So sorry @eyemamon! Hugs to you and all on this thread!
So sorry for your loss eyemamom. May you have peace knowing that you were there and able to follow her wishes.
Mom’s at Kessler now for rehab from her stroke. I chatted with her tonight, and I’m now convinced she is in the right place. She was mentally clear, cheerful and optimistic. She’s determined and strong-willed. I’m glad we’ve given her the best chance to regain as much function as possible.
She told me she expected to be walking again in a couple of days. That’s more optimistic than realistic, but I know she’ll work hard on her rehab.
@“Cardinal Fang” your mom sounds like she has the spirit of MIL’s sister. Glad you have a good match with the rehab facility.
FIL has had all sorts of cardiac tests, ECHO, EKG, lab work, his heart looks fine, his kidneys look fine, so maybe 23# weight gain is not fluid retention? Cardiac doc says no fluid in the lungs, so likely not CHF. He is doing a nuclear stress test to rule out cardiac stuff.
But next comes the question of what is it? Is he actually retaining fluid or just gaining weight or some of each?
And the board and care home called to let me know MIL has a bed sore like wound on her heel 
^ those heel sores can be so painful- rolled towels to elevate heels so they never contact bed
Also, there are inexpensive booties sold via amazon which can be worn
And, a skin emollient which can help.
Cardinal Fang - your mother’s attitude will serve her well. When I warned the PT and OT’s about how feisty my mother can be, their repsonse, "oh, we love the “feisty” ones they usually do the best,!!!
@somemom - how about liver enzymes? Sounds like your doc is thorough.
I guess the key thing is if it is something acute or chronic and can have some intervention.
Is FIL overweight or underweight? How does he feel?
Yeah, I think the PTs will love Mom. She’s not physically strong and she gets tired easily, but she’s tough.
FIL is 6’2" and has always been 184#, he dropped weight and was looking pretty skinny, in the 170s over the last year, at first we thought it was just all the food he is eating!
Just not sure if it is just weight gain or not. I agree on liver enzymes, I have not seen the lab work, but I know kidney enzymes were good, assume they checked liver, too.
FIL is now back at the rehab place after 5 days in the hospital. We were thinking of moving him closer to us, but it has been convenient for him to be in a place right across the street from the hospital.
We’ll see how much rehab he can stand this time, it just seems he is losing ground day by day. CHF, Shortness of breath (love the SOB acronym one in the charts, wondering if the doctors are making another commentary), kidney and bladder and lung problems. And the confusion is moving from fog toward blackout. Painful to watch.
The one consistent thread is that he want his car keys.
At some point the family will have to make a decision about long term plans, either when his magic 100 Medicare days run out or when he stops showing improvement from rehab, whichever comes first. He’s in a good place now and change really throws him for a loop, so I kind of hope he’ll stay put and just move to the other wing. He hated the rehab place when he got there, but after a couple of days in the hospital was begging to go back. In his car, which he planned to drive.
Three of my friends are facing end of life decisions with their parents tonight. It’s worded as “comfort care” or “hospice care” or whatever helps my friends ease this transition.
Can I ask for good thoughts, prayers and/ or vibes?
Sending good thoughts.
Saying a prayer
Sending comforting thoughts.
Thoughts are with you, dragonmom.
Sending good thoughts.
All good thoughts, dragonmom.
Prayers for comfort for all and a ‘good death’ for those that are ready for their eternal reward.
Dragonmom, Hj just signed the papers today for hospice. FIL age 95.
Peace and comfort for all.