need support/advice

Hello everyone,
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's in his late 40's and was doing well functionally and took care of himself independently (other than not being able to drive as it was unsafe); he had two DBS procedures a few years apart, in which the second got infected- ended up having a seizure and small stroke unattended, went into cardiac arrest twice. This was three years ago. Since that happened, he was in a nursing home after receiving rehabilitation, as his care was too much and his walking was very difficult and needed supervision (with a walker). During his time there, he was cognitive, I could hold conversations with him, but his attention wasn't all that great and his swallow had declined. A week and a half ago, he was brought to the ER for pneumonia, which was then discovered to be thyroid storm (very dangerous- basically it is hyperthyroidism in major overdrive and every system in your body is up up up- his vitals were high, shaking, extremely agitated, etc.). He even spent a night in the ICU just for monitoring until his vitals were down.

Since his hospitalization, he has had two rapid responses in which his pupil wasn't responding- he has had two CT scans and EEGs and they have all come back clear. I have yet to hear an explanation about this.
What I am worried about now is that he has become incredibly dysarthric. He basically just moans and/or yells. His vitals are normal now, but he is not the same. He follows commands, but won't look at me when I speak to him (unless I change the side of bed I'm at); basically, he seems to go through periods of extreme agitation, is hyperfocused on all the IVs and tubes around him (even has a restraint as he keeps attempting to pull), and stares at them when awake. I'm sure he is confused, and naturally (even before PD), he is an
extremely stubborn and likes control- so, I believe this might be adding to his extreme agitation. His thyroid levels aren't back to normal yet, as this takes time, but he has responded as his vitals are all normal.

Basically, I'd like to know if anyone has had a similar experience where their loved one was hospitalized and the Parkinson's seems worse. For almost a week, he was not receiving his Parkinson's meds in the hospital as the nursing home and hospital seemed to not be able to commnunicate and send his med list over (unbelievable). He started taking his PD meds finally three days ago. Do Parkinson's meds work immediately or need time, and do they improve speech? I'm very worried about his speech- it is completely just moaning. I know that he is "there," but for him to not communicate effectively is difficult, especially when he was, just ten days ago.

Also, the palliative and hospice team has been pushing aggressively my family to pursue their care, and it has been very upsetting for me. I would feel a lot more comfortable making that kind of decision until he was more medically stable, and more importantly, if I got to speak to the neurologist. (I am not the POA, his sister is, but she has not heard anything from the neurologist as well). To push that kind of care without hearing from a medical doctor is extremely insensitive, in my opinion.

Oh, and FYI, Dad just turned 60 years old, and was physically very strong (aside from his legs), and had great bed mobility.

cj204,
sorry to hear about your father.The nursing home should be giving his meds as the Dr.ordered.If they aren't contact him.
I'm taking stalevo,and Mirapex,without them I would be bed ridden.Itakes about an hr.for them to become effective,and allowing me to carry on most activities.As tatterdema sayspd is different with each patient.Wish you the best.Stay in touch.Ed

I saw a bumper sticker once that said Hospice: Making the Road Less Lonely (I think that was it!). I became a Hospice volunteer for 10 yrs. and along the way meet the nicest people -- fellow volunteers and patients. I am now 68 and have had PD for 12 yrs. I don't like living like this and I'm somewhat mobile. Talk to him about the good times; surround him with love.