Pray for Janet's Mom

[DianaB]

I got a text from Janet this morning saying that her Mom had a stroke. I know that any prayers would be appreciated. I'll try to keep everyone posted if I hear anything more.

[Lindsey]

I just saw this on facebook. My thoughts and prayers are going out to Janet, her mom, and her family!

[Blueyes]

I just saw it, too, and came here to look for details. I HATE strokes.

[DianeW]

Oh no.... and i thought she seemed to be doing well, thinking about you Janet, I so understand what you are going through.

Take care

[judy]

Oh no! I will be praying. Thanks Diana for letting us know.

[lynne b]

Janet, I hope your mom is doing ok, you both are in my prayers. Please keep any one of us updated. Call if you need anything!!!

[DianaB]

I got another text from Janet and Violet has had a stroke AND a heart attack. I know that she appreciates all the prayers.

[Janet]

Thank you all so much. This morning we had a two hour delay so I called to check on Mom. It was all I could do to understand her. She said she was okay, but couldn't understand why she couldn't talk right and that maybe she had a stroke. My brother and sister-in-law were going to take Mom to her pain dr., but I called for them to go to her because it was just too late for me to get a sub driver.

They knew as soon as they saw her she had had a stroke. Long story short, she's back in the hospital. After a CAT scan, MRI and echocardiogram we were told that she has had numerous strokes besides the one today and also a light heart attack today.

She has been so upset that she can't talk clearly now and it takes her a lot of effort to do so. I keep reminding her to just speak slowly and it's so much easier for us to understand her. She cries easily and it breaks my heart. Monday they are going to numb her throat/neck and stick a camera down to see her heart and what damage/infection there is.

The good thing....the hospital always made her do the manual dialysis which made Mom's abdomen so full feeling and uncomfortable. They have now let us bring her dialysis cycler machine to the hospital. She will be able to do the dialysis like at home during the night instead of manually every 6 hours.

She's resting now. I will be staying with her at the hospital tonight and probably tomorrow night as she is so frightened because of her speech.

Thank you all again for your prayers and thank you Diana for this thread. I don't want to lose my mother, but I hate seeing her suffer so.

[Blueyes]

Oh Janet! When my mom had her stroke, she was so frightened. I stayed right with her for weeks because I was the only one that could figure out what she was saying, and I think that's only because we were so very close. Can your mom swallow ok? If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have let her go through so many tests and carotid artery surgery. She ended up being tube fed for a year and a half. But she had her right mind and her sense of humor til the end:) I feel your pain, and I know your fears. I am praying for peace of mind for you both, and healing for your mom.

[Shada]

I am so sorry Janet! Healing thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom.

[gja1000]

Janet, I'm so thankful for this update. And I'm thankful it sounds like it was a small stroke and small heart attack. I agree with Betsi, it's so hard to know what to do or how much to do. We want to keep our loved ones with us, but it is so hard to see them hurt, unhappy, in pain and the like. I'm glad it is the weekend so you don't have to drive the bus, but I fear you will be worn out by Monday. This is just so hard. I'm so sorry you have to go through this.

[Janet]

Mom had a good night. She was able to sleep more than in previous stays. Her morning isn't going as well because reality has set in. Her whole right side is affected and she is so sad. We ordered our breakfast, but she had a hard time using a piece of silverware. I encourage her to try and then will help her...then make her try again. I gave her a comb to comb her hair and she started to grab it with the left hand....I said "wrong hand"...she gave me that MOM look and did as I requested. I let her finish it with her good hand.

She's sleeping right now. I like it best when she is asleep...she doesn't cry.

[lynne b]

Thanks for the update on your mom. Will be praying for both you of that things get better over the next few days. You get some rest also Janet.

[DianaB]

I'm glad to see an update on your Mom. I'm sorry to hear that one side is affected. I'm sure that's really hard for her but I'm sure she'll get some therapy and will be better in the future. You've been in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you both!!!

[judy]

I am praying for her and for you Janet. This is so hard, and it is heartbreaking to see her fragile and crying, I am sure.

I wish I could help more.

[DianeW]

Thanks for the update....I have been thinking about you and your poor Mum, I am so sorry she is having all this trauma and upset.

Janet do all you can, as i am sure you want to be there yourself, but if you are lucky enough to have others to help you - LET THEM.

I dont have any help really, except a few old family friends that pop in to see Uncle, which is very nice but at the same time doesnt help me any. So it is down to me to do everything for him - but i dont mind, i will do it whilst i am able to.

I feel for you Janet and will be praying for you and your family and also your lovely Mum.

Diane x.

[gja1000]

Thanks for much for the update, I am thinking of both of you all the time, wondering how she and you are doing. It is a very very good sign that she can use her affected side somewhat - this speaks well to the fact that she might get complete use of that side back with physical therapy (I know, I know, she won't like PT, I don't either). But I think you should be very encouraged! How is her speech?

[Janet]

Thanks ladies. Mom is sleeping at the moment...and snoring..lol. In a little bit she'll wake up and tell me she can't sleep....she's such a hoot!! LOLOL.

Mom is trying to use her right arm and hand. She knows it's need to get the strength and mobility back. I'm really proud of her today. The day nurse and I both feel Mom's speech is getting a bit better. As long as she talks slow...we can understand most things she says. When she first wakes up....it's really hard to understand her. We'll keep plugging away.

The neurologist came in and said that there really isn't anything that can be done for mom except for the different therapies....physical, speech...etc. Because of her heart and renal failure....they will concentrate most on her heart, but there is little they can do there too. It really doesn't look good...but yet....it does.

[gja1000]

The key is getting her the best quality of life - it won't be what she WANTS, but it can be the best it can be at this time.

[paula1961]

I've been thinking of you and your Mom alot lately Janet and praying for her to improve and get some strength back. Hugs to you both!

[Blueyes]

Hey Janet! Just wondering how you and your mom did last night. Hope all is well as it can be.

[Janet]

Betsi...Mom had a rough night. The hospital Dr. ordered Mom some aspirin since she can't take a blood thinner for her heart. Well....at 11:00 last night she messed the bed up big time with loose bloody stools and again at 3:00 AM. Mom was so upset, but we know the bleed is from the aspirin. They were not suppose to give it to her and they knew it. I was not happy!

Most likely, Mom will be released Tuesday or Wednesday and will go straight to rehab. I put my foot down and told her I let her have her way every time and every time she ended up back in the hospital....this time...we were doing things my way. My brothers back me so she doesn't have a choice.

[gja1000]

I'm so sorry Janet, that must be really rough on your mom. The problem is she's in a Catch 22 (you are damed if you take the aspirin and may be damed if you don't) - her heart problems can cause blood clots which can go to the brain and cause a stroke or they can go to the lungs and may cause instant death. So, that is why the hospital doc ordered aspirin. On the other hand, the aspirin caused intestional bleeding which is not good, but not as bad as another stroke or lung blood clot. It's a real dilemma!

I'm so glad she's going to rehab - that's exactly where she needs to be!!!

[lynne b]

I am sorry to hear your mom had a bad night,but i guess Gayle explained it good.
Also glad to hear she will be going to rehab, she will get good care there and someone will be with her 24/7 which she needs.
Tried calling you but you were probably busy which is ok, just calling to check up on you.

[JJJ]

Sending positive energy to your mom for a speedy recovery and you as well .

I agree with Gayle and wouldn't be too upset, I would prefer the bed accident than a heart attack or stroke.
I'm sure that beneath your moms grudge in going to rehab she is happy you are making the right decisions for her.