As well as my dad was doing before I came in last Saturday afternoon, he started to become congested on Sunday. On Monday his doctors office was called to see if we could get a prescription for him. The in house health care professionals made two calls. We got a call from the doctors office that he needed to have a chest x-ray. So my sister and I took him that afternoon.
The next day she had to take off of work so we could take him to see his doctor. His doctor put him on a steroid pack, cough syrup and an inhaler. Since he wasn't able to cough anything up he wouldn't prescribe anything else. He had an appointment with his cardiologist on Thursday who felt he has bronchitis and she prescribed an antibiotic.
This is Friday as I am typing and he hasn't had much relief as yet. His physical therapist feels bad because he needs the therapy because of his hip surgery yet he doesn't have the strength because of his breathing issues. So he isn't making the progress he needed to make this week.
I am physically and mentally exhausted. I've had to do things that I didn't think I would ever do like wipe his bottom. I know that is TMI but it had to be said. He was making his own meals the week before so this is a bit of a setback for him. We are praying that his chest congestion will leave soon so he can continue on his road to recovery.
He is very close to getting into bed on his own but he is not there yet. He can get out of bed on his own now and is doing a fabulous job with one of those walkers with the hand breaks on it. So with the water pill he is on he is getting up a few times each night so I have to help him back into bed. I am averaging about 5 hours of interrupted sleep each night.
We are seeing now that he will definitely need extended help after I go home so we need to find the right care for him soon. The medical group who is coming in for physical therapy, occupational therapy and the nurses are doing an amazing job with helping him.
I don't think I will be extending my trip because this is a lot for me to do physically and I need to get my knee taken care of. I still have 9 more days here after today.
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoy your weekend.
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14 comments:
So very sorry about your dad's set back. Saying a prayer for him and for you this morning. May the Lord bless and guide you as you set up long-term care for him. xoxo
So sorry to hear about all of this. I'll keep him and you in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry Debby. Hoping he'll get better real soon. Praying.
I do hope the new meds will clear his chest and help him breathe better. Hang in there and try not to hurt yourself. my health issues is why my dad had to go in assisted living. I could not get him up and down and in and out of shower.. prayers for all of you
Oh no! Hopefully he will rebuild his strength quickly once this respiratory illness is taken care of. Thinking of you all!
Oh Debbie, I am sorry to hear of his setback. Hopefully the medicine will kick in soon and he can get back to his recovery from hip surgery. We are going through something similar with my mother-in-law. There have been many ups and downs and I know it is exhausting. Praying God would give you the strength and grace needed as you minister to your father. xo
It's never easy with an aging father. Hope he returns soon to the road to recovery.
Klem
It is hard I know - things you never thought you'd be doing - but I guess they did it for us, Debby you are doing a great job and you will never ever have any regrets!!!!!!!Sandie
So sorry to hear of his set back. Hope he feels better soon. You are a good daughter Remember to take care of yourself too.
Aw, Debby. Watch that the mental strain in particular doesn't become(more) overwhelming. I don't know about you, but used to be Lucky Dill's matza-ball chicken soup always cheered me up. HUGS!!!
Prayers for both your Dad and you. Bronchitis is so hard to get through, then adding his additional health issues must be hard for all of you. You must do what you need to do to stay healthy yourself. Continued prayers for you too!
It does sound exhausting, Debby! I know care giving is very hard work! I remember hubby saying one time he had to help his dad trim his toenails and how weird that was, so I can imagine your feelings about the personal care you are doing for your dad. I agree, extended help sounds like the best thing for him until he can get back his strength, feel better from his bronchitis, and become hopefully a bit mobile. Maybe a 24 hour aide if the insurance would pay for it or he has the resources could be a solution. I also agree that you need to take care of yourself and not let your health suffer. Prayers for all.
betty
I'm sorry you're dad has taken a down-turn. That does sound scary and exhausting.
Prayers and hugs my friend! I have to tell you I love your daily smile post on FB they bring me a lot of joy!!!
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