feeling horrible and helpless

[shrimp]

I just got back from a visit with Dad. Thank God tomorrow is family meeting day with the staff. I walked in, the first thing I noticed was that he has lost so much weight his lips are receding from his mouth. His face is looking skeletal. They came in to sit him on the side of the bed. He moaned and and nearly screamed with pain when he was tring to push up. It is so horrible to listen too. They have put on a second fentanyl patch. I don't think this is worth it. He is still hallucintating off and on, but his calcium levels are fine.

[Patti B]

(((((Shrimp)))))

I am so sorry..........I truly hope your dad starts to feel better soon.

Hugs - Patti B.

[Larry's Wife]

(((Shrimp))) I am so sorry to hear this news. I am praying for you, your father and your family.

Lynn

[SandraL]

Oh my gosh shrimp. I am so sorry that things do not appear to be getting any better. It is so hard to see a loved one in pain. Prayers for your dad and for what will probably be a tough family meeting to get through.

Sandra

[sharyn]

Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you - I know it is so hard to watch someone you love in pain... I pray God things turn around for you.

[Caren]

I'm so sorry to hear that your dad isn't doing too good right now (((HUGS)))

[shrimp]

We had the weekly meeting with the staff of rehab. They are going to try and get orders for a CT of the head-Dad told me today he has been having some double vision; a swallowing study; they will call ahead 30 minutes before PT so he can have pain meds;Will check to see if he is over the intestinal infection; review his meds with me;see what they can find out about his numbness. Dad is much more alert today and barely in pain. He slept well last night

[SandraL]

That's good to hear shrimp...that he is doing better and that all the right tests are planned. Prayers that the day stays good.

Sandra

[Kerri Gottlieb]

"shrimp"]We had the weekly meeting with the staff of rehab. They are going to try and get orders for a CT of the head-Dad told me today he has been having some double vision; a swallowing study; they will call ahead 30 minutes before PT so he can have pain meds;Will check to see if he is over the intestinal infection; review his meds with me;see what they can find out about his numbness. Dad is much more alert today and barely in pain. He slept well last night

I am so glad he had such a good day. Hopefully it is one of many. After a year, I have finally gotten used to the uncertainty from day to day. Today might be a crappy day, but the next 3 days could be great. Just cherish all the good days you can.

Do the fentanyl patches stay on your Dad?? My Mom was on them for a few months when she had Shingles (and the oh so lovely byproduct Post Herpetic Neuralgia) and recently the Dr took her off them because they kept falling off. She was on the 75mg in the beginning, but then she started LITERALLY falling asleep at the kitchen table, while she was standing up, etc. LMAO Then she was on 50mg which seemed to work well, except that we were putting a new one on everyday after they would fall off. Just wondering.

Thankfully, Mom has been feeling good for the past few weeks. So we're just enjoying spending time with her. She's still tired, but it's nothing a few small naps on the couch doesn't cure.

Both you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep on fighting!

[shrimp]

We haven't had a problem with the patches falling off. We did with the nitro patches-we had to use paper tape to keep them on. Dad was in pain tonight-the response was "it is too early for anything." I feel like I am fighting a losing battle. He is hallucinating a little and his legs are swelling again. The tests for his intestinal infection is still positive. That didn't surprise me. He is still very distended.

[shineladysue]

Shrimp,

I'm sorry your Dad is having a rough time. Hope they can make him more comfortable soon. Will keep him in my prayers.

Sue