g~~_7.JPG "big_peace_of_happy"){kind=avatar}
This thread is dedicated to my Mother and her recovery.
On Monday the 4th June 2007, while holidaying in the UK with my Father, my Mother was struck by a van while crossing the road.
Mum spent 88 days in various UK hospitals before finally being brought home back to Australia on the 30th August 2007.
She is currently in The John Whittle Nursing Facility with brain damage
I have set up this thread to keep you all updated on her condition and her improvements and hopefully one day, Mum will be able to read it.
On Monday the 4th June 2007, while holidaying in the UK with my Father, my Mother was struck by a van while crossing the road.
Mum spent 88 days in various UK hospitals before finally being brought home back to Australia on the 30th August 2007.
She is currently in The John Whittle Nursing Facility with brain damage
I have set up this thread to keep you all updated on her condition and her improvements and hopefully one day, Mum will be able to read it.
18th sept 2007
Last night i was upset again. I just miss talking to my Mum. It's not like ive even got anything to really say. I just miss our weekly call.
I tried to explain it to hubby. He calls his parents twice a week. The kids talk to them and laugh and he talks to them for ages. And as much as i think thats great, theres still a part of me that gets sad. I want my kids to talk to my Mum. I want to talk to my Mum.
Hubby thinks i need to see my Doc and go back on antidepressants, but i'm not sure.
I mean, when i had post natel depression, the tablets helped. But that was a hormonal thing.
This time, i have a reason to be depressed. A tablet can't fix whats going on and can't make me forget whats going on.
I do ok during the days. I do what has to be done.
It's the nights and weekends i get depressed.
Hubby tries to fix how i'm feeling. When i talk to him about it, he tries to give me answers and solutions, but i don't want answers and solutions. As far as im concerned there are no answers or solutions.
I think he takes it personally that i'm so sad. Think he thinks that he is failing me in some way.
He doesnt understand that thought of my Mum consume me 24/7.
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24th sept 2007
Today Dad and my sister have a big meeting with Mums Doctors and options will be given of more permanent places that Mum can go to.
She cant stay at Dubbo Base Hospital as there are just too many patients with too many germs etc.
So now we wait and see where they think Mum shoud go and then Dad and my sister will go and check the places out.
Two friends from Sydney went up to see Mum over the weekend and they both told me that Mum seemed to know who they were
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21st Oct 2007
Just got home to a message on my answering machine from my sister.
She and Dad went to visit John Whittle House. Its the Nursing Care facility that they want Mum to go to.
Last week we were told that they couldnt take Mum yet as they had no beds available.
Today, they have a bed
Mum has been accepted and could be moved this afternoon or tomorrow.
This is great news.
Less chance of her catching hospital bugs and such at a place like this.
Im so happy.
Im crying im so happy
Last night i was upset again. I just miss talking to my Mum. It's not like ive even got anything to really say. I just miss our weekly call.
I tried to explain it to hubby. He calls his parents twice a week. The kids talk to them and laugh and he talks to them for ages. And as much as i think thats great, theres still a part of me that gets sad. I want my kids to talk to my Mum. I want to talk to my Mum.
Hubby thinks i need to see my Doc and go back on antidepressants, but i'm not sure.
I mean, when i had post natel depression, the tablets helped. But that was a hormonal thing.
This time, i have a reason to be depressed. A tablet can't fix whats going on and can't make me forget whats going on.
I do ok during the days. I do what has to be done.
It's the nights and weekends i get depressed.
Hubby tries to fix how i'm feeling. When i talk to him about it, he tries to give me answers and solutions, but i don't want answers and solutions. As far as im concerned there are no answers or solutions.
I think he takes it personally that i'm so sad. Think he thinks that he is failing me in some way.
He doesnt understand that thought of my Mum consume me 24/7.
---------------------------------------------
24th sept 2007
Today Dad and my sister have a big meeting with Mums Doctors and options will be given of more permanent places that Mum can go to.
She cant stay at Dubbo Base Hospital as there are just too many patients with too many germs etc.
So now we wait and see where they think Mum shoud go and then Dad and my sister will go and check the places out.
Two friends from Sydney went up to see Mum over the weekend and they both told me that Mum seemed to know who they were
--------------------------------------
21st Oct 2007
Just got home to a message on my answering machine from my sister.
She and Dad went to visit John Whittle House. Its the Nursing Care facility that they want Mum to go to.
Last week we were told that they couldnt take Mum yet as they had no beds available.
Today, they have a bed
Mum has been accepted and could be moved this afternoon or tomorrow.
This is great news.
Less chance of her catching hospital bugs and such at a place like this.
Im so happy.
Im crying im so happy
3 oct 2007
Yes, Mum will stay in this facility till it is decided she is ready to be moved to the rehab centre.
The rehab centre will visit Mum regularly and assess her.
Ohhh, almost forgot, my sister was telling me yesterday that while she was cutting Mums toe nails she accidently clipped Mums skin. Well Mum kicked her foot out when that happened. First time ever she has reacted to pain.
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6th Oct 2007
Morning all
Last night had a bit of a panic. My sister rang me on her mobile from her car and she was crying and she told me to ring her in 1/2 hour when she got home.
Of course, all horrible thoughts went through my head.
So when i rang i was quite worried. Well, she was just having one of our bad days. Ive had a few over the last 4 1/2 months.
She had seen Mum. She was happy where Mum was but she was just upset.
We had a good cry together on the phone and then all was fine.
She said Mum has had 2 baths since being in this new place. Two fully immersed baths
She said each day Mum is dressed in her own clothes and at night is dressed in her nightie.
She said that a small amount of apple juice had been put on Mums lips and Mum had eventually licked her lips.
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Yes, Mum will stay in this facility till it is decided she is ready to be moved to the rehab centre.
The rehab centre will visit Mum regularly and assess her.
Ohhh, almost forgot, my sister was telling me yesterday that while she was cutting Mums toe nails she accidently clipped Mums skin. Well Mum kicked her foot out when that happened. First time ever she has reacted to pain.
------------------------------------
6th Oct 2007
Morning all
Last night had a bit of a panic. My sister rang me on her mobile from her car and she was crying and she told me to ring her in 1/2 hour when she got home.
Of course, all horrible thoughts went through my head.
So when i rang i was quite worried. Well, she was just having one of our bad days. Ive had a few over the last 4 1/2 months.
She had seen Mum. She was happy where Mum was but she was just upset.
We had a good cry together on the phone and then all was fine.
She said Mum has had 2 baths since being in this new place. Two fully immersed baths
She said each day Mum is dressed in her own clothes and at night is dressed in her nightie.
She said that a small amount of apple juice had been put on Mums lips and Mum had eventually licked her lips.
--------------------------------------
8th Oct 2007
Googling pesistent vegetative state is qute depressing
You get info like this
Persistent vegetative state. A vegetative state lasting for more than 30 days is called a persistent vegetative state. The likelihood of recovery from this condition depends on the severity of the cause and the age of the person โ younger people have a better chance of recovery. The longer someone is in a persistent vegetative state the more severe the resulting disabilities are likely to be."
"A person who has been in a vegetative state for more than one month is said to be in a persistent vegetative state. This is then considered permanent after a year. Recovery becomes less likely the longer the person is in a vegetative state.
The BMA recommends that there should be a high standard of nursing care, good nutrition and stimulation should be available to people in a vegetative state.
After about a year, doctors may decide that the person's condition is irreversible, and that keeping them alive is not in their best interests and consideration may be given to withdrawal of treatment."
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14th Oct 2007
Hi everyone,
today we went out to the biggest park in Adelaide with the kids.
They had an absolute blast.
I had fun. I put on a happy face......but inside i can't stop hurting.
I just can't not think of Mum.
And i know, she would want me to be happy but that doesnt stop the way i feel.
ITS JUST NOT FAIR
I try really hard not to be sad in front of my kids. I usually cry in the shower.
I dont know what triggers off my tears.
On Friday night, hubby had just bought pizza home for dinner and i was just dishing it out and i couldnt help it, i just burst into tears. So i went in my room and cried.
Ive talked to people, daughters school councellor, a help line and even a brain injury survivor. They help for a while but they can't stop my sad days.
Today is just one of my sad days
Googling pesistent vegetative state is qute depressing
You get info like this
Persistent vegetative state. A vegetative state lasting for more than 30 days is called a persistent vegetative state. The likelihood of recovery from this condition depends on the severity of the cause and the age of the person โ younger people have a better chance of recovery. The longer someone is in a persistent vegetative state the more severe the resulting disabilities are likely to be."
"A person who has been in a vegetative state for more than one month is said to be in a persistent vegetative state. This is then considered permanent after a year. Recovery becomes less likely the longer the person is in a vegetative state.
The BMA recommends that there should be a high standard of nursing care, good nutrition and stimulation should be available to people in a vegetative state.
After about a year, doctors may decide that the person's condition is irreversible, and that keeping them alive is not in their best interests and consideration may be given to withdrawal of treatment."
--------------------------------
14th Oct 2007
Hi everyone,
today we went out to the biggest park in Adelaide with the kids.
They had an absolute blast.
I had fun. I put on a happy face......but inside i can't stop hurting.
I just can't not think of Mum.
And i know, she would want me to be happy but that doesnt stop the way i feel.
ITS JUST NOT FAIR
I try really hard not to be sad in front of my kids. I usually cry in the shower.
I dont know what triggers off my tears.
On Friday night, hubby had just bought pizza home for dinner and i was just dishing it out and i couldnt help it, i just burst into tears. So i went in my room and cried.
Ive talked to people, daughters school councellor, a help line and even a brain injury survivor. They help for a while but they can't stop my sad days.
Today is just one of my sad days
15th Oct 2007
want to mention a wonderful group of people on the Art and Crafts board. They have all got together and made my Mum a Patchwork Quilt and also have made me a matching lap quilt.
Here is the amazing finished product. I know Mum is going to love it
want to mention a wonderful group of people on the Art and Crafts board. They have all got together and made my Mum a Patchwork Quilt and also have made me a matching lap quilt.
Here is the amazing finished product. I know Mum is going to love it
the improvements on the old thread are getting less and less now ๐
up to page 42
up to page 42
20th Oct 2007
Dad has basically sacked Mums doctor.
The Doctor had not been to see Mum at all so Dad went to see him on Wednesday. The Doc told Dad that Mum would not recover as her brain stem is damaged.
That is complete bull dust. Mums brain stem is not damaged at all.
If it was, she would be on life support.
Dad said to the Doc that its not damaged and asked whether he had read the reports from England and looked at the 2 brain scans.
The Doc said he hadnt as they were hand written and he doesnt read hand written reports.
WTF???? So he makes a guess on Mums condition and then tells Dad there is no hope? What kind of a flippen Doctor is that?
Dad them organised with him that he was to go and see Mum at 5:00pm on Friday.
He hadnt turned up by 6pm, so Dad rang his clinic and they said the Doctor had left work at 5:00pm. Dad waited up with Mum till 7:15pm and the Doc didnt turn up.
Dad is not happy at all.
He's going to see about getting Mum a new Doc on Monday
-------------------------
21st Oct 2007
Spoke to my sister tonight. She said they put some pineapple juice on mums lips and her eyes went really wide and she licked it off.
She also said Dad seems depressed again so i rang him tonight and yeh...he's not doing to well.
He was up at the home to see Mum at 6:50am this morning.
He says he's just sad and lonely at home.
We talked for ages, till he was tired and ready for bed.
----------------------------------------------
24th Oct 2007
Spoke to Dad last night and they were still finding anothe Doctor but, today, Mums Doctor (the one mentioned earlier) did go to see her.
He is organising an xray of Mums arm at dads request. Dad thinks her arm may of been injured and not healed properly.
The bad news is Mum has another chest infection
Blood tests will be taken today and she will also be started on antibiotics. We have to hope it doesnt develop into pneumonia again.
I'm worried as now her trachy is removed and, in the past, that is what they were using to gain access to suction out her chest.
How will they suction it now?
Dad has basically sacked Mums doctor.
The Doctor had not been to see Mum at all so Dad went to see him on Wednesday. The Doc told Dad that Mum would not recover as her brain stem is damaged.
That is complete bull dust. Mums brain stem is not damaged at all.
If it was, she would be on life support.
Dad said to the Doc that its not damaged and asked whether he had read the reports from England and looked at the 2 brain scans.
The Doc said he hadnt as they were hand written and he doesnt read hand written reports.
WTF???? So he makes a guess on Mums condition and then tells Dad there is no hope? What kind of a flippen Doctor is that?
Dad them organised with him that he was to go and see Mum at 5:00pm on Friday.
He hadnt turned up by 6pm, so Dad rang his clinic and they said the Doctor had left work at 5:00pm. Dad waited up with Mum till 7:15pm and the Doc didnt turn up.
Dad is not happy at all.
He's going to see about getting Mum a new Doc on Monday
-------------------------
21st Oct 2007
Spoke to my sister tonight. She said they put some pineapple juice on mums lips and her eyes went really wide and she licked it off.
She also said Dad seems depressed again so i rang him tonight and yeh...he's not doing to well.
He was up at the home to see Mum at 6:50am this morning.
He says he's just sad and lonely at home.
We talked for ages, till he was tired and ready for bed.
----------------------------------------------
24th Oct 2007
Spoke to Dad last night and they were still finding anothe Doctor but, today, Mums Doctor (the one mentioned earlier) did go to see her.
He is organising an xray of Mums arm at dads request. Dad thinks her arm may of been injured and not healed properly.
The bad news is Mum has another chest infection
Blood tests will be taken today and she will also be started on antibiotics. We have to hope it doesnt develop into pneumonia again.
I'm worried as now her trachy is removed and, in the past, that is what they were using to gain access to suction out her chest.
How will they suction it now?
25th Oct 2007
Morning all
News overnight is Mum is fighting the infection. She was started on the antibiotics straight away and they are helping.
She was also taken off of her oxygen for 8 hours yesterday.
She has only been on very low oxygen (level 2) since coming back to back to Aus (has the 2 little tubes going up her nose). Well yesterday they took her off it and she maintained her stats at 97%.
When i was in the UK we couldnt turn her oxygen down below 6 else her stats would drop heaps.
So thats good.
On Friday she is having an xray on her wrist as Dad thinks it was damaged in the accident.
Last night while making dinner i went into hysterical crying. I dont know what triggered it but i was just so sad and couldnt stop.
YOu know, this place now is the only place i really talk about Mum.
My friends, my hubby, i think they are all scared to ask me about it and i know I am starting to distance myself from all of them.
I cant help it and I know it's putting a strain on my marriage.
-------------------------------------------------
i have rung my doctor and soonest appt i can get is monday at 9:30am.
i'm not doing well today. I dont know why today.
i hate myself today. I hate what im thinking but i keep thinking it.
i dont think shes going to get better
i dont think shes going to wake up
maybe she shouldnt of been "brought back" by the ambulance at the scene?
my head hurts. my eyes hurt
im going to go back to bed
Morning all
News overnight is Mum is fighting the infection. She was started on the antibiotics straight away and they are helping.
She was also taken off of her oxygen for 8 hours yesterday.
She has only been on very low oxygen (level 2) since coming back to back to Aus (has the 2 little tubes going up her nose). Well yesterday they took her off it and she maintained her stats at 97%.
When i was in the UK we couldnt turn her oxygen down below 6 else her stats would drop heaps.
So thats good.
On Friday she is having an xray on her wrist as Dad thinks it was damaged in the accident.
Last night while making dinner i went into hysterical crying. I dont know what triggered it but i was just so sad and couldnt stop.
YOu know, this place now is the only place i really talk about Mum.
My friends, my hubby, i think they are all scared to ask me about it and i know I am starting to distance myself from all of them.
I cant help it and I know it's putting a strain on my marriage.
-------------------------------------------------
i have rung my doctor and soonest appt i can get is monday at 9:30am.
i'm not doing well today. I dont know why today.
i hate myself today. I hate what im thinking but i keep thinking it.
i dont think shes going to get better
i dont think shes going to wake up
maybe she shouldnt of been "brought back" by the ambulance at the scene?
my head hurts. my eyes hurt
im going to go back to bed
