Sunday in Kentucky

I am in Kentucky with Mom and Jim, it is really good to be here and see her.  I am amazed at the progress she has made since I saw her in September!  What a huge difference, it was encouraging to see her get out of the car, use her legs, lift herself up into the wheelchair and scoot herself around. She seems so much better!  We had a great day at Cindy's house, lunch and visiting and then back to their house in Sonora.

As Debbie said previously, mom has lost a bunch of weight - too much, and she knows it (and it scares her).  She is working hard to add calories to her diet, but it is difficult when she has so much pain related to eating.  We are going to call a gastroenterologist in the morning to get an appointment for her to deal with the stomach and intestinal issues she is having, so hopefully there will be something they can do to help her with this.  She also has an appointment with her PCP (primary care physician) on Wednesday so he can begin to help her eliminate some of the medications she has been taking.  She is going to concentrate on eating a bunch of small portions of high calorie food throughout the day, even just a bite every 15 minutes or so of something will keep some calories in her.  We are making protein/ensure/icecream shakes or her to sip on over a few hours, Debbie picked up some protein bars and Cindy has high calorie smoothies in the freezer for her too.  We are going to work hard on getting her diet in order with the help of her doctors and physical therapist.  I think the priorities while waiting for the GBS to run its course are as follows: (correct me if I have left off something)

• make sure there is nothing wrong with her digestive system through the gastro. dr.
• help her gain weight and maintain a healthy eating schedule & diet
• begin to decrease the medications she is taking with the dr.'s help
• relieve stress, anxiety and pain - as much as possible
• keep her rehab schedule in line with her recovery and ability to do more (that will be up to Melissa - her physical therapist)

That's about it, I am looking forward to a great visit and being able to provide Jim, Cindy and Debbie with some respite in caring for mom.

I'll get online with mom this week and have her post some here when she feels up to it.

Happy Sunday!