Mom called me yesterday to tell me Dad had been pitching hissy fits all weekend. She said he pitched them with the fan and yelled for her and Chantal all night. They resolved that problem, and now it's his hearing aids. He's obsessed with them. And he breaks the backs off them trying to fix them. He also breaks them by pushing the battery too far down into it. I told her I was about to head down there. She said, "That's why I called you. He insists that you come down here." He and Joseph (who is wonderful) were sitting in the carport when I got there. BTW, he was pitching such fits Sat. night that Joseph wouldn't leave him to go to bed. He slept on the floor in front of the sofa! Dad and I immediately got into it about the hearing aids. He was blaming everyone else, and I told him it was him. I made him so mad I thought he was going to come out of that wheelchair! Then I gave up reasoning with him and had to start going "Shhh, shhh..." to calm him down. Like you do with children to calm them.
He enjoyed hearing about Bay City Lodge and St. George Island. He loved to hear all about it. He kept saying, "I wish..." and I said, "I know. Me too." He loved his tshirt and he and Mom both loved the fig preserves and muscadine jelly Robin bought them at Stripling's. I had to tell them all about Stripling's and the sausage and country ham and Eddie's cooking. Dad wanted to know how the gps took us there and back. I told him the best I could remember. I said we didn't go all the way to Tallahassee on the way home. He said he never went to Tallahassee. I told him I had, but that I thought I went a different way every time I went. :) They love it that I have a gps now.
I told them I would get the paperwork going so that he can be a MARTA paratransit passenger. They both like that idea. I have to call the p.t. today, and I told them I would ask him to work with Dad on getting in and out of the car. They both like that idea, too. And if the p.t. can't do it, I think I can discourage them from going to P'tree Rd. Friday. Mom should go, but not Dad. It will take several weeks to get him on as a MARTA passenger.
I talked to him several times about letting Mom and Joseph sleep last night. I kept chiding him about it and he would laugh and say, "O.K." When I left, I took all his hearing aids, except the ones in his ears, with me. I told him I would get them fixed but it would take me more than a day. And if he didn't behave, I would come back and get the ones in his ears, too, and that that would really fix him. He laughed. My point was made.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Ride MARTA, it's SMARTA!
Started out at Medicare.gov, then VA.gov, then Atlanta VA's website, then MARTA. I can't get him certified in time for Friday, but I'm going to get Dad certified for MARTA's paratransit program. Yahoo! He can be mobile!
Computer
Reynolds - just read your comment on their computer. That's good news! Is Mom receptive to cancelling AOL and going with AT&T DSL? I'll work on her, too.
Back from the Beach
Got back from the beach last night.
Reynolds - how did the week go? How was your trip to Denver? I want to hear about it and see pictures!
Talked to Mom yesterday on our way back. She couldn't remember the name of the guy that is there this weekend, but she really likes him! The nurse came this week and I think maybe a speech therapist and an o.t. I got a message from the physical therapist Friday, so I'll return his call tomorrow.
Mom has it in her head that she and Chantal are going to load Dad up in the car Friday and take him to P'tree Rd. Methodist to watch the road race.
Reynolds - how did the week go? How was your trip to Denver? I want to hear about it and see pictures!
Talked to Mom yesterday on our way back. She couldn't remember the name of the guy that is there this weekend, but she really likes him! The nurse came this week and I think maybe a speech therapist and an o.t. I got a message from the physical therapist Friday, so I'll return his call tomorrow.
Mom has it in her head that she and Chantal are going to load Dad up in the car Friday and take him to P'tree Rd. Methodist to watch the road race.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Dr. Wilkes
My last blog before heading to FL. For some reason I haven't been able to post from work the past 2 days. Perhaps the internet polices are on to me. Anyway, Dr. Wilkes came yesterday. He will come the 3rd Tuesday of each month, most months. He prescribed speech therapy because he can tell how hard Dad is trying to talk. Everything else must wait until he sees the bloodwork. He is sending a nurse to the house to get Dad's bloodwork. Mom and Dad liked him.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Friday
At least the Doctor came to the house and Dad did not have to be transported. I am going over to their house tonight and will take another look at the computer. Hope 'youse guys' have a great time! Also, we are all going to Denver & Breckenridge CO this week and will be back next Monday. Cell Phone Nos. (RB 770-490-8672 / LB 770-891-2412)
Visiting Doctor
Dr. Wilkes comes between 9 & 11 this morning. Say a prayer that he will write new orders for more therapy for Dad.
Reynolds, tomorrow Robin, Fran and I are leaving for St. George Island for a week. But I'll be just a phone call away.
Reynolds, tomorrow Robin, Fran and I are leaving for St. George Island for a week. But I'll be just a phone call away.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Mimi
I'll talk to Mom before she goes. And also, hopefully, depending on the Privacy Act, to her doctor's office, too.
Mimi
I will be happy to go w/ her to see a doc, but how do we set this up w/out her thinking that WE are thinking she is "slipping" a little? Ya'll know she gets very defensive. Any ideas on this? I can take her any day except Wed. July 2nd.
Rey and Zach
Things I lay in bed at 5:15 a.m. and think about....
Reynolds' 2 technowizards are both musically gifted and very good at technology. Does that mean they are both left AND right brained??? Hmmm, I think they must be. :)
Reynolds' 2 technowizards are both musically gifted and very good at technology. Does that mean they are both left AND right brained??? Hmmm, I think they must be. :)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Visting Doctor
Thanks Fran.
I faxed all the paperwork for the visiting doctor yesterday to them. I signed all the papers saying that I had power of attorney. I thought I had seen a durable power of attorney listing my name first. But after talking to Fran and then Mom, I guess I was wrong. Called Fran in a panic this morning because all I had was the Health power of attorney, and it lists Mom first and then me. But what I had was all there is. Drove down to Mom's during lunch today to get her to sign the papers and to get copies of Dad's picture i.d. and insurance cards. But what I faxed yesterday was enough to get the visits started. Dr. Wilkes is going to the house to see Dad Friday morning. Dr. Wilkes needs to refill prescriptions and give new orders for therapy. The therapists can't come until there's a new set of doctor's orders. Chantal knows, which is good because she keeps Mom straight (well, as straight as possible). She was resting when I first got there. When she came into the den I said, "Hi Wonderwoman." She came into the kitchen where Mom and I were and I heard Dad start laughing. He loves it when we call Chantal Wonderwoman!
DVD player is sitting on a chair in the den. I guess we'll wait until Comcast installs the new cable line, and then tackle it again. Maybe Reynolds can get those 2 technowizards of his to get it working. :)
Need to tackle the computer, too. One thing at a time.
Fran, when we get back from the beach, we need to see about getting Mom to her doctor and to get her on some dementia meds. I'm hoping you can go with her to her appt. one day soon while you're not working.
I faxed all the paperwork for the visiting doctor yesterday to them. I signed all the papers saying that I had power of attorney. I thought I had seen a durable power of attorney listing my name first. But after talking to Fran and then Mom, I guess I was wrong. Called Fran in a panic this morning because all I had was the Health power of attorney, and it lists Mom first and then me. But what I had was all there is. Drove down to Mom's during lunch today to get her to sign the papers and to get copies of Dad's picture i.d. and insurance cards. But what I faxed yesterday was enough to get the visits started. Dr. Wilkes is going to the house to see Dad Friday morning. Dr. Wilkes needs to refill prescriptions and give new orders for therapy. The therapists can't come until there's a new set of doctor's orders. Chantal knows, which is good because she keeps Mom straight (well, as straight as possible). She was resting when I first got there. When she came into the den I said, "Hi Wonderwoman." She came into the kitchen where Mom and I were and I heard Dad start laughing. He loves it when we call Chantal Wonderwoman!
DVD player is sitting on a chair in the den. I guess we'll wait until Comcast installs the new cable line, and then tackle it again. Maybe Reynolds can get those 2 technowizards of his to get it working. :)
Need to tackle the computer, too. One thing at a time.
Fran, when we get back from the beach, we need to see about getting Mom to her doctor and to get her on some dementia meds. I'm hoping you can go with her to her appt. one day soon while you're not working.
Wed. June 18
Kathy called me earlier today, and (Kathy, correct me if I am wrong) she is working on having a doctor from the VA come to Mimi & Papa's house to give Papa a "check-up" so he can get his prescription refills, etc.
Mimi then called me while I was grocery shopping and asked when we are going to the beach (which I had just told her a couple of days ago). She said everything is good/same. She said Reynolds called her last night and she was "out of it" because she was asleep, but that Reynolds was checking on the cable/tv. I'm a little worried about her mind. Although, I must say my mind has not been 100% since February 10th, so what can I expect of an 80 year old! Bless her heart...AND his!
Just wanted to post what I know.
Fran
Mimi then called me while I was grocery shopping and asked when we are going to the beach (which I had just told her a couple of days ago). She said everything is good/same. She said Reynolds called her last night and she was "out of it" because she was asleep, but that Reynolds was checking on the cable/tv. I'm a little worried about her mind. Although, I must say my mind has not been 100% since February 10th, so what can I expect of an 80 year old! Bless her heart...AND his!
Just wanted to post what I know.
Fran
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thursday
Just s/w Mimi - she seemed to be in good spirits and said everything was going well.
Honey Baked Ham sounds great for Sunday! I will make a hashbrown casserole and the same trifle I made for Easter that Papa liked so much w/ the strawberries and blueberries.
Honey Baked Ham sounds great for Sunday! I will make a hashbrown casserole and the same trifle I made for Easter that Papa liked so much w/ the strawberries and blueberries.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wednesday
Honey Baked Ham is great! I will give you a check on Sunday.
Saw Dad & Mom last night and both of them were in good spirits.
Reynolds
Saw Dad & Mom last night and both of them were in good spirits.
Reynolds
Father's Day
If y'all don't want Honey Baked Ham we can do something else. What do y'all want to do?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Father's Day
This Sunday is Father's Day. I'll bring a Honey Baked Ham. Y'all can bring the fixin's. I got the DVD player to go along with the Seinfeld DVD set. It comes to $20 a person. Does anyone have an extra coaxial cable cord? If not, I'll get one this week.
Monday Night
Susan and I took lasagna to Mom and Dad. It smelled delicious! We didn't stay and eat with them. They both seemed in great spirits. Dad is concerned about the VA not sending any therapists to the house. I told him I would call them today. Chantal was tired. She partied until 2 a.m. and then was at Mom and Dad's at 7 a.m. :)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Monday
The wedding was beautiful! I'll send pictures. Brandon rode up and back with Fred and I. The world through the eyes of a 4 year old - birds eat popcorn, squirrels eat pine cones, and ants eat ant poison. :) I was changing Brandon's clothes Friday night and he looked up at me and asked, "Are you old?" I responded, "Why? Do I look old?" He said, "Yes." I answered, "Well then I'm old." I got to hold the baby for an hour at the wedding reception, too, so I was able to get in some good quality Nana Kaffee time this weekend.
I'm just worried about my 2 seesters - y'all are both very sick.
Susan Peterson and I are going to see Mom and Dad tonight. Susan is taking them dinner.
I'm just worried about my 2 seesters - y'all are both very sick.
Susan Peterson and I are going to see Mom and Dad tonight. Susan is taking them dinner.
Monday, June 9
Just s/w Mimi, she said Chantal "Wonderwoman" is back and she is so glad. She said Jeremy was fine and was probably the 2nd best the agency has sent, but there is no one like Chantal! She said Papa slept well last night and she did too.
Kathy, how was the wedding???????
Kathy, how was the wedding???????
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Sat. June 7
Robert s/w Mimi this morning and when asked about Jeremy she said, "He's fine." She also said Papa slept through the night.
Fran
Fran
Friday, June 6, 2008
later June 6th
Just s/w Mimi, she said she just got back from lunch w/ Sara, and then she s/w Deborah at Choice. They are sending "Jeremy" in the morning to relieve Chantal. I know she doesn't like when they send a male but I told her to give him a chance, and if he can safely lift Papa from bed to chair and back, then that should make her feel better about it (I hope!). I will call back in the a.m. to see what she thinks about Jeremy.
Fran
Fran
Friday, June 6
Hey all,
Sorry I've been out of "the loop" this week, I went to Med-Stop-Doc Monday and then Allergy Doc on Wednesday w/ diag of Asthmatic Bronchitis/URI/Sinus Infect. and have felt like crap. Something is definitely in the air b/c I'm hearing of a lot of illness/allergies now. Anyway, Robert did go down this past Monday and cut Mimi & Papa's grass. I talked to Mimi Wednesday and she said everything was fine/same. I called her earlier today and Chantal (?) said Mimi was out to lunch w/ a friend which I was glad to hear - I think it does her good to get out some. I'll call again in a little while. Robert is wanting to post so I will try to help him get signed on tonight. Lauren, if you need anything this weekend, just call. Robin, let me know what your Doc says about your WBC. Kathy & Fred, tell Jodi Congrats! Reynolds & Lyn, hope y'all are doing well.
Love to all,
Fran
Sorry I've been out of "the loop" this week, I went to Med-Stop-Doc Monday and then Allergy Doc on Wednesday w/ diag of Asthmatic Bronchitis/URI/Sinus Infect. and have felt like crap. Something is definitely in the air b/c I'm hearing of a lot of illness/allergies now. Anyway, Robert did go down this past Monday and cut Mimi & Papa's grass. I talked to Mimi Wednesday and she said everything was fine/same. I called her earlier today and Chantal (?) said Mimi was out to lunch w/ a friend which I was glad to hear - I think it does her good to get out some. I'll call again in a little while. Robert is wanting to post so I will try to help him get signed on tonight. Lauren, if you need anything this weekend, just call. Robin, let me know what your Doc says about your WBC. Kathy & Fred, tell Jodi Congrats! Reynolds & Lyn, hope y'all are doing well.
Love to all,
Fran
Success at last!
Hey family,
I think I have figured out how to do this - I am home with who knows what kind of infection; I had my annual dr. visit yesterday and my white blood count was off the charts so my doc is sending me for another battery of blood tests. I just did this in Jan. for my thyroid but she wants it done again since my thyroid was borderline (meaning my meds might need to be changed). I have been fatigued for about 6 weeks but I just attributed it to life. Dr. thought Dad's polycythemia was significant when reviewing my medical history so who knows what's going on.
I have to be at Emory on Wed. for my annual neurology appt and then the following weekend is Father's Day so I hated to drive up 3 times in a week but wanted to go visit Mom and Dad this weekend so I've called Lauren to ask if I can ride with them.
Thank you Kathy, Reynolds and Fran (and spouses) for all you've done - this is when I really hate being so far away but hopefully that will change in the next few years. I've applied to Marcus Institute at Emory but plan to stay here for at least another year anyway. Anyway, I know how physically and emotionally stressful this has been for all of you...thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Kathy, we will get the table put together this weekend and do whatever else we can to help Mom and Dad. I called Mom earlier this week to ask her if she wanted me to paint her living room this weekend (a month ago she wanted it); I knew what she'd say (because she's overwhelmed) but asked anyway, and of course, she said, "No...not now...it is too wild here." I took Dad's hearing aid to 2 different audiologists but the office opening a satellite here from Macon apparently isn't really open yet (no matter WHAT the sign says!); at the other practice, one of the girls looked at Dad's hearing aid and seemed to think it had moisture in it...the audiologist is out for a week. So...I'll take his aid by the VA on Wed. when I go to Emory.
Love to all,
Robin
I think I have figured out how to do this - I am home with who knows what kind of infection; I had my annual dr. visit yesterday and my white blood count was off the charts so my doc is sending me for another battery of blood tests. I just did this in Jan. for my thyroid but she wants it done again since my thyroid was borderline (meaning my meds might need to be changed). I have been fatigued for about 6 weeks but I just attributed it to life. Dr. thought Dad's polycythemia was significant when reviewing my medical history so who knows what's going on.
I have to be at Emory on Wed. for my annual neurology appt and then the following weekend is Father's Day so I hated to drive up 3 times in a week but wanted to go visit Mom and Dad this weekend so I've called Lauren to ask if I can ride with them.
Thank you Kathy, Reynolds and Fran (and spouses) for all you've done - this is when I really hate being so far away but hopefully that will change in the next few years. I've applied to Marcus Institute at Emory but plan to stay here for at least another year anyway. Anyway, I know how physically and emotionally stressful this has been for all of you...thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Kathy, we will get the table put together this weekend and do whatever else we can to help Mom and Dad. I called Mom earlier this week to ask her if she wanted me to paint her living room this weekend (a month ago she wanted it); I knew what she'd say (because she's overwhelmed) but asked anyway, and of course, she said, "No...not now...it is too wild here." I took Dad's hearing aid to 2 different audiologists but the office opening a satellite here from Macon apparently isn't really open yet (no matter WHAT the sign says!); at the other practice, one of the girls looked at Dad's hearing aid and seemed to think it had moisture in it...the audiologist is out for a week. So...I'll take his aid by the VA on Wed. when I go to Emory.
Love to all,
Robin
Friday, June 6
Jodi is getting married in Pigeon Forge tomorrow. We will be leaving town at noon today and will come back Sunday. I'm really nervous about this weekend's caregive so wanted to give y'all this info: Caregiver's name is Tjuana. (pronounced Twana) If she's incompetent, someone please call Deborah at Choice: 770-452-1684. After last Monday's fiasco I'm hoping we'll get a good one this weekend.
The hospital bed table - The family mechanic is coming up this weekend! Lauren - the garage door code is 8326. Y'all are welcome to sleep at our house. I'll leave the table in the garage next to the freezer. Could you please have Danny put it together? If someone comes in the house, don't worry. The next door neighbor is feeding the dogs while we're gone this weekend. We now use washable pee pads. 2 are always on the floor and 2 are usually in the washer/dryer. Would you mind washing/drying them while you're there if they need it?
Reynolds - I'll look at my AOL account when I get home and email you their help phone number. If you can't get the computer working, let me know and I'll try to get Thomas out there.
Hope everyone has a great weekend! Try to stay cool!
The hospital bed table - The family mechanic is coming up this weekend! Lauren - the garage door code is 8326. Y'all are welcome to sleep at our house. I'll leave the table in the garage next to the freezer. Could you please have Danny put it together? If someone comes in the house, don't worry. The next door neighbor is feeding the dogs while we're gone this weekend. We now use washable pee pads. 2 are always on the floor and 2 are usually in the washer/dryer. Would you mind washing/drying them while you're there if they need it?
Reynolds - I'll look at my AOL account when I get home and email you their help phone number. If you can't get the computer working, let me know and I'll try to get Thomas out there.
Hope everyone has a great weekend! Try to stay cool!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Tuesday
I went to see Dad & Mom on Tuesday night and had dinner with mom. She actually cooked and dinner was good. After dinner, Mom asked me to take a look at the computer and I could not figure out the problem with it. (FYI) Dad told me that the password to AOL is 'password'. What's the number to LAN Support? Watched a National Geographic special with Dad about the Ghost Ships in the Black Sea.
Computer
Hey Reynolds. Yesterday would have been a good day for you to blog about seeing Mom and Dad Tuesday night. Were you able to get the internet on their computer? Let me know, because if you couldn't get it working I'll have Thomas come to the house in a week or two and take a look at it.
The hospital bed table rents for $18 a month and isn't covered my Medicare. So I bought Dad a table yesterday for $139. I'll leave it at their house next Monday night when I go by there. Assembly is needed if anyone's good at that kind of stuff.
The hospital bed table rents for $18 a month and isn't covered my Medicare. So I bought Dad a table yesterday for $139. I'll leave it at their house next Monday night when I go by there. Assembly is needed if anyone's good at that kind of stuff.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Chantal - a.k.a. Wonderwoman
Chantal is back. Praise the Lord, Chantal is back! Mom, Dad and I were all ecstatic this morning! I could hear the difference in Mom's voice, and as we talked, Chantal's name changed to Wonderwoman. :)
A moment of tenderness - last night Dad said to Mom, "Gerry, I'm so sorry." (Sorry for having a stroke and the change in their lives?) Mom was so touched when she told me that. He was restless last night. Mom was, too. So she laid down on the sofa in the family room with her head on the pillow and Lauren's blanket. Dad fell asleep, and Mom went back to bed.
A moment of tenderness - last night Dad said to Mom, "Gerry, I'm so sorry." (Sorry for having a stroke and the change in their lives?) Mom was so touched when she told me that. He was restless last night. Mom was, too. So she laid down on the sofa in the family room with her head on the pillow and Lauren's blanket. Dad fell asleep, and Mom went back to bed.
Reynolds
When we were there Sunday Mom asked, "Do you know where Reynolds is?" I said, "I haven't talked to him, but he and his whole family were here to see you last Sunday." She said, "I know, but he usually comes by here a couple of nights a week on his way home from work."
Everybody - this is what the blog is good for. Reynolds blogged of their visit and that enabled me to remind Mom of their visit. Just sayin.........
Everybody - this is what the blog is good for. Reynolds blogged of their visit and that enabled me to remind Mom of their visit. Just sayin.........
Caregivers and Monday
What a day! Danny came. She was terrible! Robert was there to help get Dad in the wheelchair. Mom told me Danny did not know what she was doing. She wasn't even going to use the belt. I called Choice and complained. I said, "My Dad is still in that wheelchair and I hope they don't spill him getting him back into the bed." So they sent Dominic to relieve Danny. But by then Mom and Danny had already gotten Dad into the bed. Dad's blood pressure had not been taken all day so she asked Dominic to take it. He didn't know how to use the blood pressure monitor. I have a blood pressure monitor. They're not hard to use! Come on people! Yesterday was a day of many phone calls between me and Mom and me and Debra at Choice. Thank God Chantal is coming back today!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Sunday
Fred, Rachel and I went to see Mom and Dad. Dad was in good spirits, but stayed in the bed and napped a lot. Rach and I refilled the bird feeder.
Mom's computer is on the fritz. I couldn't get an AOL connection. FRAN - when you're there today, can you give it a try?
Mom's been washing all the caregiver's sheets between caregivers. I told her to stop. They will take care of that. When y'all see her, pleaase reinforce the same message.
She cut Dad's finger trying to cut his nails. I suggested she let Chantal do that from now on.
All in all it was a good visit.
Mom's computer is on the fritz. I couldn't get an AOL connection. FRAN - when you're there today, can you give it a try?
Mom's been washing all the caregiver's sheets between caregivers. I told her to stop. They will take care of that. When y'all see her, pleaase reinforce the same message.
She cut Dad's finger trying to cut his nails. I suggested she let Chantal do that from now on.
All in all it was a good visit.
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