Suzie Q

You may or may not see mottling of the skin in the feet & lower legs and hands. The feet and hands may feel cold to the touch. My dad had increasing episodes of apnea (absence of breathing), some lasting 30-45 seconds. Care wise, it is imperative to turn/reposition the patient every 2 hours to prevent bedsores. The skin breaks down more easily as death nears, and although they may be inevitable, prevention of bedsores is key to keeping loved ones comfortable. If she can't drink or swallow any longer, the little sponge-on-a-stick things (I think they are called "toothettes" here in USA) dipped in water help keep the mouth moist. Apply chap-stick frequently. If she's still alert, ask her if there is anyone she wants to see. As death approaches, often the patients don't really want a lot of visitors and draw their "inner circle" tighter. But if someone really has something to share with her and she does not want a visit, ask them to write a message and you can read it to her. Gosh, I wish you the best. This is probably the most difficult thing you will ever do, but it is the most loving act. God bless you for your courage and loving care. ~Suz

Lori, Sounds like she's "waking up" from her surgery! She sounds much improved. Have faith that she will be able to rehab more than expected. I have a feeling this feisty lady ain't done yet!!! ~Suzie

So sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to you.

Much comfort and peace to you and your family. This one person touched so many lives!

So sorry to hear of your loss.

Lori, I can see where you get your tenaciousness from! It's so refreshing to hear someone counter a response to a doctor on so sbvious an issue, yet one that they might not be aware of or take for granted. Continutiy of the plan and the belief in the good it will bring is essential, and I for one am in awe of your ability to verbalize at the appropriate time! I uaually think of that stuff hours later. Bathing is such a soothing and essential thing! I remember the first shower my dad received after about 4 months. I'm sure the bath was heavenly for your mom! Best wishes that all goes well, and do try to get yor mom to sign durable POA and living will to YOU to be sure her wishes are carried out. You seem to be the one most likely to execute her wishes. God bless you for being you! ~Suz

I agree you should talk to the director and make a complaint. Send a letter, too. That kind of treatment is absurd! I would have been on the phone with Hospice every hour re-checking on the O2. Squeaky wheel... ~Suz

Lori, Real nice of them to transfer your mom to the new place when they KNOW that no therapy will be done and no assessments done on the weekend! At least where she was at, she could get up on her own! Frustrating!!! Hope they will d/c the stool softeners. She obviously has no need for them. I so hope that all goes well at the new facility. Enjoy your birthday celebration. Party hats all around! ~Suz

celebrate

Black...unless you're the bride. SUV or hybrid?

I'm a maple tree Grace Kelly on the cusp of Kate Hepburn.

Deepest condolences to you and your family.

That dude is going to get a surprise diving into ice! And the bikini pic? All I can say is..."ICK!"

Mayo, but it depends on the sammie. Liberal or conservative?

Both of our girls were adopted, but I will answer about when our eldest was finally "ours." After court we picked our daughter at the orphanage and returned to the hotel for a few hours of rest until taking a train back to Moscow. my husband and I sat in awe of her while she napped. We knew our lives would never be the same. Suz

Frank, That's mad women with PMS, having a group bad hair day and new onset adult acne, overdrawn ccredit cards, and with no chocolate in sight!

Kyoto What the heck is nyctophobia?

Ok, so I sat through the whole thing, going through each pan of the audience...was that a brown turtleneck? ... No, but there is a pink shirt. Woops! Female, definately not Aime's bro...still looking for brown next to pink...maybe I got the colors wrong...why do they HAVE to show Barry singing anyway? Pan the audience, camerapeople! Shoot, I missed you! I feel like an idiot because it seems you were plain as day to everyone else. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Now go bill some hours at work!

gerbil

I am so saddened by this turn of events and I wish you and your family much peace and healing. ~Suz

Ah, yes, Bewitched...I tried for weeks to get my nose to twitch like that! Magnum, PI - Katie, I hope you did not have a crush on Tom Selleck. He's mine! Hogan's Heros M*A*S*H St Elsewhere - Mark Harmon I love Lucy

leaf

Lori, You are doing right by your mom. However, do try to avoid the borrowing trouble scenario we all play out from time to time. Your thoughts are already on whether to have the Louvenox d/ced, but you don't know yet if she has a bleed. Wait for this to play itself out. No sense wasting precious time and energy on making a gameplan for something that may not occur. Sending you a huge cyber hug! ~Suz

I scored a 16, but I'm in leagues with Joanie. I wasn't born until much later for most of the questions!

No. What a rush that must have been! Have you ever sat on a dock and talked until sunrise with your sweetie?