In the summer of 2008 My sister’s and I noticed mom was a bit unbalanced. She had trouble at the beach on the sand especially on the shore as the tide moved. She began to walk in a bit of a shuffle- feet spread apart. There was also a noticeable change in her demeanor, she seemed depressed.
We took note, but mom and dad were very capable together and these moments were random. Fast forward a year and a half, (2010) she became more despondent and tired. Her eyes that hurt her in the sun now hurt with most light and we were constantly in search of darker, more covering glasses. She was also struggling a bit at home with chores, so I would journey into Atlanta to help weekly.
She tried some physical therapy, but more and more she complained of being dizzy. Dr visits, further depression and a lot of frustration led to a psychiatrist office which she vehemently hated. She was the worst patient. After 3 visits ( several weeks between) the Dr saw something we had ignored. The shuffle. It was more prominent now along with occasional slurred speech. She sent us to a Neurologist.
At that moment (fall of 2010), everything went on hold as David was diagnosed with cancer. We left town and my sisters came from out of state to check on our parents. With medicare, mom waited for a neurology appointment and then waited to see a neurosurgeon and waited for many tests. By the time our family was back home together, she tested positive for Hydrocephalus via spinal tap.
Next wait was for a different neurosurgeon who would perform a shunt-procedure with medicare. April 12, 2011 finally relieved the fluid pressure in our mom’s head. My sister in Florida came to stay, such a blessing as I was still caring for David’s ileostomy. We watched mom improve a lot, but brain damage had occurred over the 3 years this developed. Poor dad had never taken care of anyone before. We all pitched in as much as possible. I remember feeling pulled in all directions.
Sometimes life is disrupted. But God carries us through bit by bit.
Thank you for your prayers.
ForGlorySake! – Anna
