Nurses! Need some help....

My MIL (81 years old) fell last night.  My FIL (both are wheelchair bound) called and asked my DH to come over and pick her up and put her back in bed.

DH went over there - she had hit her head on her dresser and opened a large gash above her eyebrow and her speech was slurred.  He refused to move her, and called for an ambulance.  At the very least she was going to need stitches.

She is also diabetic.  We waited to hear from the hospital - and finally they called.  X rays show her neck is broken!!

They said this is very serious due to her age and general health.

Any idea how serious?  I don't know yet where the break is.  However, I know that sometimes the elderly don't survive broken bones.

 We haven't told FIL - he thinks she is just in for observation.  I don't think either of them should have been released from the nursing facility.  However, we have my SIL's to thank for that - even though they live out of state and are only here once per year.  Their care falls totally on us.

Just wanting to know what to expect.  I would think she will have to go to a facility for rehab at the very least, but would like to prepare DH for what may lie ahead.

Any prayers will also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm praying for your MIL and your  family.

Thank you Annette.  We just got word from the hospital that there are multiple neck fractures.  They have her sedated.

My SIL in Virginia took it upon herself to call my FIL and tell him.  So now, we have an extremely upset 87 year old.  GRRRRR!! 

Christie, I'm sorry to hear about this. My gut instinct says she won't be going home, she will need an extended care facility. She will probably never recover well enough from this to be able to be left alone (even with your FIL). I assume they don't want to operate? Also being that she's diabetic, she won't heal well. What hospital is she at? Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you!

Thanks Melissa.  I just have a feeling also that she's not ever going to return home.  FIL can't take care of her.  He's in bad shape himself.  At this point, surgery is not an option due to multiple fractures and her fragile health - she just recovered from pneumonia not two weeks ago, and is diabetic - not well controlled, either.  She also has congestive heart failure.  She's at St. Francis in Mooresville at this time.  They may be transferring her to St. Francis South on Emerson - but we don't know yet.

Christie, I'm sorry you and your husband are dealing with this. I will pray she recovers and is feeling well soon. You might look into an extended care facility where she and your FIL could be together, but that they'd have skilled nursing services to look after them. I know there are some nice ones out there.

Good luck. Keep me posted.

OMG Chris,
I am so sorry..... We were just talking baout them coming from Chicago,too. I will be praying for them and you!

OMGoodness!! How awful!!! I will keep them in my prayers!!!  And you and hubby too... When can you expect the SIL's in to town to help taker care  of FIL??? LOL  It;s easy for them to causer trouble from a distance!!

Linda Kay

Prayers and Hugs


Peggy

fabulous.....Sounds like she is a wonderful help. GRRRRR. I think you need to bring her into town to help w/ the care. LOL