Mom again

[aquila0212]

...and the hits just keep coming. About 15 years ago or so, Mom developed diverticular disease, which ended up causing a fistula to form between her colon and her urinary bladder (you can paint the picture for yourself of what was coming out in her urine besides urine ;)). At the time, the surgeon removed the piece of offending colon and that was

Comments

[ex_lbilover]

I'm so very sorry, Ann. This is somewhat similar to what happened to my mom, and she has to live with a bag and she's 84. Emotionally, living with a bag is very difficult at the start, even for someone like my mom who tends to roll with the punches. So I don't think your mom's unhappiness with it is unexpected or unreasonable. One thing that benefited my mom was to have a couple of consults with a nurse who is trained to help patients with bags. There are many different types of bags and it took some experimenting to find one that my mom was comfortable with and able to change on her own.

*big big hugs*

[aquila0212]

Thanks, luv -- I appreciate knowing I'm in good company ;) *hugs back*

[rakshi]

Jeez, kiddo... I'm SO sorry that you and your mom are having these tough times. You're both in my thoughts.

*hugs*

[aquila0212]

Thanks, Rak -- much appreciated x0

[lisa_thecat]

I am sorry for your mom and for you, Ann. I know how hard these things are from experience. I wish you courage and strength. I think your mom will learn to accept the bag - now it's still new to her and she's still shocked. She will see that it's nothing to be ashamed of, it's just something that is helping her.

[aquila0212]

Uh no, Mira, you don't know my mom -- she won't ;) But thanks all the same x0

[lovethosehobbit]

My mom has medicaid. Does your mom qualify? It pays for most of her rent (social security pays for the rest) and she lives in a apt. There is the otherside of the place where they move them when they get to that stage where they need care. They have a lot out there that are pretty good, but make sure to check them out before putting her in. She would need to sell her house but otherwise I think she'd be set. I'm sorry she's sick. It's so frustrating, especially when you live so far away, to take care of a parent.

[aquila0212]

No, unfortunately she doesn't, and frankly, Medicare is pretty much worthless for long-term care. With hindsight being 20/20, we should've "bankrupted" her five years ago.

[glitterburn]

I am so sorry to hear this. Sending you some *hugs*.

[aquila0212]

Thanks, sweetie *hugs back*