Caring For Aging Parents Support Group

Dear Dee, Most older people will come through their surgeries just fine, but for some reason, they seem to be in more danger of suffering a stroke in the first few days afterward. This has happened to both of my elderly parents. It wasn't hip rp, Dad's was prostate and Mom's was emergency gall bladder. So the best advice I would have is to keep a close check on her for stroke symptoms after the surgery. I pray that everything will go well for her. Keep us posted.
Hugs & Prayers, Joy

Dee: My mom had hip surgery when she was 86. She did very well. She had a surgeon who performs it in a way where there are NO restrictions when recuperating. Restrictions are you have to keep your leg a certain way - you want your foot to be straight forward - it wants to turn in and you don't want it to do that. Now with my dad's hip surgery that was hard because he has some dementia and he would constantly forget the restrictions. They lived with us for three months while he recuperated. It is very important to do the exercises and things that they want you to do religiously. It makes for a good recovery and they won't need a walker or cane. Most people at this age need a walker or cane after the three months. You do need it for the first few months.

I hope mom does well and let us know how you are doing. If you have any questions, feel free to respond to my DS site. SUE

thanks for that info, for sure i will watch for any stroke symptoms, something i wasn't aware of! did your parents need to go to a facility or go back home? I know there can be important decisions when complications arise, but... I love having her in my home.
Praying for her, thank you
xoxoox deeeee

Dee: Both of my parents went to extended care for about a week. Your mom really should too. They need to be watched carefully for awhile. Then they both came home with me. You take care.

Mom had to go to a rehabilitation center/Nursing Home and ended up staying for 3 months because of the strokes. She did recover and came home to my house for eight months. She had another stroke and has been in rehab for several months (not surgery related). But we are going to bring her home at the end of this month and give it a try. Pray for us that we will be up to the task. I will remember your Mom in my prayers too. Hugs and Prayers, Joy

My mom, now 82, had knee replacement surgery about 6 yrs ago. She didn't do her physical therapy as she should after she got home because she was caring for my dad before he went into a nursing home. He's now in Heaven. Both of her knees need to be replaced because she is in horrific pain and sometimes I get soooo angry at her for not having it done. I live with her and seeing her in constant pain is frustrating and it turns to anger. (I'm also a raging co-dependent!) She can't take a lot of pain medication because of other health issues. As the others said, be sure she does what she is supposed to do. I know that will make a huge difference in her recovery. I love my mother dearly and we don't talk about her health that often. I know I can't change her and I've finally accepted that.

My mother had knee surgery 1 year ago and it got infected. She had to have the fake knee taken out and has been on iv antibiotics for 6 weeks. She is at an assisted nursing facility. She hasn't been feeling well for a week and half now. No appetite, nauseas, weak. She is supposed to go to the infectious disease doctor Monday to determine if they infection in her knee is cleared. It is difficult for me to take time off work to give her rides. I am very frustrated as my brother's don't help like I do. I feel very alone. I guess, moral of this story....I wish she never had a knee replacement. Thanks for listening.

This is a very difficult situation and so sad that your brother's won't
help out more. Does she have insurance where some type of
transportation is provided or is it that she needs you with her as well?
I'm sorry it is so rough for you right now, but remember, it is OK to
feel the feelings you are feeling.......even if it is about your mother.