Bionic Mom

Today is the second day my Mom has been in the hospital following her 2nd knee replacement surgery. This time it's the left knee. She has been in and out of hospitals for the majority of my life. She's had cysts removed, a hysterectomy and several other surgical procedures that make me queasy and weak in the knees.

For the last 10 years she's had lupus. Lupus is basically, the opposite of AIDS. Where AIDS doesn't make enough anti-bodies, Lupus makes too many which causes them to fight each other and not infection. The fighting causes swelling in several parts of the body including knees, elbows and hands. Because of that Mom has been in and out of the hospital with Lupus relapses at least 2 to 3 times a year for the past 5 years.

If my Mom is having surgery, then my Dad has always done what he had to do (postpone work, travel, etc. ) to get back to Houston for Mom's surgery. I have also always been there. My sister works full-time so she comes after work. That being said, I have familiarized myself with several of Houston's hospitals specifically in the Katy area. Mom was even one of the first of 10 patients at the emergency room of the new Katy Memorial Hospital. It's a beautiful facility.

The service and dedication of the nurses and staff at Christus St. Catherine has been the best we've experienced so far. Mom has been very well attended to and they have been very kind and gentle in their treatment of her. Thank you to Aneela, Elsa and especially Michelle. You guys were great! Big Props to Tom, the Nurse Manager, for finally getting an IV in Mom after 7 tries (Mom has weak vains).

In retrospect, I've always been a caretaker of people in general. I was there for my sister when she had a biopsy done on a cyst. I gave her a backrub that helped "move" her, if you know what I mean. lol.. I also cared for my cousin, Robyn, who has also been in and out of the hospital several times in the past few years. Caring for my Mother has become second nature to me. Whether she's in or out of the hospital, I've ALWAYS taken care of her.

One of my very close friends, P.J., is a nurse and I am so proud of how he's advanced and the way he's such a great caretaker, even having taken care of me on several occasions. As much as I love taking care of people, I don't think I could ever do what he does. It takes a patient, strong, and compassionate individual to care for someone without knowing them. Watching Michelle and the other nurses care for my Mother with compassion and strength has been inspirational and moving.

Of course, I've been here almost every step of the way since she was released from the recovery room. Today, I held my Mother up as the physical therapist helped her take her first two steps on her new knee. I helped move her as she wanted to lie on her right side. I spoon-fed her ice and jello to help her regain her strength.

I love my Mom. I would do anything for her. She's always been a Super-Mom to me, even without her new bionic knees.