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...

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Subtle Changes, Obvious Warnings?

This morning, my sister and her husband went to visit Dad.  They found him in the TV room, singing to the music with his eyes closed.  He recognized both of them and was so happy to see them both.  They took him out to the patio so they could have a better visit.  The sun was shining and Dad told them how good the sun felt so warm on his face...

My sister noticed Dad was wearing some dark brown slip on type slippers. Dad told them how fast he could run in them.  She reminded him not to do any running because we did not want him to fall again...

She also observed Dad's right eye looked the worst she has ever seen it.  His eye was so goopy she had one of the nurses clean his eye with a warm towel.  He is currently on antibiotics for his yeast infection and before that, ten days of antibiotic drops for his eyes.  Maybe he is becoming immune from so much antibiotics??

My sister reported his sore on his upper lip looked larger.  Dad was unable to bend his fingers on his left hand.  My sister asked if it hurt and Dad told her he could slap some one good with his left hand and he made a fist with his right, telling her he could slug some body if he had to protect himself...


Dad continuously itched the top left side of his head the entire visit.  He told my sister's husband itching the head made his hair grow faster... My brother in law noted Dad can't seem to focus on reality for too long...

My Dad used to have a nervous habit of itching.  He was obsessive about it, and would make red welts on his arms and legs.  He would even scratch nervously, in one spot, over his clothes.  I used to notice him doing so before he was admitted when he was so paranoid...

Dad told them, "They" came in all drunk with guns blazing and shot up the place.  Dad put "them" all in prison.  After "they" sobered up, they were remorseful, so he let "them" all out...


Despite Dad's confusion, he seemed very happy and content...

Lunch was served and Dad was ready to eat.  The sun made Dad sleepy so my sister was sure he took a good nap after devouring his lunch.

Tomorrow my husband and I plan to visit.  I intend to talk to the nurses about my sister's observations and to have them pay more attention to his level of paranoia and fear...  I have asked them to avoid having him see the news and to keep his TV viewing as pleasant as possible...

I am concerned.  I sense subtle changes and hope it is not an obvious warning...

6 comments:

Southhamsdarling said...

I sympathize with you Donna, I really do. It is heartbreaking to see someone you love having to suffer like this. I hope you manage to have a good visit and that speaking to the nurses might put your mind at rest a little.

gayle said...

You are so right about your dads viewing of tv! They really should limit it! Hope you had a great visit!

Jeanie said...

I'm glad you are there to get some information about all that is going on instead of having to try to do it all by phone.

Chatty Crone said...

I am so sorry - prayers for everyone - sandie

Tammy said...

Bless your heart for being so sweet and attentive to your father. I know it's hard, but your caring truly makes the world a better place. May all of your goodness come back to you, and all the best to your family.

Unknown said...

Donna, is the paranoia more obvious when the family is there or does he react the same when talking to the residents too? I know that has got to be the tough part for all of you, wondering how he will be when you are visiting.

Good for you all for noting all that is going on so that you can sit down and talk further about his condition. I hope the visit is a good one.