As I reported a little over two weeks ago, my father hasn’t been doing so well.
He went back in the hospital about 4 days ago. I’m in Pelham with he and Mom now. We’re taking turns at the hospital.
Dad’s condition from his dementia has slowly declined over the last few weeks. Additionally, just after he was admitted to the hosptial a few new issues have cropped up, including: some sort of upper GI problem or small ucler, an infection causing bleeding in the urinary tract – most likely caused by prostate irritation, and even hiccups that simply will not go away!
The infection and the other problems have left him too weak to walk, and his mental and verbal abilities have really tanked. At times he is hallucinating, we think. It is really hard to tell what he is thinking or feeling at times.
This morning, however, Dad did perk up a bit and actually had a very brief “conversation” with his doctor. I think Dad basically told him he wanted to “get out of here.” The rest of today he has been quite restful, thankfully.
We’ll keep you posted. The doctor indicated it’ll be at least 2 or 3 more days before his infection is under control.
Last Sunday David’s Dad had another mild stroke and was admitted to the hospital. This was the second or third he’s had this year. Unfortunately, there might be more to come as a result of his Vascular Dementia – very similar to Alzheimer’s. For the last five years, his mental and physical capacities have been slowly degraded by this disease. See Here for previous posts and photos.
The good news is he was released from the hospital and has, to a certain extent, “bounced back” to his pre stroke level. I’ve been able to spend several days with he and Mom at their home in Pelham, Georgia (my hometown too) since he came home.
Although his verbal skills have declined, he still is able to walk slowly. At first he seemed a little confused as to who I was, but after a day or so he was at ease – even showing his dry humor occassionally. My Mom usually has to guide him along and tell him what to do – step by step, one thing at a time, giving very precise instructions. Doing any complex task confuses him, but some would argue that this condition exists naturally in our family! A couple of times he cracked a joke with my Mom while she was “instructing him” – guess he wanted to show that he still has an edge.
Gratefully, we have health care options available for him if and when he needs them. Actually, Mom already has some home health assistance – giving Dad basic care three times a week. Also, Pelham has an excellent nursing home care facility. I’ve been on a real learning curve this week of finding out how one could gain admittance to such a facility and how complicated it is to have Medicaid pay for any portion of it. Complicated, but not impossible. If he needs 24-7 care, I’m so thankful that the nursing home is a possibility. Beyond that, I’m amazed at the Lord’s kindness through everyday people who are helping look after my Mom and Dad. Lots of prayers have been answered through the loving support of many people – it’s been a wonderful thing to watch.
We’re not sure exactly what will happen next. Neither am I sure of why some people get Alzheimers and some don’t. Parents are supposed to live a long time and enjoy their grandchildren, but some will not. My Dad may have many good days left where I can still see his eyes light up and his big smile. But that is not guaranteed.
What is guaranteed is that God is good. All the time. The fact that He gives mercy to me as a sinner, and yes a big “AND” here – my continual acceptance and approval as a son He loves IS guaranteed. Jesus sealed it. Love for my Mom and Dad are sealed too as they have received Christ and rejoice in what He’s done. His love transcends all health problems, all calamities, all the financial “thin ice” that we sit upon in dealing with any major health problem, anything that causes a rational man to worry. The very fact that God went out of His way to demonstrate His love is proof that He is good. But He is not even required to do that to show Himself as good. He just is.
