Hi, friends! I’m back today with a Fashion over 50 edition. Nothing too exciting and you’ve seen all of these pieces before, but maybe not exactly like this combination.
It’s been a long week with dad back in the hospital and I’ll share more on that as we get more updates, but I appreciate all the prayers so much. He’s in good care at the hospital and we are all 3 taking turns staying with him at night. I have another stint tonight. Lauren is coming home this weekend for the 4th of July holiday and we are glad to have her here too. She will cheer up her grandaddy big time! We are all learning about c diff and what it’s all about. If you follow me on Facebook, you will see the update there that he has the bacteria c diff that comes from taking antibiotics and then getting diarrhea. We had to take him back to the hospital, he was progressively getting worse every day. He’s so weak right now, but is on antibiotics that kill the c diff and hopefully this will get him back to normal. We think he may be in the hospital for a week and then go to rehab to get mobile again. He is so weak, he can’t stand and walk and that’s hard to see. I’m sure he will get it back, but it will take time. So, that’s the nutshell of where we are right now. It’s so frustrating that taking an antibiotic can cause this kind of horrible outcome and I don’t think the doctors share that nearly enough, the side effects of antibiotics. It makes me so mad that doctors don’t tell people, hey these antibiotics are going to kill the good bacteria in your gut, so you need probiotics to counteract that and if you get diarrhea, then you might have c diff. Most people have no idea what probiotics are, my parents certainly didn’t! No one warned them and now we are in this mess. All of us will be going on probiotics now too. I’ve done some of them before in drinking kombucha, but we all are going to get them in our systems even more now. My brother-in-law brews his own kombucha and if you don’t know that one, look it up. It’s a fermented beverage that’s good for your gut with lots of probiotics.
They had no idea that any of this could happen, but it did and now we have to deal with it and c diff is a serious thing, we’ve found out. Daddy is strong and we think he will get back to normal, but it will definitely take time. He’s not going to snap back in a week. So, keep the prayers coming and I’ll do a weekly update as time goes on and we see where we are. That knock on his head was nothing compared to what we are dealing with now!
The jeans are Mother jeans that I got last year. They are pricey, but fit well and hug in all the right spots, with a flared leg. I like the dark wash.
This top you’ve seen before too and it’s from C Wonder. It’s a lightweight soft cotton that is very supple for summer wear. Again, C Wonder is out of business.
Paired with these neutral tan heels, it’s a pretty outfit that’s casual, but not too casual.
Shoes are Aerosoles Foreward (affiliate link) in tan and they are available at Walmart now.
Jewelry came from the mart and it’s been fun to have in my wardrobe. I just love the coral and turquoise combination.
Here’s a closer look at the jewelry. I’ve been happy that I picked up this set over a year ago at the Atlanta mart. I think it was a total of about $28, so a real bargain. Again, the mart is only open to the trade and I can get in because of my blog, so if you get a chance to go, the cash and carry jewelry rocks!
That’s it for today! Thank you as always for stopping by and hanging out with me, I appreciate that so much!
I had never heard of c diff until now. It’s nothing to fool around with. I’m so sorry your family has to deal with it. Prayers continue to come your way.
I am so sorry that your dad is going through this. Praying for him and your mom. You look lovely btw.
Your Daddy has always reminded me of mine. I am sending good wishes to him for a full recovery, albeit slow but full. Your family is in the palm of God’s hands, supporting you all through this time.
You have such a nice community of people here, Rhoda! Even though I am a nurse, I have learned a lot just reading through everyone’s comments about c diff! I came to your page hoping to hear good news about your daddy this morning. Sending continued prayers. I have SO enjoyed the pictures and articles you’ve done on your family through the years. Hope you have a great weekend with family, even in the midst of this difficult time. Sending prayers and love!
Dear Rhoda: My mother in law is 95, living at home alone, and she is just getting over C diff as well. She is slowly getting better but is still very weak so I think your Dad has a good chance of getting better. Here’s the thing, they (medical personnel) told the family to wipe down the entire house with a bleach solution because it is contagious, I am concerned about your Mom and all of you, so please consider doing this as a precaution. Apparently it is prevalent in nursing homes due to the elderly
population. You all are in my prayers, hang in there girl.
Rhonda,
I am so sorry that your father is going through this. Your dad and your family will be in our daily prayers. I was always looking forward to posts about your father and his garden. I hope he is able to return to his garden soon. Please keep us posted as we are all attached to your parents. Blessings, Susan Hughes
Oh gosh, Rhoda. Had no idea your Dad has c.diff. I hope it was diagnosed very early, as that is the best scenario for wiping it out the first time w/no relapse. I had it after taking Clindamycin for a dental infection. That one is NOTORIOUS for giving rise to c.diff., so everyone should be aware of that. It doesn’t “give” it to you; you’ve already been exposed to c.diff. somewhere along the line, and it is in your gut. While the offending antibiotic kills all the good gut bacteria that keep the c.diff. in check, it will not kill the c.diff., leaving it to basically take over the gut. C.diff. is just one example of the “super bugs” that we have allowed to proliferate by demanding antibiotics for every little ailment. (Antibiotics for the COMMON COLD, anyone?) It’s horrible stuff, but your Dad can beat it. I’m sending up prayers for his strength, and for the family watching over him, too.
Jane, thank you for chiming in on this as our family had no clue about any of this. We do now! I too think it’s crazy how many antibiotics are being handed out these days. I think I’ve had antibiotics maybe 2 times in my life and I don’t ever plan to take them again unless there’s a really, really good reason. This is not something that the average person may even know, so I hope this discussion helps to educate someone else reading my blog, like it has for us. Knowledge is everything!
Rhoda, hoping that your daddy finds his good health again soon. I had never heard of it and will certainly pay more attention. I wanted to give you more encouragement about the after care at rehab to get him mobile again. My 86 year old mom got really weak from a bleeding ulcer she did not know she had. She had to have blood transfusions and more. She went from the hospital to a rehab hospital. In 9 days, she went from so weak she could not get out of bed by herself to getting around quite well with her walker, of course. The rehab can be so good. I hope your dad can have the same result. Prayers!
Dear Rhoda and family,
I will keep your family and your sweet dad in my prayers …you are doing a service for all your readers to share info on c diff. I’ve known about it for years, and thus avoid antibiotics unless ABSOLUTELY necessary…. Probiotics are quite helpful but more importantly we all need to be knowledgeable about the risks. Shame on doctors who don’t inform us of the risks. Praying for a good outcome for your dad soon, and that he will regain his strength to enjoy his 90th year. Again, thanks for educating about the dangers of antibiotics (yes, and they do have good uses too) through your blog.
Thank you, Ann, I am glad I can share this information on my blog so maybe someone else can learn the truth about antibiotics and the dangers they can have for this particular scenario.
Oh no Rhoda. I will be in prayer everyday for your sweet family. Oh to know all these important things that we should have been told about before hand. So many families go through things like this and then we find out. Sometimes to late. Thankfully your family knew so you could get him the help he needed I am going to be praying for your mother also. Bless her heart I know she must have some concerns right now. You prayed for my daughter one time Rhoda when I ask if you would and now I will pray for your family. I know seeing his sweet grand daughter will lift his spirits. Over the years you have blessed a LOT of readers and from coast to coast I have a feeling you have a lot of ladies out there and probably a few men as well who are praying for you and your family and I hope this brings all of you some comfort. To so many you have been a blessing and now hopefully so many will be a blessing back to you. Xoxo
And by the way I loved your coral it is a pretty summer outfit on you the color agrees with you. Very casual and pretty.
Hi, Carole, I do remember when you wrote me about your daughter, I trust that things are better for her. Thank you so much, the outpouring of care and support from all of you is blessing my family so much. I’ve told them all that so many people are praying for daddy and are concerned about him. So thank you for that! He’s a little perkier today, so we see some improvement!
Just saying I’m praying for all of you today
OMG Rhoda….I am so sorry! I know your family must be in a panic. So glad your Dad is going to be ok. Sounds really scary but I will be praying along with everyone else. My Mom’s blood pressure went really low one day in the beauty shop area of the nursing home & they couldn’t get her to respond. She was fine after they did tests on her in hospital…..just a urinary tract infection but scared us to death. Her young cute doctor told me sometimes the nursing home nurses can’t wake them up when they are just asleep so they call for an ambulance but I am glad they did anyway. You never know when the are 91. You look great in your outfit! Please keep us posted on your Dad. We all love him. 🙂
Thank you, Bonnie, he may be in the hospital for a few more days, we will see how he progresses. We’re seeing some improvement today, so hoping each day brings more. This really knocked him for a loop!
Hi,
Haven’t been on line or read your blog for a long time. Have been dealing with structural problems with my home where I had to move my household goods and myself out of the house for three weeks and then move back into a giant mess!
So was reading a few of your posts and haven’t seen or read anything about the fellow you were dating. Is he still in your life or not?I’m single and understand, more than ever,that relationships aren’t easy at this time in our lives. Just checking to make sure you are ok.
Linda
Charlotte, NC
Hi, Linda, yes we are definitely still together and doing great, thanks!
Thanks for a look at your cute clothes, Rhoda.
Please know that I’m sending up many prayers for your dear dad these days. May he get stronger and mend well so he can get out of the hospital and go back home soon. God Bless him.
My husband came very near to death due to C-diff and a Staph infection. After an 11 day hospital stay with vancomycin, we found an amazing infectious disease doctor who only treats patients in ICU. My husband had 6 doctors on his case and it wasn’t until this doctor came on the scene that he began to improve. One of the most potent and critical components of recovery that his doctor prescribed was Saccharomyces boulardii probiotics. After 2 days on these probiotics, my husband’s diarrhea stopped, his strength and appetite returned and he finally began to feel more normal. My husband has taken these probiotics everyday since his C-diff episode (6 years ago) and has never had another problem. We buy the Jarrow Formula at our health food store and I know you can order it online. I would encourage you and your family to seek out measures to Build up your dad’s gut…I will pray for his complete and swift recovery.
Thank you, Rhonda, all of this is very helpful. I just can’t believe how many people this has touched who read my blog, so that tells me it’s rampant out there and we had never heard of it. Thanks for these recommendations, we definitely are going to keep him full of probiotics once he gets home too, a must now!
I’m a nurse, I know too many antibiotics are handed out and when you said in the gardening article Dad had “cough and cold” and got prescribed antibiotics, my heart sank. But in defense of the Dr, he or she might have thought well he’s almost 90 and wouldn’t it be terrible if this developed into pneumonia, so…. And there you go. It’s not malicious. And as common as c Diff and antibiotics and probiotics are, you would think Drs and pharmacists would all prescribe all wonderfully like we would want but they don’t. It’s higher cost, insurance, patients arguing with them, the Press Ganey Scores, the low percentage of people that have problems, it’s complicated. Anyway, back to basics, c Diff requires lots of soap and water handwashing, the alcohol hand cleanser is not effective with c Diff. It could go on a long time so everyone has to be careful. There is a common antibiotic that is related to Achilles’ tendon rupture. Another that is very sedating and actually causes falls and accidents. For every day in the hospital there is a certain number of days recommended in rehab. Maybe 1:3? I’m not sure, but there is the high chance of contracting MRSA in the hospital and rehab, there is no end to the complications. It’s bettter to avoid Drs and hospitals and any medications. I do hope and pray your Dad gets well fast and be careful with your Mom and the baby girls.
HI, Nancy, the more information I hear about all of this, the scarier it is. We did not sign up for any of this, so I’m still frustrated with his doctor for being lax about the warnings of what could happen. Now it’s affecting all of us so that we can get dad better and home where he belongs. So not what we wanted for the summer of 2017. Thanks though for adding your comments to all of these. I’ve heard horrors about MRSA too,so hoping all of that stays at bay for us.
Why do doctors not tell us about side effects or possible problems when they prescribe medications? And sometimes if we ask they’re either reluctant to tell us or, incredibly, don’t know. I’m keeping your precious dad, you and your family in my prayers and you’ve all been added to the prayer line at my Church.
As a registered nurse of 25 plus years, I wish you would stop laying the blame on the doctor. Your father had clostridium difficele latent in his system and the use of the antibiotics “woke” up the the infection. No one signs up for illness. I have lost 80 percent of my vision and am now on disability due to an occipital lobe stroke. I certainly didn’t sign up for that, nor did I have any of the risk factors. Sometimes, things just happen. Your parents are elderly and as we age, generally our health declines. You are not a medical professional and encouraging people to not take antibiotics or to take probiotics without speaking with their physician is a slippery slope. I pray to God, that everyone caring for your father is gowning and gloving up prior to entering your father’s hospital room and washing their hands well with soap and water before leaving the room. in my opinion, the worst thing that could happen would be for your mom or your nieces to become infected. I would be shocked if the hospital allowed those little girls to even enter the room. C. diff is not uncommon. When I was nursing (six months ago), I generally had at least one to two patients a week with it.
HI, Laura, thank you for sharing your situation. My beef with the doctors in this is that they don’t always warn of the dangerous side effects of taking antibiotics. No, I’m not a health care professional, this is my observation from watching this unfold in my own family. I will definitely still tell people to take probiotics as my family is going to do from now on. I still think this could have been avoided with better information given to my dad, so that is what upsets me the most. This could change the future of his health for the rest of his life and I totally think it could have been avoided. Now from what I’m reading and hearing from people this is rampant across our country, this c diff infection and I just find that appalling. We have all been exposed at this point and Lauren will be here tomorrow, but those baby girls will not be visiting my dad at all. I hope and pray that none of us get it either.
So many folks think antibiotics are a magic bullet. When I was teaching, parents would be mad about not getting prescriptions for colds. So many parents can’t afford to have sick kids because of work. I have seen less antibiotic prescribing due to all the side effects and the increase in antibiotic resistance. At 90, your body is not going to metabolize medications like you could at 20, 30 or 40. In my experience, older folks suffer more side effects. This is why it is so important to ask lots of questions and to have a family member at doctor visits. Also ask the pharmacist about interactions and side effects. Probiotics, yogurt, kefir, or kombucha are all good, and antibiotics are a god send, but we have to remember to be proactive and informed.
PS I call kombucha hippie moonshine.
As a nurse let me chime in about one more thing to worry about where your dad is concerned. Please make sure the nurses are checking his bottom at least twice a day. The constant diarrhea could cause his peri area to breakdown. In his weakened condition this could quickly create a wound which could continue to cause another set of problems. A cream with zinc would help to protect his bottom and of course keeping him very clean. As his daughter this is not something you are going to look at and check and therefore it must be his nurses who keep a check on this. Don’t be shy about asking the nurse if he has breakdown on his peri area, and if so make sure he sees a wound care nurse (a nurse who specializes in wound care). Also the hand sanitizers we all carry in our purses will not kill the c-diff only soap and water will do the trick. I will keep your daddy in my prayers.
My thoughts and prayers for your precious Dad and your family. My Mother had C Diff and it was virulent. It also spreads very easily so please take all precautions for your family, especially your dear Mom and grand nieces. I agree with the comments on being aware of a UTI developing. If either of your parents begins to talk or act strangely, have them checked for a UTI. Sometimes you have to beg the doctor to order a urine culture. I don’t understand why because this is a common problem in the elderly. My Mother was admitted to geriatric psychiatric wards twice because I couldn’t get a doctor to order a culture. Once diagnosed with and treated for a UTI, she improved immediately.
I was the caregiver for both of my parents. If I can answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.