Here We Go Again...

[Janet]

I had to take my Mom to the ER in Lafayette yesterday morning. She was weak and losing blood again. They decided to admit her. Her GI doctor is planning to do a colonoscopy this morning. Just waiting on my brother to come get me so we can head over. Don't think I'd be able to make it without a 4-wheel drive. We've got about 3 inches so far and due to get over 8.

When I first got to her house...she just cried..so I let her. She needed to get it out. She's been through so much here these past couple years...especially this past one.

They gave her that go-lite stuff to drink to help clean her out. She didn't want to and it was very scary. I'm so anxious to get back over to the hospital.

Please pray that whatever is wrong they find and can fix it.

[lynne b]

Janet, you and your mom have been through so much. I hope they will be able to find something out today to help her. I will be praying for you both and you be careful out in the snow today.

[Lindsey]

Janet, I'm so sorry you and your family are having to go through all of this. Stay safe on the roads!

[DianaB]

Janet, I'm so sorry to hear that you're Mom's headed to the hospital again. I know that this is so hard for you...and especially for her. She's such an independent little woman that I know this is so difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[judy]

Your poor Mom! What a year she has had, and you too. You are both in my heart, Janet.

[Janet]

Mom had the colonoscopy done this morning. You're going to have to excuse my spelling and some words coming up...lol. She had a couple polyps and they were removed. She also has a lot of what they call 'ticks' ...it's something ticklitus...Gayle will know what I'm trying to say. I left the papers with Mom so I don't exactly know how to spell them. She also has some areas that look kind of like spider veins and then were enlarged so they cauterized them.

She's feeling okay, but not liking to have to stay on a liquid diet the rest of today. Hopefully after tomorrow's visit by the Dr., he'll let her have something better. Only thing is now....they said because of her age...all those things can happen again. Maybe with the polyps taking a bit longer to appear, but the other two things can happen again. May not happen for a year or could happen in a few weeks. That was disappointing news.

Now the wind here has picked up and I can't hardley see to the road which is about 50 feet. Still snowing with high winds. Not sure how I will get to Mom tomorrow.

[judy]

Be careful Janet! You may have to stay home tomorrow, but she is in safe hands in the hospital, and there is always the phone.

I am sorry they did not give you more optimistic news, but they may not come back!!!

[gja1000]

I think it is diverticulitis - little out pouches in the colon that can capture waste and become inflammed and bleed or even burst (which is not good, but doesn't happen very often). The polyps could have been bleeding too, so with them removed, that could help.

Usual treatment might be antibiotics if the pouches are inflammed, if spasms or pain is present, then other meds to reduce those symptoms are prescribed. Also, a bland, liquid or low fiber diet may help.

[Janet]

Of course you're exactly right Gayle. I'm so happy to have you in my life. Everything you said is exactly what the Drs. here told us. They called school again...wind is blowing so hard that there is no way my van will make it. Guess we'll just have to talk via the phone.

[judy]

Stay warm and cozy! Mom will probably have to stick to her new diet, but it's not terrible. I had diverticulosis and got a diet for it once. I did not keep to it, but it had less fiber, I remember.

My MIL had these intestinal problems plus colitis. She went a couple of times each year for a colonoscopy, unless she was bleeding. Of course, she wasn't also on dialysis.

It sounds like your Mom gets excellent medical care, which is wonderful. It would be best, of course, if she did not need it. Prayers for both of you, Janet.

[DianaB]

At least they have an idea where the bleeding was coming from and have taken care of it for now. In the future they'll know what to check for as well. It sounds like the doctor's have done a good job of taking care of your Mom and she'll be back home soon!!

Your weather sounds bad!!! Just stay in where it's warm and safe!!! Talk to Mom on the phone and give her my love!!! It sounds like a good day to rest and take care of Janet!!!

[paula1961]

Janet I am so sorry to hear about your mom having problems again. Hopefully she will be up and at 'em real soon. Sounds like she has some very good drs.

We are getting that blowing snow too. Please don't try to drive in it.:)

How is she doing today?

[Janet]

They are keeping her overnight again just to make sure everything is okay. I wasn't able to get over to Lafayette to see Mom, but did talk to her. Hope I can get to her tomorrow. Not sure what tomorrow will bring as far as driving the bus.

[DIANE W]

Janet..... so sad to hear you are still going through a difficult time, i am thinking of you and your poor mum, take care of yourself.

[Janet]

Mom was released from the hospital yesterday. Since we had a 2-hour delay, my older brother brought her home. She's weak and a little shaky today, but she hadn't done anything but sit or lie in bed in the hospital. So whenever she does anything, she needs to rest.

I wish I could talk her into coming to live with me. It would be so much easier, but I do know there are times when it would be harder.

[DianaB]

I'm sure that one of these days your Mother will come and live with you but right now she's still so independent!! On second thought......it might be that she'll NEVER give up her independence!!!!! Who knows with your Mom!! I just love her spunk!!! I know that she keeps you on your toes but she does keep you laughing!!! Give her a hug from me!!!

[judy]

She must be happy to be home! I hope it goes smoothly now.

She would drive you just as cray if she lived with you, I think, just in other ways, but at least she would be right there so you could watch over her.

One day at a time, my friend.

[gja1000]

Judy is right, you and your mom might drive each other crazy if she was living with you.
That time may come, so don't hurry it. Take it from me - I've had my mom since 2001 and it was very hard at times - for both of us. She's now staying with my daughter and they have their ups and downs.

It is much easier in some ways to have them with you and much harder in other ways. So, if it comes to her living with you, so be it and you both will manage. It is great that she is able to manage on her own for a while longer.

It's hard either way though - you are doing a good job!

[Janet]

Thank you all for the support. I know I shouldn't wish she'd come live with us right now...she needs her independence and like you've all said we'd just have other problems. I mean even now...there are times when I want to say something to her so bad, but I've learned to hold my tongue. In the end...it really won't matter, so best not to argue about it now. So...one day at a time...one day at a time.

[judy]

My grandmother used to tell my aunt "You have to wiggle through each day."

Isn't it the truth?