Posted 4/27/2014 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
My dad is 83 years old and he's one of these stubborn (but loveable) ol' guys that doesn't like nor trust doctors. He's polite enough but has been kicked out of a doctor's office before and is one of those people who won't take a doctor's advice unless it's crammed down his throat with a shovel!! Even then he balks at it. He's very strong willed on the outside...yet a bit "sideways" depressed on the inside. You know what I mean, not the literal sad form but the broad form that expresses itself with a sharp tongue and various "old guy quirks".
Well, at least that was the case last year. about 6 months ago he fell getting out of a chair and couldn't get up. He went to the hospital and came back after a week or so a different man. A VERY different man! My mother blames it on the meds and is hoping that he'll eventually snap out of it. He has to a point but certain symptoms remain.
He's now lethargic and apathetic. He's forgetful and just doesn't care. He shuffles when he walks and is unmotivated. He won't shower for literally weeks and insists on wearing the same clothes over and over. I don't want to "alarm" my nervous mom so I don't have access to all his symptoms yet. But on Easter when I saw his hand trembling when handing me a small Tupperware I got concerned. (actually more concerned)
I know the pat answer is consult your physician, but I and my brothers and sister need to step lightly and wisely before bringing up the subject to my mom and dad. This is just one possibility but you have to start somewhere. Right now we are "watching" him.
What traits should we be looking for? Please keep in mind that both my parents are very private for different reasons so "normal" interactions are foreign to them sort of speak. They're hard to describe but basically good Christian people, just a wee bit "warped".