by sebsews 15 Jan 2023

I have not been on Cute much due to being a care

giver for my sister Sandy. She has been having lots of setbacks since moving to assisted living. August she broke her shoulder, had shoulder replacement surgery. She is still not using her arm like she should. Then September and October dementia declined. November she fell twice, got covid, went to hospital, went to rehab, now is back at assisted living. Thanksgiving the assisted living opened back up for visitors. I went to pick her up to go out to eat but she could not walk or communicate also paranoia. She was sent to hospital. Come to find out, this was the results of over medicating. Too many medications for depression, paranoid, and dementia. Her PCP and I went round and round. Once off all meds she went through withdrawal, horrible to see her body shaking. She is now beginning to walk and talk. Getting PT/OT 3-4 times week.
Since June I have been working on her house getting it ready to sell. What a hoarder she was! She had done no maintenance or repairs for 25 years. I had myself, friends, my sons and lots of repair persons to schedule. Finally done and listed with the greatest real estate person! Within a week an offer was made. Still need to do a few things, hopefully closing later this month. One thing off my shoulders! I worry so much about her and try to do the best for her.
Now for me. Last spring, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, mostly in my hands. Embroidery and sewing is very difficult. November, I got Covid, probably from Sandy. Took me 2 weeks to recover. My eyesight got bad during the Covid time. I went to eye specialist, she sent me to Retina specialist, because I now have age related Macular Degeneration both eyes. Retina specialist gave me shots in both eyes. I will go every month for more shots in both eyes. This new diagnosis has been devastating to me. I worry about so much.
My back and hip are bothering me again and will get epidural injection next month.
So that's my way of life for now.
This week Sandy fell again and off to the hospital. CT scan says small crack in neck vertebrae so now she has a neck brace, causing much confusion and more pain to her. Neurosurgeon will see her, and I will discuss getting another better fitting neck brace.
I just wanted you to know what has been going on. I think of you and all cuties often.
As always, Sending hugs, love and flowers, Suzanna

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Comments (10)

by basketkase 24 Jan 2023

Goodness Suzanna, that is so much to have to get through.......am sure it is as exhausting as it sounds......will keep you and your sis in my prayers and love to you both......

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by peafarm 20 Jan 2023

Wow, you have had a lot to deal with. Some of it sounds like my husband's sister's situation back a yr or so ago. She fell, shattered a shoulder and at the same time testing for esophageal cancer the Hospice, then her son died and my son dealing with assisted living for the husband. My son put in Will, POA etc and we are far away in another state. Then the husband died and my son is dealing with all this from our state, thanks to a judge granting that. Then my son has had Covid twice and that RSV infection all since summer. Now my daughter and I are going thru some scary times. I will write more about that in another episode of 'personals'. I know exactly what you are going thru and all the misery of it all and the worry. My prayers go out to you and family.