dj
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Wow. This is incredible. Thanks for sharing these tender, special moments. I also had the privilege of watching my Dad move into heaven a little over a year ago from CC. I miss him so much, and Fathers Day brings the pain back all over. But it is joyful to realize that even though Dad isn’t here for me or my 3 sisters, he is celebrating in heaven with other family, including his youngest child, a son, my only brother, who only lived 3 days from birth. That makes it all the more special. I love you, Dad, but I know we will meet again someday in heaven!
Kathy, you may want to research Dr Geschwind at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He treated my Dad, and I’ve seen his name mentioned in other posts. Best of luck in your search.
DonnaAndie, when ammonia level is high, it causes rapid changes in personality. We experienced it with our Dad near his end. Our usually easygoing Dad suddenly became a different (meaner) person. It was very sad, and we kept trying to reason with him, but it only made things worse. As difficult as it is, try not to take it personally. This isn’t your “real” Dad or your Mom’s “real” husband. Its the horrible disease showing its face. There isn’t much you can do, except have doctor prescribe meds to reduce ammonia levels. Don’t wait for Dad to make cognitive decision. You may need to call doctor without his ok. Its not easy, because it sounds like you and Dad have had a healthy relationship up until this time, and its tough to go against a parent’s wishes and make your own decision, but you probably have to. I do remember that feeling of being incredulous that my Dad was acting that way. It was only later that I understood it. Prayers to you, your Mom, and your Dad.
Donna
lost my Dad, age 73, on May 27, 2010I will join you in prayer on Wed., John. I lost my Dad, Frank, to CC on May 27, 2010. This has been a very difficult Christmas Season for our family. Peace and love to you and your family.
DonnaMichael – I feel your pain so much. We lost our Dad on 5/27/10 to CC, and the speed at which things fell apart was one of the toughest things to handle. I know how you feel when the doctors seem to have given up. I don’t know enough to give you any suggestions about further treatment, but if you and your family are ready to talk with the hospital social worker, you may want to consider in-patient hospice. It gave us such special time with our Dad, when we knew it was the end, to focus entirely on an easy, hopefully painless transition for Dad. There are still times when I wonder if we “gave up” too easily, but most of the time, I know that God wanted him in heaven. Dad was diagnosed on 12/23/09 and was pretty much self-sufficient and independent (certainly not too sick) until 5/13/10 when he started experiencing some of the same symptoms you describe. It was a whirlwind 14 days, and awful decisions had to be made, but my Dad knew his end was coming as a result of the disease, and he wanted to go with dignity and comforting last moments with his family. Thank God, we were able to have that. My Dad was only 73 years young. I miss him everyday, but I know he is in my life everyday, too, as I can see evidence of it in things that happen. The torture of this disease, I think, is in needing to accept it. I pray for you and your family, as I know this is extremely difficult.
Donna
