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

[bill440cars]

         He went to the doctor today and my brother's wife called to let me know how it was going. Seems his memory is progressively getting worse and he's starting into the 1st stages of Altzheimer's and he's having to have oxygen all the time now. Needless to say he won't be doing any motorcycle work. I've been asked by my brother's wife, to come and get my CB400F, thr CB750A (that my Dad had bought to fix up and a 79' CB750K parts job (that he'd bought for whatever parts he could use on the 750A) You have to keep in mind that he hadn't had much dealing with Jap bikes (only Indians, Jawas and British bikes of the 50's and 60's). Anyway, I've got to hurry and get my 94' minivan squared away so I can be down there more. Dad lives about 1 & 1/2 - 2 hours away and that makes i a little tight. Pray for us, if you will.

                               Later on, Bill  

[Bob Wessner]

Pray for us, if you will.

Consider it done. Good luck, Bill.

[BobbyR]

Stay strong Bill, these things work themselves out.

[DME]

Hang in there, Bill. You´re in my prayers.
Dan

[medic09]

Pray for us, if you will.

Consider it done. Good luck, Bill.

+1

[Uncle Ernie]

Maybe you should leave the parts bike there so he'll have something to do.  Alzheimers folks love repetitive things that they're used to.  Keeps 'em entertained a lot.  If there's no gas or anything, what's the harm?

My father in law uded to fidget with latches, keys, knobs, and switches a lot.  My Mom used to go over the same mail and bills over and over- reorganizing them.  Keeps their minds occupied in a way that they can handle.

[Sam Green Racing]

Stick in there Billy, we're all behind you.

Sam.

[medic09]

Hey Bill,  not to be impertinent (sp?), but do you all have a good family practice doc or health support nurse who make sure that everyone understands what is going on with pops, and what he needs, and what will likely best serve his needs?

Sorry, the professional side coming out...

[aptech77]

Pray for us, if you will.

Consider it done. Good luck, Bill.

+1

+1,697,978,001.9857690

[toycollector10]

I hope that it works out O.K. Bill, and that you have the support of the guys here. I know that you have.

As we say down here in the south pacific...."Kia kaha, aroha arohanui"..Which means in our native language  'Strength, be strong, and love'....

[bill440cars]

                         Thank You All, you all are the BEST!

                       I know that I have your support and all

                       And that means a whole lot to me!!!!!!

                     medic, I thank you for your concern, both

                     professional and personal. We're getting the
 
                     details of what he needs and all. Of course,
                 
                     no disease is liked but, I really HATE this one!

                    I just wonder how long he'll have to endure this?

                    Sometimes, "Memories are all we have, and then
                   
                    there's the times (like this). memories just go away.

                                                 

[xtalon]

Maybe you should leave the parts bike there so he'll have something to do.  Alzheimers folks love repetitive things that they're used to.  Keeps 'em entertained a lot.  If there's no gas or anything, what's the harm?

My father in law uded to fidget with latches, keys, knobs, and switches a lot.  My Mom used to go over the same mail and bills over and over- reorganizing them.  Keeps their minds occupied in a way that they can handle.

I agree with Uncle E, anything you can do to help stimulate his mind will only help in my opinion.  The old saying, 'if you don't use it, you lose it', goes for the mind as well.  I've seen many old people just veggitate in front of the idiot box (TV) and I think that is bad thing.  Sure, it may have to come down to that eventually, but stimulate his mind as much as you can, while he can.

No matter what, I hope everything works out for the best.  I know it has to be a hard time for you.  Regardless of whether he remembers you or what you are doing for him, you will know and eventually when he is with the man upstairs, he will know too.

--xTalon

[medic09]

Bill,

You should be able to get all the info you need locally.  If you have any trouble, email me and I will try to get you some info based on specific diagnosis, other illnesses, medications he's taking, etc.


mordechai

Med Flight Air Ambulance
ABQ

[Stormer]

Be strong my friend!
Keep the things serenity and give the oldie as much dignity as possible.
And just leave the life flow.

[malcolmgb]

You're in my thoughts as well Bill, just remember to take care of yourself too.
Perhaps one day the 750A will run again as a testament to you and your fathers strength.

[Rushoid]

I mirror what everyones already said here. You and your family are in my prayers, Bill.

Lee

[my78k]

I wish I had more to offer you Bill. Others have already stated it but I will echo their sentiments and tell you that we are thinking of you and your dad.

It's time like these that show one's true character and I know your's will shine through. You're a good man and we all know the apple doesn't fall far from the tree so your dad must be good one too! Take care of him and try to give him whatever love and support you can. Always keep his needs at the forefront and ensure that your brother shares in this concern.

Hang in there Bill,
Dennis

[DarkRider]

Hang in there Bill!! As aways you are in my prayers man.

[ledbetter]

Will be keeping you and your dad in my prayers,God bless you and your dad.

Ledbetter

[jtb]

Bill, remember as time goe on, that you have to find some time for you and your family, otherwise you'll go crazy.  We had Martha's mother at our house for 5 years.  You're in our thoughts and prayers.

John

[bill440cars]

         I've said it before and I'll say it again, "You Folks Are The Greatest!!!" Thank you for your support and your thoughts and all!

         Between your support and my Faith in God, I know that we'll get through this. I know that He would put any more on you than you can handle but, I don't think my limits are as high as he does! I do know that I can't dwell on it, or it will lick me and I can't allow that! I've heard all kinds of stories about Alzheimer's and have never had any personal experience with it. My Dad has always been so strong willed and has shared so many memories over the years, about my Grandfather and himself. Now, I'm having to remind him of as many of those memories that I can think of. I remember noticing a while back that he'd not remember some things that happened some time back and just contributed it to age. Shoot, there are things that completely slip MY mind, you know? I want you all to know that I thank God for ALL of you who have been and will be there for me.

                                   Later on, Bill   

[martini]

Best wishes man. A good friend's mother had alziemers and he said that in a strange way it actually brought him closer to his mother. Although its an aweful thing to have to watch someone you love go through he said that in the end he learned more about his mother's strength and courage than he ever had before. Be there for your dad, he needs you more than ever now.

[ieism]

Take it one step at a time Bill, i'm sure you'll find a way to deal with this somehow. Your faith and the love for your dad will get you through all this, i'm sure.
In the beginning it's so much of a shock, and you hear so many horrible things about Alzheimers that you always assume the worstcase scenario. My grandmother has Altzheimers (she's 86 now), and it was really difficult in the beginning (esspecialy for my father who was also battlling cancer at that time).
But the truth is, it's often a slow process and there isn't much suffering involved for the person who has it. When it starts out it may puzzle them why they can't remember stuff, but later they kinda get used to this. Some Altzheimer patients seem pretty happy and cheerfull to me when I see them in the place my grandmother lives.

I'll tell you this, my grandmother was always a bit of a neurotic. She constanly worried about stuff when she was younger. Stuff like bills, finances, her kids, gossip, everything always got to her and she was too neurotic to ever sit back and enjoy life. Now when I go visit her, it takes her a while to figure out who I am, but for the first time in her life she's actually happy and relaxed.
She can't do many things by herself anymore, but she's taken care of really well. And she can still play the piano!
Goodluck with your father, i'm sure you and your family will get trough this.

Ivar

[Rocking-M]

Bill, our prayers are with you and your family, take care, Robert

[bill440cars]

          You know, the Support & Concern that you all have shown me and the others who have needed supporting, is one of the main reasons that SOHC4 is THE BEST forum around!! Thank You ALL!!

           I'm going down tomorrow to see just what IS going on. It seems like there is some of an understanding arising. I'll be there as much and as often as I possibly can for my Dad. Unless there are some MAJOR changes though, I don't see my brother and myself having anything to do with one another after my Dad is gone.   To put it in a Nut Shell, My brother is "all about himself" and I'm totally opposite. I'm for helping others out as and when I can. Sure, I like to do my own thing but, not at the expense of others. I've really tried for many many years to try and build a relationship with him, only to be blown out of the water by his greed & need to be the center of attention. So now, I figure it is way past it being his turn. It's his turn to make the 1st move and if he does, I'll try once again. Enough said, I'm getting prepared for my trip tomorrow and I'll let you all know how it went.

                              Later on, Bill