. SHE LET ME TAKE HER TO DR THURSDAY AND HE PUT HER IN HOSPITAL.
THEY HAVE CHANGED ALL HER MEDS AND HAVE NADE SURE THAT SHE HAS THE 'LIVING WILL' PAPERS AND ALL THAT.
SO I GUESS IT IS NOW A WAITING TIME.
IT FEELS SO STRANGE TO BE HERE AT THE HOUSE ALONE NOW.
I GO AND SEE HER EVERY DAY EXCEPT SATURDAY- I WAS SOO TIRED. AND YOU KNOW-? I KNOW I AM SLEEPING- BUT I NEVER EVER FEEL LIKE I DO. I FEEL LIKE I AM STILL ON'' ALERT' STATUS. WAITING FOR THE PHONE TO RING NOW...
I DONT KNOW WHEN SHE WILL BE GETTING OUT.
I DONT THINK THERE IS MUCH THEY CAN DO-
WHEN I SAW HER THIS MORNING,SHE SEEMS MORE WRINKLED AND
HER MOUTH IS ALREADY PULLING BACK AWAY FROM HER TEETH MORE,
SHE HAS UNFORTUNATLY LOST 2 POUNDS AND FELL IN THE BATHROOM AND LAYED THERE UNTILL
SOME PATIENT HEARD HER YELLING FOR HELP!
AND SHE IS STRAIGHT ACROSS FROM NURSES DESK!!!
WHERE DO I GET A WHEELCHAIR?
I KNOW SHE WILL NEED ONE WHEN SHE GETS OUT.
SHE IS SO PITIFUL LOOKING,
IT SCARES ME TO LOOK AT HER.
IT REALLY IS LIKE,'' WHERE IS MY MOM????''

Edwina, I hope that they are keeping her hydrated! If she is not drinking a lot of fluids or on an IV, she may become dehydrated quickly in the hospital. Her lips pulling away from her teeth is a frequent indicator of dehydration.

Even though she is across from the nurse's station, she may not realize or remember how to use the nurse call button, or she becomes disoriented and calls out. Be SURE she is SHOWN and reminded how to use the call button by her bed and in the bathroom. Discuss her fall with the doctor and request that a bed alarm be used at all times if she is a fall or wandering risk.

What is her diagnosis?

As far as wheelchairs, etc., ask to speak with her social worker or caseworker at the hospital. They will advise you of what equipment you may need and will probably order it for you and help you with getting it delivered. You will probably not have to do much because they will evaluate her needs and order what the doc and PT folks think is best for her situation and needs.

ASK THE DOCTOR TO ORDER HOME HEALTH VISITS when she returns home! Those folks can be a godsend to you in terms of treating any ailments, monitoring her condition, ordering equipment, etc.

I SOOOOOOO understand what you mean about how pitiful she looks and how upsetting that feels! Stay with her as much as you can especially during these first days. I know how hard it is to bear hospital stays - it's endlessly boring and when you return home for a shower or change of clothes, it doesn't feel "right" somehow. Then if you DO get comfortable, you always have to go back to the hospital to check with the nurses on shift or to intercept the doctor for information...

Try to be extra good to yourself - hospital stays are as hard on caregivers as they are on the patient, I think - maybe even more at times!
Please keep us updated on her condition and know you'll both be in our thoughts and prayers.

oh my thank you. i also need all the prayers i can get from everyone. thank you !!!
and please note that i pray for you guys. sometimes this life can get pretty tireing.

edwina. i am so sorry you are going through this. i know you are scared and tired. i know you are sitting there fearing the ring of the phone, feeling on total alert, not feeling rested. it is so normal. don't worry att his point about a wheelchair. this can be arranged on short notice. depending on your area, you should be able to rent one. the hospital can give you that information. it is hard to see the changes in our loved ones go though in such a short time. please take care of yourself. get sleep and good nutrition. your body is going to need you to take care of it. i would like to add you to my prayers if that is aright with you. keep in touch with us. we are here.

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