**Friday, October 17th**
*Morning – While visiting Mom*
Michael O'Brien walked into the room to inform us that someone had ordered a UTI test for Mother. He initially said he didn’t know who ordered it or why. He then asked Mother a series of questions about symptoms, to which she responded—she didn’t seem to have any issues. Michael said he would return the following Monday, October 20th, to follow up on the results.
**Thursday, October 23rd** SIX DAYS LATER!!!!
**~5:00 AM**
My brother Rich called to tell me the nursing home had contacted him: they called an ambulance for Mom due to a low heart rate and extreme lethargy. Since Rich was in York, Pennsylvania—several hundred miles away—I got ready and headed to the hospital. Mom is now resting comfortably, though her speech is sluggish. More updates to follow as I learn more.
**12:25 PM**
The doctor called me. He confirmed Mom has a UTI and elevated white blood cell count, then asked if I wanted her admitted or if it was okay to discharge her back to the nursing home. *So now I’m the doctor?* I told him to discharge her.
**6:02 PM**
Lakeview nursing home returned Mom to the hospital.
- Pulse: 127
- Disoriented
- Slurred speech
**Friday, October 24th**
**7:05 AM**
My sister called the hospital to check on Mom, who was still in the ER (no inpatient rooms available). The nurse reported Mom had a very rough night—becoming combative—and now has **sepsis**. *(First we’d heard of sepsis.)*
**9:00 AM**
While visiting Mom in ER Room 8, she was deeply asleep. I didn’t disturb her, took a quick photo, and headed home.
**4:30 PM**
Both my brother and sister drove several hours from different locations and arrived at the hospital. They spoke with the doctor, who said Mom’s recovery could still go either way. Later, my brother told me:
- Mom can no longer lift her head—a very concerning sign.
**Saturday, October 25th**
My brother and sister plan to revisit Mom in the morning. I’ll likely have further updates then.