After a few puzzling weeks, Dad's neurologist is assuming Dad had a small stroke. His flailing limbs, sometimes slurred speech, and sensitivity to light and touch all point to some level of stroke activity. There is no proof of this, because nothing new showed up on the brain scan; however the doc thinks the stroke occurred in the same area of the brain as Dad's 2007 stroke. Damage upon damage doesn't reveal any new event. But, Dad's new symptoms are very much indicative of stroke activity, not Parkinson's.
We are moving forward on this premise. So, the doc is playing with meds, and Dad is receiving PT, to the point that he can. He has good days and bad days. He's unhappy with so many things, but loves having visitors and eating peach ice cream from the rehab bistro. His brain is fairly clear, which almost makes it more difficult - he understands what's happened to him. And he hates it.
I hate it too. I pray all the time that Dad will remember God loves him and still has a plan. I've told Dad several times that he is not his body - his declining body is just his EARTH SUIT. It's not really who he is, but Dad never seems convinced. He's a Navy guy from the Greatest Generation. Strength and productive work are everything.
We're going day by day here, thanking God for small pleasures, like cozy slip-free socks, kind therapists, and Sr. Immaculata, who tells Dad she doesn't care if he's shaky and tremor-y. "Once you're on your feet," she tells him, "we'll do the jitterbug."
I'm getting a picture of that.
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| The religion teacher and Dad just before Christmas |
16 comments:
It's good you have a more defined diagnosis and treatment can be given. We just have to be thankful for the few little things that can be enjoyed and go from there. One day at a time is the best way to live.
So glad you have caring people involved in his treatment. They help make a hard situation a little more bearable. I will add your dad to my prayers today.
Nice photo. Your dad and mom are both so photogenic. :) Hope you are doing well.
Marie
You are all still in my thoughts and prayers.
What a loving and devoted daughter you are. He is very lucky to have such a family.
At least they have some idea what happened to him, a stroke can be such a terrible thing. I remember when my mum had a stroke way back in 78 wouldn't know it to see her now but at the time she was not very good at all............
I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and your family. You all are in my prayers - you for strength and for your dad to not be uncomfortable.
Seems like 2013 continues to be a year of challenges for you. I admire you for trying to find the positives and pray your trust in God continues to increase as you walk through these rocky times.
That's good that they're narrowing it down and can move forward. It's so hard especially on men when their bodies don't do what they want them to do, or what they used to do. I'll be praying in agreement with you that he find peace in God love for him.
I've never heard the expression "Earth Suit," but I love it. Prayers for dad & you!
Oh how hard this is. I know that well. And it never seems to get easier. My heart is with you. You are right. Since his mind is pretty clear, it is harder. Maybe if you remind him that you are learning so much about your own future through his experience, maybe he will feel like this is a productive situation. And you are learning ... every single day.
Hi Mare! I missed this post somehow. Oh, so your Dad had a stroke? Wow. That is so interesting. Your post has a tone of calm yet constant frustrations. My Dad's mind was sharp to the end. His dang body was the uncontrollable part. Keep your chin up gal. You are in my prayers. ♥
Praying this will lead to a recovery, with some kind of positive life style. Thank you for keeping us posted.
You and Dad are in my thoughts and prayers ((big hugs))
Adding you, your dad and family to my prayer list...it's tough when family members aren't well. (((hugs)))
All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. You because caregiving is hard. Your father, so that he can accept what he can't change. All of you family, because it isn't just you and your dad. Hugs.
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