Back at the Northern Marsh

[wickedwords]

I'm home, yay! It was a long week. My Dad was very anxious about the angiograph, but once the doctor got a good look at the veins, there was no blockage, so there was no need for an angioplasty or stent. Instead, as my Dad's heart is operating at 35% (more or less), there will be medication to help its functioning and a longer term process to get him back to better health. Meanwhile, Mom is doing okay in the mornings, but she's very confused at times. She has a corner room at the RCF so she lays in her bed and watches out the windows, or sits in the chair when my Dad comes by to visit; she can't read or follow TV anymore--she gets TV and reality confused--and she sleeps a lot. My brother's family bought her a bird feeder for christmas, so once Dad gets that set up in the tree outside her window, she will have a lot to watch. Hopefully the facility's cat will come by too, to sit on her bed and watch with her, as that's where the birds will be.

I'm still emotionally exhausted, and plan to go work out this morning. Then I'll try to get on-line and work my way through comments and LJ entries, trying to catch up. I missed y'all so much!

Comments

[seperis.livejournal.com]

*sends hugs* Don't forget to get some rest with your beverage of choice. A bird feeder is a *great* idea. I'd suggest also hummingbird feeders if they're around in your area; I used to (and still can) watch them for hours given the opportunity.

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

Resting! Wow, yes, as soon as dinner's done, I am moving into sloth mode. And a beverage is a great idea.

[kadymae.livejournal.com]

Sends wubs about your dad. At 35% of capacity it's amazing he's up and around at all.

Is it just old age or something more specific?

---
(My dad has heart problems, too.)

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

I have no idea what's going on. Taking care of mom, he kinda over extended himself, but I'm hoping with the meds and a physical therapy plan, he can get back on track. We'll know more after he meets with the cardiologist in a couple of weeks.

[kimberlite.livejournal.com]

Glad you're back. Sounds like things went about as well as you could expect. The bird feeder is a cool idea. *hugs*

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hon. {{{hugs you back}}

[elynross.livejournal.com]

{{{holds you tight}}} I remember Mom's periods of confusion, and that she couldn't actually read or follow TV anymore. She still seemed to enjoy some programs and movies, that were old favorites, but that was it. I think the bird feeder is a fabulous idea. I wish I'd thought to keep our bird feeder more full for Mom -- she spent a lot of time sitting in the kitchen, looking out the window.

And we had minor instances of sunset syndrome, too, with greater confusion in the evenings. {{{you}}}

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hon. Mom was in good spirits when I saw her in the mornings, and she told me she had a friend at the place, so I felt okay about it. It's not great by any means, but Dad sees her every day and they are taking good care of her, so she's adjusting. They're both lonely, but there's really no way dad can care for her any more. He's just too worn out. {{{hugs}}}

[sobelle.livejournal.com]

::hugs::

I've suffered through similar declines and know how sad and difficult it is...

I took care of my grandfather-in-law during his last years with Alzheimers... which is the hardest work I've ever done.

I hope that your Dad's heart function/capacity improves and that both he and your Mom find peace. I wish the same for you.

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hon. {{{hugs}}}