but only got half of 4 sets sewn into 9 patches for the vanilla quilt. Here they are on top of all of the beigeness. That is 24 new 9 patches with 24 more to go from the rest of the cut strips.
Here are the 2 sets I haven't cut yet. I still have the green sets to sew.
Today I am working at the sewing machine store. The owners are on vacation and the regular girl needs a day off. This is basting day on my list but I may just do some of the hand sewing on the queen size binding instead tonight. I'm sure I'll be wiped out when I get home.*******
I took my dad to the Dr. yesterday afternoon. His hernia has been bulging and bothering him. We have been to the Dr. before about it and the Dr. told him he couldn't do anything for it. This time the Dr. had us make an appointment with the surgeon in their clinic. This has me concerned. I have heard that older people who are already suffering from memory problems get considerably worse after being under anaesthesia. Does anyone have any input about a situation like this?
22 comments:
Nice progress on the the nine patches. I am sorry to hear that your Dad must have surgery. Did the doctor say anything about the anesthesia having an adverse effect on his memory? I don't have any words of wisdom in this area. I wish I did. I hope you can get some answers.
The addition of the rose and lavender fabrics is going to make the vanilla quilt sing.
I'm sorry to hear about your dad's problems. I heard of this issue from a friend whose grandmother (89years old) underwent surgery last year who had dementia. They said after the surgery she just seemed to take a further drop in her mental capabilities and never really bounced backed. They weren't sure if it was the anaesthesia, the trauma of surgery, being in the hospital for an extended stay (2 months) or a combination of the above.
I had a look to see if there were any medical studies that gave any insight as to whether there are any effects on the elderly and apparently there have been some studies and yes anaesthesia can cause further cognitive problems for those who have demntia. The study though didn't isolate between the different types that can be used.
http://surgiprep.wordpress.com/2007/12/30/does-anesthesia-fry-the-elderly-brain/
This article has a link to a Duke University Study and a Lancet publication.
It sounds like you will have to do some further research and have a serious chat with the surgeon about the various options, once you are aware of the studies. I wish you all the best.
The vanilla quilt is going to be simply gorgeous! Reminds me (in a way) of my Black quilt!
have a good day!
it might be that taking a person with dementia out of their familiar surroundings and placing them in a hospital confuses them and the longer the stay the worse it gets? I wish you the best with your father.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
I have no idea about your father, but I am loving the subtlties in your vanilla blocks.
To be honest Wanda - I wouldn't be at all surprised about the amnesia
I am nowhere near as old as your father (a "sprightly" 49 that's me) but I did have a serious illness about 6 years ago (pancreatitis) which culminated in me having my gallbladder removed.
I always joke about my memory having been hiding in the gallbladder as they removed it as my memory, both long and short term has been much worse since the operation - who knows it may have been the anaesthetic, the time in hospital or the illness
Since immediately after the illness I have to make lists all the time where I never needed to before and there are often things in the past that people remind me of and I just can't remember them whereas I had an amazing recollection of both my own personal history and of stories I'd had related about family etc
I find it all quite frustrating and sometimes upsetting
Is there a possibility that your father could have his operation done with a local anaesthetic like an epidural at all perhaps
If they can do a c-section via an epidural, why can't they do a hernia repair the same way? It might be tricky, though, if he tends to get agitated and might do so on the OR table. Also, ask about minimaly invasive techniques, where they do the repair through a smaller opening.
My stepfather was definitely worse off memory wise after his surgery. There were other problems, too, that seemed to come after his last round of surgery. But now that a few months have passed, I'd have to say that although his memory hasn't improved, it's not as bad as it was the weeks following his surgery. Very traumatic. He needs more surgery, but his primary physician says he won't make it through another procedure...too delicate.
I agree with PattiCakes. Find out if they can do any procedures without putting him under the anesthesia.
After reading all the previous comments I think you should make a list of questions for the appointment at the surgeon's. I like the idea of a local anaesthetic or those dreamlike anaesthetics where you are not completely under. The less he receives the faster the recovery time is, so I've heard. But make that list for sure. Good luck with your Dad, he's lucky to have a daughter who cares so much! Also the vanilla quilt is beginning to look less vanillaly if that's a word.
This happened to my father a couple years ago. After hernia surgery he was just off a tad. Then this past April he in the hospital for a heart problem ... it was too tramatic for him ... he didn't know us from that day on.
A bulging hernia may well need surgery. As a former nurse, all I can advise is to talk to an anesthesiologist about the various options. They have so many new ways of sedating patients that perhaps he/she can provide you with a satisfactory option. I hope so.
Your quilt is going to be beautiful. I will be praying for the situation with your dad.
You know I love that vanilla quilt. It is looking good.
My mom had surgery and it added to her dementia problems. Everyone is different. Get the doctor's best advice. I'm praying for you on this one.
Good luck with your dad. No advice here - I'm the only non-medical one in the family!
Such subtle additions to the vanilla quilt. They are working wonderfully. I hope they are still giving you the colour you need.
My mother had to have hip surgery and was never quite the same. Her mental abilities were already slipping but there was a marked decline following the surgery.
I'd ask to meet with the anaesthesiologist and speak to him/her about your concerns and to explore whether there are techniques which might lessen the chances of this having an adverse affect on your dad.
I love, love, love the vanilla with some subtle splashes of colour!! That quilt is going to be so glorious!
With regard to your father: some of the comments mentioned the possibility of an epidural. I had a hernia repair right after my youngest child was born. An epidural was the only anesthetic used and it worked well. The recovery from the epidural was odd for me; my legs felt so strange for about 45 minutes and I could not move them for that time. All of that is perfectly normal. Also, I was fully alert and wanted someone to talk to. All the medical people were concentrating on the operation, thank God, so that was a bit strange for me, too. It's good to go in to talk with the physicians with some ideas of your own and I think you're getting some good information from the comments. I'll add your dad to my prayer list, too.
Heather
The additions you are showing us to compliment your vanilla piece is getting exciting. Such fun to follow along with you.
J~MT
p.s. more hurdles to get over with your Dad, a big concern for you I know.
See, I KNEW you'd find a way to cope with all that vanilla . . .
Yes, sadly I do have input on the memory issue.
DH's grandfather became MUCH worse after surgery (many, many years ago - Haldol was involved but I'm not sure at what point).
My mother had to have hip surgery and the trauma put her back several years in her memory (she had early stage Alz. but she "lost" a few years of memories in those few days).
Knowing ahead of time (you're alread there) and making sure your doctor is aware / talking with the surgeon and with with the anesthesiologist (documenting the concerns in writing for your dad's file), plus any nurses who are involved, should help you with the information factors and perhaps mitigate the consequences for your dad.
Prayers to all who are involved, especially you!
Hi Wanda,
The vanilla 9-patch is looking promising.
It sounds like your dad's hernia is at the point of needing attention. As far as memory goes, when my grandma had surgery she was disoriented while in the hospital, but returned to her "normal" self when home, and continued to play Scrabble with us weekly until her late 80's. So not everyone has continued problems with memory, I guess.
Vicky F
Hey Wanda,
I love the quilt - I have some of that batik with the orange/brown stripey sort of, I think. If you need some I will check!! I know I used it and I always get 1/2 yard - but not sure if I have that much around anymore.
Sorry about your Dad - that's a big decision. Hopefully someone smarter than me can help you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hang in there!!
My dad had surgery last year at 84, didn't really notice any difference (he was/is a little forgetful) but I don't live with him or see him daily. He couldn't remember to push the pain button in the hospital after surgery (he kept wanting to call the nurse), so we had to do it. My mom stayed with him so that he wouldn't worry and be in pain.
I think the epidural sounds good if they can do that, there are issues with that sometimes too,I had 3 c sections, but it doesn't affect your memory at all.
Love the soft colorful additions to the vanillas...this will be gorgeous.
I am a retired rn and dealt with this issue all too often...seems that the anesthesia and pain meds complicate the issue in the elderly. I myself don't like some of the medications and would make a list of questions for the surgeon as well as questions abt what pain meds or a better option than morphine...Hopefully this may be a surgery that can be accomplished laproscopically...will keep your Dad in my thoughts/prayers.
PS Love the color combos on the quilt!!
Laurel/NJ
whaeser1@aol.com
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