A New Year of Hope.

Happy New Year to all the readers of 'My Dad's Stroke Recovery'. Thank you for coming back in 2013 to join us on our journey to see what the new year will bring for Dad in his recovery from a massive stroke.

We hope you were able to enjoy your Christmas and all have some special memories from the festive period.

Unfortunately Dad got an unwanted early Christmas present...another UTI. Well - we are actually waiting for confirmation of whether it is the original UTI that hasn't cleared.  Dad may be resistant to the antibiotics that have been prescribed, as he is now on his sixth course in three months. To clear the UTI once and for all, Dad may have to go back in to hospital to have an intravenous drip administered, I will keep you updated with any news.

The signs were there again ~ Dad became very mithery and when Mum uses that word to describe Dad I should realise what's coming.  His urine started to smell strongly again, and he became more aggressive and short tempered - shouting at us all.  These symptoms were showing for about a week before the nurses were able to confirm a UTI from testing Dad's urine.  By the time the antibiotics were prescribed the UTI was in full effect. We were a little disappointed as the Doctor had advised us that as Dad was taking one antibiotic a day, it would reduce the risk of further water infections reoccurring.  As with many men of a certain age, Dad was prescribed medication for an enlarged prostate prior to his stroke, we feel he should now be referred back to the Consultant to identify if there is any connection to the UTI. Research shows that many water infections can reoccur if they are deep in the prostate. It may well result in further hospital appointments but something clearly needs to be done to avoid Dad getting them, as they knock his progress back and the antibiotics make Dad so tired and drained. 

Christmas Eve I arrived early at JC and just in time to accompany Dad to the gym for some physio. He really let rip at his physiotherapist 'What am I doing here?' F this, F that, hitting the bed with his right fist and telling her it will be her head next...She is amazing the way she keeps her calm and remains patient.  The next minute the physiotherapist had Dad walking bare foot with the FES equipment attached.  Again seeing Dad walking bare foot highlights that it is impossible for him to control his left foot and toes to straighten them flat to the floor to weight bare. However, seeing the muscles react to the nerve stimulation is incredible - it allows Dad to lift his foot and place it to the floor, enabling a 'more natural' walk.

A new piece of equipment is being trialled in the new year by the physiotherapist ~ wireless FES equipment. Dad should be able to use the product during the trial period and I really hope it suits him as it would be life changing if it enables Dad to walk more independently. At the moment, any walking Dad does, is always with his physiotherapist - she makes it look easy. We have trouble just getting Dad to stand to transfer from wheelchair to chair and it still takes two of us to do it successfully. To finish the Christmas Eve physio session Dad walked across the gym and out to the lift wearing no equipment or aid - just a quad stick (walking stick with four prongs) for stability and his physiotherapist at his left side helping guide his foot to the floor.  Every step was such an effort of strength and determination - he did so well. An appointment has finally been confirmed for the fitting of Dad's new foot brace in January ~ six weeks later than planned...it would appear the order got waylaid.

Dad has experienced a few group sessions in the sensory room where the physiotherapist or occupational therapist carries out stretches on his legs and arms. The difference the stretches make is considerable to the tightness in Dad's joints. We also try and do them with Dad but his attention span doesn't always last that long.

I'm pleased to say Dad made it back to his son's house on Christmas Day where we were able to spend the day as a family. We collected Dad from JC mid morning and took him back at 7.30 on the night, he was very tired. We were successful in transferring Dad in and out of our cars on both journeys and he travelled well. We survived the toilet visits ~ by the fourth visit Mum and I had got a little better in supporting Dad and getting his pad back on. Unfortunately, the mobility shop had sold us the wrong commode as it was one designed for a woman rather than a man, but we coped with the aid of urine bottles. Dad opened his presents one handed with the help of his granddaughter. He ate some of his dinner and when I told him to eat some more, he told me to clear my plate first - that was me told. We kept reiterating it was Christmas Day to keep it in Dads short term memory. He enjoyed singing a few Neil Diamond classics and dozed on and off through the excitement of the day.  Christmas is a time for families and we do feel blessed to have been able to spend the day together in the comfort of our own home. Our thoughts go out to a close and dear friend whose Dad passed away on Christmas Day x.

Following a rather miserable Boxing Day,  maybe as a result of Dad being exhausted from the day before and from being out of his routine, we experienced some 'OK' days with Dad.       

We, Dad, Mum and his sister, watched the Morecambe and Wise Christmas special on my new Christmas present - how Dad laughed! And it was so good to see. Len bought me a 'tablet' to aid interaction with Dad and already it seems to be working. Laughter is an excellent tonic and it really helps in lifting Dad's spirits. We've done a few word searches and played a couple of games of hangman ~ Dad's attention doesn't always last too long but it's good to get the brain working.

One for the golfers - Len, having played the best round of golf he's ever played, was keen to tell Dad how he'd got on - 'Arrr' said Dad smiling 'so you were 14 under par' - he totally got it!

Along with the OK days and the 'good moments', we have the bad days too. They include Dad being verbal, angry and confused. He punched one of the nurses again - she was taking her time with the blood sugar prick and injections and Dad let rip. He has also been verbally abusive to a new nurse who was putting his medication through his PEG at the time.  We truly hope we can get this UTI cleared once and for all, as it will not only benefit Dad and of course relieve the stress we are under as a family, but it will also be of benefit to the carers and nurses who deal with Dad on a daily basis. It is far easier and a much more enjoyable experience to deal with a singing, joking Dad than an aggressive, miserable and angry Dad.

  

Family and friends continue to visit Dad and it is appreciated so much - people are certainly showing their true colours. We know how rewarding it is to spend time with Dad on a good day compared to the upset that can be caused by a distressing visit. But take each day as it comes and don't let a bad day put you off coming back!

How soon Dad makes it back home where he belongs, we don't know...but let's hope it'll be soon ~ and that Mum gets the full support she needs, as it will be Mum who will see the biggest impact on her life as she becomes Dad's full time carer.

Who knows what's around that corner...it's important to keep living and loving each day and to remain positive ~ that's what I'll be aiming for in 2013...along with getting my fitness levels back after neglecting them these last few months! Looking back on the latter half of 2012 it is clear to see how far Dad has progressed and we must not forget the incredible steps he has already achieved in his recovery.  Let us all hope he will make further progress in the year ahead...keep believing.

Thank you for coming back in 2013 and thank you, as always, for the read.

Love You Dad x

Christmas & New Year Wishes from Al.

                             

                             Christmas Day Dinner 2012

Morecambe & Wise making Dad laugh.

                     

Dad has some help opening his presents