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...

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

It would have been nice....

One of the nurses at the nursing home called to inform me Dad's doctor wanted him to see a Cardiologist outside the nursing home.  Dad has been off two of his blood thinner medications since his fall. 

We have never taken Dad outside the facility since admitting him.  In fact, we have avoided it.  To take him out, we must have a CNA with us, his wheel chair, and another person to help lift Dad.  We need a family to go with him, or he gets paranoid and can turn combative.  Mom cannot take him by herself.

I am disappointed his doctor did not contact me first, instead of just scheduling the appointment with no regard to availability for Mom or whomever will go with her.  Mom does not return to California until the day before. It would have been nice if he would have called us first...

I sent an email to the family and one of my brothers may go with Mom.  I will call tomorrow and find out where the appointment will be.  I will also call Dad's physician and express our preference to receive a "heads up" BEFORE they schedule future appointments.

3 comments:

朱榮 said...
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Tina said...

I completely agree. We dealt with a similar situation regarding my beloved Grandma. Any time her oxygen dipped just a little, they'd haul her to the emergency room, and I, being closest geographically, would have to drop everything and spend most times an entire day for the docs to finally say, "Hmm, must have been a fluke, she's very healthy." I wished they'd let me handle it completely, which would have been a doctor's appointment since the situation wasn't acute. Thanks for stopping by at Life is Good, and for following. I wish you all the best as you care for your beloved Dad.

Donna B. said...

Tina: I know these doctors want to "cover themselves" with their mal practice insurance and all. But Dad is on a one way path. There is no turning back. Why traumatize him or inconvenience him when he is not in any pain? The last time I spoke with the neurologist before Dad was discharged, he wanted to drill into Dad's skull, release the fluid (old blood) from the surface of his brain. Our family discussed it and since Dad was not in any pain, did not seem to be acting strangely, we declined to have it done. Sedating him, would have long lasting effects on him being a dementia patient. He also would be absolutely terrified of having any surgery on his brain, because that is what he thinks would happen with dementia or Alzheimer's. So if that is what the doctor wants to do, we will cancel the appointment. We want what is best for Dad and want to keep him comfortable and pain free. That is our goal.