Dad fell today (again)
By webeishere
@webeishere (36313)
United States
September 10, 2007 1:29pm CST
Okay an update on my father is long overdue. This attatched photo was taken Sunday before I bathed him and shaved him and gave him a haircut so he looks very ragged in it. Forgive me for this. Anyhow at the Drs he had a few samples of blood drawn for various tets. Sugar, sodium,cholesterol, and liver function I believe. Well the Dr upped one prescription of his heart meds. Than he added coreg to his many meds. Also he will more than likely be on a high cholesterol med to maintain it so he doesn't get high cholesterol. Over all the Dr says his heart sounds great for having 5 stents placed in. Doesn't hear any pallapatations or whatever that term is. No fluids built up anywhere. Blood pressure is great as well. The Dr said he is doing very great. Then it happened. He doesn't walk a lot at all. So his legs are very weak. At the clinic he did a lot of walking. The most he's done in months. Well at the doors going out I left him for a second to go open the car door. As I turned back to start walking back (100 feet) I notice all these nurses (5) around someone. I looked and couldn't see my father. Well yes, it was him on the floor between the two sets of doors. His legs gave out and he fell. A small fall. No bruises or pains. It wasn't due to being dizzy either. Just weak muscles frokm not using them. Then he refused to go back to see the Dr. Stubborn old man. I can't make him go back. Anyhow he is doing great even after his little fall today. The nurses told him to use his walker instead of cane. He has one here but he uses it as a clothes hangar as he is too lazy to go to the closet and open the door. So I am taking the cane away and bringing out the walker dad. HAHAHA! Thanks for letting me share this.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
10 people like this
29 responses
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
10 Sep 07
I am so glad your dad wasn't hurt when he fell! Poor guy. It must be so hard on his ego to have to give in and use that walker. I have to say it again...I'm glad that he has you to take care of him. You are truly an awesome guy my friend. Now go hide that cane real good. I know....go and put it on the roof, that way you KNOW he can't get to it! LOL!
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Well the deal on the walker, I gave it to him & took his cane away. But he still won't use the walker. If he doesn't within the hour I guess I'll have to give him his cane back. At least he walks a little with that anyhow. I might fall off the roof trying to hide it. HAHAHA!
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Ewwww! I am not going to be the one to have to do that for him.
Care giving to me only goes so far thank you very much. HAHAHAHA!!
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Sep 07
I'm so sorry to hear this, Grandpa Bob. I was going to ask you if he has a walker, but I can see that he does. I hope he starts using it for more than hanging his clothes on. Thanks for the update, as I was wondering how he's doing, and was meaning to ask you. Take Care.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
12 Sep 07
Not yet. he keeps that dang cane at his side. Tongiht I may switch them.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
11 Sep 07
I know the elderly & frail are encouraged to walk as much as possible. They are discouraged from using walking frames or a walking stick until absolutely necessary. As some end a bit like your Father, they avoid walking, & this is the worst thing possible. But what can you do? You can't make him. He is not a child, so you can't offer rewards or punishments. They just get this idea & stick with it, no matter what the side effects.
My mother-in-law is much the same.
She had a walking stick, but talked them into letting her have a frame. I suppose she needs it, as she is fairly disabled. But she really doesn't do much now or get around.
You do your best Bob & there is nothing else you can do.
At least this fall wasn't so bad.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
yeah I try to get him up an about a little each day. Today I made him sit outside for lunch at the patio table. He'll have a long nap now I'm sure. So that's how I get him to walk anyhow. Now using the walker is a different story. He's so damn stubborn.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
10 Sep 07
Oh, I am glad your father is ok. That is scary when that happens. I am so glad you were near and it happened at the doctors office. He's a tough old bird, I am sure he will get used to the walker instead of his cane. I tell ya, dads can be so stubborn at times! I know, I have one too hahaha! I am sure he is very proud of you for being such a kind and loving son. I know I am!
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Stubborn doesn't fit him.
Down right refused the walker. Oh well.
Thanks you also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
2 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Oh my goodness! he sounds very much like my dad stubborn old coot! Well, just keep an eye on him when he's taking longer walks at the doctors visits, or maybe he will consent to the use of a chair at the office to prevent further falls? Anythings worth a shot!
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
10 Sep 07
Hi Grandpa Bob. I am sorry to hear that your dad had fallen..I am glad that he is alright and that his heart sounds good. He is very fortunate to have you there with him. I see you are putting your foot down about using the walker instead of the cane..
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Well the foot has risen again. I should use this foot and give him a swift kick you think? Maybe then he'd use this dang walker of his. Anyhow thanks a bunch. All these praises about me caring for dad really make me feel better and not so stressed out. Thanks again.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
2 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Um! Nope. I don't think you should do that...LOL...You are very welcome about all the positives we give you for caring for your dad. My parents are both gone. I won't have to take care of them...You are fortunate to have your dad with you..My mom passed when I was 3 and my dad when I was 25..OMG! I'm an orphan....just kidding..Well I am, but I'm not....LOL
1 person likes this
@seahorse4445 (639)
• United States
11 Sep 07
It sounds to me like he lost a little of his dignity with the fall. Let me tell you I'm 47, I'm on heart medication, and cholesterol medication. Because a serial killer attacked me and stabbed me in the heart 11 years ago. Heart surgery is no picnic. I also have other disabilities form 3 bad car wrecks I was in as a passenger. So when I can afford it I'm on all kinds of pain medication. Is your mother living? does she visit him. all I'm saying is yes he may be a stubborn old man, but he also wants his dignity.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Whoah. What an experience to go through. Mom passed away
almost 11 years ago. I miss you mom. I love you bunches mom.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@seahorse4445 (639)
• United States
11 Sep 07
I"m sorry to hear about your mother, I hope she's happy with Jesus. Your dad must miss her. It seems you have all the burden for his care on your shoulders, just keep in mind he was taking care of himself before you were born. No one likes to feel helpless much less have someone point it out to them. I wish you much luck in your communications with your father. May I suggest something? Be gentle with his feelings.
@sweetgirl_k1 (3972)
• United States
10 Sep 07
I'm glad your dad is doing well. I'm also glad that fall didn't hurt him. You are such a good man to take care of your dad like that. I know he probably doesn't want to use that walker but if the nurses told him to use that instead of the cane then I guess you better be hiding that cane. LOL
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
It lasted for a few hours was all. he stillwon't use the
walker. But, when we go to Bingo etc he is not taking the
cane. It's walker city ya old fart. HAHAHAHA! Thanks also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
11 Sep 07
I do feel bad your dad has these problems and believe me I know how it is to be a care giver. I found this post to be very refreshing because being a caregiver too it makes me feel good to know I'm not alone. Take Care my friend.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
It is also a stress reliefer of sorts for me as well.
I need the help and encouragement from others and this
is as good a place to get it I fel. Thanks again.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
I've tried a lot of things to get him walking. I guess I will
just start spending my cash and take him to Bingo a few times
a week. At least he walks around there. Hoopefully he will do
it. We're goping this Wed night. So I'll see how he does then
go again Saturday or sooner again.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@creematee (2810)
• United States
10 Sep 07
I'm glad that he's doing so much better! How lucky that the dr. office was the place he fell. Glad you are taking that cane away, so he can get up and work those legs a bit. I need to have my computer chair taken away. My stationary bike has become a $500 quilt rack!!!
I'll say a prayer for your dad that his health keeps improving. :)
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
He has fallen 3 times in the last 6 weeks. Twice here then today at the Drs office. When he falls here I call 911 as he weighs over 200 pounds and with my bad back I can't lift him. he doesn't like that either. I also have talked him into geting out Wed night. I am taking him to BINGO! Well there goes $30 of my money down the drain. HAHAHA!!! Thanks for the prayer also. Say one for me as I could use it to help my stress.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Sep 07
I was reading down a ways and you mentioned how many times your dad fallen before...all I can say, wow, he must be a tough old geezer, seeing that he hasn't broken anything yet...or has he?? Yes..by all means...get your dad to use his walker!! He does need to walk more to strengthen himself...I'm glad that he's better in other aspects, like his heart sounding good...Not easy being a caregiver though is it? Believe me I know!!
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Not a broken bone yet. I am watching the Blues Brothers and
dancing and singing as I type. HAHAHA! had to mention this.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
yeah I now say that I will walk him to a seat then
go get the car and bring it to the curb from now on.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Since he has lived with me (3 years) he has fallen about 20 times. I am surprised that he hasn't broken a hip or something else yet. I came home from picking my wife up from owrk one night and found him lying on his floor from when he fell right after I left.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
10 Sep 07
im glad to hear that your das ok,and you are such a wonderful son for doing for him,but please hide that cane some where where he wont find it and fall again,maybe you can hide it in the garage or something,take care and god bless you and your family.thanks for sharing about your dad.hope he gets better.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
He refuses to use the walker. He gets up hanging onto the walls now without the cane. That's worse I feel. Anyhow thank you for the kind words also. It's my job now to take care of "daddy". HAHAHA!
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160665)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Isn't it good to have a place to share your experiences and frustrations in? We appreciate the care you take of your dad, as well as the fear that probably is underneath your humor about his health. I am surprised that the Dr.'s office did not make him travel too and fro in a wheelchair. A lot of places do, you know. I am glad he did not get any more serious hurts when he fell. Being a stubborn old man is probably how he survives.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
11 Sep 07
How old is your Dad, Bob? All in all that was a pretty great report. Shame about his litle mishap. My Dad is ok with a cane, not sure if he'd ever use a walker. They get so set in their ways and trying to change something even fairly ordinary is a big deal to them and they dig their toes in. My Dad's not much of one for exercise either. He has a good walk to his letterbox and back but he walks into the little shed hops on the ride on mower and fires that up for a quick trip to the letter box. LOL.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
11 Sep 07
at first i was worried reading your story, but then a relief since you mentioned it's just weak muscles because he hasn't walked much. this means he is in good condition overall, that's good to know.
@MisterPlus (1915)
• Philippines
11 Sep 07
Falling is a common problem to elderly people. they should have extra eye for them or a spare of feet to carry them to places they wanna go. Be watchful to your father I know he may not ask for any help to reach something provide him with so much comfort and always have a talk with him. I am happy that he is all right. You take care of yourself too.
2 people like this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
11 Sep 07
i know just what you are dealing with. I am caring for my mom who also is very frail. thing is if she falls ...she will break bones. she is a very fragile 58 pounds. she is tough as nails though in personality...my brothers and I are all dealing with it and have come to realize she may well live to be 100. she needs 24/7 supervision and so that is our life right now...guarding her from herself mostly. she refuses to use her walker...i am her walker.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
58 pounds? Holy chit. My dad weighs 210 pounds. try picking that mass up from the floor. He will grab that walker someday I feel. Possibly after his next fall. Oh well till then he can use his cane I reckon.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@michaeldadona (5684)
• Malaysia
11 Sep 07
Grandpa Bob, how old is your father? Hopefully you learn three things about that happening; reflexology, face massage and magnetize his feet. It works to my father, 75 years old. But reflexology cannot be applied for those who has heart problems. Like I am now, while on myLot, I use reflexology sandal for my feet and magnets for my feet, alternately.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Dad is 83. I use a magnet waist/rib wrap for the pain
in my lower back as well & it works fairtly well for me.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
