Mum came back from the hospital a while ago after being warded for 27 days. She has fully recovered from the pneumonia and her anemia is under control. It is unfortunate that she complained of back pain that was diagnosed as spondylitis while a being warded. Spondylitis is a form of rheumatism that causes stiffness and pain in and around the spine.
Mum had complained of extreme pain in her left leg in the early nineties. Traditional massage did not do any good. After all the traditional treatments proved futile, she then consulted Dr. Kazem. He operated on her lumbar spine to relieve pressure on the nerves that was causing pain and weakness to her leg. The surgery was successful but the damage was already done because of the delay. She now walks with a slight limp.
Mum never looked more frail. She has lost a considerable amount of weight due to her poor appetite. The pain in her back has been alleviated somewhat by Dihydrocodeine, Celebrex and a lot of bed rest. With time and a balanced nutritious diet, she should recover.
Dear Peter,
I came across your articles on St Anne’s feast accidentally. I have been to St Anne’s a couple of times as a kid but it has been a long time since my last visit and I’ve not seen the new building. I was impressed with your writing and I kept reading on. I admire your courage in coping with your spinal cord injury and the demise of your mother. I have worked in a Palliative Care ward for a year and a half and have been close to some of my patients and their families. I can imagine how it must have grieved you to see your mother in pain and having to depend on so many drugs to keep the pain in control. Currently I am working with rehabilitation patients and have met a few spinal cord injury patients. I know you will be an encouragement to them. I just wanted you to know that you are an excellent writer and do keep up the good work. Continue to look to our Lord Jesus Christ and He will guide you always.
Sharon
Sharon,
Seeing Mum in pain and unable to do anything to alleviate it was excruciatingly unbearable. That period was one of the most difficult times of my life. To me, those working in palliative care are one of the most noble people. They comfort and ease the sufffering of terminal patients on the final leg of their journey. Thank you for leaving a comment here.