Mom Gets Sprung from Rehab!

We Saw the Cardiologist on Wednesday And My Mother Talked Him into Giving Her a Get Out Of Jail Free Card!

She's so happy it's unbelievable.  While driving home, she kept saying I can't believe I'm really out!

Apparently she was secretly convinced that we were lying to her and that she was going to have to stay there the rest of her life.  It made me think of Sophia on the "Golden Girls" always worried that her daughter Dorothy was going to send her back to "Shady Pines".

In the meantime, the doctor has still yet to schedule the additional stent procedure.  Apparently he wants to wait a few more weeks until she gets even stronger.  He sees her again on September 20, and says he'll probably schedule it then.  I'll be back in Florida, by then, but my sister and brother will be here to take her back and forth to the necessary appointments.

All things considered, she's looking remarkably well and I think we are all very pleased with her progress.

Just Thinking

Today in History - August 18th

This also seemed like a good day to re-post my favorite TV commercial and No, this is not meant to be an endorsement of AT&T or its 3G Network.  Which is what I finally figured out this commercial is for.  Nor was I ever necessarily a big fan of Gene Wilder and/or Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I could take it or leave it to tell you the truth.  But I do love this commercial, and every time it comes on;  I tend to stop, pause, reflect and smile.  With all that's been going on recently, today of all days.  I feel like a smile :)



I don't know if it's the beautiful yet haunting melody or the scenes of a busy bustling city, combined with innocent childish graphics.  Perhaps it's the bearded guy with his simple, subtle and insightful smile.  I don't know what it is that captures my imagination.  I only know that when I see this commercial I want to get out of box crayons and a clean sheet of paper.  It makes me want to be Five again, or any age younger than this reality I am forced to dwell within.

By the way Apple Annie,  even though "Not Celebrating Birthdays" has become almost like a "Religion" to me.  When I received your card today, at my Mom's house in New Jersey, no less; I must admit it brought me both a Smile and a Tear.  Thanks dear one.  The timing was just right!

Just Thinking

Yes, I'm Still in New Jersey

And My Mom Is Still in Rehab.

She goes to therapy every morning, and I spend every afternoon and evening with her to keep her company.

Weather permitting, we go for a short walks in the courtyard, play computer games or just sit and talk. 
In the evening, of course there's always "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune".  Thank You Merv Griffin!

At this point it looks like she'll probably be here at least another week.  That's good I suppose, since she's definitely getting stronger each day. 

Unfortunately however, she's become very depressed.  She wants desperately to go home and I understand that.  Sometimes she just looks out the window and cries and I feel so bad for her.  But, I also know the rehabilitation therapy has been very beneficial for her and she needs to build up our strength before she goes home.

They have still not scheduled the additional stent procedure. We have an appointment to see the cardiologist on Wednesday, August 25th.  So hopefully we'll know more then.

My Mom's in Rehab!

No - Not That Kind of Rehab! 

She's actually in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Center,  although believe it or not, they call it "ReHab" for short.

Which of course makes me giggle, because I keep thinking at any minute I might run into Lindsay Lohan or Paris Hilton.  I think it's safe, though, since so far, I see no sign of the paparazzi.  Come to think of it, this might be a good place for either of them to come and hide.  A rehab center in South Jersey, owned and operated by Hasidic Jews is probably the last place anyone would ever look.

I keep joking with the staff here about running into celebrities, but they don't seem to get it. (Oh Lucy, where are you when I need you?)

Anyway, I guess I should bring you up-to-date...

Mom's doing pretty well.  They take her to the gym downstairs every morning for physical therapy, and it does seem to be helping.  She's walking better, and her physical strength and dexterity seems to be improving daily. 

Unfortunately, she still has to go back to Jersey Shore Hospital for an additional stent procedure.  That hasn't been scheduled yet, though.  We're still waiting to hear from the doctor.


Here's a picture of my sister sitting with my mom in the courtyard of Atlantic Coast Rehabilitation Center.

Madeline and Mom in Rehab!

Just Thinking

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An Update on My Mom's Condition

My mom had the cardiac catheterization, and they ended up putting in three stents.  Believe it or not, she has to go back in a couple of weeks for a fourth.  She was on the procedure table for the best part of four hours. 

Early Thursday morning they transferred Mom by ambulance from the Kimball Medical Center to Jersey Shore Hospital which is where the procedure was eventually done.  I say eventually because we were expecting it to all be over and done, by early that afternoon.  As it turned out they didn't even begin until about 9 PM that night and didn't finish till sometime after midnight.  Thankfully, my sister had driven down from Sussex to wait with me.  It was really quite an ordeal.  Mom was told she had to fast, and therefore hadn't eaten since dinner the night before.  Needless to say she was not a happy camper.

All in all though, I guess everything went pretty well.  They will be transferring mom to Atlantic Coast.  Cardiac Rehabilitation Center sometime tomorrow.

Since it's almost 2 AM.  I'm going to close this laptop now and try to get some sleep.  I will keep you posted though.