http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog Chronicle of my Mother's Lewy Body Dementia http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Laura Fowler 2007 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:21:09 -0600 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:21:43 -0600 iBlog 2.0 RC3 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071108181231/index.html <br>This is the final post. Today was Mother's funeral. We had a visitation on Wednesday afternoon.<br><br>Between the visitation and the funeral we had a good turnout. During the visitation the funeral home had a DVD playing that contained photos of Mother that I had supplied. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. The funeral was a grave side service. The weather was cool, but very nice. Mother would have loved the flowers. There were lilies, orchids, dutch iris, gerber daises, and gladiolus. <br><br>Everything was very nice and it was a celebration of Mother's life. <br> Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:12:31 -0600 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071108181231/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071104201249/index.html <br>Here are the arrangements for Mother's funeral:<br><br>Visitation: Wednesday 2 pm - 4 pm at Restland Funeral Home Dallas, TX<br><br>Funeral: Thursday 10:30 am at Garden of Compassion Restland Memorial Park<br> Sun, 04 Nov 2007 20:12:49 -0600 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071104201249/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071104025945/index.html <br>We just got the call that Mother passed. I'll update the blog as soon as I know more about the plans.<br> Sun, 04 Nov 2007 02:59:45 -0600 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071104025945/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071103180854/index.html <br>Mother is not doing well. She isn't drinking or eating, so I don't know how much longer she can hold on. <br><br>We selected to use Vitas Hospice and we met with a nurse this morning and admitted Mother. The nurse was very nice and she seemed to know what she is doing. Mother's assigned nurse will probably come tomorrow to see what kind of care Mother needs.<br> <br><br> Mother can't talk and I have been communicating with her through blinks. I ask a question and if the answer is yes she blinks. If she doesn't blink I then turn around the question so that she should blink if she really meant no the first time. First I have to make sure that I have her attention. It was working well this morning. She wanted to try some ice cream, but I think it hurt too much to swallow. She only took one small bite. Mother was in pain, so asked the nurse to give her something, but the nurse wasn't showing up. After the hospice nurse left I asked Mother if she was in pain and she quickly and firmly closed her eyes. It was obvious that she was in more pain than before, so I went down and asked about the pain medication again. The nurse gave Mother some morphine and that seemed to help. We left shortly after that.<br><br>We went back up in the afternoon when Mother is usually awake, but I think she had just had some morphine. She wasn't able to focus much, but I think she realized we were there. We stayed a little while to see if she would wake more, but she didn't. I went back this evening, but she had had morphine about an hour prior and she was already asleep. <br><br><br> <br> Sat, 03 Nov 2007 18:08:54 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071103180854/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071102185908/index.html <br>Mother's still hanging in there. She about the same as yesterday.<br><br>I stopped by this morning on my way to work, but she was asleep. I did ask the nurse to follow up on the call to the doctor. The doctor did see her, but neither Dad or I were there. The doctor wrote the order for hospice. Mother's chest is clear and her breathing is OK, but her oxygen levels are low and her blood pressure is low.<br><br>When I got up there this afternoon I checked with the nurse to see what I needed to do about hospice. It turned out that I had to call the hospice and they didn't have the number and I didn't have it with me. I checked on Mother and she was asleep, so I went home and called hospice. Their nurse will meet us in Mother's room tomorrow morning. <br><br>I waited until about three to go back since I thought Mother would be awake then and she was. She seemed to recognize me and I sat and talked to her for little while. When she seemed to be getting sleepy again I left. On my way out I checked with the nurse about the new medication that the doctor ordered. They had one medication that Mother can't take, so the nurse called the doctor and got it cancelled. <br><br>Dad and I went back after supper and Mother was awake. They had just turned her and she was facing us, so we talked to her for a little while. I started brushing her hair and as usual she became a little irritated after a short time, so I quit. While we were there the nurse gave Mother some morphine, so hopefully that will make her more comfortable. When we left we promised to see her tomorrow.<br> Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:59:08 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071102185908/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071101185843/index.html <br>Mother has taken a turn for the worse. This evening when I got there the nurse had Mother in bed and she was putting oxygen on her. Her oxygen levels were low and her blood pressure was very low. The oxygen started raising her oxygen levels, but not very fast. She did revive a little and started to open her eyes and grasp my hand. The nurses have suggested getting Hospice, so I will give them a call. They have also put a call into the doctor. <br><br>We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings.<br> Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:58:43 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071101185843/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071031183611/index.html <br>Mother's not any better today. She's still mostly unresponsive. She refused to eat or drink at breakfast. The aide said she ate 20% at lunch. She only had some health shake for supper.<br><br>When I got there Mother was still in the dining room and she was letting the health shake dribble out of her mouth and her left arm had a tremor. I decided that I should just put her into bed. On our way to her room the nurse asked if she ate anything. I told her about the health shake and that I had decided she needed to be in bed. We also discussed if Mother had had a small stroke. She said we could send her to the hospital, but I told her that I thought that would be too hard on Mother. I took Mother to her room and I asked Mother if she could communicate with me some how like squeezing my hand or nodding her head. I got no response, so went to her bathroom to get a warm wet wash cloth for cleaning her face. As I was bringing it back Mother made an extra effort to open her eyes and make a noise at me. She was working so hard that she was shaking both fists. I told her that I now know she in there and hearing me and I won't give up on her. I cleaned her face and hands and then help her into bed. As usual she got mad at me as I helped her into bed. She still had some health shake in her mouth, so I got one of the pink foam "toothbrushes" and the minute it touched her lips she firmly closed her lips. I managed to work it into her mouth and get some of the health shake out. When I left she was asleep.<br><br>On the way out I asked about getting one of the hospital type beds that would allow the head to be raised a little bit at a time. Her current bed is either flat or sitting up with no steps in between. I'm thinking that raising her head would help her sinuses drain.<br><br><br><br> Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:36:11 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071031183611/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071030184810/index.html <br>Mother was worse today. She was sleepy all day and refusing to eat. She drank the fortified cranberry juice this morning, but this evening she didn't even want her ice cream. <br><br>When I got there Mother was in the dining room and refusing to eat. She just wanted to sleep. Her nose was running, but it was clear. She took one sip of ice cream, but when I gave her another she didn't swallow it and after a few minutes she let it run out of her mouth. The nurse suggested getting her into bed so that she could check her vitals and call the nurse practitioner. After I helped Mother into bed the nurse came down. Mother wasn't running a fever and her blood pressure was good. She sounded stuffy, but it didn't sound like it was in her chest. She might also have the stomach virus that's been going around the nh. The nurse practitioner ordered Guaifenesin (prescription strength Mucinex). We'll just have to see how she is tomorrow. As you might guess she was asleep when I left.<br> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:48:10 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071030184810/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071029184615/index.html <br>Mother was much the same today. She ate a good breakfast, but didn't eat much supper.<br><br>When I got there this evening Mother was still eating or actually refusing to eat. She was also refusing to take her medication. I went over and started talking to her and she finally took the medication and she also drank her ice cream. I then took her to her room and helped her into bed. She was asleep when I left.<br> Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:46:15 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071029184615/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071028181120/index.html <br>Mother was about the same today. Mother ate fairly well for breakfast, but refused to eat at lunch and ate half of her hamburger at supper. She didn't have any fever last night.<br><br>When we got there this morning Mother was glad to see us and we took her to her room. She ate most of her oatmeal, some of her toast and a few bites of her eggs. I tried to ask her if she wanted to go out to eat lunch with us, but she wasn't answering. I told her I would ask her again when I got back. She then napped until I got back. When I asked her again if she wanted to go with us to eat she said yes. GW and Paula were to meet us at the restaurant. When we arrived Mother was glad to see GW and Paula. Mother was still fairly sleepy and she didn't wake very much for lunch. She didn't eat much of her salad, but she did eat some ice cream. We then left to go home and take a nap. <br><br>Mother had a good nap and about three we tried to get her to eat a banana and cookie, but she only took a small bite of each. She rested until we got back with supper. Once GW and Paula and I were back with supper we helped Mother out of bed. She ate half of her hamburger and she drank most of her milk. She was getting very tired, so we took her back. Once we were back we helped her straight into bed and she fell asleep quickly.<br> Sun, 28 Oct 2007 18:11:20 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071028181120/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071027180306/index.html <br>Mother seemed better this morning and at lunch, but this afternoon she was restless and this evening she refused to eat and she felt hot.<br><br>When we got there this morning Mother was glad to see us. She didn't want to eat her eggs, but she did eat her hot cereal and some of her toast. She then napped, but she was a little restless. When we left we promised to come back and take her home.<br><br>When we got back Mother was eating lunch, so Dad went over to feed her. She ate well, but she was getting very sleepy. We took her home and helped her into bed. She was restless and didn't sleep much. I also found that she had some of her lunch still in her mouth. It was the pork, so I got some Q-tips and cleaned out her mouth. It looked like it was chewed well, so maybe she just didn't swallow it. I'm starting to wonder if she is having swallowing problems. About three we had a banana and cookie and Mother ate all of hers, but we had to feed it to her. <br><br>When I got back with supper we helped Mother out of bed. Once she was in her wheelchair she became sleepy and she refused to eat. She drank a glass of milk. Once we had finished eating we took her back and helped her straight into bed. She settled down quickly, but she wasn't asleep when we left. <br><br>On the way out I mentioned to the nurse that Mother felt hot and I asked her to take her temperature. I also told her that Mother had refused to eat and I asked her to give Mother some supplement when she gives her the eight o'clock pills. <br> Sat, 27 Oct 2007 18:03:06 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071027180306/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071026182135/index.html <br>Mother's doing better today. She ate more and seemed more alert. <br><br>When I got there this afternoon Mother was in bed and asleep. She woke a little before three, but she wasn't fully awake. She did smile at me, so I think she realized it was me. She let me trim her fingernails and then I noticed that something looked strange in her mouth. She had some food caked behind her teeth and since it was ham and pink at first I though it was her gum, so I got the nurse to look at. At first she also thought it was Mother's gum, but I used my finger to get a little bit out and discovered it was ham. The nurse used some swabs to clean out Mother's mouth. Apparently they had ham for lunch. Mother didn't like having her mouth cleaned out, but she put up with it fairly well. She then rested until it was time for me to leave. Before leaving I promised to bring Dad back with me.<br><br>When we got back Mother was still eating and Dad went over to feed her. She ate some of her food in addition to the fortified ice cream. When she had finished eating she was glad to see me. We took her to her room and I helped her into bed as quickly as possible. We checked her mouth to make sure she didn't have food in it. The nurse had left one of the foam swabs that they use to brush teeth and I used it on Mother after she was in bed. It was hard work to get her to open her lips enough to get it in and she wouldn't open her teeth, so I just brushed the outside of her teeth. I'm going to try to use one every night. Maybe Mother will get use to me doing it and it will get easier. Mother went to sleep quickly and she was asleep when we left.<br> Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:21:35 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071026182135/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071025182926/index.html <br>Last night the nurse thought she heard something in Mother's chest, so she called the nurse practitioner. The nurse practitioner order a chest X-ray and blood work (CBC). Mother's chest was clear and the blood work didn't show any infection. Mother was more alert tonight.<br><br>When I got there this evening Mother was still eating and she was actually eating some of the melon and a bite or two of fish. When she had finished eating and I coaxed her into opening her eyes, she was glad to see me. She was ready to go to bed, so I took her to her room and helped her into bed as quickly as possible. She fell asleep quickly and she was asleep when I left. <br><br>Hopefully this means that Mother is starting to get better.<br><br><br><br> Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:29:26 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071025182926/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071024183140/index.html <br>Mother was a little less sleepy today and she didn't feel as hot this evening. Earlier today her chest was still clear, but the nurse will check her temperature and listen to her chest this evening. Fortunately, the regular nurse is there tonight. I trust her to do the right thing. If Mother is running a fever the nurse will call the doctor to see what can be done. <br><br>When I got there this evening Mother was still eating. When she had finished eating she didn't want to open her eyes. Once I got her to the room I did get her open her eyes and to talk to me which is more than she would do last night. She told me her throat hurt and that she was ready for bed. I helped her into bed and she fell asleep quickly. I'm hoping that her cold is starting to get better.<br> Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:31:40 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071024183140/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071023182005/index.html <br>Mother was very sleepy today. She was running a fever again tonight, but her chest seems to be clear.<br><br>When I got there Mother was still eating, but she was so sleepy that I'm not sure she was aware that I was there. I did make her mad as I was getting her ready for bed, but I still wasn't sure that she was aware that it was me. I helped her into bed and she fell asleep quickly. I then got the nurse to check her temperature and listen to her chest. She said that Mother's chest sounded clear. The nurse was going to give her a Tylenol. Hopefully, Mother will be feeling better soon.<br> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:20:05 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/lauraf13/iblog/E20071023182005/index.html