My Dad & Family

[susanep]

Keep my dad, me, and my sisters in  your prayers. My dad had a heart cath done Monday, I spent that day with him, and stayed the night with him. He is 80. My sisters expect me to be able to do everything, because I live nearby, but I am forgetting to take my own meds right now.

Dad is having memory problems, etc. and when it makes my sisters nervous, they shift it to me. I don't quite understand it, but I will get through it.

I find out later that he is to go into the  hospital today Wednesday morning to have his first knee replacement, and them letting me know that he will need a lot of care.

I  hope to make it to my doctor today finally get the help with  my very low vitamin b12 , and hyper thyroid swing for adjustment.

My husband is sick.

Those who will please keep us in your prayers.

Thank you all, and all of you are nightly in my prayers.
susanep

[irish]

Susan, I am so sorry to hear that you dad is going through this. Also, sorry to hear that you are the dumpee again. I hope that you can put your foot down and tell the sister's that if they are not able to help with your dad then it would be wise for them to donate some money to hire someone as you can't do it day in and day out. Taking care of someone who is older and has this type of surgery is time consuming and energy depleting.

Usually, the older people are able to be admitted to the nursing home for a certain number of days in order to have rehab. This is something you need to talk about with the social worker at the hospital or the county. This enables the person to gain back strength and helps them with dressing and ambulatory skills. I can't imagine that the hospital would even think of sending your dad directly to home. You need to let the social worker, the nurses, his doctor, etc everybody, about your health issues. If you take over his cares I would bet that you would end up in the hospital.

I would love to have a little "chat" with your sisters. Me thinks that they like to play dumb and get out of responsibility. Good luck. Irish

[Joe S.]

With the knee surgery after care rehab in a nursing home worked well for my wife. A friend did not get the required after care from the VA and he is doing much worse than he should be doing.

[Scottietottie]

Oh Susan - I'm sorry you are having to go through all that. Caring for your Dad would not be easy even if you were feeling 100%

I hope you get some help from somewhere and meanwhile I will keep your fmaily in my thoughts.

Take care - Scottie 

[quietdynamics]

Susan, hoping that all goes well with your Dad. Surprised they would do knee surgery given the upcoming heart issue. Seems like a lot given his age? Rehab after knee surgery seems in order with physical therapy.

How is your husband doing?

I know what it is to be told I am closer (1 hour away vs 1 hour and 15mins?)

After both surgeries if your Dad lives alone, before he is released from the hospital talk to the social worker about having your Dad assessed for in-home help while he recuperates. Worth asking.

Actually now that I remember the treating Dr. ordered the rehab for aftercare. Be upfront and honest and let him/her  know that you have medical issues and no family support.

[4Kids]

That is a lot. Thinking of you, and hoping all is well and peace to you!

[susanep]

Thank you everyone for such support. Me and my husband got back from the regular gp this morning. My husband has strep , and the doctor said I should not be around my dad today for sure, because of possible contagious.

We called the hospital, and he came through the surgery well. I also got my first vitamin b12 shot. He said I am very close to pernicious anemia.

I will try to get rest before dad comes home. I would think he will be in the hospital for a few days, and he does need some home health care at least. 

My sisters wouldn't call me to let me know how dad was, so we had to call my nephews wife who is there.

susanep

[CMNK12]

Susanep,
  My heart goes out to you and so do my prayers. It is so hard being the caretaker for everyone esp. when you are not well yourself. May you have strength. CK

[Ark mom]

My dear, I am so sorry that you are having to deal with so much right now on top of all our your own health issues!  You are in my heart and in my thoughts.  I am here for you!  Peace and hugs.

[susanep]

Thank you everyone. This is why coming here is like coming to an understanding family. Me and my husband have been resting.  All of you be well as you can be, and you are always in my prayers. All you newbies are too. Overlook me those of you who need to. I am just a praying person. lol...

susanep

[Carebear]

Susan,

It's good to hear that you and your husband are taking good care of yourselves.  I'm also happy that your dad's surgery has gone well.

Did your doctor do anything for your low TSH blood test? 

Thinking positive thoughts for you and your loved ones.   

[Madison Granny]

I hope you start to feel better really soon from your B12 shot.  I sure have.  I started in June taking 1 a week and after 4 weeks went to once a month.  My B12 in June was just barely over 100 and by December was 584.  My Rheumy checked it again today so when I go for my shot next week they should be able to tell where it is now.  Taking care of older parents can be bery trying.  I took care of my mother in law and am now supervising my own parents.  They live on their own but I talk to them several times a day to make sure everything is OK.  My brothers don't seem to care what happen with them.

[susanep]

Dad is suppose to go home Saturday, but the hospital fixed it up for him to be admitted in the nursing home for rehab for a week.

susanep

[quietdynamics]

Great news about the aftercare. He should get physical therapy there as well.

Best to you and your Dads recovery. 

[CMNK12]

Very good! Hope he continues to do well.   CK