Friday, November 11, 2011

Alzheimer's and our 8 year journey takes a new turn

Just a short post to tell you all where I've been.

My mother in law stopped breathing 20 days ago on a Sunday night, I called 911 and performed CPR and she started breathing...then we spent 8 harrowing days and nights by her side in the ICU.

She's home now, but she is now completely bedridden and has a host of other medical issues that are new to deal with.

So that's where I've been. Learning about Hoyer Lifts / Hospital Beds / Pressure Sores / Physical Therapy / Occupational Therapy / Bed Baths and more!  I've fought the medical establishment, her doctor of 50 years (yes, 50) who STILL has not called us back, insurance, medicare and more, but the care and items she needs are finally coming through after more than a week of having her home.

We're so happy she is back home with us, but our 'new normal' is taking many hours of work to adjust.  Alheizmer's is not a curable disease and this is the next step in the disease progression.  We've fought it hard for years, so to see it nosedive like it has is emotionally draining, especially for my husband and daughters.

My new pet peeve is ICU doctors who send a newly bedridden patient home at 8 pm at night via ambulance with written instructions that say 'continue care as before'. 

UGH!

1 comment:

  1. Oh my goodness. I'll definitely say a prayer for you and your whole family!

    ReplyDelete