I would think she should have all the test to determine the extent of damage to her hip. Then talk to the doctors and make your decision based on her over all health. My brother is in advanced stages of Parkinson's, is getting the dementia from the drugs that Parkinson's patients get.........and is no longer able to get up out of his wheel chair. That is the horrible truth of Parkinson's, it does come to that point. He use to get up, like your mother, and fell several times. One time severly bruising his hip, but thank god there was no fracture or break. Parkinson's patients always fight for their independence, not wanting to give in to their disease so she will continue to try to move, until the disease finally prevents her from being able to without assistance. Talk to her about her choice, don't just make it for her. The dementia most Parkinson's patience have is from the long term use of the drugs to treat the disease. More often than not, the mind is still there, functioning and aware of what is going on around them. Most "normal" people do not realize this and therefore treat Parkinson's patients like they are totatlly demented. I know, I have watched it happen to my brother, until I stepped in as his advocate, now the folks at his nursing home see him for the funny, caring and awesome man he really is.... Linda J

I think that you and your DH are doing a fantastic job! And you need to give yourselves credit for all that you already do. A very important thing to keep in mind is to Take Care Of Yourselves. Your own health, family, work and home cannot be neglected for very long without suffering. So try to keep that in mind. Your MIL is in a great place. AT least you BIL visits once a month---that's better than a lot of people ever do. Don't let your DH use up all his spare time. Your MIL is well cared for, and there is a limit to what you can do. If I were you, and have the time, yes, I'd definately go visit on my own, separately from going with your DH. Here's an idea that might help. Put MIL on a schedule. And try to visit when there are other things happening where she lives, even if it's just bingo or a church service, or some other event. When I say to put it on a schedule, I'm not talking about a rigid thing, but say, your DH is trying to visit 5 times a week. He can be just as effective on a schedule of 3 times a week. Same for you. Maybe you can visit on Tuesday and Friday mornings, or whatever. Check the activity schedule of her home, and incorporate those activities into your visit. Makes it easier to get over the "what do I say?" hard part. Can she get out with you? Try taking her for a drive or to church or just to the grocery store, even if you need to wrangle a wheel chair (if you can do it, it's a handful and don't push yourself.) See if there is a good social worker at the nirsing home. Maybe there will be a support group for family members, or ask of your local agency on aging, or a church, or even a PArkinson's support agency to see if there is a group you can join. It's important that you and DH be able to talk about your frustrations among others who will understand. Parkinson's is a horrid disease. My DH's aunt and uncle have both had Parkinson's (did you know that there are distinct 'clusters of this disease? They are in the Fresno CA area). Aunt Peggy passed away in April, but Uncle Bud is still carrying on. It's hard on us and their kids, but they've settled into a routine, and bring Bud back to the ranch for a weekend every two weeks, and we get over to visit as often as we can. But keep in mind that you are already doing an outstanding job, and give yourselves a pat on the back for doing a hard job and doing it well. Helene

I called and at least got them to move the appt. from the 26th to the 14th. I guess if you not dying, then there is no big rush. I know I should be relieved, but I just want to know what is going on. I got the results in an email and it was not normal, but the explanation was medical gibberish to me. I did lots of web searches but it more confusing than helpful. I need the doctor to explain it. I want to move on with my life and not have this hanging over my head. Clare

Wow. I thought the link was going to take me to the article I discovered about an hour ago while playing with my son's new tablet. But that article was about another new disease spread by ticks in the northeast. (See below.) Ye gods. I was in touch with Dr. Peter Krause, mentioned in the Time article, last year, and he was very helpful to me. Maybe it's time to call him again. Thanks, Anne. Here is a link that might be useful: Encephalitis virus found in ticks