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My Dad
Jan 14, 2009 10:00:33 GMT -5
Post by Jessie on Jan 14, 2009 10:00:33 GMT -5
Well, after almost 2 months since his stroke, dad is being released from the hospital today. We are excited, yet it's just another phase of worrying about how things will go at home. My mom is a nervous wreck about caring for him and all of his meds - she's having to do insulin injections. And, being he's on a sliding scale, she can't premeasure his injections, she's got to take his glucose level and then determine how much he needs. He's come soooooo far it's unbelievable. We really were scared we were going to lose him the first couple of days. I think the hospital staff felt the same way. However, they and God worked a miracle to get him to where he is now. He's very funny still, yesterday he yelled at my sister because she suggested that if his discharge is too late today that he should just wait until tomorrow morning to go home. He told her, VERY clearly, 'do not do anything to mess up me going home'. She said she felt like she was 15 again getting yelled at by dad. LOL The biggest problem is that they live an hour away from me and my 2 sisters. My brother lives near them, but he works full time, so it's not an option for mom to have him there all of the time to help. Sigh . . . we'll get through it, it just really, really sucks to watch your parents get old and go through things like this. One good note is that he was chosen as "Patient of the Week" in the rehab unit. They all just love him because he's a nice person and tries so hard to do everything they have thrown at him. When he would have bad days (constipation issues, a-fib episode, etc.), the rehab staff would actually go up to his room to check on him, give him hugs, cry with him, etc. They truly have some exceptional people working at that hospital. Jessie
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My Dad
Jan 14, 2009 11:01:55 GMT -5
Post by mg12061 on Jan 14, 2009 11:01:55 GMT -5
Jessie,I don't post often but I do read as much as I can.I'm so glad to hear that your dad is doing so much better.My mom just had 3 small strokes in the past couple of weeks.She's in a rehab hospital right now,in fact it's the same one my daughter spent a month in 7 yrs ago when she had her strokes.It's really hard to watch someone struggle with the things that they were able to do before the stroke,but being patient and being their cheerleader can be helpful and exactly what they need sometimes.Celebrating even the smallest steps forward will keep them going and remind them that they ARE improving.I would also like to leave you a link to a web site that I frequent,it's an online support group for stroke survivors and caregivers.I've gotten a lot of great information and support here. brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=254You need to create a password to post but I believe you can read without it.Also may I suggest a great book for you, and or,your mom to read....I just finished it and it was great and shed some insight into things my daughter may be experiencing still from ehr strokes. The title of the book is My Stroke of Insight by,Jill Bolte Taylor.Oprah recently ahd her on her show, and you can also see her speak on youtube.She's a brain scientist who suffered a stroke and wrote about it and her recovery.Your dad is lucky to ahve his family with him to ease him back into his "life after stroke" I've learned after Kathleen's strokes to expect everything, but accept anything as far as her recovery.Many prayers that your dad's recovery will continue on a smooth path. Mary Grace
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My Dad
Jan 14, 2009 11:05:13 GMT -5
Post by Jackie on Jan 14, 2009 11:05:13 GMT -5
Jessie...my heart goes out to you and your whole family. You might not live next door but you are close enough to get to visit some without too much effort. Ed's dad lives 600 miles away so twice a year is about our ability to visit.
I am sure that your mom's life is the one that will have the most change now that she is in the role of caretaker. I don't know how old your Dad is but maybe if he has medicare there is a way they can get some respite for your mom through home health care to come and help with injections from time to time.
I know our kids worry about us aging...(guess we are...LOL)...and I don't know any way to put THEIR fears to rest. None of ours (4) live any closer than 500 miles to us so that IS a concern. I am a baby boomer and frankly don't think that as a group we are working as hard as we should to solve this country's aging problems as far as in home help and long term care. We still have not really planned out OUR future in terms of this. None of our kids really want to sit down and discuss this with us either. I think it is very hard to watch your parents age. It was for me.
I think all of you who have parents in my age group should bite the bullet and get them to really think about how it will impact the entire family if something should happen to one of them...and make some concrete plans for their future. Just purchasing long term care insurance is NOT the answer either because it has so many exclusions and is very expensive.
I hope your dad continues to improve...often with strokes TIME is your best friend and therapy can make a lot of wrong things right again.
Keep us posted and let us hold your hand.
Best Wishes Jackie
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My Dad
Jan 14, 2009 21:59:26 GMT -5
Post by Emilysmom on Jan 14, 2009 21:59:26 GMT -5
Hugs to you, Jessie! It is very hard to be so far away when your parents are sick. Your dad will continue to be in my prayers as he continues to recover. Very cool that he was chosen "patient of the week"!
Susan
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My Dad
Jan 15, 2009 8:20:59 GMT -5
Post by lorraine on Jan 15, 2009 8:20:59 GMT -5
I hope your Dad gets settled in well at home and continues to make a good recovery, and your Mom soon gets used to his medication.
It must be hard for you not being able to pop round as often as you would like too.
Take care
Lorraine
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My Dad
Jan 16, 2009 10:15:07 GMT -5
Post by Googsmom aka Jennifer on Jan 16, 2009 10:15:07 GMT -5
{{{{{HUGS JESSIE}}}}}
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My Dad
Jan 16, 2009 12:13:40 GMT -5
Post by sd112170 on Jan 16, 2009 12:13:40 GMT -5
HUGS & PRAYERS FROM GA!!
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My Dad
Jan 28, 2009 23:03:51 GMT -5
Post by CC on Jan 28, 2009 23:03:51 GMT -5
Blessings and Prayers going out to you all girl HUGS CC ~
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