First of al, my apologies for not posting for so long - there really wasn't
much to say. Secondly, many thanks to those who have visited and/or
sent cards because they've helped to elevate Mom's mood. I can finally
say that Mom seems to be improving a bit. She did quite well with her
physical therapy this week, even though she is still very weak. Mom also
realizes that she needs to eat and we're all encouraging her to do so. The
recovery process is slow, but I do discern a tiny bit of improvement now.
Thanks again to all for your kind thoughts, prayers, and encouragement
to Mom and her family during this stressful time; can't say how much
it's truly appreciated.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Latest News
Finally! A new computer, so I'm back online after a (long) hiatus. Mom is
now in a rehab/nursing home facility as of Thursday late afternoon. When
I visited her that day, she was relieved to be out of the hospital, but still not
eating, which had also been an issue at the Clinic. Some therapy took place
Friday morning, but Mom is still unable to stand, let alone walk. I think this
will be a slow process. In the meantime, visitors (any time before 10 PM) and
cards cheer Mom up - her voice is not yet strong enough for phone conversation
at this time, but that should improve soon.
Margaret Lasky
Center Ridge Health Campus
38600 Center Ridge Rd.
Room 111
North Ridgeville, OH
44039
now in a rehab/nursing home facility as of Thursday late afternoon. When
I visited her that day, she was relieved to be out of the hospital, but still not
eating, which had also been an issue at the Clinic. Some therapy took place
Friday morning, but Mom is still unable to stand, let alone walk. I think this
will be a slow process. In the meantime, visitors (any time before 10 PM) and
cards cheer Mom up - her voice is not yet strong enough for phone conversation
at this time, but that should improve soon.
Margaret Lasky
Center Ridge Health Campus
38600 Center Ridge Rd.
Room 111
North Ridgeville, OH
44039
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tentative Discharge Thursday
Julia again, providing a quick update:
As of today, Grandma will be discharged Thursday afternoon. Mom is on her way to a rehabilitation/nursing home facility in Lorain county, closer to home. Grandma will need to be there for awhile as she gains her strength and mobility. More details to come.
As of today, Grandma will be discharged Thursday afternoon. Mom is on her way to a rehabilitation/nursing home facility in Lorain county, closer to home. Grandma will need to be there for awhile as she gains her strength and mobility. More details to come.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Back to Step-down Unit
This is Julia again:
Thanks to the power of text messages I have learned this evening that Grammie is no longer in ICU. She has been moved to the step-down unit (for the second time) so things are looking up. Aunt Debbie also shared with me that she was eating pudding this afternoon so, no Diet Coke yet, but pudding is better than ice chips! Stay tuned for more details, and have a Happy Mother's Day
Mom should be back online early next week when her new computer arrives :-)
Thanks to the power of text messages I have learned this evening that Grammie is no longer in ICU. She has been moved to the step-down unit (for the second time) so things are looking up. Aunt Debbie also shared with me that she was eating pudding this afternoon so, no Diet Coke yet, but pudding is better than ice chips! Stay tuned for more details, and have a Happy Mother's Day
Mom should be back online early next week when her new computer arrives :-)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Progress in ICU Today
Hi all: Guest blogger Julia here since Mom's computer stopped working. I talked to Mom on the phone, and she relayed the following information about Grandma's health situation.
Today Grammie was taken completely off the breathing machine. She is totally breathing on her own and can talk (although it's really a whisper). Physicians also removed the drainage tube from her lung, so the chest drain is gone as well.
Once Grammie was off the respirator, she was very responsive and more talkative. Mom said she is acting more like her normal self. Right now she doesn't know the date, and is a little confused about specific details of current events, but it's nothing unusual or alarming at this time.
Grammie's coloring is good, much better than it's been since her surgery on April 20. A nurse even asked Mom if she had put a little bit of make-up on Grammie. Of course she knew that Mom would not bother with that, but noted how much her coloring had improved in such a short period of time. And also said she hopes she looks that good without makeup when she is that age! haha
In addition to her coloring improving, we know Grammie is slowly on the mend because she asked Mom if someone would be able to come and do her hair! A genuine Grammie concern to be sure, but sadly no beauticians in ICU. She also asked for a Diet Coke, which of course is not permitted at this time. Grammie asked Mom if she was going to home today, but the answer was a negative for that too! So aside from not being able to have her hair done while drinking a diet coke immediately before being discharged, she had a decent day.
As you can see, Grammie is, overall, getting better. There is no timetable on when she will be out of ICU, though Mom made an educated guess for this weekend. Once she is done in ICU she will go to the recovery floor in the cardiac unit at the Clinic. Since she is undergoing intense respiratory therapy in ICU right now (which is likely not the same on recovery floor), it's for the best that Grammie remains in ICU for both the level of care and the level of therapy.
Today Grammie was taken completely off the breathing machine. She is totally breathing on her own and can talk (although it's really a whisper). Physicians also removed the drainage tube from her lung, so the chest drain is gone as well.
Once Grammie was off the respirator, she was very responsive and more talkative. Mom said she is acting more like her normal self. Right now she doesn't know the date, and is a little confused about specific details of current events, but it's nothing unusual or alarming at this time.
Grammie's coloring is good, much better than it's been since her surgery on April 20. A nurse even asked Mom if she had put a little bit of make-up on Grammie. Of course she knew that Mom would not bother with that, but noted how much her coloring had improved in such a short period of time. And also said she hopes she looks that good without makeup when she is that age! haha
In addition to her coloring improving, we know Grammie is slowly on the mend because she asked Mom if someone would be able to come and do her hair! A genuine Grammie concern to be sure, but sadly no beauticians in ICU. She also asked for a Diet Coke, which of course is not permitted at this time. Grammie asked Mom if she was going to home today, but the answer was a negative for that too! So aside from not being able to have her hair done while drinking a diet coke immediately before being discharged, she had a decent day.
As you can see, Grammie is, overall, getting better. There is no timetable on when she will be out of ICU, though Mom made an educated guess for this weekend. Once she is done in ICU she will go to the recovery floor in the cardiac unit at the Clinic. Since she is undergoing intense respiratory therapy in ICU right now (which is likely not the same on recovery floor), it's for the best that Grammie remains in ICU for both the level of care and the level of therapy.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Another ICU Day
My Uncle Dave went with me today to visit Mom; nice to have somebody
to talk to in the car. Mom remains in the ICU, but the good news is that
she is a bit less reliant on the respirator and is alert. Although she can't talk
with the various breathing & feeding tubes in her throat, it's evident that
Mom is trying to communicate even though she is very tired. A second
bronchoscopy was scheduled for 1:30 (she'll be sedated for that) to better
clear the left lung, which does have an external drainage tube inserted. If
the lung can be cleared, the breathing tube might then be removed later
today. It all hinges on whether or not the lung re-inflates.
The PA told me that Mom will likely be in the ICU for a few more
days. That's a good thing bc she gets excellent care there.
to talk to in the car. Mom remains in the ICU, but the good news is that
she is a bit less reliant on the respirator and is alert. Although she can't talk
with the various breathing & feeding tubes in her throat, it's evident that
Mom is trying to communicate even though she is very tired. A second
bronchoscopy was scheduled for 1:30 (she'll be sedated for that) to better
clear the left lung, which does have an external drainage tube inserted. If
the lung can be cleared, the breathing tube might then be removed later
today. It all hinges on whether or not the lung re-inflates.
The PA told me that Mom will likely be in the ICU for a few more
days. That's a good thing bc she gets excellent care there.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Collapsed Lung
Mom's left lung was collapsed; that's why she's been so weak, so tired, and
unable to eat. I don't know how long Mom will remain in the ICU, but that's
the best place for her to be right now. Of course, she's re-intubated and back
on the respirator, so that means (for now) she's sedated. Becky and Benita were
permitted to see Mom around 7:30 yesterday evening, and she was heavily
sedated and unable to communicate. I'll be going to the Clinic tomorrow and
will post more information later in the day. Today marks the 21st day of Mom's
hospital stay...unbelievable.
unable to eat. I don't know how long Mom will remain in the ICU, but that's
the best place for her to be right now. Of course, she's re-intubated and back
on the respirator, so that means (for now) she's sedated. Becky and Benita were
permitted to see Mom around 7:30 yesterday evening, and she was heavily
sedated and unable to communicate. I'll be going to the Clinic tomorrow and
will post more information later in the day. Today marks the 21st day of Mom's
hospital stay...unbelievable.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Back to the ICU
I rec'd a phone call from a CC nurse practitioner just prior to 4:00 PM,
informing me that a lung x-ray this morning showed that the left lung,
intentionally collapsed during surgery so the surgeon could access the
descending aorta, is either partially collapsed OR is taking on fluid.
Mom was being taken for a CAT scan for a better look at the lung
and will be taken to the ICU after that. Becky, John, and Jim will be
going to the Clinic - if they provide further information, I'll post it.
informing me that a lung x-ray this morning showed that the left lung,
intentionally collapsed during surgery so the surgeon could access the
descending aorta, is either partially collapsed OR is taking on fluid.
Mom was being taken for a CAT scan for a better look at the lung
and will be taken to the ICU after that. Becky, John, and Jim will be
going to the Clinic - if they provide further information, I'll post it.
Friday, April 29, 2011
No Change
I spent the day with Mom and have to say I see no change, although she did
eat her little box of Cheerios for breakfast. Couldn't get her to eat any lunch
though, even though I offered two favorites, mashed potatoes and veggie soup.
I realize that all this is "perfectly normal post-surgical behavior" as one of the
nurses said today. Recovery will be slow; improvement will be in baby steps.
Just wanted to post a few lines for those of you who are reading this. I will
return to the Clinic on Monday; won't post again before that unless I hear of
a change this weekend.
eat her little box of Cheerios for breakfast. Couldn't get her to eat any lunch
though, even though I offered two favorites, mashed potatoes and veggie soup.
I realize that all this is "perfectly normal post-surgical behavior" as one of the
nurses said today. Recovery will be slow; improvement will be in baby steps.
Just wanted to post a few lines for those of you who are reading this. I will
return to the Clinic on Monday; won't post again before that unless I hear of
a change this weekend.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A Bit of Clarification
I just realized that the last two blogs seem contradictory. I shall now try to
explain a bit. Mom was in good spirits in the ICU on Monday after the
breathing tubes and some other apparatus was removed; she was transferred
to a post-surgical floor on Tuesday and seemed to be doing rather well, per
those who saw her that day. On Wednesday, however, there was a distinct
decline in Mom's spirits. This continued into today. Mom is very upset about
her extreme physical weakness and is depressed. Nobody could get her to eat
today, even though various foods were offered by several family members. I
don't know what the next step will be if Mom continues to refuse food, but I'll
likely find out tomorrow. None of this behavior is abnormal for somebody who
has undergone this very serious surgery. The good news for the day is that Mom
perked up a tiny bit when her grandsons, David & Michael, visited this evening.
More tomorrow. Thanks again for the prayers and positive thoughts.
explain a bit. Mom was in good spirits in the ICU on Monday after the
breathing tubes and some other apparatus was removed; she was transferred
to a post-surgical floor on Tuesday and seemed to be doing rather well, per
those who saw her that day. On Wednesday, however, there was a distinct
decline in Mom's spirits. This continued into today. Mom is very upset about
her extreme physical weakness and is depressed. Nobody could get her to eat
today, even though various foods were offered by several family members. I
don't know what the next step will be if Mom continues to refuse food, but I'll
likely find out tomorrow. None of this behavior is abnormal for somebody who
has undergone this very serious surgery. The good news for the day is that Mom
perked up a tiny bit when her grandsons, David & Michael, visited this evening.
More tomorrow. Thanks again for the prayers and positive thoughts.
Harsh Reality
Yesterday, I was rather optimistic, but I had not seen
Mom. This morning, I was stunned at how extremely
weak and "down" she is. Mom is very weak and can't
even stand up; she can barely sit up when they put
her in a chair. Per the doctor I spoke with earlier,
there's "no way" Mom would be discharged this week bc
she is too weak. In addition, she won't eat. I don't
need to point out that this isn't good. Although Mom
has access to a phone, she won't answer it. I know
this first-hand. I spoke to the case manager who let
me know that Avon Oaks is full, so once Mom leaves here
she will be going to the Center Ridge facility for
rehab. I'm at the Clinic now and found a computer to
use while Mom takes a nap. Will post again if I get
any further news.
Mom. This morning, I was stunned at how extremely
weak and "down" she is. Mom is very weak and can't
even stand up; she can barely sit up when they put
her in a chair. Per the doctor I spoke with earlier,
there's "no way" Mom would be discharged this week bc
she is too weak. In addition, she won't eat. I don't
need to point out that this isn't good. Although Mom
has access to a phone, she won't answer it. I know
this first-hand. I spoke to the case manager who let
me know that Avon Oaks is full, so once Mom leaves here
she will be going to the Center Ridge facility for
rehab. I'm at the Clinic now and found a computer to
use while Mom takes a nap. Will post again if I get
any further news.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Discharge MIGHT be Soon
I just spoke with the nurse case manager (who works with a social worker) about
the plan for Mom's health and care. The general consensus is that Mom could be
discharged as soon as this Friday, but it could also be Saturday or Monday. All
depends on Mom's condition and what the doctor decides. Right now, it looks
as if Mom will spend a month in a rehabilitation facility. I've given Avon Oaks (on
French Creek Rd. for those of you who live here) as the first choice, based on a
recommendation from a physical therapist friend of mine. At the end of one month
an assessment will be made as far as Mom being able to return to her house.
Looks like things will start happening quickly now; I'll try to keep everybody up
to date. (Please bear with me if anything here is weird here as far as spacing or
margins - the keyboard is acting up!)
the plan for Mom's health and care. The general consensus is that Mom could be
discharged as soon as this Friday, but it could also be Saturday or Monday. All
depends on Mom's condition and what the doctor decides. Right now, it looks
as if Mom will spend a month in a rehabilitation facility. I've given Avon Oaks (on
French Creek Rd. for those of you who live here) as the first choice, based on a
recommendation from a physical therapist friend of mine. At the end of one month
an assessment will be made as far as Mom being able to return to her house.
Looks like things will start happening quickly now; I'll try to keep everybody up
to date. (Please bear with me if anything here is weird here as far as spacing or
margins - the keyboard is acting up!)
Addendum
Mom can take phone calls, too: 216 - 636 - 6758
Seems like lots of things get done early, so any time
after 10:00AM should be fine.
Seems like lots of things get done early, so any time
after 10:00AM should be fine.
No More ICU
I spoke with my sister, Becky, last night and she reported that Mom was moved
out of the ICU and onto a post-surgical floor yesterday. That's really good news.
Mom can now receive mail:
Margaret Lasky
J 6-2 Room 24
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44195
I called the nurses' desk just after 8:00AM and was told that Mom's nurse was
getting her situated in a chair. Since things were busy, I wasn't able to get any
information as far as length of hospital stay, etc. I'll be going to the Clinic
tomorrow, but if I hear any news today, I'll add another post. Thank you,
everybody, for your kind thoughts and prayers; they are much appreciated.
(Hannah, should I have used a hyphen there?)
out of the ICU and onto a post-surgical floor yesterday. That's really good news.
Mom can now receive mail:
Margaret Lasky
J 6-2 Room 24
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44195
I called the nurses' desk just after 8:00AM and was told that Mom's nurse was
getting her situated in a chair. Since things were busy, I wasn't able to get any
information as far as length of hospital stay, etc. I'll be going to the Clinic
tomorrow, but if I hear any news today, I'll add another post. Thank you,
everybody, for your kind thoughts and prayers; they are much appreciated.
(Hannah, should I have used a hyphen there?)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Progress!
Renee and I got to the CC just before 10:00 and all the tubes (1 gastric & 2 breathing)
had been removed just prior to our arrival. Mom was able to whisper, with some effort,
but at least she can communicate again. While we were there, Mom was able to tolerate
ice chips and even managed to swallow a pain pill with water. Around noon, Mom was
placed in a "chair"(actually more of a bed) for about an hour. This helps the lungs and
helps the patient build some physical stamina. Renee and I also helped Mom with her
breathing exercises twice and she tolerated that well. So...a big day with good progress.
Small steps to be sure, but any progress is welcome. While the nurse really didn't want
to guess, she said Mom would likely be in the ICU for a "couple more days".
had been removed just prior to our arrival. Mom was able to whisper, with some effort,
but at least she can communicate again. While we were there, Mom was able to tolerate
ice chips and even managed to swallow a pain pill with water. Around noon, Mom was
placed in a "chair"(actually more of a bed) for about an hour. This helps the lungs and
helps the patient build some physical stamina. Renee and I also helped Mom with her
breathing exercises twice and she tolerated that well. So...a big day with good progress.
Small steps to be sure, but any progress is welcome. While the nurse really didn't want
to guess, she said Mom would likely be in the ICU for a "couple more days".
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday, April 22
Becky called the Cardiac ICU this morning and was told that Mom "had a good night". Renee and I just returned from the Clinic. Mom is still sedated - the nurse I spoke to said that would be the case for "several more days" - but she did wiggle her toes when the nurse asked her to. I happened to see the part of the incision in Mom's abdomen & left side when the nurse checked the three drainage tubes. It goes up and over into her back, too, so she'll have quite a scar. The good news is that Mom's condition is stable. All is as it should be after this type of surgery, which is excellent for a person who is almost 80. Nobody can really say how long Mom will be in the ICU. Once she's moved to a regular floor, I'll post an address bc she'll be allowed to receive mail then. I will be going back on Monday, but if I hear anything from my siblings, I'll enter it here.
I just viewed this and the spacing is wonky - Julia, can you help?
I just viewed this and the spacing is wonky - Julia, can you help?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thursday, April 21
Becky and Johnny were finally permitted to see Mom around 10:00 PM last night; both said she looked as expected, which was pale and a bit puffy. The rest of us had departed the Clinic around 7:00 PM after yet another long day. Becky called this morning to let me know she spoke with Mom's ICU nurse, who said that Mom "had a good" night and would continue to be under sedation throughout today.
Today is Mom's 11th day in the Clinic; I have to say that all the employees I've encountered, from cafeteria workers to doctors, are extremely nice people. This makes the entire experience easier to bear.
I plan to go back to the Clinic tomorrow and will write more after that visit.
Today is Mom's 11th day in the Clinic; I have to say that all the employees I've encountered, from cafeteria workers to doctors, are extremely nice people. This makes the entire experience easier to bear.
I plan to go back to the Clinic tomorrow and will write more after that visit.
Monday, April 18, 2011
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