Sunday Update

Faith and I went to visit mom this evening at about 8 pm. Dad had spent a good portion of the day with mom and Leah had been there too. Mom had occupational therapy this morning and was able to do some light hygiene by herself. She was able to brush her hair and wash her face. She needed moderate assistance in getting dressed this morning, but her nurse, Christine, explained to me that that actually was very good for some one in transitional care for only one full day and had had mom's type of back surgery. The physical therapist arrived shortly after occupational therapy had concluded. Mom declined physical therapy because she said she was too tired. However, the physical therapist had notated that mom was in a good mood and was laughing and joking with them when they came. Later in the day she did go on a good walk.

As far as her pain level is concerned, mom told the medical staff that it was 9 out of 10 today, although the medical staff mentioned it did not appear to them that she felt that way, and that through her body language and mobility the pain level might actually be less although they do not discount that mom is in some pain. Tonight the nurse asked me about her pain medications, and I told her that she had been taking oxycontin and lortab for pain. Mom had mentioned to Diana that she sometimes had hallucinations when she took that medication. The nurse was going to see if she could switch mom to a scheduled dose of lortab so that she could rest better in the evenings and manage her pain as well.

I think mom is making progress and the surgery has been good for her. I am concerned that she did not participate in all of the therapy sessions today. Christine, her nurse, said she was going to communicate with both occupational therapy and physical therapy and see if they could space out their sessions so mom is not have to do both back to back. That way, she can have a small rest in between the two and participate in both. I feel very strongly that participation in both therapy sessions is crucial to mom's long term success and recovery.

Thank you very much for your thoughts and prayers for mom and dad. I know that your exercise of faith of their behalf is making a difference in their lives.

Until Tomorrow,