Sunday, January 3, 2010

A new day

Today is a new day.

We are back home.

When we left, my Dad's tardive dyskinesia symptoms were almost gone.

Yes, you heard me right: almost gone.

He was back to being bitchy and gritchy and demanding...which was actually fine.

Life is about a series of compromises, what you will accept. Sometimes you just continually lower your standards.

When my Dad first had his stroke, I refused to believe he wouldn't be the one to pull through and recover.

Now I'm grateful that he's not jerking and twitching, that he's back to 'status quo' almost--paralyzed and depressed and cognitively not really himself--but we were adjusting to that. My mom said she has not seen any twitches/movement disorders today, though he is still really tired and sometimes a little confused.

My mom is willing to re-try him at home. We even identified one caregiver who currently works with him at the nursing home but would like to do private duty. The best part is she is young and strong--she can transfer him by herself and she knows his personality. She is not scared of a seizure.

I am exhaling and enjoying a coast on the ailing parent front.

I have shoved infertility and alternate plans back to the recesses of my brain because I am simply too tired to go there right now.

Thank you for your words of wisdom and love and support. In this regard, I feel lucky lucky lucky.

15 comments:

  1. I am SO glad that your dad is doing better - and that he may be able to be at home with your mom. ((HUGS))

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  2. thinking of you and hoping your Dad continue to improve (((hugs)))

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  3. What a rough way to start 2010. Sending prayers your way.

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  4. I am so glad it's a step in the right direction. SO GLAD. Hugs from PA.

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  5. I'm so glad it does feel like a new day - because it is.

    I remember when your dad became ill and you prayed so hard for him to live, no matter what. And he has. Sure gave me chills to watch what was almost miraculous that he simply lived, despite the doctors' predictions.

    Your love willed your dad's life. You're a wonderful daughter.

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  6. Celebrating every little victory right with you and understanding those compromises all too well.

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  7. I'm so glad for a little reprieve for you family. I hope the good news just keeps on coming.

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  8. Hooray! I am so happy he is doing better with the (lack of) twitching. And a potential new caregiver to boot. Things are looking up (even if ever so slightly). May the goodness keep coming!

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  9. Glad your day was better, and that your dad's symptoms seem to be easing. ((Hugs))

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  10. I'm so glad to hear that your Dad is doing better and that the adverse reaction has almost disappeared. Sounds like you've found the right person to take care of him at home too!

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  11. I am so happy to hear he is better and that you may have found a nurse to help him at home!!

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  12. "Life is about a series of compromises, what you will accept. Sometimes you just continually lower your standards."

    I think it's more about realizing how much we take for granted. I remember when I had hepatitis A and I slept (literally) for a month and a half. I couldn't do much without getting wiped out. It really made me appreciate my life more, but of course, that feeling fades with time. Be happy for the little victories with your dad! I'm glad he's getting a break and a second chance at coming home soon!

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  13. Standards do change over time. I guess because once we get into things we realize just how far we have to go sometimes--places we never considered in the beginning.

    Glad your dad is doing better. I hope the new caretaker works out for him. That would go a long way in making this easier on you and your mom.

    Take care.

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  14. I am glad that things are improving. I sent you a message on DS. I know you aren't there often but I didn't know how else to get in touch.

    Thinking of you.
    Lara

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