Well, things are smoothing out some!!!

I just wanted to do a little update on my Father-in-law, as things are *overall* smoothing out some!! Woo hoo!!!

'Dad' now has an electric bed in, bedside commode, he now wears disposable boxer shorts (YEA!!!), and we are getting good with his meals - he enjoys them even though everything has to go through a blender! LOL!

Home health nurses have been by and we are getting set up for occupational therapy and hubby and I will be taught how to deal with each stage of the physical decline - how to turn him safely without injuring anyone and things like that!

The Nurse-Practitioner that he now sees has done some basic blood work and that has come back good, and he had an Xray of his shoulder and a CT scan of his head because he took a fall and was never taken to the doc to be checked out, and they came back as good - although we now know that he had moderate arthritis at least in his shoulder. At least now we can ask the NP for pain meds that will help with his pain!

Although yesterday was a hard day - he was being difficult and hubby got a bit short which sent him into hallucinations and confusion about being back where he was and getting bullied into doing everything. Fortunately I was here to 'run interference' and we got through the day with only hubby being incredibly sad over the "loss" of the man he knew as his Father.

Today 'Dad' is a happy, compliant man!!

Thanks for being here! Even just typing this out here on the forum is a form of release and coping for me!!

Thank you so much, Marie!! This is definitely the right thing for us to be doing!!

LOL!! Hubby is finding out!! Giggle! Just kidding

Sounds like you had a hard introduction into the family!

Fortunately I've already established that whether he knows who I am or not, he's not afraid of me or worried that I'll hurt him in some way!!! As I tell him, "It's okay if you don't remember me, I remember you and I will be here to help you!"

We realize we are in for some rough seas, but we are the only ones who will do this so he doesn't have to go to a nursing home as he doesn't have the money for a better option.

I really appreciate the offer of keeping my in your thoughts and prayers!! I need all the help I can get!

Blessings to you Traveler!!!!

 

  I am glad things are a little easier, softer at home

   u are an awesome, kind, generous- giving in help, caring, warm soul.

Well, now! I really hadn't expected all of these wonderful words!! Why thank you!! Thank you!!

We just couldn't imagine having this man live his last days in a nursing home, as no one has the finances for an assisted living place or anything like that. He has been a father to me for the last 13 years, without one bad word coming from him about me for any reason - even when I was soo very ill myself! If only hubby's siblings had been so nice as well!!

We are so thrilled with his settling in! All we want to do is allow this wonderful, caring, loving man to have a much dignity and comfort as possible in his remaining days.

One of the best blessings that has come from my infections having been so severe with serious cognitive issues, is that I do have a bit - just a bit- of an understanding what it feels like. I can clearly remember being so very frustrated because every third word I couldn't get right or out of my mouth, suddenly not knowing how I got to the place where I was sitting, and things like that. It was pretty scary.

Don-
Yes, I've noticed some of that starting with my own Mother as well. It's a sad thing, but one many go through, of course we all hope that our parents (and us!!) won't have to go through the worst of it. Just a little dementia is bad enough.

I do have to say, though, that as hard as this will get, I wouldn't pass up this opportunity for anything. What a wonderful gift to give to someone - a place where they can retain dignity and comfort til the end.

Again, thank you all for all the kind words!! The update was just so that everyone can understand just a bit better where I've snuck off to - helping my Father-in-law! Thanks all!!!

Again, thank you so so much for all of the encouraging words!! I need them!! LOL ! Poor 'Dad' is really confused this morning.

Tickled, I'm not so sure I've got that much patience!!! LOL!! Bucket loads??? Naw, but thanks to a good case of Lyme rage that I've been through, I know how to release my anger/frustration without anyone having to deal with the repercussions!!!

Just trying find the good in all of this!

Awww! Golly Gee Shucks, Maxam!! **Kicks dirt with toe of boot!** Why thank you!

I actually think we are all pretty amazing!! Look at the community that we have "built" here! Even though we are very ill and feel pretty much like death warmed over some days, we still pull together to help those that are here and those that are new to this site. Amazing to me!!

I've actually been the "quiet mouse" part of the family for many years now due to being so ill most of the last 13 years, but as I said, it really has given me just a bit of insight into what poor "Dad' is dealing with. Hopefully my time to go back into this a loooooooooonnnngg way off!!! LOL!