Dad fell again 2 days ago and a consultant was here watching me trying to get him up. He weighs 220 lbs. She told me I should never try to do that by myself. She personally broke her back 10 years ago getting her father up and her life has never been the same.
So today when he fell I coached him through trying to get up and he couldn't. So I called 911 and they noticed he was half comatose... bp was 70/50. a very thorough exam that probably caught some things that had been missed for a while. One was a fractured ankle (his leg had been sore and neither his primary, the hospital doc 3 weeks ago or the rehab doc caught it. They had him doing pt on a broken ankle, even though I emphasized something was different (he has chf) His leg, of course, got no better.
But tonight a very thorough doc was at er and he found the fracture, yea! What else he found was that his pancreace is active in pancreatitis again. 20 years ago he had half of it removed. Since mom died, he drinks daily, even though I told him that it was causing his falls.
My question is not about the drinking; It'sgood timing and there are people to help him through DTs if he needs it, but about pancxreatitis. He was much younger then and almost didn't make it. I cant find much searching. Does anyone have any experience?
Sorry about the typo's---gotta find my glasses!
Linda
The NHS pages are written for the public at large, but they're nice and clear and will give you more detail section by section as you want it. There's a link to acute pancreatitis too but I'm guessing chronic applies better. Mind you, I doubt there's a single page on the whole website that doesn't tell you to stop smoking and drink less, not even the one on housemaid's knee. We live in the nanniest of nanny states, sigh...
Your dad has got to 91. Fair to say that his way works for him. And even if he is a drunk (I wouldn't be quite so hasty, myself) he certainly doesn't sound like a mean drunk. You're right to suggest the "lie down before you fall down" approach; right to look for support and find him company; right to mind your back especially... I can't see you're getting anything wrong? Gold star daughter. Good luck, and I hope everything goes gently for him.
Oh yeah, I forgot: my uncle was still 6' 4" when he died at 87. I'm not sure how anyone can assume that 220lbs is obese without knowing the person's height. Do not send your father to WeightWatchers.
You are being very realistic and responsible .if you are prepared to take care of your dad at home I think you will need to take medical leave in the near future and hire some caregivers. He is probably already too sick for day care but the drs and hospice can advise you on the best course to take. If he needs skilled nursing care they are unlikely to allow any alcohol which will be a difficult problem so if it can be managed home is the best place. Some of his excess weight may be due to the fluid retention from the CHF. At this time allow him to eat what ever he fancies and can tolerate. The same with the alcohol. after he gets in bed is a good idea. As far as fractures are concerned some people do think that hip fractures occur before the fall and are the cause of it but this has not been proven. Bones become more brittle with age and alcoholism makes one more prone to osteoporosis.. you are a very caring daughter and ready to make sacrifices to allow your Dad to spend his final time at home which is a great gift. be sure you have enough help to manage this. Some hospices have inpatient facilities and enough funds to provide a lot of in home help. this does depend on their fundraising abilities Medicare payments do not come close to providing enough money for 24 hour in home care. Please let us know how things are going
Cui bono.....
Are you able to take care of dad at home? it will not be an easy job as alchoholics are rarely compliant and can be very demanding. Please post again as others will have experience to share.
PS Why do glasses hide when you most need them?! Infuriating - I can't find my glasses 'cos I can't see 'cos I haven't got my glasses...