Message from Frawniemae

[Slitter]

I got an e-mail today from Frawnie and she asked me to share this information with the community here.

Her mother has had a series of small strokes during the past week or so. Having seen the signs, Frawnie got her to the hospital where they ran some tests. An arteriogram blockages in both carotid arteries. Not enough to warrant the risks of a surgical procedure so they will attempt to treat them with medicine. Meanwhile, they are "throwing" clots which are causing the mini-strokes.

Right now Frawnie's mom needs 24/7 care and they are scrambling to make some short term arrangements. Frawnie says her mom understands the seriousness of her situation (says she's been ready to die for some time now) and that she cannot live alone anymore and is accepting all of this with good spirits when in company and with quiet, thoughtful moments when the two of them are alone.

With all this going on, Frawnie is a bit too frazzled to come to the boards right now. She will be grateful for any prayers or positive thoughts you can send her way.

Edited to fix a minor spelling error.

[tahitisweetie]

Oh my gosh.


Keeping you in my prayers, Frawnie!!!


{{{{{{{{{{{{ hugs }}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Gabby]

:hug2:

Frawnie -- you and yours are in my prayers.

[Irishlass]

(((((((((Frawnie)))))))))

Positive thoughts and prayers are coming your way.

[AvecLion]

Aww Frawnie - I'll be thinking of you while I'm missing you.

[Virgo6]

Frawnie, thinking of you and hoping that while you are going through this that you take some time for yourself to rest. Hugs and prayers coming your way.

[Fuel]

Oh my, sorry to hear about that. Sending good wishes your way.

[Slitter]

Looks like they've found a place. It's run by a woman that Frawnie and her mom both worked with a while back so there's a good level of trust there. It isn't a nursing home per se and, to be honest, I'm not exactly sure what it is. It sort of sounds like a boarding house for "little old ladies" (Frawnie's words). I guess the thing is that she'll have people around to take care of the basics for her and home health people will also come to her there. It sounds like sort of an in-between arrangement.

Pocket, I know you are getting these e-mails too. Is that what it sounds like to you?

Of course, now the reality of moving will come into play instead of the abstract thought of it and Frawnie expects it to be a difficult thing. Her mom has lived in her current home for over 50 years so she has a lot of memories there. The tough times continue.

[pocket]

Yes, Sli...that's what it sounds like. With Frawniemae and family living in the area, I'm sure there'll be plenty of visits and lots of oversight. Since they know the lady and trust her, it must be a huge relief to find out she had a vacancy. IMO, and Frawnie will correct me if I'm wrong, this is a good alternative because of Medicare rules, at least for now. If Mom becomes needful of more intense care, they'll have to make other arrangements, I'm assuming.
It's a difficult time for everyone, when an elder has to leave their own home. I hope all goes well.

[snip the elf]

This must be so hard for them all. I wish them all well

[poppy]

I hope all goes well Frawnie during this stressful time- happy, positive thoughts coming your way!:lovey::lovey:

Poppy

[tralee]

Frawnie, you and your Mom are in my prayers. :hug2:

[Tiberius]

I am sure that the assisted living is lovely and she will be well cared for. This is a very difficult transition but at least, I am glad to hear Frawniemae found a place with people she knows and trusts.

[frawniemae]

Thanks everyone for all the prayers and good thoughts sent our way.

Kathy's Home for Seniors is a small private home setting. Mama and Kathy go back about 30 years to days of Home Extension Clubs and working in a local nursing home kitchen together. Kathy is one of those beautiful people that has just the biggest heart for old people anyone could ever hope for. She has had two women living with her and her family (hubbie and son) for 6 and 8 years, respectively. Another lady had lived with her for 5 years before she passed. It was really hard for all of Kathy's family with her passing so she decided to keep that room empty.

Kathy told me that just 3 months ago the Lord prompted her to think about accepting a third lady to fill the vacant room in her home. She walked into my place of business a week before mama got sick. We talked and visited and the Lord set in motion what has now come to pass: mama living in Kathy's home. There are CNA's available around the clock and Kathy is there during the day. Home Health nurses will come in 3 - 4 days a week. Mama is content with the situation (well, as much as one can be anyway) but she is viewing this as a temporary thing.

The meds haven't fully gotten into her system yet but I do feel that she is having fewer TIAs (trans ischemic attacks ie mini strokes). But you just can't predict when a major stroke will happen.

Everything will work out the way it is supposed to in the long run.

I'm tired, mentally and physically, but I'm not worried about her right at this moment. What's the use? I've done, and will continue to do, what I can for her. I sleep very well at night.

Keep those thoughts and prayers coming!! Thank you for each and every one of them.

[Gabby]

I'm glad to see you here. I've been thinking of you and your mother! :hug2:

[pocket]

It sounds like you've found the best possible solution for your Mom, right now. I hope she feels comfy there and will stay content, and does well, physically too. If she's having fewer TIAs it's an improvement. I hope that continues. You're a good daughter. Responsibility doesn't kill you, but it surely is heavy sometimes.

[Virgo6]

Sounds like a nice warm place for your mom. At least you can have some peace of mind. Glad to hear you are sleeping well, because things like this take its toll on the body, mind and spirit. You are a daughter any parent could be proud of. In my prayers each night.

[Slitter]

I'm delighted to see you back at SA, Frawnie! :trip:

As you said, you've done what you can do (and I have no doubt you'll keep on doing it). Now after all this hectec activity you can finally let yourself relax a little bit.

I expect her thinking of the situation as temporary is natural. It's a good state of mind for her to be in too, at least for now. She's thinking she'll get better and the mind can be a powerful thing.

Meanwhile I guess I am just greedy but I'm so glad that you feel you have the breathing room now to come back here and spend a little time with us again.

[tahitisweetie]

Frawnie, I love reading about your faith. So glad your mother has found the right place for this time in her life.

[Mouse9]

Sorry to hear about your mother, but glad to hear about the solution. It sounds like a wonder set-up (and answer to prayers).

I'll continue to pray that things keep going well in regards to her health.

[Zuzu's petals]

I'm pleased to hear positive news. I will continue to pray for you, your mom, and your entire family. I'm thanking God for Kathy and her family, as well.

[frawniemae]

Thanks to all for your continued prayers and good wishes. Mama is settling in fairly well. I took her out to her house the other day and she did fine. No tears. Just some heavy sighs. We'll go every now and then to just "check on things".
I'm trying to step back some now so that her caretakers can get to know her habits and such a bit better. Trying to find a new "normal". Tomorrow I go back to my job. It feels like it's been a long time since I went in. These last couple of weeks have been one
l..o..n..g day, it seems.

[tralee]

Frawniemae, please know you're in my prayers.

[Kramer]

Glad to hear you mom is getting settled into her new home and I will be keeping her in my prayers for a speedy recovery. :hug2:

[frawniemae]

Thanks for your continued prayers...mama is continuing to have TIAs that really knock the wind out of her sails. The only lasting effect has been a decrease in her eye/hand coordination. That is the most frustrating thing for her so far. She knows what she wants to do but getting the message down her arm to her hands and fingers is proving difficult. This may or may not be recoverable. I'm thinking not. Spirits are still good but doing anything beyond the normal daily tasks of eating and bathing just take so much out of her. We have to limit our visits and taking her out to do anything. I've had to cancel a couple of drs appts simply because she cannot tolerate the time it takes to carry them out. One was a nuclear stress test that I refuse to have done to her. In her condition, in no way could I let her undergo that. 4 -5 hours of waiting plus the actual test itself would likely do her in. UH HUH no. I can't even fathom her heart doctor ordering one done!

We're hangin in taking it one day at a time.

[Fuel]

Sorry to hear of her continued troubles. I really hope the TIAs stop. Yep, One day at a time.

[pocket]

I had hoped the TIAs would have stopped by now, and I'm sorry to hear they haven't. What is the treatment, blood thinners? I have a friend that has had a lot of these TIAs, and most of her strength did come back every time, with the passage of time but she is a lot younger than your mom. She still tires easily, too. You and your mom and family are still in my thoughts and prayers...thanks for the update.

[Gabby]

I'm glad you're able to advocate so well for her!

:hug2:

Thanks for keeping us informed.

[frawniemae]

Pocket, she is taking so many meds...her meds are stored in a small overnight bag. She has been taking Plavix for several years now. Since stenting wasn't done, the only other thing to do was more meds. She's taking Aggrenox along with everything else that was already in her arsenal!

It seems that the TIA's occur after she has been more physical, like going to a restaurant or taking a shower without much assistance. So even tho she needs to do more than just sit or lay around, we have to be careful that she doesn't over exert herself. And that is a very fine line. With only 15 % heart function left, any little thing makes her heart work harder. And that's when the clots get thrown.

[Irishlass]

Frawnie, I've been following this thread and keeping all of you in my prayers. I, so, know where you are coming from. My parents continue to require almost 24 hr. a day assistance. God bless my brother and his patience. So far we've been able to keep them in their home. I'm not sure how much longer that will last. Mom is 90 and Dad is 92.......they just had their 67th wedding anniversary.

I'm so glad you found a place for your mother that is acceptable to both of you.