topic Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread in Community Chat

_Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

rac71 — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 20:42:37 GMT

No she's not ok. Neither are we. Within 5 hours of angioplasty & stent her bp and hr dropped. Hr erratic. Internal bleeding in abdomen. Mom very tiny. Veins & arteries thin. 2nd central line for transfusion. Lots of cpr because she wasn't stable enough for ct scan to find bleeding source. Finally went down for CT with emergency surgery & cardiac teams. Now wait. I've had 2 anxiety attacks. Put her on three shuls' Mishaberach lists. Two rabbis have come. Fell apart this morning. Was able to fake calm until the heart attack call. I'm the one who's been calling 911 lately with what were misdiagnosed as food poisoning and vagal irritation from migraines. She's only 68 and was in good health. Women in waiting room talking about funeral reception parties.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 09:09:01 GMT

I am here, rac71...............

Just did come in and read . So very glad you came over. PLEASE tell me -exactly how she is doing, at this time. 68 is NOT old, especially after telling me she has been in good health.

Do not fall apart......... You are making yourself very weak and mentally non functioning. PLEASE LISTEN TO ME.......take the (Xs). Can you tell me if 0.25, .50 or 1mg.

The shunt is put in because the veins/ arteries are so collasped...that is also because of blood loss. .........Now they have to keep her VERY QUIET........She has to gain back her strength..........

The CT was done to PIN POINT exactly where the orgin of bleeding is coming from.

When the IVs were started that will hydrate her from any blood loss.........this is typical and always done.

There is always, in a group setting of prayers, when church friends hear about a family member or friend being in this condition.........IT'S WONDERFUL and I, too will be HERE praying. God knows who this is. I have a strong faith and prayer constantly.........

My husband almost died NOVEMBER - one year ago, having a stroke, then developing some mysterious infection that ANTIBIOTICS would not eradicate the bacteria-UNTIL a blood culture growth was done for 24 hours+, then the TEAM at the medical center started with this particular antibiotic and prayers were heard.

I WILL STOP AND WAIT FOR ANY REPLIES.......IT'S LATE WHERE I AM, BUT WILL BE BACK AFTER ANY WORD. Okay? Don't give up on me....I am with you~

Keep focusing on the great health mom had.......that's a big plus. I have been through this many times with patients and my family............I KNOW IT IS OVERWHELMING

_Naes

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 19:45:56 GMT

*rac71->........................ Please see gloriajean's thread. `AMONG FRIENDS`

I am truly sorry about the time. We are here for you.

_Naes

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 00:13:59 GMT

...bumping this UP** for those** who will know a little more in what, and when I found this out.-

_Naes

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

rac71 — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 08:35:40 GMT

Please forgive any formatting glitches, I am on an iPad. _Naes, my dad had two stents, the first before coated stents were on the market. One of his cousins works on the technology to create them and they were still in the early FDA phases when my dad decided to go ahead with an LAD bypass because of the continued need for delta and gamma radiation to clear tissue growth. My best friend had a quadruple bypass not too long before that.

Basically, my mom's veins are very thin and narrow, so the emergency Cath and angioplasty seems to have punctured a groin vein or artery. The CT didn't show anything other than a blood-filled abdomen; there was too much internal bleeding. Last night the pressure became too extreme for her ventilator to work. So her abdomen has an open would with a vacuum but it appears the bleeding did stop yesterday. She's been on lower temperature and medically induced coma because of some of the complications, need for manual CPR, etc. Tonight they started raising her temperature. And in the morning they will look at the 24 hour EEG and her surgical and ICU team will decide to either repeat the CT to locate the bleed source or poke around to find it surgically to seal it.

I consulted with my own doc about getting and taking Xanax (25mg). She called me back twice after hours and asked me to tell her everything that was going on. I have a WONDERFUL internist and a very open trusting relationship with her. Took two yesterday over 6 hours on an empty stomach. Finally ate late last night.

This morning, I learned that when my brother got into town and he and my dad went back to the hospital last night, they played "boys are best" and removed me as my mother's contact entirely. Their wristbands banned me from ICU without one of them escorting me, and they tried to kick me out of the family meeting. I'm the caretaker. I'm the one who's been monitoring and documenting her symptoms, seeing to her post ER care in the past few weeks, making sure she ate carefully, and the one who's called 911 every single time. Eventually, my dad's BIG mistake downed on him and he tried to throw a tantrum to make up for it. I'm the one getting the blame. The charge nurse told me repeatedly how grateful and appreciative I should be that she is breaking the wristband rule without a wrist and, how secretive it should be, etc. By the fourth repeat insinuating I was the problem, I asked her to stop, that we needed to stay positive n this room so my mother heard no negativity, and any further discussion would create anger. What I chose not to disclose was my intense desire to take her face in my hand and smash her head against the nearest wall for blaming me for my father's misbehavior. But I stayed big and contained my growing rage; may I never be that snarky to a parent or student.

I also asked the neurologist a number of questions as my SPED profession has me working with and testing a variety of young people with a variety of brain injuries and cognitive damage. We brought in a variety of her CDs and I put an Israeli music disc for her. Tomorrow, I will switch to klezmer. I also called the rabbis and made arrangements for one of them to join us at the meeting to I had an ally. It was fascinating to hear what an expert my younger brother has miraculously become regardingmy mother's condition as he hadn't been around until he flew in last night. As perfect as my dad and brother believe my brother to be, I'm the one my dad asks about household chore questions. I got him started doing laundry for the first time in 28 years on my mom's Maytag washer tonight. I understand more than people think I do, and I am glad to now know that her urgent manual CPR that supposedly was for 60+ minutes yesterday morning was really only 14 minutes. The CCU doctor embellished excessively. All the ways they said she was already dead/brain dead were untrue.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 08:36:59 GMT

HI rac!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, the experts were telling you, `mom was brain *d*`.......That is the very reason EXPERT is not in my vocabulary

When a family knows very little about a situation, as in this one, members take on another behavior. I have seen it time after time ----------after time, even with one situation in my family, but that had a lot to do with having power of attorney. I surmise dad had been gifted with the decision making~ -??)

People skills, as YOURSELF and 'families'. Your credentials tells all. You should definitely would be the one, the main one knowing what has been going on pre hospital-what is being done now, and you are not in any way 'the blame'. Families strike out at each when they become afraid and frustrated, Everyone apparently loves mom, but men (usually) peak at their highest stupidity quite quickly when an emergency arises, especially when the female caregiver can and will work along with the doctors...something like handing over a document trail from either... memory or notes written'YOURS', to convince the medical team to entertain the mere thought ...She Know Enough To Give Us A Clue { or a male in some cases} that can interact as an advocate, and you certainly are this.

In your profession, you know the little rules set forth with the format and goals not always having expectation AT discipline.

The one key point is I do understand where your position is, certainly with talking about the music. Yes the music that you speak of is definitely like like a goal to have musical instruments actually singing..as a human voice. What a created idea, i.e., Itzhak Perlman's In the Fiddler's House. It lights the soul. it lifts the soul...melody to pickle it and pepper it-Nice experience for mom~ You know best.

I asking asking a simple question about the (X), that is a very low (mg), so you can understand how this will calm the entire system to calm, as I have read you are eating. Continue on with this course of a routine, until you are more concerned with your well being; it will do what you would think, as the impossible, and just staying in an altercation mode.

BUT! I do understand how THIS could happen. That could have been me.

Your doctor appears to be a Gem~

Now, I am following this as you tell me. I am approaching a finer outcome than you were yesterday. I will go further in with this since the time can be for the next post after this one_>.....continuing on-----_Naes

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 09:11:40 GMT

Did the surgeon/doctors ever mention LIMA-LAD?

I will go back to mom's good health pre-heart attack. In fact patients having LAD (by pass) shows great improvement. Survived rates...for the heart attack patient /survivor-.

The medical team has to monitor her blood pressure and keep it at normal. That's why the temperature intervention, now.

When the angioplasty through the groin, the surgeon cuts into the femoral artery (groin)-that can be up to 4/10ths of an an inch (diameter). Since the operation is over- the surgeon closes the incision ( in the artery) and applies {size of a small watch} applying compression closure "devices" TO STOP THE BLEED. .............The left (anterior) descending coronary artery- The LAD typically subtends 50% of the ventricular myocardail (muscle of the heart) mass. The angiography reveals any coronary ( obstructions) in non-LAD vessels stent. This tells me mom had a ..........myocardial infarction.

I will await further updates.

Please read *gloriajean's* prayer request. WHAT A WONDERFUL FRIEND WE HAVE WITH HER CONCERN AND PRAYERS, ALONG WITH EACH BEAUTIFUL PERSON ON THIS LOVING FORUM.

We love you, our prayers are never ending for mom and for your strength, ` to be well and focused in`, ..........as the professionl that you are.

From all of us. God Bless rac '71' our true friend~ Hugs~ and soft tender hands holding yours~

_Naes

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

Sweetbay magnolia — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 02:20:26 GMT

My thoughts are with you.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

rac71 — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 09:57:04 GMT

Well crud. I typed a whole response and it vanished! Not cool.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

rac71 — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:17:35 GMT

My mother has woken. She has speech recognition/understanding, and can move her extremities on command and at will. Held onto my hand a lot today. Yanked her other hand out of my dad's when he started scolding me 'just because' and wouldn't let him hold it again for a while. Bleeder was located and sealed off, and her abdomen has been closed. Night nurse Charlotte says it looked good during a dressing change. Charlotte asked us to leave, so I pad up and went. After receiving a scolding text from my brother about overstaying/overtaxing Mom, I asked Charlotte directly when I called to check in if I had been a problem and to please tell me the truth. I wasn't; my dad was. Why my brother decided I needed the reprimand...sh--head flew out of my mouth several times tonight. The day nurse had me moisten her lips with the tube stuff. My dad scolded me for that, too. And yet when she does eventually get home, he'll dump all the care on me. His way of "taking care of her" is to wear headphones so the TV doesn't bug her and fixing TV dinners for himself. Completely oblivious to her need for nourishment. He insisted I teach him how to do laundry. Won't read the washer, detergent, or garment label instructions himself or put the laundry baskets away. Still fussed at me afterwards because I didn't tell him to use bleach. This Dreft/dryer ball girl only uses bleach when absolutely necessary and rarely hot water. Not everything in that basket was bleach-able. Sorry, long stream of consciousness post. The EEG wires and ventilator may be removed sometime tomorrow. Thank you for your kindness and emotional support. I have a far bigger friend-in-need network than I ever realized. Even one battling stage 4 melanoma (8 tumors in 3 organs)! Puts to shame my dad's comments that my mom and I are close out of pity for my lack of a boyfriend/partner/spouse in my 40s. That is mostly on purpose.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

rac71 — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:26:18 GMT

Naes could you explain why the ventilator creates a high risk of pneumonia? My mom failed the breathing test this morning. She couldn't stay awake enough. They ended fentanyl and put her back on propanol(?) which is shorter-lasting in the system.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

dooBdoo — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 23:12:45 GMT

rac71, You mentioned that you lost a long post. It's a hazard on these forums. The best thing to do is first type your response somewhere else (a notepad area on your computer, in your email account as if you're composing a new message, etc.) and then copy and paste it here when you've completed it. Or, if you write it here, be sure to copy it first before clicking "submit." That will save lots of frustration, and you certainly don't need any additional annoyances right not.

My heart goes out to you. I have no specific advice, but you and your mom, and her health care team, are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for your father and brother, too, in hopes they can open their eyes and their hearts.

Remember to take good care of yourself, too. Your health and well-being are important.

_Naes, As always, you're a sweetheart.

(((Cyber hugs))) to both of you.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

rac71 — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 06:23:47 GMT

Mama is off the ventilator. She tried to yank th tubes out of her now and off her finger. I got her to stop. Nurse and I rminded her where she was. She promised not to try to pull again and said, "I'm sorry." She was convinced she had to sneeze and her nose was running. Both sensations caused by her oxygen line and the gastric tube. I gave her tissues and she tried several times to reach to wipe her nose. When she kept failing she cussed. How could I help but laugh? I helped wash and comb her hair tonight. When the nurse asked about her headcovering, mom said, "Jewish." Her voice is a whisper but it's there.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:27:46 GMT

Yes, rac.........really I do understand. If you can, try to tell yourself -what is going to happen here with all of the others' very elementary behavior. Put that to the side. It's not that important, but mom is. The change in medications I am explaining in different posts becaude I have had several messages -never to be seen.

Wonderful news 'mom is off of the ventilator'. Most patients having been IV'd with blood pressure meds do have violent gesters. I am reading the above earlier question which I will explain- post time permitting.

Fentanyl is a poweful analgestic (opiate) which is synthetic..similar to morphine for pain. But now we know she is off of this, now. Heart patients.

There IS a Propofol and then there is (A Propanol)= beta blocker/is safer-when there is a breathing problem, especially for previous MYOCARDIAL INFARCTIION {heart attack-muscle is involved}. This is mainly used for treating high blood pressure OR ANXIETY which she possibly does have. The PROPANOL lowers portal vein pressure "IN" portal high blood pressure.

The FENTANYL was possibly removed as a treatment due to ( a possible complication of cirrhosis related to the portal high blood pressure which could increase the (FULL ABDOMEN hemorrhages). This is all circulatory, that would move probable than possinly compromise the reduction of renal problems. I will be back, soon. Do dismiss anything mom may say. She is very frustrated. Her nurse is trying to focus on her patient, trying to note any behavior changes as different medications are introduce. You are doing a great job!. _Naes

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:30:12 GMT

....than POSSIBLY^^^above. I was tryin to type within the time format.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:54:17 GMT

mechanical ventilator makes it easier for mom to breathe UNTIL mom is /was to breathe completely on her own. Later on they possibly will do some deep breathing exercises, but that come later.

Infections: The endotracheal tube in the windpipe makes it easier for bacteria to get into the lungs, thus -pneumonia "not" occuring. As a result, the lungs DO develop an infection. The risk is about- mmh,,,,,,,1% for each day spent on the ventilator. That is why I said WONDERFUL, mom is off of the vent.

The doctors do not want any chance of (bacteria)/pneumonia/ becoming severe or difficult to treat, if need of antibiotics-due to what we know of as resistant bacteria.

I hope I answered your question about this.?

Mom's low level oxygen in the blood, even while getting oxygen therapy and/or when the level of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream is sounding better, from what you have told me.

THIS CAN BE TRUE WHEN BREATHING IS BECOMING VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. That's probably when she took out the tube(s)/finger out herself.

3 things to remember: To deliver oxygen. -To eliminate dioxide. To ease the work of breathing.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:48:42 GMT

On 1/19/2015 rac71 said: Naes could you explain why the ventilator creates a high risk of pneumonia? My mom failed the breathing test this morning. She couldn't stay awake enough. They ended fentanyl and put her back on propanol(?) which is shorter-lasting in the system.

...backk to earlier post, ref: PROPANOL. Yes, short term acting. This is for hypertension, ANXIETY and any pain from herat or ENDOTRACAHEAL tube, a long with blood pressure with 'dys'rhythmias tremors/ "A" beta blocker for (arrhythmia)....to slow down the heart beat.

Now (Diprivan) "PROPOFOL"/ is not to be confused with what mom is on but IS a short term acting (IV) hypnotic used for short period alotted time surgical procedures; I do not know if she had this when the vent was put in. You may have heard of both of these medicatins when mom was rushed to the emergency?

There is an "ACE inhibitor. Those are treat patients with Myocardial Infarction (heart attacks)- Angina pectoris- high blood pressure. Those WIDEN the blood vessels to improve the blood the heart pumps. You may hear a doctor mention this at some time.

Next is the Calcium channel blockers, also for high blood pressure/hypertension- MORE so for Atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease. Next are the Alpha blockers: there has always been a question about ALPHA blockers Vs Beta blockers. They too, expand vessels so blood passes smoothly. You may hear this brought up. Lastly. on the PROPANOL: THESE RECEPTORS AFFECT heart rate, heart muscle CONTRACTION and the voulume of boold the hear pumps a minute without a problem-this will effectively lower b/p/ Mainly, 'those' are usually for treatment -to relax Smooth muscle tissue found in the prostate & bladder neck.

Hopefully, when you get a chance, you can ask for some cardio packages that explain [each] just to have and study in the event any doctor mentions one or the other.

I do hope that you are resting. I feel that everyone on this story is very proud of what you have accomphished, less the intrusion of your own frustration(s) from family. If my husband can operate a washing machine w/o a manual, then I should think that another member can push a button and put in some detergent. Keep us posted, please.

And I hope that agitator is roaring at top speed, hopefully someone has gotten the hang of washng clothes.

A Beta Blocker treats high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and a host of other conditions which I do not think that mom has- as in glaucoma, angina, hyperthyroidism et cetra and on.

_Naes

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

rac71 — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 18:15:18 GMT

I understand beta blockers. My folks and I are all on them. Me, originally for the accelerated heart rate when I was thyrotoxic and post-I131, now a MUCH lower dose for profession-triggered hypertension. My dad takes it for hypertension, and my mom takes 25 mg 2x a day as part of migraine prevention. Her normal blood pressure is very low, and her heart rate is usually about 70. Back when I was on 150-175 mg 3x a day the diuretic impact was quite powerful. All of this means I have heart disease as an inevitability, now that both parents inherited from theirs. My mom's father had two heart attacks by his early 40s, before she was born. Then nothing for years. They also eventually relocated from Chicago to Arizona so the winters would be less taxing on his heart. I took the cussing as a good sign. It was such a HER moment to say, "Oh, sh--" in frustration. She's also very confused right now and was asking for her pills. I am exhausted. My father needs constant overnight attention whch is rough. 2:30 in the morning he was fussing over needing a good pencil to bring so she can do crossword puzzles. She doesn't have full vision back yet. All she could see yesterday was light, dark and blurry. He's deluding himself into thinking she'll be home in a few days and back to full vigor. I'm hoping her sight comes back; I don't really understand why it isn't there and no medical professional has explained. Maybe it was Propofol? Although I think it is propanol, in the Atenolol family. She's less puffy; the lasiks have been working,

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

NAES1 — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 03:01:43 GMT

I had to be where you are, now, as you told me-'I am exhausted'. I have been there only one time with a beloved family member, so I know the running on empty when anyone is the self-appointed caregiver, at home or at hospital when anything like this condition happens.

As dooBdoo said, 'YOU' have to take good care of yourself; your health & well being is just `that` important. I would like for you to know that dooBdoo has gone through a tragic event almost 2 years ago this summer, losing her husband to a heart attack. So she know from first hand experience how the loved one goes through different phases, probably much better than me. She is a dear friend to so many posters and can share her personal journey, in helping while understanding the emotions, fears and how to adapt to abrupt situations.

Ref: eyesight. If mom's eye vision condtion continues, then you can request for an opthalmogist as a referral-now or post hospital. That would be your decision to ask if the hospital would be a large medical center/LG. hospital.

I do not believe that your mother will be leaving the hospital very soon.Actually, there is not a lot of information on the effects of Propranlol associated with blood pressure eye conditions. Each person would be entirely different. Since mom has been through an abrupt shock to her body anything can be expected. Also, Propranolol interaction with other medications that mom (may) be taking definitely could not be compatiable/or she could be having a short time allergic reaction. Honestly, the doctors possibly are clueless as much as the other staff members.

I am assume mom will have a standing appointment before she leaves the hospital/ private care or referral for the eye doctor. 1 week usually.

*There is always,_____ a possibility to an anesthesia____=change in vision as blurry, one eye not as stronger than the other. The cirulation of the vessels throughout the eyes could have been affected.(??) Reason for app't. /eye doctor M.D.

Is it your total functions of the household to do all of the ( I suppose everything)? If so, then you will have to talk with head nurse at this hospital for Medicare/ or private insurance to have a home nurse to come visit, or her {nurse's} best plan whom to call for assistance. Sounds as though you have your hand full with the care of your father before mom's heart attack. There is assistance out there. Someone may be able to direct you better than I could, since I have very little knowledge in that field. "When the patient goes home".

Mom can not go home if she is still confused! ~ I hope that you are better well rested and the tension has subsided to a greater degree. That would be my prayer for you...also,for MAMA~

Smiles for you~ We are concerned and continue to pray for God to be with you and your dear sweet mom_Naes.

Re: _Not an easy sale from washing machine thread

rac71 — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 07:51:49 GMT

Thanks, _Naes. My father's "care" is more about being self-involved and lazy. He does have difficulty with the stairs, so I said I would listen for the dryer in the basement while he was on the top floor. Tonight he offered to, and successfully emptied the entire dishwasher by himself. He asked a couple of questions about unusually-shaped dishes, but did it all by himself. My mom slept all day but was more awake and communicative with me tonight. She said she could see me. She also wanted to tell me my cousin Erwin helped develop the modern way Heparin is made when the nurse said she was giving her some. (In his late 80s, he's also the foremost expert.) her voice alternated between whispers and croaks, but I understood most of it. "I want a Coca-Cola," made me smile and prompted me to promise one as soon as she is cleared to drink gassy liquids. She failed her first swallow test today. I've been through this before with my uncle, so I know how it will be handled with a speech pathologist should she continue to fail. I also appreciate the craving for a good coke. I gave them up last month with my Type 2 diagnosis but have dipped back in for occasional migraines and, yes, her hospitalization. My dad is finally accepting that she won't come home any time soon. Sometime tomorrow (Wednesday) she will transfer out of ICU when a bed becomes available. This is all huge. My parents have long-term care insurance and I suspect someone with the medical staff will recommend rehabilitative facility to help my mom transition. Right now I think having the mother-daughter visits in the evening for 90+ minutes is good for both of us. Please forgive any ramblings.