Platelet Disorder Support Association

Join Us:

Membership Matters

Support Us:

Make a Donation
    Remember Me     Forgot Login?   Sign up   •  Web site Help & Info

!!! DISCUSSION GROUP RULES !!!

1. You must be a registered website user in order to post and comment. Guests may read only.
2. Be kind and helpful, not rude and cynical.
3. Don't advertise or promote anything. You will be banned from the group.
4. Report problems to the moderators. THANK YOU!

Good thoughts

  • dru
  • Offline
  • I developed hemolytic anemia in 1999 and ITP in 2005. Treatments have been splenectomy, prednisone, IVIG, and Rituxan.
More
12 years 11 months ago #32426 by dru
Replied by dru on topic Good thoughts
That sounds like she is making nice progress...especially that she is getting some function back in her arm. The walking will help her build her endurance up. Better endurance will help her speech too. Glad things are going well.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 11 months ago #32535 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
Had a nice time with mum yesterday, we took a cake up to her in the hospital for Mother's Day. The whole family was there, so she was very tired last night. She felt bad that we had to spend the day in the hospital. I told her it wasn't like she had the stroke on purpose and it seemed to help.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 11 months ago #32568 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
Found out yesterday that Mum's estimated discharge date is June 20th! Can't wait for this to happen.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
12 years 11 months ago #32569 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Good thoughts
I hope she improves a lot during that time! A light at the end of the tunnel should help her spirits.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dru
  • Offline
  • I developed hemolytic anemia in 1999 and ITP in 2005. Treatments have been splenectomy, prednisone, IVIG, and Rituxan.
More
12 years 11 months ago #32573 by dru
Replied by dru on topic Good thoughts
That is good news and should help her stay focused on doing her rehab work!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33093 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
Mum is having her first home assessment today. She'll be going home for an hour or so; is she wants to stay home for supper she can, but she wants to go back to the hospital. She has been working with a four pronged cane and seems to be doing well with it. She is a little nervous about today, but I think she will do well.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
12 years 10 months ago #33095 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Good thoughts
Such good news! Does she have someone to care for her when she goes home?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33098 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
My dad is there and right now, my brother. But he'll be leaving at the end of summer. Steven and I are going to talk to the parents about sharing a place if needed. Mum's come such a long way in a short time. I'm so proud of her!

She's going through a bit of depression right now. Yesterday she told me she should just end it all. She feels bad that she's putting us all through this, running to the hospital. She's my mom, what else would I do? I'm starting to worry about my dad now. Looking at him yesterday, I think it's all starting to wear him down. We've all been so worried about mum, we've kinda forgotten about him. He needs us too.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33155 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
Well, Mum's home visit went well! Better than we thought it would. The therapists made a couple of recommendations and that was it. They're figuring that by the time she gets home, she'll just be using the cane. She thinks everyone is telling her how well she's doing just to please her; can't convince her other wise. I hear my dad got into it with a nurse yesterday, so now Mum is upset that the floor will ban him. From what my sister told me about what happened, I agree with him. There is one nurse on the floor that Mum just does not like. She was told, she didn't have to have this nurse if she didn't want her. I hate to see her like this! :(

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dru
  • Offline
  • I developed hemolytic anemia in 1999 and ITP in 2005. Treatments have been splenectomy, prednisone, IVIG, and Rituxan.
More
12 years 10 months ago #33157 by dru
Replied by dru on topic Good thoughts
Something similar happened to my parents a few years ago when my mom was in rehab/nursing home. My dad got so frustrated with one of the nurses and he boiled over......not really like him.

I'm sure both your parents are nervous about how it is going to go when your mom goes home. It is hard on your dad as well, like you noticed before. It is good that her visit went well and she will be able to get around with just a cane. Hope she is headed home very soon.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33181 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
Thanks, Dru.

I have a question for you. You're an occupational therapist, right? What do you work on with your patients? I print out crossword puzzles for my mom to do while in the hospital and I've noticed that her printing isn't the same as it was. I know it's due to the stroke, but I'm wondering if her occupational therapists should be working on that with her. Or, is that something that should come back when she gets the use of her hand back? The stroke was on the right side so it affected her left side. She is right handed.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dru
  • Offline
  • I developed hemolytic anemia in 1999 and ITP in 2005. Treatments have been splenectomy, prednisone, IVIG, and Rituxan.
More
12 years 10 months ago #33185 by dru
Replied by dru on topic Good thoughts
Hi Cindy,

I work with young kids in a school, I do work a lot on handwriting. Years ago I did work in a rehab hospital with adults.

The stroke could affect her handwriting. If the writing is different than before but still functional they probably wouldn't spend much time working on it. You are on the right track by giving her crosswords that will give her more practice with her writing and something entertaining for her to do.

The rehab therapists are probably most concerned about her self care and independent skills, can she dress herself, do buttons etc. Also important is that she can do some things around the house when she is able to go home so that she feels like your father does not have to do it all.

What did she like to do before the stroke? If anything like sewing, arts/crafts etc. that can be a way to work on getting back better arm and hand function.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33205 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
She sews everything by hand, no machine for her. In fact,she's talking about getting home so she can start fixing the elastic in her pants. She and dad do a big crossword puzzle out of Saturday's paper.

I spoke with her OT yesterday and he's going to get her to do some writing exercises to see how she writes. She's a little perturbed with me right now for doing that, but I felt I had to as when I was looking over one of the crossword puzzles, I couldn't make out some of her letters. She wrote "Twinkle Twinkle little star" out yesterday and I had to ask her what it was. She's normally a very neat precise writer so this is why I'm concerned.

Thanks Dru! I hope you don't mind if I pick your mind over about OT stuff! ;)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dru
  • Offline
  • I developed hemolytic anemia in 1999 and ITP in 2005. Treatments have been splenectomy, prednisone, IVIG, and Rituxan.
More
12 years 10 months ago #33207 by dru
Replied by dru on topic Good thoughts
No, I sure don't mind and glad if I can help a bit. She should be able to get back to sewing, that would be great and helpful for improving her confidence and hand function. She may have to get some kind of adaptive equipment to help with stabilizing the fabric if her left hand is still weak. The OT there should be able to help you find something.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33425 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
Well, Mum keeps doing well with her rehab! She is now using a single footed cane. Of course, she's nervous using it but is really doing well. She's going home for her first over-night visit on Saturday. As far as I know, her estimated discharge date is still the 20th. I don't know if that will change depending on how she does this weekend.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
12 years 10 months ago #33428 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Good thoughts
That's great, Cindy! Going home for a visit will probably boost her spirits some. I hope it goes well.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33435 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
I hope so too! As long as my brother doesn't give her too hard of a time. He's one of these people who thinks he knows more than the doctors or her therapists.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Melinda
More
12 years 10 months ago #33438 by Melinda
Replied by Melinda on topic Good thoughts
Cindy that is really good news! I hope all goes well on her overnight visit!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dru
  • Offline
  • I developed hemolytic anemia in 1999 and ITP in 2005. Treatments have been splenectomy, prednisone, IVIG, and Rituxan.
More
12 years 10 months ago #33449 by dru
Replied by dru on topic Good thoughts
Great news, the overnight should help her confidence.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33473 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
Well, her over night visit might be on hold. My dad has a cold and didn't even go to the hospital to see her yesterday. The last thing she needs is a set back and not be able to go home on the 20th. We have an appointment with several people to discuss her discharge and what she's going to need once she gets home. When my folks get colds, they don't get over them quickly. (Sigh) We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Thanks for all the responses!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Melinda
More
12 years 10 months ago #33484 by Melinda
Replied by Melinda on topic Good thoughts
Well that's the pits, hope your Dad gets over his cold quickly even though that isn't the norm.

It is so good you have people working with you for what happens after her discharge.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33672 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
Well, it was bound to happen, mum caught my dad's cold. She didn't go home this past weekend like someone thought she should. This same person told her yesterday she was definitely going this coming weekend. I just hope the cold doesn't screw up her discharge date. Oh and Dad is pretty much over his cold.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dru
  • Offline
  • I developed hemolytic anemia in 1999 and ITP in 2005. Treatments have been splenectomy, prednisone, IVIG, and Rituxan.
More
12 years 10 months ago #33690 by dru
Replied by dru on topic Good thoughts
Well hopefully she will get over it pretty quickly. Home next week! She must be a bit nervous about that.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33702 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
She was feeling much better yesterday when we were there. Still fell asleep around 7. When her night nurse started her shift, she woke Mum up to get her vitals. I don't know if she was still awake when my sister and brother left at the end of visiting hours. Somehow, I doubt it.

She'll be going home for at least one night this weekend for a trial run. There's still a lot of things she can't do for herself, like cooking. I'm not even sure if she can dress herself.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
12 years 10 months ago #33709 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Good thoughts
It will probably be challenging for a while, Cindy. I hope she can manage daily living skills. I know how frustrated I am since my left hand was affected....everything takes twice as long. I can't imagine how your Mom feels. I hope it goes well for her!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dru
  • Offline
  • I developed hemolytic anemia in 1999 and ITP in 2005. Treatments have been splenectomy, prednisone, IVIG, and Rituxan.
More
12 years 10 months ago #33714 by dru
Replied by dru on topic Good thoughts
She will probably need some extra help at first. But being home in her own space she will continue to make progress with the skills she needs to have. Hope the weekend goes well!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33738 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
It's official, she goes home for the weekend tomorrow! Back on Sunday. I asked her if she wanted a cake for Father's Day or wait til she's home for good and she said wait and get one that says "Happy Everything!" Works for us!

Her cold is better, but it took a lot out of her, so her appetite's not back. Maybe when she gets home, she'll eat.

Her physiotherapist is going to recommend Extramural visits to help with some home therapy as her balance still needs to be worked on. We'll find out more on what is going to be recommended for when she goes home for good, which is one week from today! Yea!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Melinda
More
12 years 10 months ago #33740 by Melinda
Replied by Melinda on topic Good thoughts
That's good news Cindy - I hope all goes well!
I like Mom's idea for the cake, good for her! Hope she will eat this weekend, food tastes so much better when home.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
12 years 10 months ago #33745 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Good thoughts
Cindy - is your Dad able to care for her needs? Do you live close?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 10 months ago #33759 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Good thoughts
I'm about 5 minutes away from where they live. For the most part, Dad will be able to help Mum. I'm not sure if he'll want to help when she needs to go the bathroom. I don't know if she'll want him to. This weekend home will answer a lot of questions as to what Dad can/can't will/won't be able to do for her.

Mum's got her menu requests in already, so she should eat well. Having a big cake when she gets home is a far better idea. We'll give her time to get there and re-adjusted.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

You’re not alone. We have answers! Contact PDSA to connect with life altering information, resources and referrals. 440.746.9003 (877.528.3538 toll-free) or PDSA@PDSA.org.

Platelet Disorder Support Association

Platelet Disorder Support Association
8751 Brecksville Road Suite 150
Cleveland, OH 44141
440.746.9003  |  pdsa@pdsa.org
The Platelet Disorder Support Association is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

© Copyright 1997 - 2026, Platelet Disorder Support Association. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT!

The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.