Did I end yesterday saying we were waiting for that next uplifting moment...mmmm well unfortunately it didn't come today!
Mum, Sue and Ruby joined Dad at the usual dining room table today at 2pm, just after the carers had got Dad out of bed. I've been asked where Dan is lately - so to keep you informed, he's been bedridden with tonsillitis, conjunctivitis and the flu...but he's on the mend and will hopefully be well enough and germ free to visit Dad in the week. Back to today - Dad. Mum. Sue and Ruby had been talking and colouring pictures at the table for an hour or so, when Dad had a funny turn. He had said that he needed to go the toilet, so Mum went to find a carer who could assist. Meanwhile, Dad went very pale and ended up being sick over himself, and the table, luckily Sue was with him and she and a carer got the Nurses to respond quickly.
Dad's blood pressure had gone low and his temperature was high. The carers changed Dad in to his pyjamas and put him back in to bed. Mum was emotional after being given a fright by Dad, and Dad looked incredibly pale and went in to a deep sleep.
Dad's blood sugars were checked to see if they had anything to do with the turn, the reading was 9.7, later going down to 5.something and was therefore ruled out. The man who had been in the room opposite Dad was rushed in to hospital on Wednesday night having had a funny turn, his room has since been vacated and now has somebody new in it?!
The Nurse had stopped Dads's water going through his PEG tube following his turn, but when she returned to set the water back up she couldn't get the machine to work. Dad ended up having 100ml of water injected directly in to his PEG. We were told Dad had refused both his breakfast and lunch again today. One of the carers came in to see how Dad was and spoke to us about his refusal to eat. She said if they were to force Dad to eat after he has said he doesn't want to, it can be construed as abuse and they are therefore unable to keep asking. She reiterated that the 1,500ml of nutrients that goes in to Dads PEG each day is the equivalent of two good meals which would fill dad's stomach up. So we end up in a catch 22 situation; Dad's too full to eat, but if he doesn't eat, the nutrients won't be reduced. A couple of weeks ago the SALT nurse reduced Dad's feed to 1,000ml but over a period of a few days decided Dad wasn't eating enough to sustain itl. Tonight Dad was brought soup and a yoghurt for tea. He had the soup and even had a second bowl. He said the yoghurt was too sweet for him.
Dad was in better spirits after his food, he was singing and talking with his visitors tonight. Dad doesn't talk for long periods of time, he responds with one liners which is often banter or sarcastic. He was speaking about his relatives from years ago again - making reference to the Lees. There is a lot of confusion in the things he says.
After doing more hours of research on the internet again tonight - I came across the following:
View periods of apparent lack of progress as times of 'consolidation' where the individual is gaining sufficient practice with the new skills to make them become habits. It is unreasonable to expect the individual to learn new information every day. Allow time in success before presenting new challenges.And so taking this on board, I shall remain positive and let Dad embrace the skills he is relearning.
Love you Dad x
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