Sorry I’ve been absent. My dad is 82 and had his TAVR procedure on June 3, then he had a PE that weekend, and it’s been problem after problem since, including a hospitalization that lasted over 5 weeks except for a failed 45-hour stay at a rehab facility. Several bouts of pneumonia that we found out is due to dysphagia. He’s been home for a little over 2 weeks now and it’s been… a journey.
I apologize for going radio silent, but it’s been a lot. Including, long story short, we got a diagnosis of Lewy Body/Parkinsons/Parkinsonian dementia. Don’t know for sure which yet, but we have appointments scheduled to have that clarified. (The VA did a DAT-scan on him and confirmed it’s in that family.)
I live 5 minutes from them so I’ve been over here every day, and when he was in the hospital Mom and I were there every day because he won’t eat and drink, and he has dysphagia. (A feeding tube isn’t an option at this time, #noadviceplease.) So we had to basically force him to eat and drink and the staff really can’t do that.
I have a LOT to dig out from under, and will be slow to respond as I try to catch up. Yes, I’m REALLY behind. I haven’t been able to work at all during this whole thing, thank god my mom’s been able to help us out. I’ve applied to the VA caregiver program which can pay a monthly stipend (which will really help out) but they’re about 5-6 months backlogged here in Florida apparently.
So yes, I’m still alive. And yes, I’m REALLY behind. And I apologize for that. Doesn’t help that I’m now in a massive fibro flare from all the stress and work, but he’s my dad and he’s far better off at home at this time, because he needs 1-on-1 care. When he deteriorates farther, we’ll make decisions at that point, but for now the focus is doing PT and trying to get him fed and keep him hydrated.
I will be at Smut Lovers: The Conference this week, teaching and signing (table 17).
Thanks,
Lesli/Tymber.