This blog was formerly dedicated in 2009 to my Dad who died of Alzheimer's in 2013. It's been three years now...and I find myself missing blogging...so I am re-inventing my blog... because, after all, life is about moving through, and going forward...

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Doppler for Dad tomorrow...

I missed another phone call from the nursing home. My stupid phone was down to two bars at 4pm, after being fully charged this morning. I called Verizon and raised such a fuss, they are sending me another phone charger. 

The nurse called to let me know Dad's feet are all swollen and purple again.  The wound on his left foot keeps breaking open and is not healing, probably due to poor circulation. They called Dad's doctor and they will do a Doppler reading on him tomorrow.  The Doppler ultrasound will test his circulation in his legs and find if he has any blocked arteries or veins.

Before Dad went into the nursing home, he was seeing a vascular surgeon weekly.  Both the surgeon and his primary care physician said he had very poor circulation in both his legs.  His primary doctor told us his veins were collapsed and he should constantly move his feet like he was barefoot and standing on a hot sidewalk.
Course, Dad could not remember nor would he accept his doctor's diagnosis.

He was suppose to wear his compression stockings to keep the blood flowing in his veins and he was to elevate his legs to reduce the swelling.  Dad would ignore the doctor's advise and would walk and work in the yard.  His legs would get swollen and he would cut off his stockings because they had gotten so tight from the swelling, being on his feet all day.

When I gave Dad a stern talking to, he listened, and he was putting his legs up...then he got pneumonia.  That is what started his Dementia journey in the nursing home last May...

Mom went to visit him today and to her credit, she listened patiently smiling as Dad went on and on about how much he loves his Angel attendant, and how passionate he feels towards her.  Mom said Dad seems very happy, which is such a huge relieve to all of us.

He told Mom he had to go to Washington DC for important, secret business.  Mom did not miss a beat, telling him it had stormed heavily in Washington, so he might want to hold off a few days to see if the snow melts.... Dad hesitated a minute, and then told her he thought he could probably do just that...

6 comments:

Mari said...

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's legs. Hope the Doppler turns out ok!

Natasha said...

Love your mom - that's where you get your spirit from, I can see. With darlings like your father, it is better to just play along on the James Bond bit.

When you have time, can you hop across to my blog. Left something for you there.

Vegas Linda Lou said...

The angel attending your father is exactly that--an angel. God bless the people who care for our old folks. It takes a special kind of person, and they're underpaid and overworked.

Donna B. said...

Thanks Mari...I am saying my prayers tonight. I just hope it is nothing requiring drastic measures...

Hi Rayna...thank you again for the award! Mom has really come a long way. We use our sense of humor A LOT with Dad, he can really be a character.

Hi Linda..I know, she is worth her weight in Gold. Gotta bring her a gift next time I visit...

Jeanie said...

Both your mom and your dad's "angel" are such blessings to your dad. I hope the new charger resolves you phone isssues.

gayle said...

I would demand a new phone!! So sorry about your dads legs!!