Today was another good day, though Grandma seems tired. I don't know if she's discouraged, bored, or neither but she's not as eager to go today. She slept well and ate a good breakfast.
We were bombarded with home health today. The occupational therapist came by (a delight) and feels the facility is safe and Grandma has what she needs. She also didn't see any physical limitations at this time. She did see lacking strength and endurance, so she will work on this with Grandma. She also works on upper body strength and will focus on this and specific exercises to work her lungs to help facilitate losing the fluid on her lung. She will start next week and come 2x/week in between the 3x/week physical therapy. The home health nurse came and did an oxygen study with Grandma. She remained above 90% with sitting, standing and walking on oxygen. She dropped to 86% with walking without oxygen, thus showing she needs to continue on oxygen. We both think it's related to the fluid and once the fluid is gone, her oxygenation should stay more stable. Every thing else looked good with her lowest BP yet: 136/72. She will return on Thursday to do vital signs and to check her blood levels for her coumadin.
The physical therapist was going to come by and I told her we already had OT, nursing and the health aid coming so could she come tomorrow and she agreed. She will focus on strengthening Grandma's legs. We had a nice lunch and I arranged "sitters" for next week to come for 4 hours each day to help Grandpa since I know he can't sit still. We have 2 days left to cover, so I'll keep working on this. Grandma reminisced about Grandpa when they were first married, and many stories of their kids when they were little. That was a special time. She fell asleep looking at the Penney's catalog, so I covered her up and left her alone.
We figured out what was wrong with Grandma yesterday: her BP dropped from 160's to 130's and I think her body didn't compensate very well. So she was dizzy every time she stood up. We ended up holding her evening dose and she's feeling much better. She and I did evening exercises and she even helped make dinner. We got all of next week staffed with friends to come and visit, so that will help Grandma rest easier and give Grandpa some help as well.
Grandma and Grandpa and I had a nice time last night talking about life, my walk with the Lord and my marriage. They were so encouraging and we ended in prayer. God is sooo good to me to give me time with my precious Grandparents. I feel like I've been blessed so much with being here.
Please continue to pray for:
Grandma's right lung, full of fluid.
Endurance and strength for Grandma
Grandpa preparation for next week
Ongoing wisdom and guidance for me
Lots of love,
shauna
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