I was really hoping for an uneventful day 24, but apparently that wasn’t in the cards.
Mom’s friend R went and spent several hours with her since we are away this weekend. I had explained to her that we would be gone for a few days but would be back on Tuesday and she’d have friends (specifically R) visiting with her during our absence. Mom had been doing so great and she understood this so I really didn’t think that it would be an issue.
She ended up being very agitated and kept asking for me (Kim) to come. Everyone kept telling me not to and that she was OK. I know that she is probably still very scared, frustrated, angry, etc. She just needs to be able to rest and continue her therapies. I support her and want to be there as much as I can but honestly, she is in great hands.
I ended up getting a call from the rehab center that mom was getting transferred to the ER because she pulled her feeding tube out. Because it goes directly into her stomach, it’s considered a surgical procedure and needs to be done very carefully. One of mom’s other friends happened to arrive just as all of this was happening and wasn’t allowed to see her. “D” did follow over to the hospital and was kind enough to give me updates. There was so much chaos that it was difficult for me to get any information from anyone at either location.
D stayed with mom until the tube was replaced and she was getting sent back to the rehab facility. I am so thankful that she happened to be there. She wanted to make sure that mom knew she wasn’t alone during all of this. What a blessing for her to have shown up when she did!
I called this morning to check on mom and her nurse said that she’s doing fine. Numbers are good and she had a very productive OT session already. Speech and PT are still on par for today. R is headed there to be with her again. I really don’t know what I’d do without her. I’m really hoping that mom is in a better frame of mind today. I am not going to hypothesize here as to why she pulled out her tube. This is a very difficult time for her. She is allowed to feel any way that she wants. However, I don’t want her to act out and do anything that could cause her more harm. I am not sure that she fully understands the repercussions. She’s still as stubborn as she ever was. As a matter of fact, her nurse told me that she’s got a really strong right side and we need to watch out… I can’t wait for the day when I can get mom up and see her work her punching bag again. Now just isn’t the time.
Keeping fingers crossed that she’s more behaved today. Biggest thing is that she is safe, looks good, and did NOT get a pass by her therapists. They are still making her work and that is a very good thing.