The "In a Nutshell" Version
I apologize for the rather scattered information herein. I may be going "off the grid" soon.
Spoke to my sister. Mom and Dad went to the GP regarding one of his conditions. The doctor suggested hospice. It seems that Dad has statistically reached the point where people in his condition (Parkinson's) die, and there are signs that he is declining.
He did not hear this (she was with the doctor, he was in the waiting room), but yesterday he was sitting there with his head in his hands saying over and over again "I'm dying, I'm dying". This freaked her out. She called the hospice people today. For now, it is for in-home help.
Posted by Fred Kiesche at January 25, 2008 10:22 AMSorry to hear that Fred. For what it's worth, my dad was recently diagnosed (at way too young of an age) with early-stage Alzheimer's; it's too early to tell how rapidly (or not) he will decline. His dad, coincidentally, died relatively young (mid-60s) of complications from Parkinson's when I was an early teen. Just trying to say I understand what's going on. I'll pick up the pace on my own posting in your absence.
Posted by: JohnL at January 25, 2008 02:25 PMI'm sorry to hear that, from both of you.
I'd wish you luck, except no amount of luck is going to help with putting your father in hospice.
So, I hope your family is able to deal, somehow, with what's happening.
Posted by: owlish at January 25, 2008 05:48 PMI'm sorry to hear that. My father in law is going through the same thing, except not so advanced. I'm sending good thoughts your way.
Posted by: Ted at January 27, 2008 12:01 PM