Well, the plan was for Akemi, Sharky and I to fly in to Montreal on Friday and spend the next two weeks with mom while my sister headed off for a well-earned two weeks in Cuba. Unfortunately, fate – and varied ailments – have conspired against us.
Last time I was in town, a little less than two weeks, my mother was seeing some improvement – accomplishing some sustained walking, exercising, even doing stairs instead of relying on the chairlift. But near the end of my stay, she slipped and almost fell, catching herself on the bathroom sink. For days afterwards, she complained about pain near her ribs. It made exercising uncomfortable and, quite quickly, she became immobile. Unable to physically move my mother to take her to the hospital, sis had to call for an ambulance.
At the hospital, x-rays revealed my mother had a fractured rib – and pneumonia (apparently not uncommon in older people who suffer rib injuries). She received treatment and made a surprising bounce back. The following day, she was actually back on her feet and walking. The hospital suggested keeping her overnight and, if all went well, she would be released – and things could proceed as planned.
Unfortunately, it was not to be. My sister received a call early yesterday morning informing her that my mother had fallen out of her bed in the middle of the night. X-rays revealed a fractured hip.
To make a long blog entry short, mom is going in for surgery on Thursday, her second hip surgery after that time she fell while walking the dog. My sister has elected to cancel her much-needed vacation and it looks like we’ll all be focused on ensuring mom gets back on her feet and is well enough to leave the hospital as quickly as possible. According to Grok, a patient her age with her pre-existing conditions would take a week to regain initial mobility, but a full recovery may take up to two months.
It’s hard to believe that, this time last year, my mother was actually going in to work 3 days a week!
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I’m sorry and I hope your mom is being kept comfortable. Sending prayers and positive thoughts for her surgery/recovery.
So very sorry to hear this Joe.
Much love to mama Angela.
Wishing her a quick easy recovery.
All the best to Mom, you and family. Thinking of you all
I have everything crossed for you and your mum, Joe!
So sorry to hear about this, Joe. My heart goes out to you all and I’m thinking of you. And please remember to take care of yourselves too.
Sorry about your mom. They are hardier than we think. Maybe a stay in rehabilitation after the hospital releases her would help her get her strength back and walking again. After I recently fell, I went to rehab. I got kicked out. I wasn’t progressing as fast as they wanted. Geeze give me a break. I had a bad infection. Best healing wishes for your mom.
Oh, Joe – so very sorry to hear this! And I feel for your sister, too. I know all too well the need for a break from caregiving. If it’s any consolation, we have a friend, well into her 90s, who has suffered a broken pelvis, hip, and other injuries, and she’s bounced back from them all. The key is good PT, and a positive attitude. We’ll keep your mom, and your family, in our prayers. hugs
das
Sad news, Joe. Thinking of you all and hoping for a good recovery for your Mom.
Sorry to hear about your mum, Joe. I am keeping her and all of you in my thoughts. Stay strong!
I hope your Mum’s hip surgery goes well Joe xxx Big big hugs
Very much agree with Das & Ponytail. The way to help your mom bounce back from this is good PT and a positive attitude. I’ve noticed there are several in home PT service centers in Montreal available for seniors. You and Andria might wanna ask a nurse or social worker at the hospital to check what’s covered under her insurance . Most home PT services here in the states will come to a patience home two-three times per week. They also consult with primary caregivers at home to enable them to keep up with exercises on days the physical therapist is not there and discuss methods to prevent slips and falls.
The other trick will be trying to keep your mom motivated and not become depressed.
Simply reminding her, in a subtle way, – she is still needed. For example: Andria might mention her dog(s) miss her playing with them and/or walks. Akemi might mention ” I’d love for you to teach me how to make this or that dish for Joe when you’re feeling better.”
You, Joe could simply say things like “I hope you’re feel better soon because I really miss your egg plant (or some other favorite dish). No body makes it as good as you do.” You might even arrange for some of the ladies from her job to drop by the house once she is discharged from the hospital and remind your mom how things at work simply aren’t the same without her there. While I’m sure having former co-workers stop by will not motivate her to go back to work … it will simply instill the feeling of still being valued and needed.
By the way: Love the white picket fencing you and Akemi found to place
around Sharky’s condo.
Very cool. xo
Thanks for the suggestions, Drea.
you’re welcome. Hope it helps, at least, a little.
Typo: meant to type ” PT services will come to a patient’s home” not “patience”.
The other helpful thing I remember from the previous senior community I’d lived in ..
Primary home caregivers of an elderly person recovering from hip surgery would come up with small chores to help the recovering immobile patient feel useful. ie: Andria might ask your mom to handfeed the dogs their treats while she works on preparing dinner. Or maybe? Your mom can help with little things in the dinner prep that don’t require too much physical movement … such as pasta shaping or flour dusting surfaces. Just little things along those lines.
Thanks, Drea. Alas, she’ll probably be at the hospital a while.
Well, I do hope you’ll let her know one of her biggest fans wishes her a Happy Mother’s Day this weekend. And keep us informed how she’s getting on.
Just dipping into your blog tonight to discover your family news – really sorry to hear about your Mum. Sending her all the best ‘n’ warmest wishes 💐 from ol’ London Town (UK😉) and a wonderfully speedy recovery too!
Hugs to you and your sis 🤗💕
Sorry to hear that about your Mom Joe, I hope she gets well soon. Sending you all my best wishes.