Mamaw update

My Mamaw (My mother's mother) had a pacemaker installed Wednesday.

(Does that make her sound like a car or something?)

She is also being treated for severe dehydration and a bad UT infection.

Everybody was very encouraged yesterday - as she was far more alert and aware of things going on around her than she has been in a very long time.

Today, she's more "normal" - tired, not answering questions, seems disoriented.  But still so much better than she was over the weekend.  Those who saw her at Dad and Ann's wedding party will understand - she just was really not with us at all.

Some time this afternoon, she will be transported to the short term recovery nursing home here in town.  Typical stay maximum is 90 days.

Over the last 3 or 4 years, we have been through a vicious cycle ... Mamaw gets deathly ill .... she gets an ambulance to the ER  ....   doctors treat her for some infection, dehydration, and such  .....   she begins to recover and qualifies for short term rehab care (90 - 100 days is typical) and stays to the very last day ... she enjoys herself, gets healthy (as an 80 year old with Alzheimer and other health problems can get)  ....  Papaw takes her home  ....  he takes her everywhere with him, she sits in the truck while he shops and runs around - Uncle Roy had been having her to his house once or twice a week for home care people to come help with her baths, but this last time, Papaw kept putting them off until they left him alone (not good)  .....  Mamaw's health begins to decline because she's not sleeping when she should, not getting proper nutrition, drinks constant soda pop, not getting proper baths and personal care and is out in the heat a lot  ....   FINALLY after being home for 2 or 3 months, she catches something or gets an infection or falls or a stroke and once again, we rush her to the ER.

Mamaw and Papaw have been in that house for their entire 45-50 years of marriage - in spite of how run down it is and how unhealthy, Papaw doesn't want to be anywhere else.  I really do get it.  Papaw thinks we are trying to steal his home and belongings - he is fiercely independent - and he loves Mamaw and wants her HOME with him.

So keep the situation in your prayers.