June 5: Gus and Lulie's Anniversary

I just arrived at the hospital 1 hour ago and got an update from Pat, who spent the night with mom. Pheobe spent the day with her yesterday. While Pheobe was with mom, she had a few difficult times. She got really chilled after they took her off the bipap machine and had a long bout with the shakes. She also had a bit of a rough time after the nurses bathed her. We know that it is important for her to be moved around and not just allowed to lay in one spot. But it is presently a bit hard on her body when she has to roll to the side, then roll to the other side, etc. but I am sure it keeps her inner workings functioning better. I'll ask nurse Laurel if that is correct when she arrives later today. Pat said that mom had a terrific night. She was able to sleep very soundly all night long. She wore her bipap machine mask all night and got those deep breaths that surely increased her oxygen intake all night. One of the nurses, Teresa, said yesterday that she felt like mom's random comments, many of which didn't make sense, were because she hadn't gotten deep sleep. So last night was a real blessing that her body was able to completely relax and sleep deeply. When I got her this morning mom looked much better. She was completely lucid. Infact, Pat said that she was lucid all night whenever they needed to wake her up for something. This deep sleep has made a big difference in her and "has been an answer to prayers." Mom said that herself this morning. Mom is also more comfortable because she was given some Lysix (sp?) to help reduce the edema that she had throughout her body. It has worked great and mom's hands, arms, feet look much better. Mom told Pat this morning that today she wasn't going to be "clever." She was just ready to listen and not try to talk. She said she feels quite tired and sleepy. She also said that she doesn't feel like having a lot of visitors, she just wants to rest. If anyone wants to send a message, just e-mail me and we will read your message to her when she is awake.

More info later,
Love to all from mom
Valerie