More Pain, More Meds

 It's Monday night.  Today was....a day.  I visited my Dad in the early afternoon for a while, then left for a bit to pick up Jenna and my niece from school to bring them to our house to hang out.  I stayed home for a little while and then headed back to see my Dad again.  

It seems unbelievable when I say it out loud, but I saw a change.  It's almost like we have been living in Fast Forward with the way he is declining.  I spoke with my Dad's caregiver and mentioned that I think it might be time for 24-hour care.  She agreed, so I went back home to get EJ, as he also wanted to visit with my Dad.  We visited while his caregiver went home to pack her bag, knowing that she would be staying for a couple of nights.  

He was already in his wheelchair when we got there......apparently he pushes his boundaries (surprise, surprise, right?) with his caregivers when I'm not there.  Since he was already in his chair, we decided to wheel him out into the front room to watch a little of the Giants game.  I'm not sure how much of the game he was able to follow along with, but I think he liked being out of his bed for a little while.

Today was a day that he either felt more pain or finally admitted to feeling more pain.  He was open to taking more pain medication to help ease his pain and discomfort.  I am glad that the medication that he has been taking works pretty fast, so that he can just relax and rest.

Our caregivers, Norma and Eva, were the same caregivers who took care of my Mom.  We know them, like and trust them.  It was a no-brainer for my Dad when the conversation of him having a caregiver came up.  He wanted them to care for him and EJ, and I agreed.

Dad is aware of what is happening, but also a bit confused about things at times.  While we were watching the Giants game tonight, he asked, "Is this last year's game?".  Yesterday, we wouldn't have had a conversation like that.  It's crazy what a difference a day makes.  Like I said, it's like we've been living in Fast Forward these past few days.

As I had mentioned in my last post, we had to cancel today's visitors.  Tomorrow, my dad wants to visit with his sisters, and then that will be the end of his visitors for now.  

I don't know how much time we will have left. I can only assume that he will be leaving us sooner rather than later.  I know that there are more who wish to visit with my Dad, but he has expressed that he is not up for visitors at this time, so we will honor his wishes.  

Thank you all for understanding and for the love and support you continue to show.  We love you all.

Goodnight.