Mom was still taking Diclofenac for back pain from her fall and cough syrup with codeine last week. We told her to relax and not worry about anything because we would take care of all the household chores.
Still, we couldn't stop her from using the Swiffer mop to do some floor cleaning. We let that go because she was getting depressed not being able to do anything.
When we returned home from tai chi last Thursday, she told me she'd had another fall.
"In the house? Where?" I asked.
"No, outside." she answered a little shamefacedly. "It's where the concrete meets the gravel."
She'd decided to put a broom away that she'd forgotten on the other side of the house. She's walked this path countless times without a mishap.
She said she was perfectly fine except for a bumped knee and scratch on her elbow which she said she took care of. She said I shouldn't worry because she was not a baby.
I took her at her word... sort of.
When Art saw her later, he asked to see the bump on the knee which turned out to also be more scratches. He also saw that her cheek had swelled a little and gave her an ice pack. The following day, her cheek looked a little black and blue and was more swollen. She then said she knew she hit her cheek, but it didn't hurt much so she thought it was fine.
Sigh....
It's better now.
We've explained that the codeine is probably making her drowsy which can cause her to stumble more easily. We reiterated that she needs to stay indoors until she's completely well and off those meds.
I think she's more amenable to listening now. I think.
Still, we couldn't stop her from using the Swiffer mop to do some floor cleaning. We let that go because she was getting depressed not being able to do anything.
When we returned home from tai chi last Thursday, she told me she'd had another fall.
"In the house? Where?" I asked.
"No, outside." she answered a little shamefacedly. "It's where the concrete meets the gravel."
She'd decided to put a broom away that she'd forgotten on the other side of the house. She's walked this path countless times without a mishap.
She said she was perfectly fine except for a bumped knee and scratch on her elbow which she said she took care of. She said I shouldn't worry because she was not a baby.
I took her at her word... sort of.
When Art saw her later, he asked to see the bump on the knee which turned out to also be more scratches. He also saw that her cheek had swelled a little and gave her an ice pack. The following day, her cheek looked a little black and blue and was more swollen. She then said she knew she hit her cheek, but it didn't hurt much so she thought it was fine.
Sigh....
It's better now.
We've explained that the codeine is probably making her drowsy which can cause her to stumble more easily. We reiterated that she needs to stay indoors until she's completely well and off those meds.
I think she's more amenable to listening now. I think.
Wishing your mom speedy recovery, warm greetings and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I understand way too well that feeling of wanting to do SOMETHING other than sit. Sending her wishes for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteWell Kay, at least she told you she fell again. Lots of folks won't tell anyone. May want to take her off the codeine. If she's coughing so much to need it, she probably needs to see the doc to listen to her lungs. I suggest always reminding docs that she's had recent falls so they won't prescribe stuff that increases the chance of falling.
ReplyDeleteLimiting her sedating meds will be better than limiting her freedom to move. The most frequent location for falls is right in front of the chair they sit in! The person stands, their blood pressure drops from their head, they get dizzy, light-headed, then fall. That's why I suggest "marching in place" with the back of their calves are still close to the chair. Check her blood pressure when she's sitting, and when she first stands from a chair. When standing, have her hold the hand to her chest that has the wrist blood pressure cuff on it. Start a little diary of her falls, when, where. Add and write down the blood pressure readings before and after. This info will help the doc help her symptoms. Good luck; I'm sure it's exhausting to keep after her.
Linda in Kansas
Thank you, Linda. We just took her to the doctor and her lungs are clear. I just wrote a post about that visit which will go up on Friday. I'll mention your advice about the chair. Thank you so much! Mom does keep a record of her blood pressure daily.
DeleteI think it's the meds, too. I know you are worried, but this one doesn't seem to be too damaging. Poor Mom! She wants to get back to her normal routine, I know how that feels. :-(
ReplyDeleteWhen we are older, it's easier to fall anyhow because we get a little unsteady on our feet from time to time. I'm 81 and when I stand after sitting at this computer for awhile, I have to be sure of my feet before I stand up firmly. One time several months ago, my right ankle just collapsed and it later swelled. I thought it was sprained but it wasn't. In a day or two it was fine. I felt foolish for thinking it was sprained. I took the cough syrup when I was sick the first week in May, and it does make you unsteady on your feet. You are smart for keeping her in the house especially when you are gone. You do such and good job of caring for her!
ReplyDeleteOMG same thing happened to me almost. I stepped up to a grassy median in a parking lot and I heard a loud crunch and I somehow sprained my ankle. It wasn't twisted or at a wrong angle, it just gave away. Luckily there was a sign and I had to grab it so I didn't fall and wait until the stars left my eyes. Strange stuff happens to us as we age...SMH.... BB
DeleteI love your SMH (Shake My Head).
DeleteUmmmm... OK I admit it. I fell down in the Marukai parking lot last year. Was more embarrassed than anything else, but I did get a scuffed knee.
It's difficult to mother your mother...I know. Patience is required on both parts!
ReplyDeleteSo difficult. No one will be happier than mom when she recovers. Please tell her from me that a cane is a wonderful tool.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. Will Tylenol or Aleve do the same job?
ReplyDeleteOne good thing, she was able to get herself upright. That is huge. Many people, when they fall, are unable to get themselves vertical again. I saw an older man fall while out in the garden at church. I was concerned, until I saw him right himself, stand up, and shake off the dirt.
ReplyDeleteOh no. Sorry to hear.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read this....Knowing that the meds may be causing this will probably make your mother feel less threatened by the fall, but it is a tricky time, trying to care for your Mom without making her feel she's losing her independence.
ReplyDeleteI hope so. Frankly I'm sure we are all thinking of her with some worry. Sending positive thoughts
ReplyDeleteLinda in Kansas has some excellent suggestions. Sure hope it is the meds and dosage can be adjusted. Keep her safe, we have all become attached to her.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be so careful with your mother since shes taking alot more falls..I never thought it would happen but my mom fractured her hip recently.Two surgeries rehabs and she will never be same...take precautions now bc your life will change in a second.Im a full time caregiver now.
ReplyDeleteIts only going to get harder,so takealot more precautions now:)
Aloha
Ms. Karen Miyashiro
Hello Karen! Thank you very much for your visit and comment. I really appreciate your input. I've heard from friends that this is what often happens and it scares me to death. We've just signed up for a Kaiser class on preventing falls for seniors. I'm so very sorry for all you're going through. It's definitely a worry.
DeleteHi Kay! I've read lots of articles about footwear for seniors. I know it's not preferable but maybe she should wear athletic shoes when she's outside. That will provide more stability on uneven ground.
ReplyDeleteHope she feels better soon!! 🌸
Hi Pat, we bought her a pair of rather pricey slippers that really mold to the feet and are secure. However, if it's just to step out for a while, she insists on putting on her regular slippers. She won't wear athletic shoes outside right now because she says it makes her feet too hot and it takes too long to put them on and take off every time she steps out of the house. Sigh... And you KNOW she would NEVER wear outside shoes inside the house. Sigh....
DeleteSo sorry to hear this.
ReplyDeleteyour mom has to work and be useful. fortunately her body is tough and can withstand falls. she reminds me of my old neighbor, mrs. t. she used to always tell me how her mind says go but her body doesn't listen. she was constantly falling, breaking bones, yet getting up and going going going.
ReplyDeletemy broken arm saga was actually very good for me - i cancelled some commitments that i really didn't want to do and am doing much much less than i normally do. thankfully i have a daughter at home who has stepped up to doing all the chores for me.
how do you make a busy body busy mind rest and relax?
Having gone through this, I totally understand how hard this is for you. Hope your Mom does not fall again...Anyway, in case you haven't seen this, it may be helpful:
ReplyDeletehttp://health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/preventing-falls/information/
Thank you so much! We are scheduled to go to a Kaiser fall prevention workshop at the end of the month.
DeleteI'm sorry your Mom had another tumble. Seniors just don't want to give up. Yes, at the beginning I said, "it's codeine." As I senior I won't give in. I still go on the roof!
ReplyDeletehope she can get off the codeine soon; does she still need it? Can't she take a cough medicine without it, by now? :(
ReplyDeleteWe realized after the fact that my mother was falling a lot, but she lived alone and didn't tell anyone unless bruises were obvious. After she moved in to assisted living, she used a walker and had help always around. At least we worried less.
ReplyDeleteFalling is not s good thing. This must be very worrying for you.
ReplyDelete