is winding down and it looks as though going straight home won't be an option; she isn't able to get around well enough to take care of herself, or her dog, for a while. The necessary next-step is a stay in a skilled care facility to receive some concentrated physical and occupational therapy as a means to get back to her home and to independent living once again. My husband and I made some site visits today. It's a whole new world for both of us, complete with it's own language. We now understand the difference between acute and skilled care, we've learned about modalities and what that means as far as physical therapy is concerned. We've inspected rooms and interviewed staff. We made a decision on Mom's behalf, and we hope that she will be pleased; it's not been easy for any of us. The thing that makes all of this bearable is knowing that this is for the short-term; that, and the fact that her little dog can visit her during her stay! It's hard to believe how much has changed in less than week, and how adaptable one can become to the situations that God sets in front of us. Keep those prayers coming; for strength, patience and healing, they mean so much.

Life is Good!