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Saturday, August 12, 2006

On July 9, 2006 I joined my family in Las Vegas to celebrate the wedding of my only nephew and godson, Marc and his beautiful bride Kim. Life was grand~

On August 9, 2006 one month later my mother has been in the Intensive Care Unit of a New Brunswick, Canada hospital since August 3rd.

It's been a nightmare from HELL!


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My mother entered the hospital to undergo a seemingly uncomplicated hip replacement surgery. The surgery in itself was successful but there were "complications".

Complications is an understatement. I telephoned the hospital after the surgery to be told that my mother was in the intensive care unit on a ventilator and being examined by a kidney specialist. Ventilator, kidney specialist; what the fuck?

I telephoned my dad who had just spent the entire day at the hospital. He was physically and emotionally exhausted. I asked if he felt that my sister and I should fly to Canada; if for no other reason but to offer emotional support to both him and my mother but he said no, wait a few days to see what develops.

After a sleepless night, I telephoned my sister who decided that one of us should be there and stated that she would fly out the following day. It would be easier if she went first and I would follow either on an emergency basis or to take turns staying with my father.

My parents live in a small village in northern Canada approximately 2600 miles from Florida. One flight per day, two connections, 11:30 hours total flying time, six days per week.

On Saturday, I telephoned and was able to speak with my mother. She sounded very weak but hopeful.

My sister telephoned daily with updates and I telephoned daily to speak with my mothers' doctors.

Last Monday I telephoned and my mother who was in much better spirits was able to tell me she had received 4 pints of blood. Blood transfusions (she has now had a total of 7 pints), what the fuck? Another telephone call to her physician. My mothers' blood was too thin, platelet count low, whatever.

On Thursday, I telephoned the hospital and asked to speak to my mother. Sorry, she is unavailable having been taken for chest x-rays. CHEST X-RAYS? Possible pneumonia.

Last evening, I telephoned my dad. Things are slowly returning to some semblance of normalcy. My mother is off the ventilator, no more blood transfusions, some fluid on the lungs but not pneumonia. There is a possibility that after 10 days, she will be transferred out of ICU early next week.

Tonite, I telephoned my dad. My mother is back on the ventilator, but in better spirits. She finally ate for the first time yesterday and again tonite.

My sister will remain in Canada until the 21st of August after which I will fly up and remain until we're certain life has somewhat stablized.

My mother and father are both 82 years old but to my sister and I, age is not a factor. We are not at this time and will probably never be comfortable with letting go.

I ask that you keep us in your thoughts and I thank you.



13 comments:

Connie in FL said...

So sorry to hear about your mother! One feels so helpless when unable to be right there right way. Hope she's well REAL soon!

You are in my thoughts dear Don. Take care.

XOXOX

nancy =) said...

oh darling i am so so sorry to hear about this...i know this must be just awful for you...

warmest thoughts and all good and healing vibes being beamed up to canada...

please get well soon, dondon's mom...

and don't forget to take good care of you, dondon...

much love, dear sir...

Blogzie said...

You are always in my thoughts and now even more so.

I Love You Mr. Don Don.

x0x0x

Heidi said...

I'm here via Marys Blog and so sorry to hear what your going through with your mother.

Sending prayers and positive thoughts she will get this hurdle.

Hugs 4 u.

BostonPobble said...

you know what I want to say to you. remember it as you go through this, as you travel. take my number with you in case you need it. I'm home on the 21st.

Brettcajun said...

I will say a prayer for your mother tonight Don. I wish her the best in recovery. My prayers go out to you as well. I hope you have some very happy news in the near future.

XOXO,

Brettcajun

CrackerLilo said...

Certainly I will keep you all in my thoughts.

I'm so sorry she (and the rest of you) are going through all this.

*hug*

puhpaul said...

I hope your mom is getting better. I'll be keeping her and your dad in my thoughts.

paul

jmadison77 said...

I can be there for the dogs whenever you go up there...just give the word...

I will need another key as the one you gave me before fell off and I have no clue where or how long ago; I just noticed it was not there.

Thoughts and prayers to you and mom.

RED QUILT MAKER said...

Thinking of you and your family.

rQm

Connie in FL said...

I saw a man walking two pugs Tuesday and wondered if it was you. Thinking of you still, dear Don. Take care.xoxo

christine mtm said...

your whole family will be in my prayers. in fact i will add you to the prayer list at church.

we almost lost my mom last year, so i remember the stress and the fear. just know you have support here... even if it is cyber-support.

Twisted Lady said...

You are in my thoughts, as always....