This is just a quick note to keep you updated as to the challenges we are now facing.
Mom had congestive heart failure so bad we had to take her to the emergency ward on Sunday.
She did so much better after they removed the excess water. She was home that day. Janet and I found out she was not taking her meds every day. That is why she almost died. Now we make sure she takes her medications. Unfortunately, when she takes her medications, she cannot sleep, because she has to go to the bathroom every hour. She is totally exhausted in the morning without a deep sleep. It is a Catch 22...no rest and staying alive. Wow! What a horrible choice between the quality of life and death. Janet and I agonize over the challenges facing us.
Dad is coming home tomorrow.
All of our Sin Jin Jyutsu is paying off. The only problem is we have to reconfigure the entire house. We had to tear out all the carpet. There are hardwood floors. I had to pull up all the staples and clean the hall and room where dad will be staying. We had to move out all the furniture before the carpet was removed.
It was an incredible amount of work removing all the furniture and carpet.
I cannot tell you how much work was involved. If your parents are in this zone...GET PREPARED! MAKE SURE THEY HAVE MEDICARE AND THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SECONDARY INSURANCE. You will not be sorry.
I had no idea as to how much work it will be to take care of him at home.
Don't let your parents get into this situation if you can help it. It is unbelievable...the amount of stress on everyone. We spent the last two days learning how to take care of dad. It has blown my mind. Am I ready to change diapers, do physical therapy, do all the cooking and cleaning?
Am I man enough to step up to the plate to take care of mom and dad?
Would it be easier to take care of them when they were not experiencing crises at the same time? I don't know because the you know what is hitting the fan all at the same time. If only they had listened and chosen optimal health. Hindsight is 20-20. You have to accept the situation you are in.
Janet and I love my mom and dad, but what a challenge for 24 hour home health care.
Are we up to the challenge? I don't know at this time. We will keep you updated. Janet is working like a madwoman to transcribe my interview with Doctor Garry Gordon, MD, one of the most brilliant people I have ever met.
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