Saturday, August 11, 2007

Yarn Therapy

I never realized how therapeutic fiber could be but if I had not had fiber the last 8 weeks..I'd be in a padded cell.
It's been 8 weeks today since Mom fell and broke her leg..the leg is doing beautifully even after falling from the bed at the Rehab..but she developed another LITTLE problem a few weeks ago...actually longer but because they would not listen to her NON NURSE daughter..she went undiagnosed and nearly died. I started telling all shifts a month ago that she had diarrhea...not just once..but multiple times..daily...occasionally as many as 6 times a day...They shrugged..and said..we'll fax the Dr...I really wish I knew whatever happened to the phone method of communication..soooo they said they faxed..and he said to give her some Imodium...I am quite sure he meant give her Imodium for a one time occasion...not 6 times nor 2 weeks..but I made continual mention to the nurse, the charge nurse..and finally after 2 weeks..and she projectiled on the physical therapist..did they decide maybe she needed to be tested for C-Diff...which she tested positive for...She had stopped eating 10 days prior to this..barely enough to keep a bird alive..and was close to being dehydrated...They started her on the first course of treatment, which was Flagyl...after 2 days they realized they needed to go to the 'big guns' and not play around any longer...She laid in total discomfort and was in a horribly grumpy mood for the first week and did not show any improvement..actually at the end of her first week...she was worse and they made some other adjustments in her medications and added more to her IV..Of course this was not without incidence..of the poking and probing by a unskilled IV person...so she felt like a pin cushion and had bruises to speak for the abuse. Finally after a very gloomy week and weekend...on Monday, she began to say...'I feel a little better'...She was finally gotten out of bed and each day since has made minute progress and has been able to have some isolated therapy.
I have stayed 20-24 hours a day with her since this started and have decided that sleeping in a recliner ranks with sleeping on the ground in a campground...
During this time I am sure I have not made any lifetime friends with the staff...because trust me..I have lambasted everyone that I can get in the face of...and with good reason...
My Mom has always taken great pride in her personal appearance as well as her personal hygiene and there is no reason just because she can't get into the shower or tub that she can't have the same quality of personal care...therefore I have temporarily moved into her room...I leave daily for a few hours to come home for a shower and change of clothes..and have a meal with Mike...I have not returned once that I did not find her agitated...either at me for leaving her..and she felt abandoned...or that she had been neglected by the staff..mostly the latter.
When I leave...I always tell the CNA that is in charge of her..as well as the charge nurse and anyone else that may be walking down her hall that I am leaving and leave a detailed message by her bed...I assure them when she rings her bell..it is because she needs the bedpan...not because she wants to socialize...but yet when I return..I find she has either been left for long periods while awaiting the pan..or left unattended on the pan...and always left in a most unclean state...There is absolutely no excuse for the lack of care she has gotten. I've tried to equate to the caregiver that I only expect her to have 1/10 of her time if she has 10 patients, but she will require much less...because I bathe her daily, dress her and take care of all her personal needs...including making sure she has eaten(when she eats) and return her tray..
I've even begun to think maybe I expect too much...but the price tag that accompanies her stay here would indicate she should receive 5***** care.
I'm so very grateful to be at a place in my life that I don't have to work and can give my Mom this time...and even though we already had a very close bond...it's far greater than before..
I can't say it's been without incident...she's gotten fretted with me at times..and I've gotten cranky with her too...especially before she was diagnosed..I accused her of being stubborn for not eating...not realizing how ill she was...
But...I have gotten some little knitting projects done between my nursing duties...I've completed a few socks..almost one side of a poncho and started another scarf...not too mention dish/wash cloths...Once the dust settles, I am anxious to knit another sweater...and by then it will be time to wear it...but I sure hope I don't have time to knit this 'said' sweater while being the 'queen of bed pan'...Dana, I dare you to challenge me for that title...it's all MINE!!
Fiber Friends and local friends have all been such a rock of support during this ordeal..I can't say thank you enough for the emails, calls and visits to my Mom..Trust me without your kindness..I may have gone 'postal' on a nurse..
Happy Knitting and Spinning to all...

5 comments:

Robin said...

OH MY...Dianne,
I had no idea of all you were dealing with! I knew it was bad but...geez! My first question is Fiber Friends or not...how did you keep yourself from going postal? Is there another facility to move her to?
Hang in there Babe! You are doing a GREAT job!

Nikki said...

Many hugs for both of you.

Marianne said...

I can't even begin to express just how sweet it is to see a post from you.....I'm so very glad to hear that your Mom has started feeling better...
It's just shameful the way the staff is behaving...seriously, WTF!

Again, I'm glad you'll be getting some rest this coming week and just know you are always close, tucked in snug in my heart.
You truly are my hero. I just can't say that enough, pretty soon you'll be backhanding me (I'll duck)...
Not even Dana would dare try and take that Queenly title away from you but what I hope and fervently pray for is that your Mom's recovery will improve by such leaps and bounds that you won't be holding the title too very long.
!!!XOXOXOX!!!
(oh and btw? you've gotten waaay more knitting in than I have...and I'm VERY happy for you)

Dana said...

When all of this is said and done, I hope you'll indulge yourself. A week in bed, a week in Mexico, getting lost in Yarn Barn...something/anything fun and totally for you (and Mike).

I was so happy to read that the second round of meds is working and that your mother is feeling better & eating more. That's great news and it's all due to you and your intensive care of her.

You're "Queen of Caregivers!"

Dianne said...

I love how you think..nothing could sound more appealing right now than a week in Mexico..with yarn..bed and margaritas..but this must wait until Mom is home and recuperated.