A hands-on kind of family

Today was a roller coaster. When we arrived this morning, we couldn't get Mom to wake up. When she did talk, it sounded as if her mouth was full of cotton balls, and her speech was slurred. I was alarmed, so I asked the nurse to call the doctor. After he arrived and began to speak with Mom, she started to wake up. In a few minutes she was more alert than she has been since Sunday. (Kind of like taking a sick child to the doctor, and as soon as the doctor comes in your child seems normal.) It appears that the sleeping medication they gave her around midnight last night hadn't worn off yet. Needless to say, they will be reducing the dose tonight.

Anyhow, we were able to voice some concerns to the doctor. As a result of our conversation, the doctor has spoken with all the different therapists and asked them to be a bit more aggressive with their therapies. This afternoon the physical therapist bent Mom's knees beyond 90 degrees, much to her chagrin. Despite Mom's reaction, we are encouraged about this plan. From our observations, increased therapy results in increased alertness. We have also asked if they will put Mom in a wheelchair each day. We are anxious to get her out of bed and give her a change of scenery.

Towards the end of the conversation, I commented to the doctor, "You've probably noticed that we're a hands-on kind of family." He deadpanned, "No, I hadn't noticed," and we all got a laugh. I remember Mom telling me that she never wanted her children to be mousy or timid. I think you got your wish, Mom! Hang in there!