A jacuzzi lift for my Mom!
Right before she had her feeding tube inserted she went in the jacuzzi with my Aunt Linda, Uncle Denny, and my Dad. My dad said she was giddy because her weakening muscles had a lot more control of her body in the water. She had to wait 6 weeks after her surgery to go back in while her tube healed. By the time those 6 weeks were up her legs were too weak that we would not have been able to get her out. That is when Brian got brainstorming.
The lift worked perfectly. She sat in the chair and then John and my Dad rolled her over the water and cranked the lever to lower her into the water. She loved being in the water but sadly she had lost so much muscle mass that her body would not stay down. If she tried to sit her legs, feet, and abdomen would float up on their own. The weakness in her muscles, especially her back and core, made it impossible for her to compensate her weight and that made being in the water a little scary for her because she felt so out of control. My Dad held her on his lap though and that worked really well. When she was ready to get out we wrapped her in a hot wet towel to keep her warm. They lowered the chair back in, she sat down, and then they cranked her up and rolled her back.
Perfect!
Wow. What a love story!!! Awesome!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go boys! I can imagine that the warm water is soothing - Natalee has explained to us that water equalizes the pressure evenly over her entire body, thus, relaxing the sensory overload sensation.
ReplyDeleteCaroline - you have done such a great job raising and teaching your children, and that reaches far beyond the one's you personally gave birth to. My patriarchal blessing says something about being diligent and patient with my children and that my family will bless and revere me for it as they grow. I think of you and the possitive influence you have had on so many lives when I read it. You are a great example of being the "strong" link. Love you!
Wow, those sons are handy to have around! So fun!
ReplyDeleteThose boys are crafty.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to have such handy sons! (And such a great daughter. :) ) And that van is even more rockin' now! ('Cause we know before it had some serious swagga. ;) )
ReplyDeleteYou ladies are looking sexy in your swimsuits!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletewhat a SWEET labor of love!
ReplyDeleteCaroline: you are an AMAZING woman. Thank you for your example of strength.