kinda sad around my heart lately;

[kdtexas]

I need your prayers. Really need them. I got a call tuesday from my sister that she and my brother's wife had taken mom to her doctor. She's had an alcohol abuse problem for many, many years. She has been retired for about 15 years and lives with my sister in Shreveport, La. I'm about 4 hours away. anyway mom finally asked my sister for help that she couldn't go on living the way she was; staying in bed all the time, not eating, mentally and physically not functioning. Mom asked my sister to write out her checks for her so she could pay her bills(mother had never asked for this before). Well my sister noticed a high balance on discover and asked mom why so high; well mom gave some excuse, like gifts for grandkids; well sister and brother got on the internet and looked at the discover detail billing and saw that mom has been having liquor (vodka) delivered to the house - about 5 1/2 gallons the last month. my sister works all day and goes to a casino alot in the evenings. She's just not in touch with mom and reality, I don't think; until now. A wake up call to all of us.

So after seeing her primary care doctor tuesday morning, they discussed placing mom at a geriatric substance abuse and behavioural medicine program at a local hospital. Mom agreed. She got admitted same day.

She can have no phone, no tv. She is in a private room, with just bed, table, chair and bathroom. They want her to stay out of her room and to socialize as much as she can with others. There is a "day room" that I think may have a tv in it and it has a couple telephones that I can call her on and if she is available I can talk to her. So today I tried and yes! I got to talk to her, but only about 30 seconds; she sounded very, very weak, couldn't talk very well. She did say she heard I was coming to see her(I'm going over Saturday to spend the afternoon with her) visiting hours during the week are so limited; only 1 hour from 12-1 and then 2 hours 5-7pm; but on Saturday I can visit from 12 noon to 7pm!

Anyway if any of you have any experience with this please offer me some advice. I mean she is 80 years old; she can walk by herself and feed herself; and if she were stronger she really would be in good shape.

the nurse said she is very lethargic and no appetite; the doctors based on prelim test yesterday were thinking a possible heart situation and/or ulcer also.

the only meds they are giving her are tylenol, phenagren for nausea and zoloft for depression. thank God, so far she has not shown any withdrawal signs from the alcohol. but the nurse said they are also giving her a vitamin regimen to help that.

It was so heartbreaking to get this news but also it was SO encouraging that she made the decision to get help.

thanks for all your prayers for her and for our family.

 

[RJRMINIS]

I just wanted to offer my prayers for you & your mom!

:

Hang in there! I know it must be a difficut time.

 

[Miniv]

My heart is going out to you!

When you go to visit the facility on Saturday, try to find out if your mom could be provided counseling for possible depression as well.

Blessings,

MA

 

[justaboutgeese]

My symapthy comes for sure. Its kind of a tragedy when a problem like that occurs with your own mother. It kind of builds in the guilt trip along with the sympathy you feel. Lucky she is in relativly good health and with some help from God, her children and the clinic shes in she is getting the best help available for her needs.

 

[ChrystalPaths]

You definitely have prayers coming.

 

[ShawneeCreek]

Prayers for you and your family. Sorry about your mom being down but it sounds like she is in the right place to get the right help. {{{ Hugs to you }}}

 

[Roxy's Run]

Prayers are going out to you and your Mom and your family.

Linda

Roxy's Run Miniatures/Renditions

 

[kdtexas]

Thank you all for your prayers and advice and kind words. I just got a call from mom's case manager and her nurse also was on the phone. Two very nice gals(I'll get to meet them tomorrow). Mom had a lower gi procedure this morning and is still kinda sedated from that. They also did a cat scan on her abdomen and pelvic. Will have results of these test in a few days.

I told them I would be in Shreveport, La tomorrow; it will be about a 4 hour drive. So I'll get to meet these angels that are taking care of my mother. I also asked if I could wash mom's hair (sometimes that by itself, makes you feel better) and they said oh yes, you can love on her as much as you want!!

She is still not exhibiting any alcohol withdrawal symptons. They do have her on zoloft for depression.

I so excited, but reserved about seeing her in a wheelchair and lethargic; I've never seen my mom in this condition. At Christmas she was in bed most of the time but was alert. I've tried to prepare myself.

Will report back when I return. Probably will head back Sunday unless my brother and sister have other plans. Brother mentioned visiting some nursing homes; I think he may be rushing it; but I'll see when I get them.

Ya'll have a good weekend and hope to hear of some new foals when I log on next week.

God Bless to all.

from Texas

kd