According to Mrs. Phillips, she has arthritis and diabetes. The arthritis has led to knee replacements in both legs, and a hip replacement. She now ambulates with a cane. She indicates that her son brought her an array of canes so she could pick one to use each day that matched her attire.

She is clearly in pain a good bit of the time, although she does not complain about it very much. She indicates that when she is in pain she either takes a hot shower or uses a heated massage chair pad sent by her son who lives in Germany.

Mrs. Phillips manages her diabetes relatively independently. One son brought her a new type of monitoring system for her blood sugar. Since he has diabetes as well, they learned to use the system together. She also handles her own injections of insulin.

About two years ago, Mrs. Phillips had a “strong pain” in her chest. Her nurse made her go to the hospital, telling her it was her heart. Mrs. Phillips had a very unpleasant experience in the hospital, and now asserts that she will never go back. To ensure this, she has a living will with a DNR (do not resuscitate) clause.

In addition, Mrs. Phillips has cataracts. Surgery has been recommended, but she has refused. She fears that something would go wrong, and is still able to read large-print books, write letters, and watch television.

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