Another Dip in the Road

Roche Family News
Monday
Not such a good day for Mom on Monday. She was in bed all day, struggling with her breathing. She is quite swollen and the doctors are playing with the water pills to try and make her more comfortable. The down side is that more diuretic affects her kidneys and other levels. She was pretty agitated so they gave her Adavan to calm her.

Bridget and I went to meet with the St. Anne's social worker, Dagnia and nurse Pat. It was a good meeting. We politely expressed our concerns : Why was the V-tach not communitcated to us or the doctor? Ans: It was observed by a non medical staff member and so only recorded. Why did it take 2 hours to get her from St. Anne's to Columbia? Ans: don't know. Will look into it. Where are we in the process of ordering shoes? Ans: don't know. Will look into it. How can you monitor her health if she comes back? Ans: Able to handle meds through the IV but not injected medications into the IV site. Oxygen is not an issue. Lab orders will monitor other levels. Why can't PT/OT work on strengthening and range of motion until she is strong enough for standing and walking? Ans: They can. At this point, it may not be an issue what they can do.

Tuesday
Bridget spent the day at the hospital and Colleen came in for the afternoon and evening. Mom was in a chair but breathing was still very labored. She was very clear sometimes and other times she was talking to people who weren't there. Her arms twitch and her whole body shakes as she tries to get enough air. She has breathing treatments every 4 hours and they seem to relax her for awhile. Mary Ellen, Kathleen and Rainey came to visit. Mary Ellen was able to wash her hair with some type of shampoo cap and that made her feel better. The nurses felt that she was much better from Monday. I don't think any of us felt that way.

Wednesday
Mom is talking a little better today. Mary Ellen and Kathleen came back and Mary Ellen curled her hair and did her nails. She was thrilled. Bridget's friend, Loye has also been visiting and she came up today to help with lunch. It really helps her frame of mind. I'll go up again after school