Nov 13, 2015 at 05:01 pm

Happy Birthday - You have another broken bone!

Update posted by Mary Pat Redgate Kinhart

This past Wednesday, as Judy was getting back into bed, her legs gave out on her. In accordance with hospital evaluations, she was strong enough to be out of bed with only one aide. Unfortunately, when her legs gave out, the aide was only able to break her fall and let her slide to the floor. Unfortunately one of her legs twisted as she slid down. She was in such excruciating pain that once they got her into bed she threw everyone out of the hospital room and called me in hysterics. After about 45 minutes calming her down and getting her side of the story, I called her nurse and discussed the situation with her. Once she understood Judy's fear that she had broken another bone, she called the doctor and arranged for an x-ray. The doctor increased Judy's pain medication, but there was no break apparent on the x-ray, so it seemed that she had injured soft tissue.

Thursday, the 12th of November was Judy's birthday. It was difficult, but her spirits were pretty good in the morning. She had her radiation treatment and physical therapy right afterward. I spoke to her as the physical therapist was trying to get her comfortable in bed again. Unfortunately, it wasn't working well. She was very upset and sore, and it was impossible for her to get comfortable. But eventually the Judy got too tired to tolerate any more pain of moving. I spoke to her a while longer, encouraging her to eat, drink, and take a nap. When I spoke with her again at about 7pm (midnight my time) she was very irritable and in pain. The doctor had ordered another x-ray farther down her leg. I did what I could to walk her through breathing exercises and calm her, but I was not very successful.

Friday morning I spoke with Judy and she was again in pain and very irritable. Apparently the new x-ray showed a break in the femur Now we're waiting for an orhtopedic surgeon and someone to try to teach her some guided visualization so maybe she can help herself a little more as well.

We have no idea how the radiation is working so far, but apparently we have a little way to go before her bones harden up again. Please keep on praying!

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