Back in the NMRH

Mom has had a rough go of it the last few days. The injury she sustained on Thursday resulted in several broken ribs. Although the breaks didn't show on the x-ray, we could feel them shifting when we gave her assistance. Her primary care doctor prescribed morphine tablets to help with the pain because the vicodin wasn't enough. The oral dose takes longer to hit the system and build up than the IV drip Mom has come to adore (yes, she again informed the hospital staff how much she loves morphine).


Mom was also very disoriented, exhibiting symptoms of dementia. She wasn't able to finish sentences, find words, or follow simple instructions like "walk toward me," or "put your right foot forward." She complained of stomach pain on Saturday night. Concerned that she may have internal injuries from the broken ribs, we took her to Northern Michigan Regional Hospital on Sunday morning.


We arrived at about 10:00 a.m. She was seen by the same doctor that put the single stitch in her head a few weeks ago. When she failed to answer his questions appropriately, he told us he was going to admit her. During the six hours we waited in the emergency department they ran urine and blood tests, took an x-ray and a ct scan. The ct scan showed no sign of bleeding or damage to her brain. The x-ray showed a change in the position of her colon. Her hemoglobin was low, 8.1. Most significantly, her urine tested positive for a urinary tract infection.

The UTI contributed to Mom's abnormal behavior. She was put on antibiotics, and Suzy told me today she is much better. Her hemoglobin fell some more, but is heading north again. A surgeon was consulted to determine whether or not her colon was beginning to twist. He saw some thicking on the x-ray of her colon that sometimes occurs in chemo patients, but she is not in danger of a twisted colon at this point.

She will be in the hospital for a few days. I'm not sure exactly how many. On Sunday, we were told at least two. Today is day two, and she is not ready to go home. But she loves the hospital. She gets room service, heated blankets, and a young tech named Ted gave her a bath today. They love her because her attitude is so good, and even when she's confused she's pleasant and funny.

Please continue to pray for Mom. The cancer is at bay, but the treatments are causing her difficulties that endanger her ability to remain lucid and mobile. Please pray for insight for the doctors planning her treatment, and for our stamina and peace as we assist Mom. It's our joy to have her with us and to give back a little of the wonderful care she gave us as children. It's also difficult to see her like she was last weekend, completely helpless to act or think. We trust God gives us grace for it, and we appreciate the prayers of our community of friends.


I wish I had a picture to share with you, but there was no appropriate time for pictures last weekend. But I do have some memorable quotes from Mom:


Look, there's a violin in the hallway.

Did Dick and Grace send me these? (warm blankets provided by ED nurse)

Toilet divine? (misunderstood "you went to the toilet; you're fine)

Haley is a much nicer person than me.

If I wanted a crash helmet, I would have bought one a long time ago. But they make too much noise.

Cracked tooth? (misunderstood "crap shoot")

Oh! Did I do that? (saw milk shake on food tray and thought it was her poo)



There's only one Rosie. Our mom is non-stop fun, even when she's down.