Update on Memaw

I got to spend some time at the hospital yesterday. Memaw had a rough first night at the hospital. We didn't know if she was going to make it. Her blood pressure "bottomed out" and she had no urine output. She still has very low blood pressure and very little urine output. Blood work shows that her kidneys are functioning.

I guess the consensus is that she is dehydrated. Mom is very upset about this as she spent all day Monday in the ER without an IV. Or anything by mouth. We understand that she couldn't have anything by mouth until they determined if she needed surgery, but no one understands why she couldn't have an IV. But what is done is done and now we just wait to see if she will get better on her own.

I was with Mom (who has medical power of attorney) when she had to make the decision to choose DNR. We both know that CPR would do her more harm than good. (I've seen it done in person, and I know it would crush every one of Memaw's ribs...especially with her osteoporosis.) The doctor assured us that no matter what, she would be comfortable. We are now wrestling with the details of if or how we need to tell my grandfather. He's ninety one with diminished health himself, and we don't know if telling him about the details of the DNR orders is better, or if we should just leave those details out. He already realizes how grave the situation is. And as Mom told him "we have to leave it in God's hands." And he agreed.

It was so heartbreaking to watch yesterday as he sat with her. I got to sit in the room with them when my Mom stepped out for a minute. He sat by her and gently rubbed her arm telling her he missed her and that he wanted her to come back home. She mumbled "when these doctors let me..." in a moment of rare lucidity. Most of the time she just mumbles words or phrases that make no sense. "permeate" "lubricate" "mop your feet"

We mostly try to make sure she's not in pain or nauseated. And for the most part she seems comfortable. My mom has such a way with her (or anyone ill for that matter) and is able to sense what she needs and say the right thing.

I am also trying (along with the rest of my family) to make sure my Mom takes care of herself. She is diabetic, and we have to convince her to rest and eat meals and snacks.

I'm not sure how much blogging I'll be doing until things settle down. I'm just praying she continues to make improvements.