On Friday morning, November 29th I got a call from Sharon that Nana had fallen again. She pushed her Lifeline button - thank goodness! The ambulance was called and Lifeline called Sharon. When Sharon called me it was before 8am. I always call Nana about 7:55am each morning so when I saw Sharon's phone id, my heart sank. Sharon went to the Emergency Room and sat with Nana while they did Xrays and tests and scans.
While Sharon waited, I packed and started the six hour plus drive to PA. I didn't know if anything was broken - could we dodge the bullet two times? But I knew that no matter what, Nana would need some help and she likes "her girls" close in times of crisis.
The results took hours and it wasn't until after 1pm that Sharon got the word that there was no fractures. Another miracle! Again I thank God and her daily routine of Shaklee and her meds. She was allowed to leave the hospital when she was able to take a walker about 30 feet down the hall. Nana was ready to go home. In fact, before the test results were in, she had already gotten tired of waiting. She sat on the edge of her bed and said, "I'm leaving." Patience is not one of her virtues. When it was time for the walker test, Nana practically ran down the hall with that walker. She had not been allowed any food or drink in case there was a fracture and surgery was needed. Now she was hungry. All she had on was her nightgown, so Sharon got a coat from the car and off they went to Wendy's for a hamburger. Since Nana couldn't go in, Sharon prepared their "car picnic" and Nana devoured her meal. Nana doesn't eat much, but she needs to eat often and when she is hungry, don't get in her way! Thank you, thank you Sharon for all you did that day.
Nana has some good neighbors who helped us that day. Chuck heard the ambulance call on the scanner and called up to her. Because he didn't know if she was dresssed, he sent another neighbor, Fay up to check on her. Fay put a pillow under her head and helped her put her teeth in before the ambulance arrived. We're so grateful for both of them helping.
Wayne checked on her apartment after the ambulance left and it was so good to have him there. Jeff came on his lunch to talk to Nana at the ER and be with Sharon for a while. Nana truly has a lot of people who care about her.
Nana fell hard on her butt, which is all black and blue. She hit her head and cut her elbow. It could have been much worse and I'm so glad we had the Lifeline button for her to push. I hope there are no more falls but it's good to know the system works.
None of us know when it will be our last day, but at 89 years old, Nana is aware that this is her twilight. Events like this fall remind me that every phone call, every visit and every holiday with Nana is precious and I treasure them.
No comments:
Post a Comment