Your Thoughts/Prayers/Voodoo Needed

[unionrdr]

My SIL had to do that with her parents. I think the care facility can help find such folks.

 

[glenn514]

My SIL had to do that with her parents. I think the care facility can help find such folks.

Yes, they will assist with finding CNA's or nursing-experienced people. They will also contract for the hospital furniture/equipment that is needed. But I will need to find a few folks who simply want to come and sit with Marie for a time while I go about other things.

glenn514

 

[CreamyGoodness]

When my grandparents were bad off my father was able to find a volunteer from the local state university whom, I believe, was able to use his time with them for study credit towards becoming a registered nurse. It might not be a terrible idea to contact schools nearby and explain the situation.

 

[soccerdad]

Glenn - I know from your posts that you have been helpful, involved and supportive ae various churches. Hopefully what goes around comes around.

As Woody Guthrie used to say ...

Oh, the Ladies' Auxiliary
It's a good auxiliary.
'Bout the best auxiliary
That you ever did see.
If you need an auxiliary,
See the Ladies' Auxiliary.

 

[Melana]

Perhaps there will be people at your church that are willing to help out here and there.

 

[Shooter]

Definitely ask around the church. I am not a religious man myself, but freely admit that a local church can build a sense of community.

 

[DrunkleJon]

When my grandparents were bad off my father was able to find a volunteer from the local state university whom, I believe, was able to use his time with them for study credit towards becoming a registered nurse. It might not be a terrible idea to contact schools nearby and explain the situation.

In college one of my friends did just that. Spent time with/helped a quadriplegic with day to day... hrm... functions too.

 

[CreamyGoodness]

The thing that helped the most was Jim (that was the guy's name) would just talk with grandpa while my father went to the store or whatever.

 

[glenn514]

Yes, indeed, I certainly plan to tap into several congregations that I am associated with. One I served for 12 years as full-time musician; another I am currently a member; a third I play organ for worship frequently. I certainly hope to find a few good folk through those three churches.

glenn514

 

[Temptd2]

Check if you have a local Alliance on Aging too - they have lots of info about these things. They were very helpful when I was caring for my Mom.

 

[glenn514]

I stopped in to visit with Marie earlier this afternoon. I found out that her right wrist/hand is NOT broken, but simply sprained/strained. It probably happened when the CNA's roll her over to change her. That right wrist/hand was probably wedged tightly against the bar on the side of the bed.

When I asked her if she was doing OK today, she quickly nodded YES! That, my friends, always gladdens my heart! And since I missed a visit with her yesterday, I read yesterday's and today's devotions!

They are going to reduce slightly the amount/rate of her nutrition. When checking the "residual" it has often been over 100 cc's lately, and that's too much. Just a slight adjustment should take care of that issue.

glenn514

 

[unionrdr]

I hope she has more days where she's doing great!

 

[glenn514]

Today's visit was quiet. Marie was sound asleep when I arrived, and she was sound asleep when I left. I tried twice to wake her, but to no avail.

glenn514

 

[unionrdr]

Well, they used to say the body does " repairs" when we sleep, so hopefully...

 

[glenn514]

Marie was awake and aware during my visit today. And I had my first lesson in "How To Administer Meds Via Gastric Tube 101," as well! And the gastric tube got clogged, so I closely watched the nurse patiently and methodically unclog it!

I also spoke with an administrator who will make arrangements for the equipment I will need, put me in contact with a home health group that has doctors that make "house calls," and will also contact another group that provides nutritional needs, and incontinence supplies.

When I returned to her room, Marie had gone off to sleepyland again.

glenn514

 

[rlmiller10]

Your a good man Glenn, honorable, loving and caring. Sorry for all that is being thrown at you. But I am honored to be able to read it.

 

[glenn514]

After spending some time at Calvary Lutheran Church, Elgin, practicing for Sunday services, I drove to Hearthstone in Woodstock. When I arrived in Marie’s room, she was sound asleep. When I left, she was still sound asleep. I tried to wake her, but to no avail. So, I gave her a kiss, told her that I loved her, and that I’d see her tomorrow.

glenn514

 

[Melana]

Awww Glenn, you're a good man. I'm still here thinking of you and Marie.

 

[ChefRex]

You guys are still in my thoughts also, strength!

 

[glenn514]

I stopped in to visit with Marie a while ago. She was awake and aware throughout my visit, and even spoke to me several times. She seemed to have a problem with her right eye, which appeared irritated. Karen suggested a warm, moist compress, which I did for a few minutes.

The swelling in her right forearm/wrist/hand seems to be completely gone. She was moving that arm freely throughout my visit today.

Nurse Karen also told me that on Monday her gastric tube will be replaced. The night nurse could NOT get it unclogged last night, so when Karen came on, she had to patiently and methodically clear that tube. Considering the fact that she’s coming home, I’m glad the tube will be replaced.

And that’s it for today.

glenn514

 

[glenn514]

This afternoon, I went over to visit for a bit with Marie. She was in bed, asleep when I arrived, but I woke her, and she remained awake and aware for my entire visit. However, for some reason, she did NOT want to hold my hand!

Her right eye looked completely normal today. Much better than yesterday. I spoke for a few moments with Lisa, our favorite CNA. Other than the fact that I was sitting there, yawning merrily away, it was a good visit.

glenn514

 

[glenn514]

After my dental cleaning this morning, but before I went to Walmart to grocery shop, I stopped in to visit with Marie. Today was not as good a day as the past two. She was awake and aware, but she seemed to be in some sort of distress. Shortly after I arrived, the CNA’s came in to change her and move her to the chair. She seemed rather uncomfortable in the chair…and then the gastric tube clogged again. By that time, I needed to ease on down the road, so I told Marie I loved her, gave her a kiss, and told her that I’d see her tomorrow.

When I left the dentist’s office, I noted that Joy had called me. I called her back when I was in Hearthstone’s parking lot. Joy had talked with Kim Frieling-Holdemann, her sister-in-law. Kim now works in the home health field, and gave Joy…and me…some answers. Marie will be evaluated by someone from the home health agency, and a specific number of hours per week of home health care will be recommended to Medicare. Kim felt very confident that someone in Marie’s condition would receive a substantial amount of care. So…it’s NOT all on me!!! And that is quite a relief!!!

glenn514

 

[Temptd2]

That's GREAT news, Glenn!! Take advantage of everything they'll give you. You'll need the help and Marie will benefit from the care.

 

[glenn514]

Went to visit with Marie today. I felt crummy all day yesterday, so I didn’t get over there, and I did very little here at home!

Marie was awake and aware for much of my visit today. And she was talking up a storm…for her, at least! She spoke to me twice, and even told Lisa this morning regarding going home, that she’d believe it when she saw it!

The staff does have her discharge in process. I spoke with the dietician today, and they will take care of providing the formula and teach me how to administer it.

I also spoke with nurse Karen, and tomorrow we will go over all of Marie’s current meds. Karen is hoping that the gastric tube will be replaced soon.

That’s it for today.

glenn514

g.

 

[SupervisingChildren]

Glenn,
Glad to hear that you can take a day off to rest when you need it, and glad to hear Marie was having a good day today! Being a caregiver is a difficult job both mentally and emotionally, and I'm glad to hear that they're trying to give you the tools to enable her to come home. I've dealt with several home care agencies in my job, and I hope they refer you to a good one that enables you to continue to be there for her as her husband versus sole care provider. Wishing all the best for you two!

 

[banesong]

Glenn:

Though new to the thread, I am amazed and humbled by your dedication to your wife. Please know that you and yours are in my thoughts. Take advantage of all the help you can, from medical sources, local organizations, and even friends.

 

[glenn514]

Just got back a few minutes ago from a visit with Marie. She did not have a good day today. Apparently she told either a CNA or nurse Karen that “I’ve had better days!” She was awake when I arrived, but toward the end of my visit, she had fallen back to sleep. Her right hand showed some swelling, again, and she complained of back pain. She was given Tylenol.

Tomorrow, she will be transported to the hospital by ambulance to have her gastric tube replaced. It has continued to clog, and the only way to change that is to replace it. I will need to be there to sign the “approval” form for the procedure.

I did speak with nurse Karen, and we went over Marie’s various meds. Some have been replaced by other meds, some have been eliminated. I do have a list of those she is now being given. Here’s hoping that I can remember to administer them all.

glenn514

 

[Temptd2]

Just got back a few minutes ago from a visit with Marie. She did not have a good day today. Apparently she told either a CNA or nurse Karen that “I’ve had better days!” She was awake when I arrived, but toward the end of my visit, she had fallen back to sleep. Her right hand showed some swelling, again, and she complained of back pain. She was given Tylenol.

Tomorrow, she will be transported to the hospital by ambulance to have her gastric tube replaced. It has continued to clog, and the only way to change that is to replace it. I will need to be there to sign the “approval” form for the procedure.

I did speak with nurse Karen, and we went over Marie’s various meds. Some have been replaced by other meds, some have been eliminated. I do have a list of those she is now being given. Here’s hoping that I can remember to administer them all.

glenn514

You've got this, Glenn! Get a couple of those "by the week" pill holders - they have a compartment for each day - and break down the meds by am/pm into the two of them. Makes it so much easier to give the correct thing when it's needed. You can buy them at any pharmacy, WalMart, etc. I've even seen them in grocery stores.

Any idea when she's coming home?

 

[banesong]

We get ours on amazon; but temptd2 is right. Organization is key here.

Be strong and get the tube clear.

 

[glenn514]

Oy! Pinheads and Bozos!!! The entire medical community is NOT run by doctors, nurses or therapists. It is run by PINHEADS AND BOZOS!!!

I arrived at the hospital a bit before 1100am today, knowing that Marie would not be there yet. Finally, at almost 1230pm, I decided to check with the desk. Yes, she had arrived at 1155am [ahem] and they had all the necessary signatures on file, so I left and went to Hearthstone to start packing up her stuff.

I no sooner got to Hearthstone and the hospital was calling, saying they needed my signature on a consent form!!! They finally faxed one over, and I signed it. Some moments later, and another hospital PINHEAD OR BOZO calls me on the phone in Marie’s room [!!!] stating that I needed to speak with the doctor before the procedure. I told her it was a replacement, I was aware of the risks, and hung up. Some minutes later, the doctor calls…on the room phone [!!!]. I swallowed my anger and displeasure, since it was NOT his fault, and told him I’d listen to his medical talk. Then, I had to ORALLY give my consent!

And all the while, I had absolutely NO KNOWLEDGE of when the hospital equipment would be delivered; when the formula, pump and IV hanger would be delivered; no idea of when/if a home health nurse would show up; and not even a “ballpark” time for her to be picked up at Hearthstone and transported to our house!

At this time, I know when the formula, pump and IV hanger will arrive [today, between 400pm and 800pm]. I also know that the hospital equipment supplier will phone me between 400pm and 500pm today to schedule delivery. Then, a home health nurse MUST BE HERE when Marie is brought home, so that depends on when the equipment arrives! Oy! Pinheads and Bozos!!!

glenn514