Friday, April 13, 2007

Brain Surgery, Day Two

 
My mother is alive and reasonably compos mentis in Littleton Hospital today. Thank Goddesses. God, The Light of the Universe, Allah, and anything else out there with positive powers. And thanks to all who prayed or send thoughts and energy or whatever spiritual practice anyone does. Today was also long and difficult, but so much better than yesterday that I am not complaining at all.
 
She actually looked worse when I got there around noon, eyes blacker, bruises running down her left cheek, occasional bloody "tears" running down her face from her swollen shut eye and neck and a "turban" of gauze which has all sorts of fluids leaking through. But she was propped up in bed complaining about all of this, sounding very much herself.
 
Dad had been there in the morning, Luke and Mary were there when I arrived, trying to "cheer her up" with lame jokes (Luke) and optimistic chatter (Mary.) I know how much Mom hates both kinds of attempted diversions, because she told me so yesterday morning after the possibility of surgery came up. She said it took too much energy to be polite to them, even though she loves them dearly. They finally left about 12:45 PM, and Mom slept.
 
It was clear she'd had a bad night, for she had long gauze strips tied to her hand and feet, and a wrap around her chest securing her gently to the bed. Luckily Allison (my father) didn't notice, and I learned later from her nurse she had been very agitated during the night, trying to yank out her catheter, and climb out of bed. After she kicked a nurse in the face, they had to restrain her. She would be so horrified by her actions that I'll never tell her this.
 
I spent the afternoon getting her off to sleep, so that as soon as she started snoring, some nurse or tech could arrive bedside to do something to wake her up again. Sometimes hospitals make no sense to me at all. Actually most of the time. She has the added burden of being profoundly deaf, and was unable to use her hearing aides. For her to understand people they had to lean close to her left cheek (the one blood was trickling down from the smashed, sutured eye) and speak slowly and clearly into her (still bloody) left ear. Nobody really did that except her nurse and I.
 
So I spent my afternoon hanging over her bed, translating what the doctors and nurses and dietitians were asking or telling her. At one quiet moment she asked me why she was so tired, and I leaned down to reminder her that she had just had major emergency brain surgery last night and was entitled to feel a bit spacey. It came like a revelation to both of us. She had not taken in all the explanations about surgery during the day, and I couldn't figure out why she had seemed so confused about it all afternoon.
Her co\mment? Gee, I am so glad to know it's over, I've been worrying when it was going to be done! She asked pertinent questions-who did the surgery, what was done, why didn't she remember (I told her it was because she was so heavily medicated, not that she disintegrated in front of my eyes over a terrifying 40 minutes), and no wonder her head and eye hurt so much last night. No wonder indeed!
 
So for most of the day her personality and sense of humor was intact, though she did have trouble understanding what other were saying to her, mostly because of her hearing, or lack there of, I think. Around 5:00 PM, however, she began to go down hill again, getting agitated and trying to climb out of bed. I began to experience the anxiety and fear of déjà vu. Luckily the neurosurgeon (who we all like a lot) arrived and said this happened to many elderly surgical patients. As the day ends they seem to recede or lose ground, just like Mom was doing, Then perk up again in the morning, with no memories of having had a bad evening or night. They sometimes refer to it as Sundowner's Syndrome.
 
After a shockingly brief debate with myself about staying to make sure she ate dinner, I decided to spare myself a second ordeal (though I could tell she was less confused than the night before) and bugged out. I do believe I am finally living out the recognition that taking care of me take precedence over taking care of others now and then. It's a healthy step which I took with no second guessing myself, and I am pleased.
 
Tomorrow still unknown. We seem to be living hour by hour at this point; at some point we'll move to day by day. She is still in critical condition, and quite unaware of the struggles which may lie ahead. But we had her for several hours today, loving us as we do her, and I am grateful.
 
Blessing on all of us, Margo 
 
 



11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Margo, I am soooooooooo happy your mom is doing better, I think all the prayers helped, will continue to send prayers your way, Love and Hugs Lisa

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that your mum is doing ok.  You are right to take a break and think of your own health as you will need your strength to sit with her and cope with all this.  Thinking of you and sending all good wishes.  Hugs, Terry x

Anonymous said...

Phew, I was wondering when you would post again.......... I am so pleased that your Mum is now awake and chatting to you. You have to be strong for both you and her.
I will keep thinking good vibes and hopefully you will get them across that big old pond.......... Gaz xx

Anonymous said...

oh Margo, it is vitally important that you take care of you. Know that I am thinking of you and sending you all love.

judi

Anonymous said...

keeping you all in my prayers..
Lyn

Anonymous said...

So true that you can't take care of anyone else without caring for yourself first.  It does seem like there is reason for hope. Continuing to send prayers/thoughts/positive energy.

Anonymous said...

I will keep your mom in prayers and for continued healing too

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for you and your mother.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am so glad she is herself.  Dave's dad had sundowners when he was heavily medicated after his surgery. It was terrifying for us, but he did not remember it.  I am SO PROUD of you for remembering to take care of yourself. It is important to stop and recharge your batteries, so to speak, when a situation is as stressful and as emotionally laden as this one is.  You cannot help her or your dad if you get too broken down yourself!

We are still so excited about your upcoming visit. Mandy in particular is praying for your mother. She has endured a lot of medical procedures in her nineteen years and is very compassionate.

We are thinking of you often, and with love,
Kas

Anonymous said...

Thank you for keeping us updated. Isn't the internet a blessing? You have this huge fan base of stranger who aren't strangers right there with you in the hospital room.
And how amazing--and destined--that you were visiting when this happened.

Anonymous said...

I am glad for the update.  Things are sounding much better.  

Margo, I wish you strength and hope.  I have you in my thoughts.