(Other than the Man, "upstairs".)


My friends -

I got a call from my Mom, yesterday morning.
My Dad fell in the bathroom at 4:00 a.m.

He's now in a local hospital, clinging to life.

I'm asking for your thoughts and prayers for the man that taught me how to be a man.

He's 87 years old, and a WWII Navy vet.
He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease several years ago.

When he fell, yesterday, he hit his head on the toilet and hit the tiled floor in the bathroom with enough force that he broke his left hip.

The doctors determined that he has several things against him.
1. He is in advanced 3rd Stage of Alzheimer's Disease.
2. He has a pacemaker and complications due to the Alzheimer's
3. He has a bladder infection.
4. He has Diabetes.
5. He sustained a concussion from hitting the toilet, when he fell.
6. He cannot swallow, so, he cannot eat or drink, anything. The doctors are planning to insert a 'feeding tube' into his stomach on Monday morning. (The doctors seem to think this is because of the Alzheimer's and the concussion.)



Four doctors told me today, that if he doesn't have surgery to repair his hip, he has less than a 30% chance of living. IF he has surgery, that chance is only increased to 50%.


I honestly don't think that my Dad will leave this hospital, alive.


I've spent several hours in the Chapel, at the hospital today, and I need some help.


Thank you.

 

If it were my Father I would at least have the surgery . It will remove one of the factors & increase his odds ...

 

Rick,
We're authorizing the surgery, but, we've got to get the bladder infection under control, and his heart strong enough to survive the surgery.

The orthopedic surgeon said that they were planning on inserting screws into the 'ball' of the hip joint to secure the fracture, unless the 'ball' is displaced, then, they'd have to replace the ball and socket joint.

They said that they wouldn't know what course of action to take, until they 'got inside'.

I trust these orthopedic guys, completely.
They are the surgeons that operated on my spine, in '92.

 

Keith...good thoughts for your Dad on the journey he has undertaken. Good thoughts also for those loved ones who are now praying for him. Let your heart be your guide!!!

Hopefully your Dad had made his wishes clear before the ravages of dementia started taking over.

 

Prayers out there to ya!

Have you asked yourself what the WWII vet would want done if he could speak for himself?

 

My thoughts and prayers to you and yours Keith. He's a great man who lived and is living a fantastic life.

Through all of this no matter the outcome, you must be the rock, it's your duty now. Always remember, celebrate his life.

 

Keith, your father, your mother and you will be in my prayers.

 

I am sorry for your situation sir. No one can do anything to relieve your anguish in this situation. I had a similar one back in 05 with my dad.Unfortunately I knew his wishes and I had to man up and enforce his instead of mine. I would still do the same thing today if I had to. If you think he would want to fight for it than give him that chance. No one can prepare you for the decision you have to make. I pray the outcome will be the best for all parties involved. Stay strong and I will pray for you and your Dad.

 

Prayers for you and the family. When God is finished with you, why would you want to stick around here another day.

 

Keith sorry to hear about your Dad..

He and your family will be in my prayers..

Just know that God will answer you and do what is best..

 

You, your Father and your Family/friends are in my thoughts!

 

Thanks, everyone.

The only 'reaction' that anyone has gotten is from me, and from one of the orthopedic surgeons.

I took his hand, and told him that I was there, with him, and to squeeze my hand if he knew what I was saying. (This was yesterday morning.)
Dad squeezed my hand, and didn't want to let go.
The orthopedic surgeon got a reaction from Dad, when he moved Dad's left leg.
Dad let out an "Arrrrrrrrgh!!!!", that cannot be taken for anything but, "Dang, that hurts!! Cut it out!!"

Dad never opened his eyes.

I don't think he'll be strong enough, or the infection lessened, enough for him to endure the hip surgery.

It doesn't look 'promising'.

 

Keith, my friend, you know my prayers are with you and your family.

No one knows, or feels, what you do. I can only add a consideration that helped my wife when faced with very similar issues regarding her sister:


What would you want your family to do if it were you in with the exact same circumstance?

Take care....and be strong. Place your heart in the hands of all you believe in.

 

My thoughts are with you Keith, and your family. Just know that whatever the outcome, your friends here surely thank him for the good man we know you to be, and wish nothing but the best for him and his family.

 

I'll keep your dad in my prayers. You just need to remind the docs that the old timers are tougher then the other patients he's used to operating on.

That generation went through a lot. 50% odds today probably translates to around 90% for them based on what they've lived through.