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Grandma’s Comeback

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:11:45 GMT

Grandma’s Comeback (and Her Attempt at a Stunt Career)

We’ve had some big changes around here—and most of them are really good!

You might remember I mentioned Grandma was gaining weight rapidly—about half a pound to a full pound per day. Before her fall, she weighed 130 lbs. By April, she had climbed to 154 lbs., and at her cardiology appointment on May 30th, she tipped the scale at 176 lbs. We knew something had to change—and fast.

Thankfully, the adjustments the cardiologist made, have worked wonders. As of this morning, Grandma is back down to 151 lbs.—that’s 23 pounds of fluid gone in just two weeks . She’s breathing easier, moving better, and she feels like herself again. We’re so grateful.

Yesterday, she had a bilateral thoracentesis (removed fluid from her lungs) at Navicent Hospital in Macon. They removed 600cc of fluid from her left lung and 250cc from her right . She handled the entire procedure like a champ—no complications, no complaints. We were all relieved.

But just when things were settling down, Grandma decided to try her hand at being... independent .

This morning, I told her, “I’m going to brush my teeth and then we’ll get ready for your bloodwork.” Normally, she just sits in her chair and waits for me to help her out the door.

Not today.

While I was still brushing my teeth, she decided she would head to the car on her own. I walked out of the bathroom to find her sprawled across the porch with her walker on top of her. She had fallen trying to go outside without assistance.

Cue the panic. I think I had at least 16 heart attacks in under 10 seconds.

Thankfully, she only injured her hand—nothing broken, no serious damage. It could have been so much worse. God was watching over her, no doubt in my mind.

Needless to say, she is now grounded . No solo adventures. No unauthorized exits. No porch escapades without a co-star. I told her I’m going to find a stunt double for her from now on.

She was a little shaken up—and honestly, I’m glad. I think it gave her a healthy reminder that even when she’s feeling sassy, she still needs a hand now and then.

We’re so thankful for progress, prayers answered, and a bit of comic relief in the middle of the chaos.

A Turn We Didn't See Coming

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Sat, 31 May 2025 21:18:49 GMT

Grandma's Health Journey: A Turn We Didn't See Coming

This week has brought us some big news about Grandma's health—the kind that stops you in your tracks. Since her bypass surgery in 1994, Grandma's heart had been doing great. Strong. Steady. Reliable. Just like her. But at a recent cardiology appointment, we found out that her heart's ejection fraction (EF) had dropped from a healthy 55% to just 23%.

To give you some context:

A normal EF is 55–70%.
50–55% is considered borderline low.
Anything below 50% may indicate heart failure.
At 23%, Grandma's heart is working at less than half its expected strength.

Her diagnosis: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).

What We Think Happened

This dramatic drop likely didn’t happen overnight. Several factors may have contributed:

Low sodium levels that led to medication adjustments.
Low thyroid function that slowed her metabolism.
Stopping her blood thinner after her hospital stay.

Hospital notes indicated she should have been switched from Plavix to Eliquis, but that never happened. Since her discharge, she’d only been taking aspirin. She’s now back on Eliquis 2.5mg to help manage her AFib and reduce the workload on her heart.

She’s also been prescribed:

Furosemide 40mg, a stronger diuretic to remove excess fluid.
Samsca, which helps remove fluid while maintaining sodium levels (a correction to a mix-up on my part—I mistook Samsca for a sodium tablet when we were in rehab).

Yes, I missed it. And I hate that. But I’m learning to give myself grace, knowing I’m doing everything I can to fight for her health and quality of life.

CHF & AFib: What It Means

Congestive Heart Failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped; it means it isn’t pumping effectively. This causes fluid buildup in the lungs, legs, and other tissues. You may have noticed:

Grandma’s swollen legs
Fluid leaking from her skin
Shortness of breath
Weight gain due to fluid retention

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat. The top chambers flutter instead of beating evenly, which leads to poor blood flow, higher stroke risk, and more strain on her already struggling heart.

Together, AFib and CHF create a vicious cycle. One makes the other worse.

What’s Next

This is a fight we’re ready to take on, and we’re already seeing progress. Grandma will:

Undergo a procedure to drain fluid from around her lungs (Pleural Effusion)
Begin fluid restriction (1.5 liters/day)
Continue a weekly lab schedule (Basic Metabolic Panel) to monitor kidney function, sodium, potassium, and more
Stay on her new medications

She has also started tracking her weight, blood pressure, and urine output daily. These numbers help us catch any changes early.

Our "Care Village"

I know I haven’t always done a great job sharing every detail with family and caregivers. I keep a binder that goes with her everywhere and give her schedule to anyone who helps, but I know I need to do better.

That’s why I’m working on a better system for communicating with Grandma's "Care Village."

I’ve been so focused on protecting her and making sure she gets the best care, I sometimes forget that I don’t have to do this alone. You all love her just as much as I do. We all want her to be well.

To-Do List

Wait for the hospital to schedule the lung fluid drainage procedure
Implement fluid restriction
Pick up and administer new meds
Continue daily tracking of vitals and symptoms
Notify Primary Care and Home Health teams
Monitor labs and report to doctors weekly

Final Thoughts

This is a lot. But Grandma is still with us. Still fighting. Still smiling. Still fussing at me for doing her plants wrong. She has stayed busy with her crochet projects. She has made dresses and blankets. I see her strength every day, and I feel her gratitude.

Thank you all for the support. I’ll continue sharing updates here. If you have memories, photos, or messages for Grandma, please share them through the form on the site. Your love lifts her up in ways you may never know.

Overdue Update

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Wed, 14 May 2025 18:01:42 GMT

Big Progress, Porch Time, and Walmart Scooters:

A Grandma Update ��

It’s been a busy few weeks around here, and I’ve got lots of good news to share about Grandma!

�� The Fluid Retention Battle

�� Porch Life and Plant Therapy

“I better not do that. I’ll just take my walker.”

Y’all… she couldn’t even make it from the car to the entrance. So I gave her the look and said:

“Looks like you’re scooterin’ today, Grandma.”

The look on her face was priceless. But she got on—and she was unstoppable . She took out 4 displays, had 3 minor crashes, and cut off a pedestrian in an aisle. And she grinned and giggled after every single one. Nate was with us, and we laughed so hard . It was a day I’ll never forget. ��❤️

��‍�� Desiree’s Visits & Mother’s Day Joy

Grandma has had a few special visits from Desiree lately:

She came for a day visit on April 23rd , thanks to Vonnie for making the drive!

Then she stayed May 16–19 for Mother’s Day weekend.

Grandma was thrilled to have her here, and I know Desiree was just as happy .

She was especially overjoyed to have both of her children with her on Mother’s Day — a sweet and meaningful moment that truly made her day.

��‍♀️ A New Haircut & Another Milestone

Grandma also got a fresh new haircut this week — and she looks adorable.

The last time she had her hair cut (in March), the stylist had to come to the house. This time? We went to the salon. Another big step forward. ��

�� Health Check Highlights

Despite a few lingering symptoms, overall Grandma’s health is improving :

She’s started having some shortness of breath , likely due to the fluid retention
We’ll be following up with her cardiologist later this month just to be sure
BIG PRAISE REPORT from the Cancer Center visit on May 7 :

Her hemoglobin was 11.5 – no Aranesp injection needed!
Labs from her Primary Care visit were also within normal range
Her thyroid medication was slightly adjusted
Sodium was 134 – holding steady!
She’s now off sodium tablets entirely, and we’ll recheck labs in two weeks to see how the diuretic affects things

�� Final Thoughts

All in all, Grandma is doing so well . She still faces challenges, but she is making real progress every day — with humor, strength, and her signature sass intact.

Thank you all for loving her, praying for her, visiting, calling, and just being part of her life . Your support means the world to her — and to me.

As always, check out the Memories and Messages page to share your stories or read what others have written. And keep the prayers, cards, letters and plants coming. ��

With love,
Jamie

Plants, Love Stories, and Sweet Memories

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:20:38 GMT

Plants, Love Stories, and Sweet Memories ��❤️

This week I made a trip to Grandma’s house to gather a few more of her things—some essentials, some keepsakes—and as many of her plants as I could fit into my car. If you know my Grandma at all , you already know: she has a deep and lifelong love for all things green and growing.

She’s had lots of hobbies over the years— Persian cats, Spitz dogs, fish, DOLLS (so many dolls ��), crocheting, sewing, mini tea sets, Dreamsicles , and more. But the one thing that’s always been consistent is her love for plants and flowers .

So when she saw her plants again, she lit up. It even got her outside for a few hours , soaking up the sunshine and tinkering with her greenery.

A Love Story ��

While we were sitting outside enjoying the sun, Grandma started talking about Grandpa. Naturally, I asked how they met.

She said:

“We met when I was at the Cotton Mill. There was a night guard there who told me I needed to meet Ray. So I did… and the rest was history.”

I laughed and pushed for more details:

“Grandma, there’s gotta be more to the story! Did he take you on a date? What did y’all do?”

She thought for a moment, then smiled and said:

“I don’t remember. It just worked.”

Then I asked how he proposed, and she got this big grin on her face. She chuckled and said:

“We were having dinner at his house, and Ray said he needed to get some more dishes. I told him all he needed was a marriage license.”

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. She was so proud of herself. She said Sister (Guynelle) , told her that Ray was the best thing that ever happened to her —and she agreed.

“He was. He was so good to me.”

A Life Full of Love & Lessons

I never get tired of hearing Grandma’s stories . At 92 years old , can you even imagine all the things she’s lived through? All the changes she’s witnessed? All the wisdom she carries? She has touched so many lives in her own special way.

�� Let’s Collect the Stories Together

So here’s my challenge to all of you :

At the bottom of every page on this site, you’ll find a short form where you can:

Share a message
Leave a memory
Upload a photo if you have one

Please take a moment to share your favorite story or memory of Grandma.

We’re building a beautiful collection on the “ Memories and Messages ” page , and I would love for your voice to be part of it.

Let’s surround her with the love she’s given to all of us for so many years. ��

Movement, Motivation & a Little Sass ��

Grandma has been up and moving around quite a bit lately! She’s walking around the house several times a day and sticking to her PT and OT exercise routine . She’s determined, and it shows.

In fact, you can catch her making her rounds in the video — but fair warning: Keep all the big rump jokes to yourself! �� I've been feeding her good, and one of the side effects seems to be some added thickness in the backside. That’s just the price of Southern hospitality. ��‍♀️

She’s feeling stronger and sassier — and that’s exactly the energy we love to see.

— Jamie ��

Permission Granted: Grandma is on the Move!

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:55:30 GMT

Permission Granted: Grandma is on the Move! ��‍♀️❤️

Big news, y’all — Grandma had visits from both the Occupational Therapist and the Physical Therapist today , and they’ve officially kicked off her in-home therapy plan! They gave her a set of exercises to start rebuilding strength in her leg, and let me tell you… she took that seriously.

And now for the jaw-drop moment…

Y’ALL. Apparently, all this woman needed was permission to do things on her own!

Multiple times a day, I’ve been lifting her from her chair to her bed… from the bed to the bathroom… from the bathroom back to the chair. Today, the PT told her she needs to walk a lap around the living room every two hours .

So I go to check on her, and what do I see?

She’s up and walking around all by herself!

No call for help. No assistance needed. This woman who has been leaning on me to move around suddenly decided, “I got this.” ��

She amazes me every single day.

Therapy & Nursing Plan

PT & OT will visit twice a week to continue helping her gain strength and independence.
She will also have a nurse visit once a week to monitor her vitals and overall health.

It finally feels like we’re gaining real momentum ��

Oncology Update: Aranesp Injection Delay

I’m currently working to transfer Grandma’s records from the Hawkinsville Oncology office to the one in Griffin (both under the Georgia Cancer Centers with Northside Hospital).

The only issue is… her doctor has been out for two weeks and we can’t complete the transfer until she returns. Grandma missed her Aranesp injection last Tuesday , and I’m hoping we can get her into the Griffin location before that missed dose starts affecting her energy.

She’s making such great progress, and I’d really hate to see her lose that momentum.

A Bright Spot – Cards, Letters & Love ��

Your cards, notes, and letters have been rolling in — and let me just say, they light her up .

Every time I bring in the mail, she grins from ear to ear. Not only does she read every word, she also starts telling me stories about the sender. It’s such a beautiful way to see how deeply rooted her connections are with all of you.

Sunday School Video Call ��️✨

Good News from the Ortho!

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:07:03 GMT

Good News from the Ortho!!!

Just a quick check-in to let everyone know that Grandma’s orthopedic appointment went really well! ��

We saw Dr. Martell , who explained that some of the rod from her surgery is still exposed , but the bone is already doing most of the work —which is great news! The rod is still helping for now, but her body is catching up.

He wants to see her again on June 2nd , and by then, he expects the bone will have completely covered the rod and be fully supporting her on its own .

(In case you’re just catching up—Grandma had an ORIF surgery for a fracture at the neck of her femur. This means the bone was repaired using a rod and other hardware to hold things in place while healing.)

A Visit with Aunt Desiree & A Moment at Home

Before the appointment, we made a stop in Hawkinsville to visit Aunt Desiree .

Grandma was able to sit in her chair at her own house , even if just for an hour. I know that had to feel so good. No matter how cozy I try to make things here at my house, it will never truly compare to being in your own home .

Stormy Skies and Chicken Marsala

The ride back from Macon to Forsyth was stormy , and honestly a little nerve-wracking—but we made it home safely.

Once we got back, Grandma settled into her recliner, put her feet up, and relaxed while I made dinner.

We had Chicken Marsala with mashed potatoes —one of my all-time favorites, and Grandma enjoyed it too! ��️❤️ If I haven't mentioned it already, Grandma has her appetite back. Y'all know she loves to eat.

That’s all for this quick update. I leave you with photos from the Silly Face Competition . Who do you think won??

Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers. It means the world to both of us. ��

— Jamie

Strength, Stitches & Sweet Moments

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 02:51:52 GMT

Strength, Stitches & Sweet Moments

Grandma is one amazing woman. I know most of you already know that, but I’m here to remind you—because I see it every single day.

She is truly getting stronger by the day. For the first time since her surgery, she can move her right leg—and she specifically told me to make sure I tell you that. �� That’s a huge win. She still needs help getting from a seated position to standing, but she’s now able to roll onto her side in bed—something she couldn’t do at all before because of the swelling and how much pain she was in.

She’s also sleeping through the night now without needing pain meds.

Big Energy, Big Love

Yesterday was a BIG day for Grandma.

She was up all day with no naps . I handed her a ball of yarn and a crochet hook, and she lit up. She sat and crocheted all day long. The house was buzzing with grandbabies running around, and I’m sure she was soaking up all that energy .

We had four generations in the house yesterday. Four generations under one roof—it was such a sweet and special day.

She was a bit more tired today , and I told her she may have overdone it just a little. But even so, she’s pushing through with her usual strength and grace.

Dinner Time & Heart Time

One of my favorite things right now is how Grandma loves to hang out in the kitchen with me in the evenings while I make dinner. She usually plays a little game with Nate while I'm cooking, and honestly—it makes my heart so happy.

Nate is getting to experience the same kind of love and connection I did growing up with Grandma. There is nothing like the love of that woman , and I’m so grateful he gets to feel it too.

Hospice Discharge & What’s Next

As of Friday, I’ve officially discharged Grandma from Hospice care.

While Hospice has been helpful, she couldn’t visit her Oncologist or Orthopedic doctor while under Hospice , and those appointments are essential to her recovery. She needs her Aranesp injections to treat her MDS, and she needs to be seen by her Orthopedic surgeon for post-op care.

We’re working on transitioning her to Home Health so she’ll have:

A nurse
A physical therapist
An occupational therapist

She’s showing real signs of making a full recovery . I’m not saying she’ll be able to live independently again—but then again, I’m not ruling it out either. She amazes me every single day.

Staying Connected

This morning, Grandma watched her church service at Broad Street Baptist on Facebook Live. She loved seeing her people. She misses all of you so much.

Just a reminder— she has her phone with her . I usually help her answer it, but once she’s on the line, she’s happy to talk and would love to hear from you .

Big Day Tomorrow – Prayers Welcome

Tomorrow we head to Macon for her first Orthopedic follow-up since surgery. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from our house. Her leg is still swollen and bruised, so we’re hoping the doctor gives us a good update .

If she’s feeling up to it after the appointment, we’ll be heading to Hawkinsville to visit Aunt Desiree . They haven’t seen each other since March 21st, and they are missing each other like crazy.

From there, it’s a two-hour drive back home .

So yes—it’s going to be a big day for Grandma , and I’m asking for your prayers for:

�� A good report from the orthopedic
�� Strength and comfort for her during the trip
�� Smooth and safe travels for the whole day

Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers.

We feel them—and Grandma feels them . Keep them coming. ��

— Jamie

Update on Grandma: One Day at a Time

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 16:27:39 GMT

Update on Grandma: One Day at a Time

Grandma was finally able to get her Aranesp shot on Tuesday, March 18th. We were all hopeful that we’d see a big improvement over the course of the week, like we did last time—but unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.

After receiving the injection, we took her to the ER at Taylor Regional Hospital in Hawkinsville , where she was admitted . They discovered she had pneumonia and a severe UTI . She was treated with Rocephin , and just yesterday, she was discharged into Hospice care .

She’s now back on a Foley catheter , and her mobility is extremely limited. She has lost all control of her bladder and bowels , and her legs are very swollen . She can still stand and hold herself up with help, and she’s able to take a few steps at a time , but it’s difficult. It takes her a moment to catch her balance, and she can’t assist me very much in transfers.

Starting Hospice Care

Let me start by saying:

This isn’t goodbye.

I don’t believe Grandma is dying. But I do think we’re witnessing a decline , and I hope with everything in me that I’m wrong—because if anyone can bounce back, it’s her.

Hospice has already been a huge blessing. They’ve brought in all the medical equipment we need. Each day, someone from the team is here to help us navigate this new normal. Grandma is now at my house , and together, we’re learning :

How to transfer her from chair to bed
How to get her comfortable
How to help her retain some independence and dignity as her needs change

Understanding What Led to This

Looking back, we believe Grandma was struggling before her fall , and we missed it. When she was admitted to the hospital after her fall, her sodium was dangerously low , and that likely played a big role in why she fell in the first place.

She told us her rollator tipped forward , but now we think she may have simply been dizzy or lightheaded due to the sodium imbalance and lost her balance.

Adjusting to a New Normal

Grandma is aware this is her new normal. It’s too soon to say if she’s truly happy here —but I can say this:
She’s enjoyed my dogs, chickens and Nate , and I think they’ve lifted her spirits a bit.

What I know without a doubt is this: I love this woman from the deepest part of my soul. And I will do everything in my power to make sure the days ahead are filled with love and comfort.

Stay Connected

One of my biggest concerns is that she’s now far away from her community. Being here with me means she’s two hours away from Hawkinsville , and I know how many of you love her and love visiting her. She loves the visits too. So please know— you’re all welcome to come see her anytime.

If you can't make the trip, she has her phone with her and would be so happy to hear from you . Want to do a video call instead? I can absolutely help make that happen. I know it would bring a big smile to her face to see your face .

She loves each of you so much—I hope you feel that.

What’s Next

We’ll continue to take it one day at a time.

I’ll keep working with her to rebuild strength and movement. And the hospice team will be here daily to support us both. As always, I’ll keep sharing updates with you all.

Thank you for continuing to walk this road with us. ❤️

— Jamie

Grandma's Update: A Difficult Few Days

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:08:21 GMT

A Difficult Few Days

I picked up Grandma on Thursday (March 11th) and took her home, only to realize that she was not rehabilitated and could not be on her own. Knowing she needed more support, I took her to Dad’s house in Williamson , planning for her to stay there for a few days while I set up a room for her at my house.

However, since Thursday, we have watched Grandma go downhill. We saw this happen at the end of 2023 —after months in the hospital, she was weak, had no energy, no appetite, and barely got out of bed. At that time, we discovered she had been missing her Aranesp injections, which she was supposed to receive every two weeks for her MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes).

We strongly believe that her current decline is again due to missing her Aranesp injections —the very treatment we were pleading with the hospital and rehab to give her.

Tomorrow, she has an oncology appointment to finally get the injection. If this follows the same pattern as before, we should see vast improvements within about three days. Last time, the difference was night and day after she got it.

Why Was Grandma Released from Rehab?

Grandma was released from rehab because she wasn’t responding to therapy , and insurance decided she wasn’t going to get any better.

However, no one explained this to us when I picked her up. It was clearly noted that she lived alone, yet no one told us she would need 24/7 care. Had we known, we could have been better prepared.

The Plan Moving Forward

I spoke with Humana (her insurance provider) and explained her situation. Here’s the plan:

✔ Get a preauthorization for Aranesp from her primary care doctor.

✔ Go to the oncologist tomorrow and get her first injection.
✔ Take her to the ER for readmission to rehab.

She has to go through the ER because that’s where the hospitals have caseworkers who handle insurance approvals. If we try to do this another way, we could be waiting weeks or even months for a rehab facility to become available. At least, that’s how it was explained to me.

It is my hope that we can get all the necessary paperwork to ensure she continues getting her injections while in rehab. Once she responds to the treatment, she should be strong enough to fully participate in rehab and start getting back on her feet .

Grandma’s Current Condition

Right now, Grandma is in a very bad state.

No appetite
No energy
Sleeping most of the day
Completely incontinent (she has to be changed every few hours, like a baby)

The level of care she needs right now is beyond what I, Desiree, Dad, or Deborah can handle. She needs a full-time nurse. We are all doing our very best , but she needs more than we can provide.

If it weren’t for how badly she needs this injection, I would have already taken her back to the hospital. I just couldn’t risk her going back into a facility without getting the Aranesp shot first.

What is MDS and Why Does She Need Aranesp?

 MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes) is a condition that prevents Grandma’s bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells.

✔ Without her Aranesp injections, her body shuts down.
✔ She becomes weak, exhausted, and unable to function.
✔ Her energy disappears, her appetite vanishes, and she can’t stay awake.

Aranesp helps her body produce red blood cells , giving her the oxygen, strength, and energy she needs to function. Without it, she declines rapidly , which is exactly what we’re seeing now.

Please Keep Praying

This has been a frustrating and exhausting process, but I’m hopeful that once she gets her injection tomorrow, we’ll start seeing improvements.

Please keep Grandma in your prayers —for strength, healing, and that everything goes smoothly with the oncologist and rehab admission.

Thank you all for your love and support. I’ll keep you updated. ❤️

Grandma is Going Home!!! 🎉

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:18:15 GMT

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It’s official— Grandma is being discharged from rehab on Thursday! She’s heading home, and we couldn’t be more excited for her! ��❤️

She will be going home with a walker instead of her rollator. Due to her limited mobility , Physical Therapy wants her to use a walker because it gives her more control over her movements. They feel a rollator moves too fast for her right now.

Of course, Grandma never wanted to use a walker. It was a huge step just getting her to use a rollator in the first place! After she broke her pelvis a few years ago, she made a promise to Desiree t hat she would always use her rollator —and that promise is the only reason she’s continued to use it all these years. But now, safety first , and we’ll be making sure she has exactly what she needs. I guess I’m on a mission to find her a snazzy red walker! ��✨

What’s Next?

Home Health PT will continue her physical therapy at home.
The next big challenge is getting her home and figuring out what she can do independently and what she will need assistance with.
We’ll take it one day at a time —she’s made huge progress in a short time, and we’re just going to keep moving forward, one baby walker step at a time.

Stop By & Visit!

If you have a moment, stop by and visit Grandma at home after Friday! She loves her people, and your visits bring her so much joy. ❤️

Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers! I’ll keep you posted on how she’s settling back in at home. ��

Grandma’s Progress

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:23:45 GMT

She’s Doing GREAT!

Grandma is making fantastic progress! �� Her nurse says she’s doing really well—though Grandma might not completely agree. ��

She still can’t lift her leg or pull her knee up on her own yet, and she needs assistance getting out of bed or a chair. But the exciting part? Once she’s up, she’s walking! ��‍♀️ That’s a huge step forward! (See what I did there?)

She told me she’s starting to feel her leg more —she can tell when it’s moving and when she’s taking a step. Before, she was just dragging it along , but now she’s regaining more awareness and control. She also said she can’t feel the rod in her leg , and it’s starting to feel more like her own leg again. That’s a big deal!

Visitors, Flowers, and So Much Love

Grandma has absolutely LOVED all of her visitors. Her room is filling up with flowers, gifts, and so much love , and she is just tickled about it! ��

The Rehab Timeline

She can stay in rehab for a maximum of 21 days , which means her last day would be March 17th. After that, we’ll get a referral for either:

✅ Home Health Physical Therapy (therapy at home)
✅ Outpatient Physical Therapy (going to a facility for sessions)

However, she may not stay the full 21 days —it all depends on her progress… and, of course, when insurance decides she has reached “max progress.” ��

Aranesp Update & Hemoglobin Levels

Unfortunately, she won’t be getting her Aranesp injection while she’s at rehab. Why? Because insurance gets to call the shots. (Yep, I did it again. ��)

Her hemoglobin is holding at 7.7 , and they won’t do a blood transfusion unless it drops below 7. Because of this, she’s still very tired and takes several naps throughout the day. Once she gets the Aranesp injection , her energy levels should improve significantly.

Getting that injection will be top priority once she is out of rehab.

Keep the Prayers Coming!

We are so grateful for all of the love, support, and encouragement you’ve sent Grandma’s way. Please continue to keep her in your prayers —for strength, healing, and energy as she works through her rehab. ��❤️

As always, I’ll keep you all updated! Thank you for being part of Grandma’s village! ❤️

Navigating Recovery

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 01:19:25 GMT

How is Grandma?

Today hasn’t been the best day for Grandma. After being transferred from Navicent Hospital to Bleckley Rehab , we’ve had to start over with her medical information , and some things got lost in the transition.

I visited Grandma today and updated her care team on which medications she should be taking and which ones she shouldn’t. One important example is Hydrochlorothiazide , a medication that was still on her list but should have been discontinued. We recently learned that Hydrochlorothiazide was the main reason her sodium was so dangerously low.

Why is Hydrochlorothiazide a Problem?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic , which means it helps the body get rid of excess fluid by increasing urine output. However, it also flushes out sodium along with water, which can lead to low sodium levels (hyponatremia).

For Grandma, being elderly and having MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) , this sodium loss can be extremely dangerous. The most shocking part? She’s been on Hydrochlorothiazide for over a year, and it was prescribed by her renal doctor, the one who treats her CKD.

This was devastating to learn. I’ve tried so hard to stay on top of her medications by researching them, checking for interactions, and making sure they’re safe for her health conditions. And yet, I missed this one. I didn’t even know there was a problem with her sodium until she was admitted to the hospital.

A Close Call

When she was admitted to Navicent, her sodium levels were 111. A nurse at Bleckley mentioned she should have been in the ICU with levels that low. In medical terms, 111 is life-threatening and considered severe hyponatremia.

Normal sodium levels are 135-145.
Anything below 120 is extremely dangerous and can lead to seizures, brain swelling, and even death.

Praise Jesus, because it’s clear that He was watching over her. As much as I hate that she fell, I’m grateful we discovered the sodium issue before it got worse.

Her sodium was 132 at Navicent yesterday.
It was 128 today at Bleckley.

Current Condition

Right now, Grandma has very low energy and can barely stay awake. Her body is jerking and jumping uncontrollably, and we don’t know why. This is not normal behavior for her. It could be due to the combination of low sodium and high potassium.

She also had another blood transfusion today because her hemoglobin is low (it was 8 , and normal is 12-15 ).

Grandma usually gets Aranesp injections at the Cancer Center to help her body make more red blood cells due to her MDS.
She hasn’t had those injections because she’s been in the hospital, and she’s missed a couple of doses.

I mentioned this to her care teams at both Navicent and Bleckley, but they shrugged it off and gave her a blood transfusion instead. I even called her Cancer Center nurse, who confirmed that a blood transfusion alone isn’t enough — she needs the Aranesp injection .

I’ve made this clear to her care team, and if there’s no progress by tomorrow, I will escalate the issue until it’s addressed. It’s frustrating that neither hospital reached out to her Cancer Center for guidance.

What is MDS and How Does It Affect Grandma?

MDS stands for Myelodysplastic Syndromes. It’s a condition that affects the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside our bones where blood cells are made.

In simple terms, MDS means Grandma’s bone marrow isn’t working properly. It doesn’t make enough healthy blood cells, and the ones it does make don’t live as long as they should. This affects three types of blood cells:

Red Blood Cells – These carry oxygen throughout the body. When she doesn’t have enough, she feels tired, weak, and short of breath. This is called anemia.
White Blood Cells – These fight infections. Low levels mean she’s more prone to getting sick.
Platelets – These help her blood clot. If they’re low, she bruises easily and might bleed more than normal from a cut or injury.

For Grandma, the biggest issue has been low red blood cells (anemia), which makes her feel weak and tired all the time. She gets Aranesp injections to help her bone marrow make more red blood cells, but she’s been missing them while in the hospital.

Because of MDS, her body struggles to keep her hemoglobin levels up (that’s the part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen). This is why she’s needed blood transfusions recently.

MDS is a chronic condition , meaning it won’t go away, but with the right care and treatments, you wouldn't even know she has it. ❤️

Current Goals

Our current goals are:

Get her medications sorted out, especially stopping the Hydrochlorothiazide.
Make sure she receives the Aranesp injection to help her anemia.
Figure out why her body is jerking uncontrollably.
Get her health stabilized so she can start rehabilitation to walk again.

Prayer Requests and Gratitude

I kindly ask you all for continued prayers :

Pray for her current medical/care team —we need knowledgeable people who will look at the whole picture. Grandma is complicated (we’ve known that for a while!), but she’s just getting to know her new care team, and we need them to catch up quickly.
Pray for Grandma’s health and strength.
Pray for me, that I can keep up with all the moving pieces and ensure her care is the best it can be. Right now, those pieces feel scattered.

Thank You to The Village

I also want to say a huge thank you to The Village —it truly takes a village to care for Grandma and Aunt Desiree (The Golden Girls!). The love and support from family and friends are incredible.

From Clint taking care of Grandma’s house and dog, Vonnie sacrificing her time, Cricket and Shelly being tech support, Faye being her taxi to Dr. appointments, to Dr. Roberts and his wife checking in, and so many others helping in ways big and small—you all are amazing.

I know there are so many more who have stepped in, shown love, and supported us through this journey. If I didn’t mention you by name, please know that your kindness and help have not gone unnoticed. Every prayer, visit, meal, errand, and message of encouragement means more to us than words can express.

Special thanks to my husband, my children, and my mom for keeping my household running in my absence. Thank you to the BramJam Team for keeping the business going in my absence. I couldn’t do this without all of you.

I am forever grateful for this incredible village of love and support . No wonder Grandma is going to outlive us all.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and love. I’ll keep you updated as we move forward. ❤️

Grandma is Moving to Rehab

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:57:06 GMT

Big News: Grandma is Moving to Rehab!

Hey everyone,

We’ve officially reached the next chapter of Grandma’s recovery— she is moving to rehab! �� She’s currently being prepared for transport to Bleckley , and she should be settled in by the end of the day. This is such a positive step forward, and I’m so proud of how far she’s come.

A Little Pep Talk

Yesterday, I could tell Grandma was starting to lose some motivation , so we had a little heart-to-heart. I reminded her that she is a strong, sassy, and fiercely independent woman and that she needed to start acting like it again! She was mad at me for a little bit (I expected that!), but then she surprised me by saying she wanted her rollator so she could walk the halls and play Bingo. �� That’s the Grandma we all know and love! I can’t help but admire her spirit—I love her so much.

More Visitors and More Smiles

With her moving to Bleckley in Cochran , she’ll be able to have more visitors, which I know will keep her spirits up. She’s been feeling pretty lonely, so I’m thrilled that more family and friends can now stop by and see her.

Plus, this move means Aunt Desiree can visit more often. Those two are inseparable —they remind me so much of the Golden Girls. �� They’re a pair of hilarious, loving troublemakers. (But shhh… don’t tell Aunt Desiree I called her a “Golden Girl”!)

What’s Next?

I’ll continue to update everyone here on the blog, so keep checking in to see how Grandma is doing. We’re moving in the right direction, and with all of your love and prayers, I know she’ll keep getting stronger every day.

Thank you all for your support! ❤️��

Still Waiting on Rehab

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:40:41 GMT

Still at the hospital

Grandma is still at the hospital. She is doing Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy the few moments a day they are in her room. They want her to sit up more and get out of the bed and she is being very stubborn about that. She is becoming more and more dependent on the care from the nurses and staff and doing less for herself.

I don't know why there has been a change in her drive but I will continue to encourage her to progress and get out of the hospital.

Sorry I don't have more to report. I hoping to see some changes soon.

Waiting on Rehab Approval

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:18:49 GMT

She is on the move!

Grandma is up and moving! She has started Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) at the hospital, working toward regaining her strength. The current goal is for her to walk from the bed, down the hall, and back. Once she is stable enough, she will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility. A referral has been sent to Bleckley Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Center , and we are waiting on their approval.

Her movements are slow, and I know the road to recovery will be a long one, but I have no doubt that Grandma will conquer this challenge . Her spirit is strong, even though she has been feeling frustrated and weary fr om her extended hospital stay. I am hopeful that once she transitions to rehab, she will perk up a bit. The hospital therapy team is getting her out of bed for several hours a day, which is progress! Yesterday, she was very uncomfortable sitting up , but with time and continued movement, this should improve.

A Special Visit from Nate
Yesterday, Nate (my grandson and Grandma’s great-great-grandson) got to visit! He is out of school this week, so I took him with me. Since he is only 10, he wasn’t able to stay long, but he did get to share a Valentine’s chocolate with Grandma. She was so excited to see him! Nate, being the curious and imaginative kid he is, thought Grandma’s "robotic leg" was the coolest thing ever . He asked her how it felt to be "part robot" and even did a little robot walk for her. The two of them share a truly special bond, and seeing them together warmed my heart. I love that he gets to experience the same love, joy, and wisdom from Grandma that I did when I was a child.

What’s Next?
Now that the surgery is behind us , I won’t be updating daily, but I will continue with weekly updates. With Nate being out of school this week, I won’t be able to visit Grandma every day. This would be a great week for visitors —if you can stop by, please do! She hates being alone in the hospital, and familiar faces make all the difference.

Yesterday, Janie and her husband were also able to visit, and Grandma loved seeing them. Every visit, every prayer, and every bit of love you send her way is helping her through this.

Keep the Prayers Coming!
Prayer is our most powerful tool, so please continue to cover her. Grandma still has so much love to share , and this is just a bump in the road, not the end. I can’t wait to see her dancing with her new robotic leg soon!

Thank you all for your continued love and support. ❤️

She's Out of Surgery

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:42:02 GMT

Grandma Is Out of Surgery!

She is out of surgery and looks great. Those prayers worked!! Keep them coming as she fully recovers.

Grandma said: "Tell everyone that I love them and I'm doing very well. Let them know Jesus did it."

Surgery Update: Grandma is in the OR

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 22:34:28 GMT

Surgery in Progress!!

Hey everyone,

After a long and eventful day, Grandma officially went back for surgery at 4:40 PM. The doctors told us the procedure would take about two hours , with at least 40 minutes in recovery.

A Day of Changes and Waiting

This morning started off with some confusion. When I called her nurse, I was told her surgery had been moved from 10 AM to 1 PM. But while I was on my way to the hospital, my Aunt Desiree called to say they had actually taken Grandma downstairs at 8:30 AM! Desiree wasn’t at the hospital at the time, but thankfully, Deborah Reneau was visiting Grandma when they took her back. I’m so grateful Deborah was there with her in that moment.

When I arrived, I was able to go down to the surgery center to be with her, and Desiree and Vonnie joined me shortly after. Grandma was originally supposed to have surgery at 10 AM, but her blood pressure was extremely high. They gave her a double dose of blood pressure meds , but instead of going down, it seemed to climb even higher. She was also in a lot of pain, and I’m sure the anxiety about surgery wasn’t helping either.

Her leg was swollen to nearly double its normal size today, which made things even more uncomfortable for her. While we waited for pain medication, we turned to something that always brings her peace— gospel music. We played her favorite songs, and Grandma told me what to play while she sang along. It was such a sweet, precious moment. Jesus was absolutely in the room with us —and guess what? Her blood pressure started coming down. Praise Jesus! ��

What’s Next?

It looks like today will be a long one at the hospital, but I’ll keep everyone updated as we get more news. The most important thing is that Grandma was in good spirits when she went back for surgery.

Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support. I know she feels them, and so do we. I’ll update as soon as we hear anything! ❤️��

Surgery Tentative for Tomorrow

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 21:14:38 GMT

Update: Surgery Rescheduled for Tomorrow at 10 AM

Hey everyone,

We have a new surgery time! Grandma is back on the schedule for tomorrow at 10 AM. Let’s all hope and pray that everything stays on track this time so she can finally get the care she needs to start healing.

A Much-Needed Spirit Boost

Today was a good day for her emotionally— Desiree, Dr. Roberts, Deborah, June, and Terry all came to visit, and it was exactly what she needed. Seeing familiar faces and feeling all the love really lifted her spirits. She’s been feeling down the past few days, so this visit made a huge difference.

Possible Cause of Low Hemoglobin

We might have found the source of her low hemoglobin, though it hasn’t been officially confirmed by the doctor yet. While the nurse and I were bathing her, we noticed that her inner right thigh and vaginal area are black, which suggests she’s bleeding internally at the fracture site. That would explain the severe anemia, but again, we’re waiting on the doctor’s confirmation.

Thank you all for the continued love, prayers, and support. Grandma is feeling the love, and I know it’s making a difference. I’ll post another update tomorrow once we know more. ❤️

Surgery has been canceled again

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:27:58 GMT

Day 3 - Still no surgery

Hey everyone,

I just got an update from the nurse— Grandma’s surgery has been canceled again because her sodium is still too low. They need it to be at 124 or higher , and right now, she’s only at 120 .

Current Health Updates

Sodium Levels: Up from 115 to 120 , but still not high enough for surgery. They’ll continue working on bringing it up.
Blood Pressure: Still running high, which is normal for her, but she hasn’t had her medication since being in the hospital. They are starting those today.
Hemoglobin: 6.5 (normal is 11.2-15.7 ), so she remains severely anemic . She will be receiving a blood transfusion to help with this. Thankfully, they don’t see signs of internal bleeding.
Blood Sugar: It has come down, and they’re adjusting her insulin to manage it better.
Future Health Plan: She will leave with a much-improved care plan to help prevent future issues.

What We’ve Learned

Before her fall, Grandma was having some confusion , which we initially thought was due to another UTI. However, after more testing, it’s clear that multiple factors were contributing to how she was feeling:
✔️ Low sodium
✔️ Severe anemia (low hemoglobin)
✔️ High blood sugar
✔️ High blood pressure
✔️ Low B12

She has been regularly seeing her primary care doctor and going to the cancer center twice a month for iron infusions and B12 shots. Even though she’s had multiple rounds of blood work in the past month , a lot of these issues seem to have been missed until now.

What’s Next?

For now, we continue waiting and working on getting her sodium up. We don’t have a new surgery date yet, but I’ll keep everyone posted as we get updates.

I know this is frustrating for her (and for all of us), but the doctors are being extra careful, which is a good thing in the long run. We just want her to be as strong as possible before surgery so she can recover well afterward.

Thank you all for your continued love, prayers, and support. It truly means so much! ❤️ I’ll update again as soon as I know more.

Grandma Could Use Some Encouragement Today

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 22:51:45 GMT

Grandma Could Use Some Encouragement Today

Hey everyone,

Today hasn’t been the best day for Grandma. She’s been feeling pretty down and irritated, and the delay in her surgery has really taken a toll on her spirits. She’s been saying things like, “I’m never getting out of here” and “I hate it here.” It’s tough seeing her like this, and I know she could really use some encouragement right now.

On top of that, she hasn’t eaten very much today—just a few bites at lunch and a few bites at dinner. Honestly, the food here doesn’t look great, so I offered to bring her something from outside the hospital, but she turned it down, saying she just isn’t hungry. I’m keeping an eye on it, but I know she needs strength for her recovery.

Y’all know how much Grandma LOVES flowers! �� Her hospital room is looking a little drab at the moment, and since it looks like she’ll be there a little longer, let’s brighten up her space with some beautiful blooms and heartfelt cards.

Her favorite color is red , so if you’d like to send her some love, she is in Room M506 at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center . You can also order flowers from the Gift Garden inside the hospital using this link: https://thegiftgardenflorist.com/

On a positive note, the hospital staff is taking really good care of her, and I’m happy with the updates they’ve made to her healthcare plan so far. Fingers crossed that her surgery will finally happen tomorrow.

Thank you all for your love, support, and kindness—I know she will absolutely love this! ❤️��

No Surgery Today

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:46:00 GMT

Surgery Update: Another Delay but a Clear Plan Forward

We have another delay—Grandma’s surgery has been postponed again. Her sodium levels have not increased as needed, but she is in good hands with a dedicated team of doctors reviewing her full health profile and making necessary adjustments. After assessing her medications, they found that two of them were contributing to her sodium depletion. Those medications have now been removed, and they have also stopped administering sodium through her IV, as her body was simply flushing it out.

To prepare her for surgery tomorrow, doctors plan to give her a one-time medication to elevate her sodium levels to a safe range.

Additionally, her glucose levels have been running high, something we also noticed at home. We believe the underlying cause is a UTI, which she has been receiving antibiotics for since last week. The hospital has continued these antibiotics and is also making adjustments to her insulin regimen to better regulate her glucose levels.

Today's Goal: Stability for Tomorrow’s Surgery The primary focus today is to get her sodium up and her glucose down. If all goes well, we are back on the schedule for surgery tomorrow (2/13/2025).

She is experiencing more pain today than yesterday, but it is still being managed with medication. The delay in surgery has been disheartening for her, and she was understandably upset when she learned she wouldn’t be going in today. I could see it took away some of her hope, but I reassured her that there is now a solid plan in place to get her ready for surgery tomorrow.

Please continue to send prayers and positive vibes our way. I’m sharing all of your messages with her, and they truly mean the world.

Thank you for your continued support!

Grandma’s Update

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 20:08:02 GMT

Surgery Delayed, But She’s in Good Spirits

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update on Grandma. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to have surgery today because her sodium levels are too low. The doctors want to get those levels up before moving forward, so for now, she has been admitted, and we’re waiting for her to be placed in a room. The new plan is to aim for surgery tomorrow, if sodium level come up.

She will be undergoing Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery to repair her fractured hip. Despite the delay, she’s in really good spirits, staying sharp and alert, and handling everything with her usual strength. Her pain is being well-managed with medication, which is a relief.

The hospital staff is amazed at how healthy and strong she is for 92 years old. After this surgery, she’ll have bones of steel! #bionicGrandma

I have no doubt she’ll tackle recovery just like she does everything else—with resilience and determination.

I’ll keep everyone updated as we learn more.

Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers! ❤️

Family Update

bramjaminfo@gmail.com (Jamie Bramlett) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 19:48:12 GMT

Please keep Grandma in your Prayers

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share an update on Grandma. She had a fall last night when her rollator collapsed, causing her to fall over it. Unfortunately, she has a fractured hip and is currently waiting to go into surgery.

So far, I’ve only been able to speak with her nurse, and I’m still waiting to hear directly from the doctor. The nurse mentioned that they plan to insert a rod to stabilize her hip—I’ll share more details as soon as I have them.

For now, they’ve given her pain medication, and she is resting. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers today. I’ll update everyone as soon as I know more.

Thank you for your love and support. ❤️

thomaston

Grandma’s Comeback

Grandma’s Comeback (and Her Attempt at a Stunt Career)

A Turn We Didn't See Coming

Grandma's Health Journey: A Turn We Didn't See Coming

What We Think Happened

CHF & AFib: What It Means

What’s Next

Our "Care Village"

To-Do List

Final Thoughts

Overdue Update

Big Progress, Porch Time, and Walmart Scooters:

A Grandma Update ����

�� The Fluid Retention Battle

�� Porch Life and Plant Therapy

��‍�� Desiree’s Visits & Mother’s Day Joy

��‍♀️ A New Haircut & Another Milestone

�� Health Check Highlights

�� Final Thoughts

Plants, Love Stories, and Sweet Memories

Plants, Love Stories, and Sweet Memories ��❤️

A Love Story ��

A Life Full of Love & Lessons

�� Let’s Collect the Stories Together

Movement, Motivation & a Little Sass ����

Permission Granted: Grandma is on the Move!

Permission Granted: Grandma is on the Move! ��‍♀️❤️

Therapy & Nursing Plan

Oncology Update: Aranesp Injection Delay

A Bright Spot – Cards, Letters & Love ��

Sunday School Video Call ��️✨

Good News from the Ortho!

Good News from the Ortho!!!

A Visit with Aunt Desiree & A Moment at Home

Stormy Skies and Chicken Marsala

Strength, Stitches & Sweet Moments

Strength, Stitches & Sweet Moments

Big Energy, Big Love

Dinner Time & Heart Time

Hospice Discharge & What’s Next

Staying Connected

Big Day Tomorrow – Prayers Welcome

Update on Grandma: One Day at a Time

Update on Grandma: One Day at a Time

Starting Hospice Care

Understanding What Led to This

Adjusting to a New Normal

Stay Connected

What’s Next

Grandma's Update: A Difficult Few Days

A Difficult Few Days

Why Was Grandma Released from Rehab?

The Plan Moving Forward

Grandma’s Current Condition

What is MDS and Why Does She Need Aranesp?

Grandma is Going Home!!! 🎉

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What’s Next?

Stop By & Visit!

Grandma’s Progress

She’s Doing GREAT!

Navigating Recovery

How is Grandma?

Why is Hydrochlorothiazide a Problem?

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A Close Call

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Current Condition

What is MDS and How Does It Affect Grandma?

Current Goals

Prayer Requests and Gratitude

Thank You to The Village

Grandma is Moving to Rehab

Big News: Grandma is Moving to Rehab!

A Little Pep Talk

More Visitors and More Smiles

What’s Next?

Still Waiting on Rehab

Still at the hospital

A Grandma Update ��

Movement, Motivation & a Little Sass ��