We met with Mom’s transplant doctor on Monday to address Mom’s overwhelming despair and her pervasive fatigue. Laura had noticed a change in one of Mom’s medication.

It turns out one of her doctors ordered a dramatic increase in one of her meds and that was potentially leading to zero energy for life.

They cut the meds back to a lower dose; two days later Mom was back!!!!!

Improvements

Jennie and I spent the day with Mom yesterday (Wednesday). We went on walks, played cards, and listened to stories about Grandma Tillie and Mom’s childhood. It was a great treat to be with her, she seems sooooo much better.

As I was leaving for the night she asked me to speak with the staff about having her grandkids visit.

☁️🌩☁️

The head nurse very quickly indicated that kids weren’t allowed due to the rising rates of COVID and that even regular visits (pointing at me) might be in jeopardy because it seemed like they may be heading towards lockdown.

This morning Laura went to the Rehab to find out more details.

Half of the 2nd floor is quarantined due to active COVID cases and the 3rd floor (where Mom is) has 1 active infection (two doors down from Mom).

This news kicked us into high gear to begin Mom’s discharge. At the same time, Laura noticed that Mom seemed a little sick: she was warm, coughing, more tired than usual, and her eyes seemed a bit glassy.

Mom had been tested for COVID yesterday and had been negative so the Rehab was hesitant to test her again, especially since she didn’t have a fever. Laura worked her persistent magic and made the test happen. Sure enough, Marsha Sue was positive.

For the 2nd time in less than a year Mom has COVID.

WTF! OMG. Can you believe it? Just after she starts to regain her health (again) she’s hit with something new!

Potentially hopeful details:

+ the Rehab doctor has reported that the cases they’re seeing are quick.
Symptoms seem to be their worst on day-one tapering off from there.

+ Mom doesn’t currently have a fever.
She seems to have a mild case.

+ Mom may have antibodies from her first infection back in February.
Just before the transplant Mom’s bloodwork showed natural antibodies.

+ She may also have COVID resistance from her two vaccine doses.

+ She’ll have access to the Rehab’s nurses, doctors, and aids while she’s weathering this.