I apologise in advance, I never know where to post I came here a while ago as I had my suspicions but now, months and months down the line from when I first found TP, I KNOW my Dad has some form of dementia though it's never officially been diagnosed.
I posted another thread last week, if somebody could please copy the link I'd be greatful?
Amazingly, in fact nothing short of what I'd call a miracle, he's made it. In a way I never imagined possible. The chest drain came out after they slowly decreased the extra oxygen over a day or two til he no longer needs any form of help breathing, his blood pressure and heart rate have settled. The catheter came out yesterday, though he's essentially wearing a nappy. The last cannula came out today as he had the last antibiotics Tuesday and no extra fluid since yesterday.
Mobility wise he's having daily physio to assist him in getting out of bed, which he can now manage with a Zimmer frame, though he needs help to get in and out of a chair. This should improve more with physio and there's been talk of him being transferred to a rehab centre.
Basically nobody knows if the condition he's in now cognitively is due to the head injury, delirium or dementia. It's hard to get them to understand that yes, he's massively improved but he was unresponsive after a car accident, and at the same time he most certainly shouldn't have been driving as there were already problems, just not on this scale. He can't remember anything short term, has no clue where he is so is constantly asking to go home, while he speaks to us and knows who we are the logic has gone. It's hard to describe it really is. I know without a doubt if it weren't for physios getting him out of bed he wouldn't, he eats only because it's put in front of him. I dont know, I've seen him with delirium not long ago and whilst I agree yes he's developed it again, the calmer he's become he's hallucinating less. It's what worries me about moving him anywhere.
I basically don't know what I need to be doing, there's less 'medical' staff involved in his care daily, he's visited by physio and occupational therapy. I met them today and I was just asked basic questions as to what he was like prior to the accident. I don't know what to say or who to ask anymore, except I'm worried too much movement is just going to confuse my poor dad even more. We've gone from hospital appointments for suspected bowel cancer, to emergency life saving treatment after a car accident to where we are in less than 2 weeks
Sent from my iPad using Talking Point
I posted another thread last week, if somebody could please copy the link I'd be greatful?
Amazingly, in fact nothing short of what I'd call a miracle, he's made it. In a way I never imagined possible. The chest drain came out after they slowly decreased the extra oxygen over a day or two til he no longer needs any form of help breathing, his blood pressure and heart rate have settled. The catheter came out yesterday, though he's essentially wearing a nappy. The last cannula came out today as he had the last antibiotics Tuesday and no extra fluid since yesterday.
Mobility wise he's having daily physio to assist him in getting out of bed, which he can now manage with a Zimmer frame, though he needs help to get in and out of a chair. This should improve more with physio and there's been talk of him being transferred to a rehab centre.
Basically nobody knows if the condition he's in now cognitively is due to the head injury, delirium or dementia. It's hard to get them to understand that yes, he's massively improved but he was unresponsive after a car accident, and at the same time he most certainly shouldn't have been driving as there were already problems, just not on this scale. He can't remember anything short term, has no clue where he is so is constantly asking to go home, while he speaks to us and knows who we are the logic has gone. It's hard to describe it really is. I know without a doubt if it weren't for physios getting him out of bed he wouldn't, he eats only because it's put in front of him. I dont know, I've seen him with delirium not long ago and whilst I agree yes he's developed it again, the calmer he's become he's hallucinating less. It's what worries me about moving him anywhere.
I basically don't know what I need to be doing, there's less 'medical' staff involved in his care daily, he's visited by physio and occupational therapy. I met them today and I was just asked basic questions as to what he was like prior to the accident. I don't know what to say or who to ask anymore, except I'm worried too much movement is just going to confuse my poor dad even more. We've gone from hospital appointments for suspected bowel cancer, to emergency life saving treatment after a car accident to where we are in less than 2 weeks
Sent from my iPad using Talking Point
