Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Yesterday was a super busy day. Took Mom to her eye specialist in the morning, then to her Internist in the afternoon. Wedged going to the pharmacy, the bank, the grocery store, Macy's for Mom and my own therapy appointment in between her two doctor appointments. She doesn't have to see her eye specialist for a year but will remain on the eye drops for the the foreseeable future. The laser surgery did improve her vision a bit and she did well on the eye test. After her appointment she went over to have her eyeglasses adjusted and new nose pieces put on them...she has been having trouble with some kind of allergic reaction to the old pieces. Luckily, the optometrist is right there in the eye specialist's office.

After that we went to the bank so Mom could get a print out of her statement. She is really struggling to understand what is happening with her bank account. I just reassure her and tell her to go home and work with her bank book and the printout. I have a feeling that this is going to be an ongoing struggle for her. After the bank and grocery store, I drove to Macy's to buy Mom a year's worth of her Elizabeth Arden deodorant. She needs this as she gets reactions from drug store deodorant. I also returned a watch that I got her last Christmas...she loved it but it was too large and the band couldn't be altered. After that we drove home and I made us some lunch.

I took off after lunch and went to see my own therapist. It was good to see Pat..it has been about 4 years. We had a good discussion about grieving, the challenges my Mom has always presented, and the possibility of her helping me find a caretakers group. I am my Mom's full time caretaker....I am finally facing that reality. I need to get some support that is unique to this experience. I return in two weeks for my next session. I felt better having gone and talked with someone I trust.

I took Mom to her next appointment. Her leg swelling is not associated with heart failure. She got some exercises to strength her legs and a prescription for water pills. We are also going to look into getting her some support socks that she can wear at home. When the doctor mentioned this her first question was "What colors do they come in?" She always wants to look good....so this is very important to her...it made me laugh....she will be a diva to the end! After our appointment, I ran up the street to get Mom an ice cream...it has become our ritual. Hey, if it gives her a good association with going to the doctor, I am all for it!

We dropped her new prescription to join the one I left this morning, dropped by the store to get potassium laden food...per the doctor...and headed home. Mom was so exhausted after all this running around that I decided to stay and have dinner with her. We ate, talked and watched the news. As I was leaving Mom said that she appreciates all that I do and that she loves me. It was nice to hear that.

I see that she is really struggling with her new situation. She cries and talks about Dad every time I see her. All I can do is be there for her in ways that support her...while taking care of myself.

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