Stroke
So, my dad had a stroke. He spent a week in the hospital, and is now home. We're not sure exactly when it happened, but it was sometime during the week of March 17th. I've been trying to manage his care and go to work, but it's not been easy (and no one ever said being a caretaker was easy, right?).
It affected mostly his left arm. His speech is fine, his walking is fine -- he just gets very tired. His doctor doesn't want him driving (and neither does the rest of the world - trust me!) so I've had to hide the keys already. He's pretty reasonable about it, but I can't take the chance of him getting a wild hair one day while I'm at work and driving to Baltimore or points further west/south/north. I figure if he drives east it's not that far to the ocean so I could probably find him. Or not.
So, I'm pretty overwhelmed right now, and am trying hard to cope. The only good thing is this did not happen while I was on the cruise because I am not sure what would have happened to him if he had been alone. I try not to think about that too much.
Getting old is not for sissies, people. Neither is caring for an aging parent.
posted by yvonne at Sunday, April 06, 2008
17 Comments:
*BIG HUGS*
Thank goodness he has you. I'm also glad to hear that he's doing better.
Remember to be good to yourself Augie. xoxo
*echoes Nookie*
Well since you are both old and caring for a parent, you are not a sissy. That is good to know. *grin*
You know how I feel. *smooch*
So sorry Augie. It is very tough.
Take care of yourself. I thought of you today beacause I have a new creamer...Cinnamon Bun. Mmmm...
Oh spring is on its way!
{{{HUGS}}}
*hugs* I was just talking about strokes yesterday. Two people I visited were impacted to quite different degrees by strokes. Each were still living idependently with some support. I was overwhelmed with admiration for them and their supportive families.
Your dad and you are in my thoughts.
Thanks everyone. It's hard to see someone who had been so independent all his life suddenly become dependent. He hates it, and I hate it.
Oh man. So sorry Augie. I don't even want to think about having to deal with this with my parents. Watching my parents deal with their parents was difficult enough.
You're an awesome daughter.
I worry about my Dad becoming incapacitated. He's so active and independant. And stubborn. Like your Dad, he would absolutely hate it. *huge hugs*
{{Hugs}}
*big hugs*
AugieDad will be okay, he has a wonderful daughter who loves him muchly and will do her very best to take care of him. Just remember that you need a break occasionally.
DH and I are realizing that his parents are getting older. *sigh* I'm already not looking forward to this.
Golly, Auggie, I'm so sorry to hear about this. It's so scary when someone has a stroke. My dad survived for quite a few years after his first stroke. I am sending prayers and well wishes to your father and you.
(((Hugs)))
Oh no, Augie. I'm sending you and your dad lots of good vibes and *hugs*
Ack! I hope your dad does well, Augie! And has no more strokes.
My mom had little strokes all the time. Like for years. Once or twice she passed out but mostly she just had slurred speech for a few minutes or hours. She had an EKG (or something) after one of her bad strokes, where she passed out, and when the doc came in with the results he gave her the oddest look - then asked her what her name was, what the year was, who the president was - stuff like that. Then he told her that her brain looked like Swiss cheese - full of dead holes. Told her that most people with that much brain damage would be in a bed and unable to care for themselves.
She said "Thank you very much" walked out of the office and lived just fine for another 20 years, in total compos mentis. I wish the same for your dad!
*hugs* Thank goodness it was on the right side of his brain, so his speech and language weren't affected. I assume he's right handed, so that's a plus, too. Is there an adult day health care or senior center close by that he might enjoy?
Oh Augie!
Sending love and good thoughts to you both.
How difficult for him to have his freedoms limited, and how scary for you.
*HUGS*
{{hugs}}
*sending positive and healing thoughts*
*peeks in for an update*
{{{hugs}}}
Just peeking in to check on you. Hope you are well.
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