Requests

Today I was not able to see Lisa, Joe went instead. He saw her in the hallway and called me. She said she could not see him and she did not want to talk to me...that was pretty funny to me, didn't hurt my feelings at all, in fact, it is kinda normal...when she doesn't want to hear what I have to say. LOL! He said that he does not see any changes in her at all and really had nothing to say except that he doesn't know...doesn't know how to take all of this, I suppose, or just doesn't know why no one is working the way we expect them to...you know, because it is someone that WE love. No one can take care of someone the way that you yourself can, if it is your family. It hurts and it is frustrating.

Karen talked to the doctor today, had many questions for her and got a few answers...

• do you see progress?
• why is she still so tired all the time?
• is the Ritalin helping her and how long does it take to take effect?
• will her left eye open again?
• How long will this take? 
• why is there a bruise on the underside of her forearm?
• ...is there hope?

The doctor said that Lisa is not making the progress that they hoped she would, they don't know why she is so tired, it could be the interactions between her seizure meds and the Ritalin which are natural counter actors.  Give it another week she told Karen. But isn't it critical in the very beginning of a stroke victim to see improvement early on to determine the outcome??? Lisa is having to be straight cathed these past few days because she can't urinate...but she was able to for 3 days after her catheter came out. She has had a low grade fever since her stroke that goes away with Tylenol...she might have pneumonia but only when we come in and make her blow on her pin wheel does she get that done...We need a miracle here.

The bruise could be from someone being too rough with her arm...or from it dangling since she can not lift it. The Ritalin does not take very long to start working, like 1 or 2 doses. She has had at least 4 doses now. Lisa is so appreciative when someone comes in the room to do anything, is polite and pleasant and my guess is she thanks them, at least that is what I have witnessed.

Nursing is very hard work. I am not saying it isn't, there is so much paper work to do and many technical tasks must be done...but when someone can not see where their spoon is to pick it up or scoop food onto their spoon to get it to their mouth, I find that frustrating. We try to be there when she eats to make sure she eats.

I am complaining. Forgive me. I need to be thankful that she is here for me to still care for. I know that. Karen and I were talking tonight and we are realizing that we are in for a fight, like mom did so many years ago...a fight to do and to make sure Lisa gets the best care that she is able. We are up for it...but it will cost us. What? We really don't know. But nothing will prevent us, Amy included, from helping Lisa to get all that she deserves. She is our oldest sister, never a sibling, and never a burden, it is what we have always done, it is what mom and dad taught us to do. It is all we know.

Lisa, you never gave up on any of your accomplishments. We will never give up on you. Keep your chin up, and help us to do the same. God, give us strength.