Oh no! I just saw this. Do I live anywhere near them, IAH? This is not a good situation and I will be praying for them! I'm so sorry you have to deal with this from a distance. It's heartbreaking, truly. This was from 3 days ago, is there an update?

 

 

   E. (((((((((((((((((((((((((((( I Am ))))))))))))))))))))))))))

        Take care... ... ... ... ... 

Hey all -

I'm short on time so will 'spill' not recalling what I've shared vs. not shared....

My mom was in the hospital earlier in April. Ended up being there 5-6 days - pneumonia diagnosed and supposedly Covid-19 negative. (I have my doubts, because...)

My dad had to call 911 a week ago today for transport. He was quasi-delirious, high fever and weak/no energy. Ambulance came and my brother (2 hours away) was to come stay with mom. He changed his mind (don't ask why -- just because is the best answer I have).

My dad was released the following day - because he knew my mom (dementia and pneumonia) could not be alone. He was released with a diagnosis of presumptive Covid + pneumonia. My brother drove the 2 hours, got my dad from the hospital, dropped him on the porch with canned soup + saltines and returned home. If there weren't a pandemic, we could have people come in to help - home health, friends, etc. - however, there's a pandemic so just not an option.

I'm 18 hours away by car from my parents. I spoke to them both on Sunday and Monday, and could just tell it wasn't going well at all. My dad could hardly make it to the restroom let alone be the care-taker for my mother. My brother was to show up Tuesday AM to take mom to a follow-up doctor appt. and again changed his mind. He and his spouse instead called the doctor and changed my mom's medication (blood thinner).

Monday afternoon, my dad in tears told me he needed help. I packed the car, forgot all kinds of stuff and headed out Monday evening. I arrived shortly after lunch on Tuesday and have been here since. I was about 3 hours away when we got the positive virus results.

When I arrived, my mother was bleeding (slowly, not profusely) from an ear, her nose, her privates, etc. - the med. change was a bad idea! I also requested and got a Covid test for her - results are still pending.

I've done all that I can to keep them apart and quarantined (from me). Both are improving and we don't know my mom's results. We had one really bad night with my dad and I almost called 9-1-1 again. Always grateful for HP as I was torn and when I'd made up my mind to call, the horrid dry coughing stopped....*phew*

So - I am a few hours away from you (andromeda) but I might have you and your guy go slap my brother upside the head!! Just kidding but I have again discovered how emergency situations bring out the best/worst in folks and been working to accept we all value different things and respond/react to crisis in different ways.

I have no idea when I will return home. I am in no hurry. I've been exposed openly and by necessity so can't go anywhere or do anything anyway. So far, I feel fine - extremely tired which makes perfect sense since I drove through one night and have been on sick-watch for 2 85-year old people for 4 nights. Both are showing progress towards improvement - grateful - but also knowing this virus can flip recovery upside down.

Each day, I update my large family, my prayer group, my recovery group, their circle of friends down here and then be of maximum service to my parents. I truly have no had time to check in and I appreciate the well wishes, prayers, positive energy and thoughts. I am not an emotional person and have always been a warrior in times of crisis but I will tell you that there is no preparing/planning one can do to walk into the middle of a contaminated house with a deadly virus. I've cried each evening after getting my parents settled - tears of fear, sadness, joy, unknown....I suppose a pandemic has been a bit much for me.

My brother 2 hours from my parents is the oldest child; I am the youngest child. He's been trying really hard to manage me, the parents, the virus and more from 2 hours away by phone. I'm so grateful for this program because I've had no problem blocking him. He can get updates from me like my other brothers but I've opted out of taking his calls/texts and sent a gracious email as to why. I have absolutely no time to deal with drama and chaos and will always choose a lovely walk, looking at the mountains when I get a chance for self-care!

So - for today, we are all alive. I am still well and they appear to be making progress. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers and my apologies to anyone who's sent a private message - I'll get to them when I can! (((Love and Light))) I'll be back when/as I can!

Thanks for taking time to update here concerning your family situation. I'm glad they are both doing better today and you are doing your best to stay well. As I read through your post, it came to mind how we Alanons really rise to the occasion when dealing with a crisis. Sadly, we've had too much practice. This is a lot and you're handling it well. Tears are good, a great way to spend you free moments - letting go. HP knows you haven't had much down time ((Iam))) and wants to take care of you.  

You are so right about people's best or worst really coming out in a crisis. Smart move adding your manager in training brother to the "when they need to know" list with your other siblings. You can give yourself credit for setting healthy boundaries and understanding who and what needs to be prioritized. 

I hope you'll be able to get some rest to keep up your strength. If you can't take that lovely walk, maybe a comfy chair by a window and the sound of the birds tomorrow morning. Stay well. You and your family continue in my prayers. TT

Wow, lots on your plate, very glad you have such great tools! Not an easy situation regardless, heart, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family...we're pulling for you!

(((((Iamhere)))))

Thank you for the detailed update! I have been worrying, but doing what I can do lift a prayer as I lift my worry to my HP. Thank goodness you are healthy in both body and mind!!! You are in the thick of things, and still have to see what the virus will do to you. Again, prayers will continue for the health of your parents and you! As TT mentions, tears are the body's way of releasing pent up emotions... so go ahead and let them flow! Keep doing self-care, and try to rest when you can.

Peace, my friend!

Greetings all....I'm still in AZ and still supporting my parents - there are times when it's like having little kids all over again! We did get a call from the Doctor's office Sunday and my mother is also positive for Covid-19. She (dementia) is of the mindset that she's feels the same as before and the whole world is a bit crazy.....all I can say is Bless Her Heart.

The challenge for me is to be of service, stay as far away as I can, remind them to wear and mask and to do the same. Every time I feel good about decontaminating an area in the house, they 'cross the barrier' and we're back to square one. It just is not easy to quarantine, keep distance, be of service, disinfect while doing this thing called life.

My father put on clothes for the first time today (Day 10) to walk to the mailbox. That's progress. It wiped him out and that's OK - the virus takes all energy, appetite, etc. My primary focus for now is to check temperatures and oxygen levels to watch for the possible boomerang that's been happening.

I'll be back some day folks! Meanwhile, thank you for the prayers, kind words, support, etc. - it helps to feel less alone in this battle! (((Hugs)))

IAH, sending positive thoughts your way! With all you have going on, you still come back to keep us updated... I appreciate you.  

Thanks for continuing to update. Your parents are really lucky to have you there with them. You're doing a great job taking care of them. Your dad no doubt feels a burden lifted by having someone capable to help him. Poor guy. They are lucky to not be separated as they recuperate. I'm glad you're seeing some progress in them. Likely not only gaining strength though hp but the presence of one another and you, their little girl. Hang in there, ((((Iam))) You're really doing all any one person could in this situation.  Prayers continue. TT

-- Edited by tiredtonite on Wednesday 6th of May 2020 10:58:59 AM