Topic: My Dad's Situation, "At Rehab" UPDATE!

[burmashave]

Bill, it seems like good steps. Always small, but some good steps. It's sometimes hard to read the emotions of others, especially in a complicated sitimication. Mebbe your dad is a bit tired and just a bit down about facing another road before going home. He might not want to share it with you because of all the work you're doing for him. I think he'll perk up after he gets settled in. He's a fighter.

[bill440cars]

Congrats on the good news mate, i have a feeling your dads condition might improve now he doesnt have the stress to deal with and he doesnt have to worry about you as much.
You should be able to relax a little too now you dont have to spend so much time on the road

you and your wife need to spend as much time as you can with him so that he knows for sure that he isn't being left there.
you should be able to take him out for lunch or a movie with doctor ok on file.
did this with my grandfather he said that he felt like he was part of the world again

Bill, it seems like good steps. Always small, but some good steps. It's sometimes hard to read the emotions of others, especially in a complicated sitimication. Mebbe your dad is a bit tired and just a bit down about facing another road before going home. He might not want to share it with you because of all the work you're doing for him. I think he'll perk up after he gets settled in. He's a fighter.

        Yeah, I really felt bad yesterday because it seemed like he  was down because of going to yet another Nursing Home. I can't tell you how relieved I was to got there this morning with my Daughter (Karla) and one of the young men we work with (Joey) and found him to be in better spirits. It was REALLY such a load of of my mind. I think part of my problem is that, in the back of my mind is the events last year that left me with my last name (barely) and that was about it. It really does my heart good to see him smile.

       Droopy, thanks for what you said about getting him out and doing things. We Do have that in mind too. Right now, we're trying to get him back in the condition he was before going to the hospital, so we can get him on over to the Really nice Retirement Home that is so close to our house. We've got plans to take him places to eat, to sight see and such. I've told him about an Aquarium at Jenks Oklahoma, the Bass Pro Shop at Springfield Missouri and he is interested in seeing those and other things. I would REALLY like to get him to the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, it is SO fantastic. Not sure about that much of an undertaking though. For those who don't know, that museum covers 12 acres inside ONE building. I know, one step at a time. I'm just so psyched up.

                                 Take care, Bill

[bill440cars]

         You know, I've seen several indications that make me wonder seriously about this "Alzheimer's thing. For example: On our way to Greenwood yesterday, I asked him if he knew where the keys were to his 2 riding mowers and he responded "In The Key Box in ths garage". Yesterday evening, I looked in the keybox (I had brought it up here too) and right down there in the bottom, was the keys. Now, I know that he had not touched those keys since, at least, 1 1/2 to 2 yrs ago! There have also been numerous thing in the house, that he would ask me to get and tell me where they were (And they were right where he said they were. I've heard that Alzheimer's folks have a problem with directions and knowing where they are, who they are and who you are. Listen to this: I was taking him to see his family Doctor a while back and as I accidentally past the street, Dad told me I just past it. We were by what looked to be a housing area. I was getting skeptical, but I turned around and went back to turn up that street. I was slowly driving along, still skeptical and then he said, "It's right there!" And, sure enough, IT WAS! Everyone that has talked to him and/or observed him talking, does not think he's got it either and, If he does, he's not very far into it. At any rate, we're going to see about having him reevaluated to try and get the "Alzheimer's" diagnosis OFF of his records. I'd like to get hold of that (so called) Doctor who diagnosed him last year! I'd have to stand in line though, my Wife wants First shot at him.

[tbpmusic]

Bill -

Sadly, that's typical of the condition - they come and go.
sometimes completely lucid, other times they can't remember who you are.

bill2

[mystic_1]

Next thing we knew, we were out in my van and cruising towards Greenwood with my Dad enjoying the scenery of the GREAT OUTDOORS!

Bill,

I cannot tell you how pleased I am to hear this.  I know it's been a long road and there's a long way to go, but this is definitely a milestone.

Best wishes to you, your family, and especially your Dad.

mystic_1

[bill440cars]

Bill -

Sadly, that's typical of the condition - they come and go.
sometimes completely lucid, other times they can't remember who you are.

bill2

           Hey Bill.   I can appreciate what you are saying, but I haven't really seen those times when he wasn't at least mostly lucid. He sometimes has to be reminded about a few things, but picks right up on things as soon as I remind him. I make it a habit to go back over what he told me he wanted, what I've gotten done and what I'm working on. I CAN tell you one thing, He hasn't EVER needed to be reminded that David (and his wife) is the one who was trying to do him in and take everything for themselves. He knows, without a doubt that MY main concern is for HIM. Some folks have told me that (as I suspected) the lack of a good supply of oxygen (from the Congestive Heart Failure), depression and  there are some other things that he has experienced, that can give the same type of symptons and be misleading. I've also found, online, that there is no SINGLE test either. At any rate, he's doing better I'm looking forward to spending more time with him and now I'll probably have to share him with my Wife and my Daughter. Thanks for posting.

                                    Take care, Bill  

[bill440cars]

Next thing we knew, we were out in my van and cruising towards Greenwood with my Dad enjoying the scenery of the GREAT OUTDOORS!

Bill,

I cannot tell you how pleased I am to hear this.  I know it's been a long road and there's a long way to go, but this is definitely a milestone.

Best wishes to you, your family, and especially your Dad.

mystic_1

           Appreciate that mystic, I will definitely remember this time myself. Going back and forth was costing pretty good and, just as I get him headed this way, my Daughter calls me and tells me that gas is up to $4.99 a gallon at Little Rock and it's headed this way. So, the main "back and forth stuff" is wrapped up right before the gas price hike. Seems to me like another helping hand from above.

          Take care mystic and thanks for posting, Bill

[bill440cars]

      My wife (Brenda) and I went to see my Dad after Church and he was doing better, starting to get a bit fiesty and wanting to know what happened to his glasses, said he didn't know where they were. He was eating his lunch and said he wasn't sure what it was cause he couldn't see it well enough. I told him I'd find them. I thought he had them on when we came in Friday, but wasn't sure. Anyway, we went home, got lunch going and I looked around for the glasses. My Daughter (Karla) said she thought he had them on yesterday. So, I went back to the Nursing Home to find that my Dad was getting a shower and I asked one of the workers there, about his glasses and she knew right where they were.  Anyway, a young lady brought Dad back in the room and we got him back onto the bed. I showed him his glasses, he replied that they were dirty, I cleaned them for him and then he started talking about a female giving him a bath. I told him that in a little while, we should be able to go on over to the actual Retirement Home and it will seem more like "His Own Place" and he just smiled. I am starting to feel better, seeing HIM responding and all. Of course, I'll really be feeling better when: 1. Dad is at the "Golden Years Village" Retirement Home 2. The "Guardianship Lawsuit" is over 3. I've gotten Dad's Vehicles and things back 4. David & Jan have been evicted from the place they are living 5. I can get my Dad's place (Yard and all) back in the shape that it should be in AND Last, but definitely not least, that my Dad is back in good enough shape that he can go places and I can take him to some of the places that he and I have discussed and also that he can get relax and do whatever he wants.
It will be SO gratifying to see him just be able to relax and "Enjoy Life"  That's it for now, hope to get him a cell phone so we can call each other as needed (if the Nursing Home will not have a problem with it and put him on my account. Gonna go for now, Thank you all again for your support, comments, experiences and all. Everyone who's posted here, has helped in one way or another.

                                   Take care, Bill  

[burmashave]

Excellent progress, Bill!

[troppo]

That light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter every day mate, congrats

[74cb750]

sounds like your Dad id going in the right direction.

[bill440cars]

        Yeah, I think he's realizing even more that things are still going his way. It really does my heart good to see him without any IVs in his arms and NO monitors on him. AND it also makes me feel good that THEY don't know where he is AND that THEY can't just pop in on him like SHE did on that Friday 2 weeks ago, so that they could be sure where he was and could be served with that notice of the "Guardianship Lawsuit".

         Went to see him yesterday, after Church and he was eating lunch. About the first thing he said was, "Lost my glasses. Don't know where they are." I told him I thought he had them there but I'd go home and make sure I didn't have them. I looked and looked, then my Daughter (Karla) said that he had them Saturday, when we were there. I really thought he DID have them too. SO, I went back to find that he was getting a bath and I also found out that the glasses were there in a drawer that he wasn't aware of. So, after he got back from his bath, I gave him his glasses (after I cleaned them) and we had a really nice visit. Several times, he would comment on having a bath given by a female. He wasn't so sure about that. He really seems like he's getting to be more able to move around better and hopefully will be going to the Retirement Home after a little while. Things go right, he's agreed to go to Church with us this coming Sunday. He regularly gets a card and a bulletin from his Church too. That's about it for now, hoping to hear something positive soon, about the Hearing on Guardianship. Got a positive feeling on that, just would like it ut of the way.

                             Take care all, Bill  

[333]

Glad to hear your Dad is doing so well.  I hope you are well also.

A couple of questions. Is your Dad going to stay at the retirement home, or will he be able to go back to his house?  And when is this "guardianship" hearing?  And is there any chance for criminal charges against Skank?

[firecracker]

Glad to hear he's closer to you.  That's going to make it easier on you, which should help everyone.


Here's an analogy that seems appropriate to your situation:

One frustrating thing about running a marathon is to be at mile 20 and have someone shouting "keep going, you're almost done!".

There's SIX MORE MILES TO GO!     But, it's true that you've come a long way and the end is near enough to keep you going.

Bill, I feel like we're on the sidelines here, and no one can run this race for you, but we're here for all the encouragement you need.


On that note, here's a story you should be able to appreciate.


The son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'.  The father who despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'.

They went on to complete the marathon together.  Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together.

One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.'  To which, his father said 'Yes' too.  For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever.  The race  encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4  mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim,  followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2  mile (42.195 kilometer)  marathon  along the coast of the Big Island    Father and son went on to  complete the race together.

Of course, there's a twist.


Warning, it's gonna make you cry.

[youtube=425,350]rPLCaAu_H2U[/youtube]

I warned you!   
 

That shows what a father can/should do for his son.

Bill, you deserve your own video showing what a son can/should do for his dad...

Keep it up.

[my78k]

Wow, FC! That was a hell of a video. As a parent not only did that make me cry but also realize as a man that I am not sure I could measure up anywhere near that guy! Talk about tough as nails and at the same time caring enough to do what is right....very inspiring to say the least.

Dennis

[bill440cars]

Glad to hear your Dad is doing so well.  I hope you are well also.

A couple of questions. Is your Dad going to stay at the retirement home, or will he be able to go back to his house?  And when is this "guardianship" hearing?  And is there any chance for criminal charges against Skank?

            Dad is doing pretty well. He had to be taken to the hospital this morning with low blood sugar (about 39) And so, I met them there. They really checked him over good and then while waiting for the results, time started slipping away. Next thing I knew, it was about 1:30 and my Dad had not had anything to eat (Not good for a Diabetic), but we were told that he was going to be released. So, I didn't say anything. Next thing I knew, my Dad's speech was starting to get garbled and he started acting somewhat strange. I mentioned this to the Tech, he checked the blood sugar and left in a hurry (he didn't have to tell me anything, I knew by then that the blood sugar was low AGAIN). Then, the nurse came back in and told me that his blood sigar was low. I said, yeah, that's because he hasn't had anything to eat ALL day. She gave him something in his IV to boost his level and informed me that she would order a plate lunch (about 2:50 by now) and after he ate, the would check him to see if he could be released. About 3:10, I went out to see if the lunch had arrived yet and saw that nurse shooting the breeze with another on coming nurse. Just then I saw this young guy bring up a plate lunch and figured that it had to be his. In the meantime, those 2 nurses walked off and left with that plate lunch sitting on the counter. I asked the lady at the desk about it and she said it was for Mr. Van Pelt, I took it and said "Thank You". I set things up and I took care of getting it ready to eat and helped him as needed. Shortly afterwards, I got the oncoming Nurse to check his blood sugar (about 140), she got him checked out and I brought him back to Greenwood myself. We got back in time for Supper at the Nursing Home. What a day. At least I didn't have t travel 2hrs to get there. He sure seemed to be better taken care of down there though. So, when I finally got home, I ALSO got to eat. It has been a LONG day for both of us, not to mention that Brenda (my Wife) had to arrange for our Daughter AND a young man we work wit, to be picked up at 2PM cause Dad and I were still at the hospital. Sure hope Tomorrow is a better day for my Dad (if it is, it will be a better day for me also)     

       Almost forgot to answer the rest of your questions, sorry.

       We hope he will stay at the retirement home til Spring, at least.  To stay at his home, there would have to be someone there with him all the time. Plus, with the anuerism (spelling?), I"d hesitate to have him there myself. Don't know ANYTHING about the Guardianship Lawsuit yet. Hoping that their lawyer will realize that there is no need for a Guardian. If there is any way, there WILL be Criminal Charges against Her and HE will be shown that HE is no prize either.

[Sam Green Racing]

Good to hear things are moving along Billy, It'll be much better now your dad is closer...for both of you.

Sam.

[bill440cars]

       Thanks Firecracker, what I could read, was good. Couldn't seem to get the video to load, my pc doesn't cooperate sometimes.

       I'll tell you, if I can just know that I'm making a difference in my Dad's life (for the good, of course), then I've done well! And BTW, I've gotten several Smiles, "I Sure Do Appreciate It", and "You're Doing A Great Job!" from him and THAT gives me PURE satisfaction.


        Sam, I appreciate your input and thank you for it too! 


        Now, let me tell you all what happened at about 7:30 PM tonight. A fellow pulled into our driveway, got our of his truck and, as I approached him, handed me a "summons" concerning the Guardianship Lawsuit involving my Dad. It still just kills my soul that they are pursuing this so hot and heavy. I can promise you all one thing, David might have the same last name as I do, but we are NO LONGER OF THE SAME FAMILY! I DO NOT have a brother! Now, you all are a different story! But I have absolutely NOTHING to say to the one who WAS my biological brother. Absolutely NOTHING!  If that sucker breaks the law in any way, while this is going on, I'll have his ....... He and his Skanky Shank have caused SO much pain and aggravation for us (Dad, my Wife, my Daughter and lastly myself) that he best not EVER cross my path again! I apologize to those of you who might be surprised at my outburst (such as it is), but I'm beyond ready to put this behind us and give my Dad the much needed rest and relaxation he so much deserves. I hope AND Pray that the investigator (that my wife hired) has some Damning evidence that will send them both to Jail. I'm so tired, I'm going to bed and try to put this out of my mind (at least, for now) so I might be able to get some peaceful sleep myself. Hopefully I'll be better composed by tomorrow.

                            Take care all, Bill 

[Sam Green Racing]

Take care Billy.

Sam.

[troppo]

G`day bill
So glad to hear your dads OK, Sorry to hear he`s having trouble with diabetes though.
Bro inlaw is diabetic in a major way and he always keeps barley sugars in his pocket and likes an iced coffee or chocolate milk when he starts feeling low.
As for your outburst, i am really shocked at it!!!!!!!
Shocked that you managed to hold it in this bloody long that is.
As for the guardianship crap, you are on the high ground, and unless they can afford a high dollar LA lawyer they have no chance in hell.
Take in all the joy you can from his thanks and smiles mate, they are true, honest and heartfelt, the best kind and i`m sure they make him feel just as good.
Take care mate
Cheers
Troppo

[putnaja1]

Have you seen the new developments that are going on with Alzheiler's Disease?  Check out the "Research Directions" section of the Alzheimer's page in wikipedia.org:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimers

Seems that a new drug has shown positive results in stopping Alzheimer's from getting worse..

[333]

Not to sound paranoid, but what's ths chance of S & S knowing about this forum?  Not that there's anything here that damages your case-just the opposite.  But wouldn't just chap their cheeks if they were reading?

[bill440cars]

Take care Billy.

Sam.

           I'm sure trying to Sam.

                            You Do The Same.

                                       Bill

[bill440cars]

G`day bill
So glad to hear your dads OK, Sorry to hear he`s having trouble with diabetes though.
Bro inlaw is diabetic in a major way and he always keeps barley sugars in his pocket and likes an iced coffee or chocolate milk when he starts feeling low.
As for your outburst, i am really shocked at it!!!!!!!
Shocked that you managed to hold it in this bloody long that is.
As for the guardianship crap, you are on the high ground, and unless they can afford a high dollar LA lawyer they have no chance in hell.
Take in all the joy you can from his thanks and smiles mate, they are true, honest and heartfelt, the best kind and i`m sure they make him feel just as good.
Take care mate
Cheers
Troppo

         Thanks Troppo, yeah he's doing pretty well, except for his latest thing of "Low Blood Sugar". He hasn't been earing too well for a while now. Got tired of HER crappy So-Called Cooking and just hasn't gotten back up to speed since.

         As far as my outburst goes, it's been a very long time coming. My MAIN concentration was on getting things Straight, the way Dad wanted. Things aren't as stressed now, even though we've still got that STUPID Guardianship Lawsuit to deal with. With everything that is in place, with Dad calling the shots AND with the Lawyer we have, I feel like they will soon be walking. Oh, he'll still have his GMC Sprint (such as it is), but he'll have to work to have money to buy gas.   Oh yes, I don't think he knows yet that my name is on EVERYTHING of Dad's. That's the way Dad wanted it....and THAT"S the way it is done.

         Them affording a High Dollar Lawyer would be like ME paying CASH for one of those Dodge Vipers. It ain't gonna happen.

         Saw my Dad this morning and he was doing pretty darn good. Let him know about the latest things, just as I have from the start of this. Now and then I have to remind him of things like today, he asked me if he had me on most everything. I assured him that I was on EVERYTHING, just as he wished. He said, "Good, I don't want David to have ANYTHING!" I let him know that all is well and he was content. I'll tell you, it does my heart good to see him being able to relax and even get a bit fiesty.    

[bill440cars]

Have you seen the new developments that are going on with Alzheiler's Disease?  Check out the "Research Directions" section of the Alzheimer's page in wikipedia.org:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimers

Seems that a new drug has shown positive results in stopping Alzheimer's from getting worse..

      Thanks for that, I'll have to check into it. Appreciate the link also. We will definitely get to the bottom of the Alzheimer's thing.

                              Take care, Bill