As we prepare for Thanksgiving we are first & foremost thankful my dad is here with us today:)Thank you God, all healthcare professionals, family, friends, colleagues, and anybody else!
Good news, my dad continues to make steady progress despite some lingering medical issues. He has experience blood pressure drops again, always in the afternoon, always after sitting it the chair for period of time. It doesn't happen every day, but is very frustrating as he will be absolutely fine then with little warning, hits rock bottom. I actually witnessed this for the first time on Saturday and it does come on quickly, requiring quick action. Once he lays down, within minutes everything is fine. Everyone was picking their brains, trying to figure this out. Break through...Apparently he was "sometimes" receiving BP meds twice daily, when it should only be once daily. Hopefully this is resolved once & for all.
The urologist appointment went well & I'm sure the doctor was going to remove the cath; however, my dad pleaded his case & the doc gave in. My dad is worried if the cath comes out he will get another UTI; therefore, wants to wait until he can stand. We are hoping he can bear weight on one leg in a few weeks. As you can tell, this inability to bear weight on the legs puts one in a position for a number of complications. Sigh... Due to the above isuses, we will not be bringing my dad home for Thanksgiving afternoon. It was his suggestion, he is fine with it and so are we.
On the bright side, last weekend my dad was given the go head to walk the chair with his feet. He quickly learned how to maneuver his wheelchair with his feet! Mobile Mel! He made it down to the door to greet me. Soooo awesome & such a huge surprise! He was soooo happy! He felt the pain in his knees on Monday, and decided he better leave the trips to the door for days when he doesn't have therapy. The therapists continue to work with his knees getting to around 75 degrees. Dr. Jaeblon would like to see 80. He will get there. Another milestone, my dad was sitting in a "regular" chair yesterday when I arrived. His butt was tired from the same old wheelchair seat so he asked to sit in the guest chair. If nothing else, it was normalcy/change!
Sad news... my dad's best friend since childhood, Tom Wodarski, passed away this week. Rest in peace, Tom, you will be missed. There will be a celebration of Tom's life on 12/19 in Point Place. We are hoping my dad can attend that for a bit, then Christmas.
Happy Thanksgiving to all and thank you for your ongoing support over the last three months!
Kay thank you once more for your update. I'm glad he is doing so well, walking in the wheelchair and good therapy progress. I'm sorry about the BP drops and hope you have it all figured out. BP meds twice a day when he is inactive does sound like too much. Glad things went well with the urologist and I can understand your dad's wishes about the cath. He told me a while back he will be so glad when he can use the bathroom. I can't say I blame him.
ReplyDeleteI know you guys were hoping for him to be at his house on Thanksgiving but it is his choice. I'm sure it would be very tiring for him. Will they have something at the nursing home for Thanksgiving that you can go there for a meal? And I do understand how thankful you and your sisters' are for your dad and his progress. I feel the same way. That first week after the accident was horrible for all of us, you and Kim and Kristie as well as his siblings and frinds. We all have so much to be thankful for. Please know we keep your dad in our prayers daily.
I am so sorry about Tom. I remember Tom almost as another big brother. I knew he had been sick. I hope your dad can go to the celebration of his life in December. It would mean so much to your dad.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, your sisters and your families. I will call your dad soon.
Many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. And I think with it being your dad's idea makes all the difference in the world. I'm so happy for all of you
ReplyDeletelinda in new york from the blog
It certainly will be a memorable Thanksgiving for your family - there is a lot to be grateful for. Too bad Tip can't go home, but I'm sure just having the family together will be wonderful and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteElaine