I mentioned in a previous post that my Dad's internal defibrillator had stopped working right and that the dr's turned it off until they could decide what to do with it. He had an appointment yesterday and will be having surgery sometime in the next couple of weeks. They THINK that one of the leads came off of it, or that the screw holding the lead onto the actual defibrillator came out (where the hell did it go if it came out??).
Because he's had the defibrillator for over six months (apparently) scar tissue has formed around the leads on it. So he'll have to have two separate surgeries at the same time. The first surgeon will go in with a laser to remove the scar tissue. Then the second surgeon will go in and replace the lead (if that's what's wrong with it. If not, I'm guessing that they'll replace the whole thing).
He's not doing well. Dad was involved in a hit and run accident on his motorcycle years ago (I was about 16 when it happened). His hip was badly damaged, he's had at least 4 hip replacement surgeries since then. He's supposed to wear one of those built up shoes because one of his legs is much shorter than the other (due to the hip injury), but he's never really worn one. He's always just walked with a cane (and a major limp).
He's having a lot of trouble getting around now. My sister told me today that he's fallen on the steps going into his house twice in the last couple of months. He's hurt his ribs both times.
She's really worried about him. He's weak, he's tired, his color doesn't look good. She said that he's having so much trouble getting around that he'll probably end up in a wheelchair before long. I'm sure a lot of this has to do with the fact that the defibrillator isn't working right but it still worries me. My Dad isn't getting younger. I'm so scared that something is going to happen to him before I get to go home in September.
Today when Don gets home he's going to start looking into the VA, Tricare (Dads military insurance), and the VFW (Dad's a member) to see what kind of assistance my Sister can get. She's having to take major time off of work bring Dad to all of his appointments and surgeries. We've also got to look into what kind of help they can get so they can get Daddy's house handicap accessible. I'm really hoping that Don will be able to find something through one of them that will give my sister some kind of help.
I'm worried y'all. I feel terrible that I can't be there to help my sister more. I feel terrible that I can't be there to help my Dad more. I feel terrible that I can't be there to spend some time with Daddy. Basically, I feel terrible.
I'm worried about my Daddy!
12 comments:
I am worried too!
I will keep in my thoughts. Hang in there, dear. You are not alone and have many shoulders to cry on if need be.
prayers for you dad
awwwwwww...this just breaks my heart!! I hope that he can find some kind of assistance to give your sis some relief. He will be in my prayers
{{HUGS}}
I'll keep you all in my thoughts. Everything will work out. X's and O's.
Dear Homesick Cajun: I can understand this. Maybe there is some homecare you could get from the VA? Or maybe a neighbour could help relieve your sis for awhile for abit of money. Find the volunteer services in your area. If you are trying to help in some capacity that will help relieve your feelings that you are not doing anything. Also a second opinion about the management of your dad's med situation. Hope this helps! Prayers are with you and your dad. Father's day is coming up Sunday! I got to call my dad too and wish I could be there; you're not alone in your "Homesickness" but we'll claim Homewannabes; I dont like the word "sick"; it is sort of a self-fulfilling prophesy. You know?¸¸.✶*¨‘*✶☀¸¸.☆☆* ♥ *☆
Oh no, I hope your dad gets better and is okay!
And TriCare...I hear TriCare is a bitch. :(
Sending thoughts and prayers. I hope he'll be okay. It's so hard watching our parents age.
So sorry to hear that your Dad isn't well. I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers, each day. I wish that there was some way that you could come down for a short visit, during the surgery. Hugs! Love, Marguerite
I will pray for you and your daddy. Sometimes we just have to take it day by day...or hour by hour! Keep us updated on the surgeries. I think I know a way to brighten your day though. Stop by my place when you get a minute.
Aww sweetie keeping your familiy and your daddy in my prayers... hoping he gets extra help for your sister and they gethis defibrillator fixed
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My husband does a lot of volunteer work with the VA so if you run into trouble maybe he can give your sister some direction just let me know .Keep strong and make sure to take care of yourself (stress causes flares )
It's so hard when a parent is sick. I've been through it all. Hope he is ok.
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