Recovery, Renovations, and Reflections

184 Days Later

It’s been six months and one day since my last post on June 29th. I have no excuse other than being downright lazy about posting — lesson learned!

Reflections on the World and the Election

The good news is that the world didn't end in December as predicted by the Mayans. The bad news, in my view, is another four years of the current Obama administration. I’ve spoken with many friends and family who share my frustrations. My issue isn't personal; I simply feel the leadership lacks respect for our country’s core values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I also have serious concerns about the integrity of the election process itself.

A Difficult Summer: Mom’s Fall

Moving on to family news: On August 9th, Mom fell down three steps and fractured her right hip. It was a difficult injury to diagnose; it didn't show up on an X-ray and required an MRI to locate. During her stay at Wayne Hospital, she was also diagnosed with mild pneumonia. A swallowing test revealed a serious issue: liquids were going directly into her lungs rather than into her stomach.

Understanding the Root Cause

This wasn't entirely new. Two years ago, a neurologist diagnosed Mom with Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia. It affects the eyes and limbs, but also weakens the muscles used for swallowing. Though she was previously told to walk a mile a day and use "Thick-it," she struggled with the exercise and disliked the consistency of the supplement, so she hadn't been following that regimen.

Recovery and "Divine Intervention"

During eight weeks of rehab at The Gardens of St. Henry, Mom worked hard with speech and physical therapists. They switched her to Simply Thick, which she tolerated better. By her release on October 12th, she graduated from 50% weight-bearing to walking with a wheeled walker. She still has some independence with dressing and going to the bathroom herself, which is a blessing.

While Mom was in rehab, my siblings surprised her by redecorating her bedroom and utility room with new carpet and fresh paint. Looking back, I see the fall as a form of divine intervention:

• It could have been much worse (like the basement stairs).
• It finally forced us to address her chronic swallowing and choking issues.
• Mom finally got the home renovations she’d wanted for eight years.

 

I won't wait another six months to update you — I hope!