What I've been doing today...

[rebeccajo 14]

My Father is 77 years old. My Mother is 75.

Daddy has been limping for a long time, but he limps like a trooper. And the main reason he's persisted without complaining is my Mother. Mother has post-polio syndrome. When she was 12 she contracted polio. She beat the disease but about 20 years ago it started to come back (this is somewhat typical for polio patients). At present, she is confined to a motorized scooter; can stand but not walk; cannot always dress herself; cannot get in and out the shower very well; and is generally tired. The disease has been particulary ravaging in the last two years. Daddy dotes on Mother and waits on her hand and foot - more than he really should. It's a very difficult family situation because they refuse to accept that some home help would be beneficial. Top it all off with the fact that they live in a very small house, and my mother is a compulsive shopper and collector. Their house is overrun with dolls, beanie babies, Hallmark ornaments, and other 'collectibles'. My parents have lost several cleaning ladies because the house is VERY hard to clean; their last cleaning lady left over a year ago and they have not found a replacement.

Today my Daddy had hip replacement surgery. The cartilage in his right hip was COMPLETELY gone. He's going to be in hospital about 4 days then on to a rehab facility for two weeks at least. He and Mother now HAVE to accept mine and my sisters help and they have to accept the help of a home care giver.

Daddy did really well today. The surgery went well; he was still somewhat groggy when we left him about six hours after it. My sister and I then spent the rest of the evening taking Mother out to dinner (she doesn't prepare food at home anymore) and managing her scooter in and out of the van.

I won't be on as much for the next few weeks. My Daddy could use any extra prayers you might have - so could Mother. Pray especially for guidance for them during these next few weeks. It must be hard to get older, but especially hard to realize that the help you need really isn't an end to independence.

Edited April 19, 2008 by rebeccajo

[LuzyC 0]

Our thoughts and prayers with you and your parents Becca..

[sara..... 371]

awe im happy ur dads surgery went well..........u and ur family are in my prayers.........

sara

[DARUMA07 25]

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your Mom and Dad... Your parents are very fortunate to have such a loving and caring daughter...

[rebeccajo 14]

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your Mom and Dad... Your parents are very fortunate to have such a loving and caring daughter...

Thank you.

My sister is the patient one. Me...not so much.

We both get really frustrated with my Mother because we feel she is taking advantage of our Father's good heart.

My sister will go home tonite, have three beers and probably punch pillows. I will sit here with indigestion and chain smoke.

Edited April 19, 2008 by rebeccajo

[DARUMA07 25]

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your Mom and Dad... Your parents are very fortunate to have such a loving and caring daughter...

Thank you.

My sister is the patient one. Me...not so much.

We both get really frustrated with my Mother because we feel she is taking advantage of our Father's good heart.

My sister will go home tonite, have three beers and probably punch pillows. I will sit here with indigestion and chain smoke.

LOL!! Believe me, I do understand.....

[Empress of Groovy 373]

Aw, geez, I'm sorry to hear all that. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

[Hanna&Mohamed 0]

We will pray for your mother and father! Your father is a wonderful man the way he takes care of your mother that shows how much love they have for each other.

[chri'stina 190]

Sounds hard and stressful with everything going on, keeping you all in my prayers!

[~krakatoa~ 27]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.....

[brnidokiegurl 0]

This time if hard when it comes to the older parents. I have just my mom and she lives alone and its just basically me and i work. I try to step back and try to think how she must feel on some days. My daughter will be there to ck on her alot but for things like the shower we got a home health care to come in and help her. You might can ck on something like this. A nurse comes couple times a week, and the bath lady also is scheduled. She goes thru spells she says she wont have them anymore but we tell her it is a must and soon the attitude goes away. She is changing alot in her ways with time one day check my bank account the next plowing into you if you mention you checked. I am never right no matter which way i go...but between myself and my daughter we are trying to keep her going in her own home as long as we can. Best wishes to you and your family...

[raymaga 25]

I can totally relate to what you're going through. My Mom passed away 3 years ago and I miss her so very much every single day.

But, before she died, she broke her hip and became totally dependent on me. I ended up having to put her in a home and she never really believed she was going to be staying there permanently. She always thought she would be going home, even after we had sold her home.

She sometimes treated us disrespectfully and became very demanding at times, but I think the main reason was because she was so frustrated at not being able to be independent any more.

I was not always as good a daughter as I could have been and sometimes wish I could go back and give it a second try. I can't, and I just try to remember all the good years we had together before she broke her hip.

My thoughts are with you right now and I hope your Dad gets well soon.

Best wishes.

[Marilyn. 340]

I will keep them in my prayers..

[Toshtishtash 1]

[jodee 30]