My husband’s stepmother (M) was on her way to a basketball game when she tripped and fell face first on cement. In that instant, our lives changed forever, we just didn’t know it yet.
After the accident the only real damage evident was the loss of all her front teeth. She was recovering and was going to be fitted with a bridge, but during her follow-up with her physician to discuss other symptoms she was having, they found that she had dangerously low sodium. Low sodium can cause swelling, for the most part that’s not dangerous, but “when the cells of the brain swell, it’s much more detrimental. Because the brain cells are so tightly confined by the skull bones, even a small amount of swelling can be dangerous. This is particularly dangerous when sodium levels drop rapidly, causing brain cells to swell rapidly, Without immediate medical treatment, this rapid swelling could lead to coma and death.” (1) M was quickly admitted to the hospital, however, she was nearly comatose before they could lower her sodium levels.
The severe drop in sodium caused havoc with her body, we knew she would require physical rehabilitation. However, when her sodium levels returned to normal, it was obvious there was something still wrong.
M was having severe issues with her memory. She could read, but she couldn’t comprehend what she was reading. There was further testing, and it was found that she had a tiny subdural hematoma. (later is was determined that the hematoma was worse than initially thought) There was also talk of Alzheimer’s, as this runs in her family. (from what I understand she was having minor memory issues before the accident)
Soon it became apparent that M would need long term care. She is not expected to make a full recovery. She will be entering a long term care facility in less then 6 weeks, and her children plan to sell her house in 6 months. I’m not sure if they are selling it because the may need funds, because she is not expected to ever come home, or because it would not be a safe place if she ever did come home because as it is a split level and she has to be very careful not to fall, or a combination of the 3. She also has osteoporosis and they’ve warned if she breaks a hip or something, they can’t do anything for it and most people often die from it. (no, her children are not kicking dad out, this was decided by all involved)
M is one of the most logical people I know. She was a computer programmer for years. That’s pretty amazing since she is in her late 70’s and computers have come a long way in the last few decades. She took out a long-term care policy years ago, knowing that Alzheimer’s runs in her family; she wanted to make sure things were taken care of if she also got it later, I wish Stuart had been able to get a policy like that, the insurance will cover all of the cost of the facility, and it’s expensive. I never dreamed that a good assisted living facility would cost $6000 a month. From what I understand, this place is just wonderful. They even have dog and horse therapy.
Stuart’s father (Dad) and M got married about 7 years ago, about 7 years after Stuart’s mother passed away. (I’m really not sure about the exact time in there) He moved in with her and they have been living in her house. This is a major life change not only for M, but also for “dad”. “Dad” does own 3 houses of his own, but someone is living in 1 with the option to buy, 1 is too far out of town for him to travel to the facility M will be in, and the last one needs some repair. He plans to sell the last one within the next year. So “dad” has to find a new place to live.
We’ve been discussing quite a bit recently, before the accident, about where we’d like to make our forever home, where we’d like to eventually retire. (well, when Stuart retires, I haven’t been able to work in years) After hearing this news about M, we’ve decided to actively pursue moving to Tucson, AZ. We have family and friends there, it’s warm there year round, and housing is less expensive. We’ve discussed this briefly with dad and it sounds as if he would really like us closer. We plan look for a house that has some kind of room for a guest to live-in; a guest house or little apartment would be ideal; that way dad can live with use without feeling like he is intruding on our marriage. I’ve looked up doctors and I’m please with the possibilites. I even found a group that supports adults with hearing loss. Now, Stuart just has to find a job.
This is a major life change for everyone in our family.
It’s a lot to process.
In a moment, everything can change….drastically.
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/results-critically-low-sodium-6200.html
Picnic with Ants 
I am so sorry that this happened. It sounds like M planned very well but it truly is the ‘moments’ in life that shapes the things to come, both good and bad.
Having dad live with you sounds wonderful. With you but with his own space and independence. My dad lived with my brother and sister-in-law and I think that was a big help for him as he was afraid of being alone after my mom died.
I wish Stuart much success in finding a job and a very low stress house hunting and moving for you both.
Breathe in, breathe out. ❤
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Thanks hon, I must remember to take time to breathe and just let things flow. If this comes together great, if not, we’ll help as much as we can from here.
It’s the whole job thing now.
xo
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Yes, life can change in an moment. Being closer to family sounds like it would be a good thing. If there are doctors there, lower cost of living, and Stuart can find a job—off you go! Maybe the warmer weather would be good for you, too? Well, it’s the only thing we can count on in life, right? Change. 🙂
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Yes Rita! Exactly right. Everything changes. Sometimes in small ways where we barely notice, other times it’s a tornado, but there’s always change.
❤
Right now it’s the job hunt, if that doesn’t go well, then we’re not going anywhere.
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I’m going to miss knowing you’re so close but we meet moreso in the virtual world. I’m grateful that M planned so well. And having Dad close by sounds like a great plan. Holding onto hope for all to come together.
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Thank you.
We’ll always keep in touch, no matter how far apart.
xo
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Lots of love to you. Let me know if you need help with anything. I have people in Tucson! ❤
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Thank you Chelsea.
The job hunt is on.
That’s the BIG thing now.
You have people in Tucson? Cool.
💕
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The job hunt is always the biggest challenge. Let me know if I can help in any way. I’ve been revamping resumes and LinkedIn pages for friends and it’s been working well – my way of paying it forward. 🙂 Would also love to help you with connections if I can.
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I just wanted to echo the earlier comments – I’m so sorry, life really can be so cruel and change so suddenly. With the bone breaking thing, it can be awful; my uncle was doing a little better after so many problems (aneurysms, internal bleeding etc) but then fell (hospital staff took to long to help him to he got out of bed) and he broke his hip, at which point he was too ill for them to operate. Sending hugs and my very, very best wishes. xx
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I’m so sorry about your uncle. It is a real fear.
I’m so grateful I’ve been much less symptomatic, I couldn’t have considered this move a couple of years ago.
Thank you so much for caring.
You are a dear. 💜
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I can’t put a “like” but I send hugs and hope and comfort for you all!
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I just keep thinking…
If this was going to happen, now is the best time. We’d planned to buy a house here this year, if we had, this move would have been impossible.
It still may be if Stuart can’t find work.
We’re trying to just let it flow.
Thank you for caring. 💖
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Wow! Wen- I have been sick all week and am finally catching up. Sounds like all of your bases are covered with a move to AZ. I wanna come be your neighbor! Need anything? Let me know!~Kim
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You didn’t miss this Kim, I just posted it, and haven’t talked about it much until now.
I have to make sure and take extra care of me through this. I can’t afford to get more symptomatic again. So wish me luck, and peace with all of this.
And I’ll see you in July!!!
Don’t forget!
Hey when you guys start living the RV life, you could be my neighbor whenever you want. 😉💜
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Yay -July! Yay -RV life! Just Yay! Well, sad for Stuart’s step mom but she sure did plan ahead.
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