by pennifold 23 Nov 2023

Hi gals, I'm sorry I haven't been on here much as Trev and I have been at our son's new home painting it for a week and then helped them move out of their rental property and into their new home plus I've had a terrible time with Mum. Pictures at the bottom of this tome!!

We were away last week in Port Macquarie about a 3 hour drive away from where we live on Lake Macquarie, Newcastle.

Mum had 3 falls on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The Nursing home tried ringing me on the Wednesday morning about 3.30am but I had my phone on Do not disturb, (I've since removed that) and so they rang my sister in South Australia which is half an hour behind NSW. They told her Mum had had another fall and would she like Mum to be sent to hospital and of course Jewls said yes.

Well, because I wasn't with her, she refused to go have x-rays. When we got back from Port Macquarie I went straight to the Hospital and the nurse said an ambulance had been booked to take Mum back to the nursing home and so I waited till 6 and just after she came back and said they were running late and wouldn't be there till 9.00pm and I said I'd take her back. It was difficult trying to get her into the car as her hip/leg was sore (I didn't know at that time her right hip was broken). On Thursday she was complaining of it being sore and so on Friday a mobile x-ray came and took some x-rays. Being the weekend the doctor wasn't available and so on Monday I finally got a report saying it was broken, so off we went to the John Hunter hospital and Tuesday they operated on her. She had another massive seizure yesterday morning about 2.30 and I got a call letting me know, but the staff are very good in not going into too much detail. I was there again most of yesterday and again this morning. I got a call saying she was going back to the Nursing home and so I followed the patient transport back to home. She has been sleepy ever since the op. When I spoke with the Doctor at the hospital she went into more detail and said it was quite a big seizure and that her lips were turning blue, but she came to on her own. She's definitely a fighter.

I'm going in again tomorrow morning and Amy is coming too (her day off from work) and Dana will go in tomorrow after school. I've told the girls that Nan isn't much company as she's not very talkative, but she may be ok tomorrow. She has been non stop talking since her 2 previous seizures. The doctors at JHHospital
have prescribed Targin "Oxycodone/naloxone
Medication
Oxycodone/naloxone, sold under the brand name Targin among others, is a combination pain medication. It is available as modified-release tablets and is taken by mouth. The oxycodone component is an opioid and is responsible for the pain-relieving effects."

There is also another drug to help with her seizures but I can't remember what it's called. I had a look at the x-rays of her Hemiarthroplasty (replacement of half of her hip joint) and it looks great. Thankfully Mum is a quick healer, but she has other health issues as well. So you can see it's been a bit rough for us.

I had our Christmas ladies lunch at a local Nursery on Monday and I only made the girls towels that I did at the beginning of the year (in my Projects) and a beautiful bookmark.

It's just been a horrible year with Mum being so ill with broken bones, seizures, falls, eating and not drinking enough water etc. etc. She's been constantly walking and exhausted herself and that's what has caused a lot of her falls. So I'm happy that she's sleeping.

I've also done a couple of hand towels for one of our Deacon's wife (he will be priested on Saturday 2nd December) and taken up the hems on Jasana's Year 10 formal dress which is stunning in lilac. It had 2 linings and 4 layers of tulle. It took me hours on Tuesday to take up the hems and then last night after a dinner out with our son and his 3 boys for Chase's 10th birthday I went over to Dana's home and got Jasana to stand on the table and I cut the 15cm off the tulle hem whilst Dana held it out. It is the correct length for her now.

Cooper, Ben's eldest son has asked me to take in the waist on some bike pants (for cross country motor cycles) they were my daughter's ex husband's bike trousers and of course are too big. So I said I'd just do some darts and that way as he grows I can just let them out. What would they do without their Nanna?

I'm going to finish now as it's nearly 11.45pm Thursday evening and I'm a bit tired. Love to you all, Chris

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Comments (18)

by noah 05 Dec 2023

Oh my what a time youv'e been having will pray for Momma.
Praying for strengh for you also Big Hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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by dailylaundry 05 Dec 2023

Just saw this post, Chris. I truly don't know how you manage - you have so much on your plate. You do so much for so many people. But, you are a marvelous example for your children and grandchildren. Many prayers for your Mum, you and your sister! Hugs, Laura

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by airyfairy 05 Dec 2023

So very sorry that your dear mum is going through so much trauma. It all must be terribly worrying for you all. I hope that you are keeping well.
Much love to you and your family

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by mariagiannina 30 Nov 2023

Hi Chris, so sorry to hear about Mum, she is such a strong woman and a fighter! I'm exhausted just reading what you have been doing! Make sure you get your rest too.
It is so hot up here , I'm doing nothing today, been packing and sorting for a couple of weeks, (we are downsizing) we will start moving soon.

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by jrob Moderator 27 Nov 2023

I too was watching the ice skating championship. Aren't they so lovely and extremenly tallented. Your poor Mum. I pray she doesn't know all that's going on with her little body. Bless your sweet heart Chris, there are lots of elderly who don't have loving family to care. Take care of yourself .

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by pennifold 28 Nov 2023

Thanks my friend. We had a huge step today - they finally got Mum up on a Sara chair (higher chair to help you stand upright) and then she walked with her walker, with no limp! We were all amazed. I took video of her and sent it to Jewls and our family chat and everyone is thrilled.
Fortunately, she doesn't remember anything of her ordeal and now doesn't know my name! So sad, when I ask her what my name is, she just says -
"Oh! it's over there". I tell her it's Chris and she smiles and says yes! I'm looking after myself as much as possible. Thanks for your love and concern, bless you and your family too. Love Chris

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by cfidl 27 Nov 2023

Best wishes for you and yours' for the holiday season.

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by pennifold 28 Nov 2023

Thanks so much Chris, to you also. Love Chris

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by olly 25 Nov 2023

So sorry to hear about your mum Chris. I do hope that she is able to get pain relief and find peace. I have been checking for updates from you on a daily basis - I have been wondering about your health and the results from your radiation procedure. Please find time in your busy schedule to look after yourself as well. Wishing you and your family well.

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Hi Coral, I’m fine. It’s been a hard year especially for Mum and our family, but I know she’s being looked after by our Great Healer. Love Chris

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by peafarm 24 Nov 2023

This is so horrible of news for you while on your trip. God Bless your mom. She sounds like a great fighter. I hope this med keeps her pain free. Bless you for dealing with all this and yes, nana, you are the greatest to do all these mendings - tailoring. That dress is so lovely and love that color. Please keep your own body rested as you are still in a recovery state yourself. I got tired myself just reading about all you've been through. Prayers going up to you all.

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Hi Patti, your post made me laugh about you getting tired reading it. Life is busy and it has to slow down soon, don't you think? I'm hoping to see Mum a bit more alert tomorrow and that she will eat something for me. Love Chris

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by gerryvb 24 Nov 2023

thabj you for the update, sorry about mum...

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Thanks Gerry, sorry about the long story. Love Chris

by gerryvb 25 Nov 2023

😘

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by lidiad 24 Nov 2023

My best wishes to you all!
Hug, Lidia

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Thanks so much Lidia, love Chris

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by loriziegler 23 Nov 2023

I am exhausted just from hearing all that work that you have done! Prayers for you and your mum! I love the lilac dress it is beautiful!

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Thanks so much Lori, it does sound a lot, but it was spread out over a few weeks, thankfully. I am in love with that dress too and Ben's home is just gorgeous. They went out yesterday in the Black Friday sales and bought a new Refrigerator and Microwave. The fridge arrives on Monday! Love Chris

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by shirley124 23 Nov 2023

Nice to hear from you again. So sorry you have been through so much with your mum. I hope things improve for her. I love the dress and your son's home. Please take some time to rest. Hugs

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Thanks Shirley, I'm actually just now resting watching the Ice Skating championships in China. I love watching them. I'm resting as much as I can!!! Love Chris

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by sebsews 23 Nov 2023

Dear Chris, I feel your exhaustion! It is so difficult to see our loved ones suffer. This week I have been cleaning out Sandys room and plans are to move her to another facility. My so has helped me so much. The employees of the old place are very upset to see her move. They will miss her so much. We had a good cry today. I just want the new place to be as caring and kind to Sandy.
The dress is gorgeous and love the new house. Your towels are beautiful. I have turned down some sewing jobs because I have been so busy. Also been suffering from sciatica, had epidural injection on October 16. Since the injection my pain is so much worse. Went back to doctor, gave me Norco and muscle relaxer and ordered MRI. That was done last Tuesday. No results yet. I have been getting injections since 2000 and never had this happen. I think he did something to the nerve because the pain is excruciating.
If I do sew or embroidery, I sit on an ice pack.
I hope you are getting rest. Sending love, Suzanna

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Oh! my Suzanna, that sounds dreadful. I don't think there can be any pain that is so excruciating than Sciatica. Mum had it a few years back and she was in agony. Please dear Lord ensure that Suzanna gets good results from her doctor next week. Love Chris

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by asterixsew Moderator 23 Nov 2023

Good to know you’re alive but so sorry about your mum.

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Thanks Caroline, yes, it's just so sad watching Mum go like this. With Dad, he stopped talking and was calm. Mum's been super talkative and only since the broken hip has she become more settled. It might change once she comes off the painkillers. I think they are too strong for her. Love Chris.

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by dlonnahawkins 23 Nov 2023

Oh, Chris, you have had to go through so much. But, guess like your mum, you are a fighter too. I know that you are exhausted, and hoping that you can get some rest.
Wishing all the best to you and your family.

Cyber Hugs

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Thanks so much dlonna, yes, it all seems like a whirl when I think back on it all. Mum has opened her eyes yesterday afternoon - after I'd been with her for 4 hours and had no response!!! I'm going in to see her tomorrow after church. I've cut down my visits to 3 times a week. It's been a difficult decision, but I have to look after myself too. Love Chris

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by toogie 23 Nov 2023

Oh my Chris, will life ever slow down for you? I’m exhausted for you. I sometimes can’t get as much done as I used to. I love the lilac gown and also Ben’s new house. I hope he’s happy now and the boys have adjusted well. Thinking of you and all your ❤️dealing with your mum.
Today is Thanksgiving Day here and we will be spending the day at Ashley’s. She started hosting Thanksgiving at her house to relieve me of cooking huge meals just 3 weeks apart. We still have Christmas Day here.
I still haven’t finished my cleaning. I wanted to dust, wipe , mop arrange everything in open living space and kitchen before we decorate for Christmas. Nora wanted to put the tree us earlier this week but I told her I needed to clean first. She supposed to come back with us tonight. She is still working on her first quilt top but with all her activities and school she doesn’t get to come sew much.
I did exchanged bedroom furniture last week between our bedroom and what I refer to as Avery’s room here. I had all the furniture from one bedroom in my living area, so I could empty out that room to wipe walls and mop good, before bringing in the other bedroom furniture. If someone would have came in they would have thought we were moving.-lol I got those room done and I had already done my sewing room. I may not get all I want done before Christmas but I am trying. Seems like I’ve slowed down a lot…gotta go but Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours❤️Toogie

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Oh! Toogie, my goodness you sound like us. We washed the walls down and repainted Ben's whole home. It's exhausting stuff at our age and I agree it's time to rest more - we all deserve it. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with all your family and I know you would have had a fabulous Thanksgiving. Love Chris

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by 02kar Moderator 23 Nov 2023

Oh my! You have been running nonstop for far too long. Hurray for your son and family and their new home. There is nothing like having your own home. But what a marathon of medical needs you and your mum have been through. I’m so sorry she has yet another broken bone and a very serious one. Prayers for a quick recovery for that and the meds work quickly so no more seizures.
The dress is beautiful and I have no doubt she will get many compliments thanks to you.
Now get some well deserved rest. I know you need it.

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Ha ha ha! Karen, you know me too well. I thank you for your lovely comments and I hope you are faring well. Love Chris

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by dragonflyer 23 Nov 2023

Oh, Chris...what a whirlwind time you have had...So sorry to hear about your Mum's falls and surgery but glad she is back at the nursing home. I have been wondering about you for the past month or so as I have not seen any posts until a couple of days ago... Wishing your Mum continued recovery and you some needed rest!

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by pennifold 25 Nov 2023

Hi Kim and thanks so much. Yes, it's a dreadful time with Mum and so I'm spending as much time as I can with her for as long as I can. I'm feeling fine, but I have been tired these past 3 weeks - no wonder! I'm looking forward to our Christmas get away. Love Chris

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