My world has been turned upside down and gone sideways. Since the 2nd, Mom has been in the hospital. The diagnosis is multi organ failure with metabolic encephalopathy. She also had positive blood cultures (positive for VRE). This past Friday she was unresponsive (not even to sternum rubs). As her POA I had to sign her into comfort care. THE MOST DIFFICULT THING I HAVE EVER DONE. My brother and I said our goodbyes to her and left knowing we would be getting that dreaded phone call. All meds were stopped (mainly dobutamine). The staff told me to come back on Saturday to sign papers to put Mom in hospice care. I got there around 1 pm and asked her nurse how she was. Much to my surprise, MOM IS AWAKE AND LUCID! I walked into her room and she asked me how I was. Asked about the dogs and how the decorating of the house is going. I was in utter shock!. The nurse got me out of her room and said the entire nursing staff was in as much shock as me.
My brother and I had been told on Friday that she has 48 to 72 hours left. Now, no one knows. She still is terminal, no way around that, but the 180 degree turnabout has us all confused.
Because she is a medicare patient, we have to play by their rules. Since there is nothing to do medically, she could no longer stay in the hospital. She has been moved to a skilled nursing facility that shares property with the hospital.
As far as Christmas is concerned. Yes, the tree she wanted has been put up and decorated. It is a white tree with teal, silver, white and pearl colored ornaments.
Wishing you and yours and beautiful holiday season;
Joanne
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