Monday, December 14, 2009

I am home again...for a little while

Oh my, oh my - have I been busy.

I went to Florida last Thursday and sprung MIL from the hospital, brought her home, got her settled, did food shopping,got prescriptions, set up a meds schedule, got nursing visits set up, along with Physical Therapy visits and Home Health Aide and also hired someone to come in two days a week to drive her around until she can drive by herself. At the same time, worked a bit with mom on finances, went to the movies (Invictus - more later) went shopping, went to a terrible craft show, flew home early Sunday am and went to a party last night. Even I know that this schedule is ridiculous, but you've gotta do what you've gotta do.

In talking to the nurse I think we figured out why this second hospitalization happened. MIL had just had major heart surgery and was given a drug so that fluids did not build up in her system. She didn't like that drug because it kept making her pee...so she stopped taking it...fluids built up, lung compressed, blood pressure soared, problems with breathing - and back into the hospital and more surgery. When I figured this out...well...I was a bit "annoyed" to put it mildly. Why she would stop taking a medication without telling anyone, I just don't understand, but she promised never to do that again and once she understood what she had done, was pretty embarrassed. I couldn't get really angry with her, she is a little old lady in many ways and just didn't put two and two together, but I pretended to be really angry with her just to get the point across. I think it worked.
So, I am home for a week, then we go back down again for Christmas, and for more evaluation to see how she is doing.

I have high hopes for 2010. I like the way the name of the year sounds, and I think the overall number looks friendly. I always thought 2009 sounded sharp and edgy.

Invictus - good movie - not terrifically great but very good. It's about Mandela and his efforts to bring his country together when he began his presidency. We went to see it because my brothers friend is the screenwriter, and also because - well...learning about Mandela is a good way to start a new year (Ok, I'm a bit early I know, but give me a break OK?) Of course I thought of Soulbrush thru the entire movie - Mandela is one of her hero's.

I'm hoping for boring soon - I want to get back to fun blogging, artwork, quilting, knitting, friends and real life! I have artwork exchanges to show, and ATC's and other doodles. Soon...

Be well all

15 comments:

kj said...

xoxoxoxoxoxox
times
100

Lisa at Greenbow said...

With a schedule like this I hope you stay well. Try to take a deep breath and relax.

soulbrush said...

oh my goodness mim, i worry about you when this happens, you are on overdrive, and will soon have to stop for a while, so here's to a very booooring 2010 for you, with love. nelson mandela is a phenomenal man. will have to go see the film. please take a deep breath now and 'stop and smell the roses/coffee' for this week- if you can.xxx

studio lolo said...

I'm so glad you checked in!! I was just about to send out an APB ;)

Deep breath Mim. Get centered.
XXXX

Call Me Cate said...

I am 500% with you about 2009 always looking a bit suspicious and having much higher hopes for 2010.

I'm sorry this year has been so difficult for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed that next year will be boring and uneventful!

Lynn Cohen said...

Dear St. Mim, you did a spectacular job of being the number one DIL to your MIL and what a supurb job that was! Bravo!!! What hard work too. Glad you read her the riot act and hopefully she will not do anything to get herself sick again. Oy Vey!

Glad you are home and can have some sense of normalicy back in your life.

Funny, I was just thinking that 2010 was going to be much harder & slower to write than 09. But hopefully it will be a smooth year.

Happy Chaunkah!

Bea said...

You gotta do what you gotta do. Your MIL is very fortunate that you are able to be there for her. What worries me is that you make time for yourself in order for YOU to stay healthy. Sending good thoughts to all of you. I hope you have a PEACEFUL, joyful holiday season.
:)Bea

Barbara/myth maker said...

Wow, woman, you are on the move. Bless you for being such a diligent caretaker to you MIL. That's all very draining stuff you have to go through. Glad you were able to get a party in there somewhere! Rest when you can get it.

Debra Kay said...

I'm with you-09 always seemed ominous to me-I'll be glad to enter 10. 2010. It just seems like a nice, round number, very comforting

I can relate to you MIL story-remember when I came home from the hospital to discover "zombie daddy"? What a mess that was.

ElizT said...

The disconcerting thing about an unreliable memory is that you don't just forget to take your pills but why and when you take them. I find the Medico weekly blister packs helpful but have others to take which can't be associated with milk, coffee, alcohol or sunshine. Tough on the memory. I don't like being this crumbly and hope it is over soon.

sukipoet said...

Oh my goodness. I cant believe all you have done and have been doing. whew. I think I'd be flat out. Good you found out why the second thing happened. Hope MIL is better about meds from now on. Hugs to you. Suki my WV is subulki

Baino said...

Breakneck schedule alright. I'm glad your MIL is now comfortable and hope you have the chance to relax a little over Christmas.

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Your schedule makes my head spin. Wow. I hope you dont end up in the hospital. But you are a wonderful DIL. I am hoping for boring for you soon too. :)

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

You are spreading good karma...and I glad to hear once your feet touched home soil again, that you could close your eyes and relax and let go...even if it's just to the movies or a cup of tea

Miri said...

Hope your MIL has a swift and sure recovery!

I also like the sound of twenty-ten :) Wish we'd all said aught one-aught nine like in the Music Man.