Update on my mom
By CatsandDogs
@CatsandDogs (13963)
United States
May 2, 2008 11:19pm CST
I got a phone call from my dad about 2 hours ago and he told me that the nurse called him. Mom DID have a stroke. The first MRI didn't show it but the one that was taken this morning did. She's not able to swallow correctly because everything ends up in her lungs so the doctors are going to put in a feeding tube in her side tomorrow morning. Dad and I are going to have to take a class on how to feed her in case she has to go home with it. She looked horrible today because of all the bruises she has from being on steroids for her foot injury which causes bleeding inside the skin to happen very easily. She already bruises easily so you can only imagine what she looks like after a fall from trying to get out of bed. She was/is still too weak to stand up. She even has a big black eye. They've had to give her a sedative to calm her down for she's still combative but because of the sedative, she's very hard to understand. She tries her best to talk but none of us can make out what she's saying and she gets all upset. I can understand her frustration, really I can because I try to put myself in her shoes, it would upset me too but darn it, she needs to rest and I know she won't rest if I'm there or anybody else but she's asked for me every day, like today, dad called me as I was walking out the door and said momma is asking for you, when are you coming in? So I can't NOT go in and see her. I can't do that to her.
Just wanted to keep you all updated. Keep the prayers coming! Thanks to all of you!
6 people like this
13 responses
@ellie26 (4139)
• Malaysia
3 May 08
I am sorry to hear this. It sounds like very similar to my late father's condition. It is common for stroke patient to be fed via tube. My late father's was heavily sedated because he became very aggressive when he was fully conscious. He tried to pull his feeding tube and tried to get down from his bed. But my late father's condition was totally different from your mom. He was 73 years old, suffering from kidney failure, heart problem, low blood count and shrinking of the brain. The only organ that was functioning normally was his liver. The doctor have told us to prepare for the worst. Be strong and do what is best for her. Have faith and continue to pray.
4 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
4 May 08
That had to be an true nightmare. Bless your heart!! At least now he's at peace and not in that body that wouldn't work for him anymore. May he rest his soul!
Mom is 72 and has a kidney disease. She was taking predisone for a foot injury and was told it would be ok on her kidneys but the last day on the medication, she went down. Coinsidence? Maybe. We don't know. She was combative this morning and wouldn't let them put the tube in so they had to sedate her to calm her down but still no tube. This afternoon when I went back, my brother was there, he lives five hours away, and mom was in wonderful spirits! I was so happy to see her so happy!! She's been so angry at the world for too long and then to see her happy really made my day. He talked to her about needing the tube and she just nodded her head so maybe now she won't fight it anymore and go through with it. Tomorrow will tell.
Thanks so much for your kind words and sharing your wisdom. It's so very much appreciated!! I seriously mean that with all of my heart!!
2 people like this
@ellie26 (4139)
• Malaysia
4 May 08
Hi CatsandDogs, thats good news. You should read more about people who had stroke. Stroke and kidney problems are related. The more you know, the better you'll understand your mom condition. That was what I did. I have started a novena for your mom. Take care and God bless you.
2 people like this
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
3 May 08
I am sorry, it must be difficult. Your mother and your father alike are very fortunate to have you there with your help and compassion. my son had a feeding tube (J-Tube) into his intestines (bypassing the stomach) it really was not very difficult to take care of. Though, the health supply store was outrageous in the cost of feed and pump rental. If it is going to be long term you might want to check into purchasing a refurbished pump rather than renting one for $50 a month and an IV pole to hang it on can cost less than $20 which is better than a $11 a month rental fee. I wish I had purchased ours sooner.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
3 May 08
Not all tubes require a pump for feeding, my husband was fed by a syringe. For him it worked to have a mixture of Instant Breakfast and extra vitamins. They tried Ensure, but that did not set well for him. He was accustomed to drinking milk and so he was more able to digest the instant breakfast because it was made with milk. He had the tube because he had ALS and his muscles for swallowing lost their strength.
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
4 May 08
Both of you, thanks for the very helpful information. Now I know who I can run to if I have any questions! lol
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
3 May 08
Prayers for healing are being said right now. You need to just keep positive for both your Mom and Dad at this time, as this is a very rough time. Take time for yourself and don't give up. There are many people praying for you, and whatever happens, you need to know it is for the best.
Please keep us updated, and here's a big (((HUG))) for you.
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
3 May 08
Oh Cats, a stroke? Oh geez sweets you are in for some rough times. I wish I could just whisk you away for awhile until you are more equipped yourself to deal with the strain of all this. Of course I will continue to keep you and yours in my prayers. That's a given. Remember to breath deep. Hugs and much love to your and hubs.
3 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
4 May 08
Spark, all I do is cry or sit in a spaced out mode. I can't get my thoughts together because I'm so overwelmed by it all. It's so hard to believe AND see such a vibrant self independent with so much energy be reduced to this. She can't talk right. She can't swallow. She can't walk. She's has no coordination what so ever. She can't even hold a pen. I'm so dumbfounded.
I've gotta tell ya though, I'm so awed by all the care, love, thoughtfulness and prayers that everyone has shown here. I'm so WOWed over it all. I pray that every one of you realize how much my family and I appreciate it all!! I'm so serious. I'm forever grateful!!
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
Hey sweets - just try to keep in mind that the rehabilitation for stroke victims has come a long way. Hopefully once they get your mum stabilized the healing can begin. I'm crying for you darlin' so you stop, breath deep and try to find your equalibrium. You're going to need it in the weeks ahead. I love you.
2 people like this
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
3 May 08
I am really glad to find this discussion from you as I have been thinking about you the last few days and wondering how everything is for you all. I am sorry about your Mum, but at least now you know what you are dealing with and I hope that things will get better for her. It must be really horrible for her not being able to make herself understood the poor thing, I will keep thinking about you all and hoping that things start to get better for Your Mum real soon xxx
2 people like this
@gabrielle47 (1219)
• Philippines
3 May 08
Hi Cats. I was sad on reading this update about your mom although i wasnt able to read your previous posts. It just reminded me of my dad when he had a stroke and was in ICU for several days. I know how terrible you and your dad feel on helping and giving her all the comfort she need.
I also know the frustration of your mom having the difficulty of not being able to get through here message to you. Maybe you can get her a pen and paper or white board if she can write so you can communicate better? I know I cant be much of help but I can only extend my prayers to you and your family for courage and strength and for faster healing of your mom. Do take care and be courageous in this trying time.
« Gab »
4 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
4 May 08
I've tried giving her some paper with a clip board but she can't even hold the pen, not alone write. She's lost her speech, ability to swallow, strength, and coordination. It's so hard to see her this way. I've a question, how long did it take your dad to bounce back? I already miss her so much.
BTW, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!! Bless you!! Please keep them coming!!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
3 May 08
That tube can be a real life saver, and is not that hard to manage. She may recover her ability to swallow. Pick some time that you can visit and make that a regular time, it may help her to know that you are coming in at a certain time. That is so hard for your mom and dad.
2 people like this
@mummymo (23706)
•
3 May 08
Oh Sweety at least they know now what is wrong and they can work on treating her properly! I have heard that sometimes it can take a few days before a stroke will show up on an MRI - it did with my Gran! Your Mom is confused sweety, alot of people get aggressive and combative after a stroke but mostly that goes as they get better! I know every case is different but my Gran is 84 in a few weeks and when she had a stroke a few years ago we were beside herself with worry but she has since bounced back and is doing great! I will of course still be keeping you all in my prayers! Hugs xxx
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 May 08
It sounds like you're mom is going to have a "G"-tube inserted into her stomach..no?? When my mother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer prior to her chemo and radiation therapy to bring the tumor down, she couldn't eat anything by mouth either..but had to have a G-tube surgically inserted into her stomach area. CatsandDogs...I just pray and hope your mother won't be difficult though...my mother was a real royal pain in the a...she would keep tugging at the tube..and not once, not twice but three times she yanked it out...yeesh...
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
3 May 08
hi catsndogs am so sorry about your mom. I am sending my prayers for her and for all of you. hang in there;its tough Iknow. But my mom had a stroke and recovered so theres always some
hope. I know its going to be tough for both you and her as she struggles to try to make herself understood. Do keep going
to see her if only for short periods as it will help. I could not help with my mom so it was up to my dad and the whole town pitched in too. Iwas clear across the US and had just had a baby so was no help but she did recover. my best to all of you.
@chrissieatu (1033)
• China
3 May 08
Hey, cats. I am sorry that your mom have a stroke. It must be tough for the whole family now. Reading your post, I am sure your mum is quite upset and uncomfortable. Just take good care of her and yourself as well. I am not sure what else I can say. I may understand your feeling because my mum is not that fine this years which make me feel very anxious. Good luck to your mum and your family. Best wishes.
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
22 Jun 08
I am sorry to see your mom had a stroke. I hope in the past 2 months she has made great progress! My aunt had a stoke at 44 and never fully recovered but did enough to live on her own for about 10 years. My thoughts are with you! Thank you for the tip from you cat post. Good luck and I really hope all works out for the best!
