We were very fortunate on our trip in the spring that we had only a couple of issues that were relatively easily resolved. We were also fortunate that Jeanne is so good with dad!
Since being back in Colorado, dad’s had several doctors’ appointments, lab tests including blood work, xrays and urine samples with changing results.
First, dad’s oxygen needs have increased. It seems that he never really reacclimated to the high altitude when we returned. He’s on 3.5 liters at home and with any activity, he really needs more. On his portable unit, anything less than a level 3 isn’t enough. We’ve had disagreements on this because he worries about his battery life, so I have to ensure we carry the extra charger and that the unit is plugged into the car charger when driving around town so he doesn’t lower the O2 rate he needs.
The X-rays in the last few months have revealed that he’s had fluid buildup in and around his lungs. Increasing diuretics have helped that but made dad’s daily life more uncomfortable. He’s been a trooper though.
The biggest concern in my mind is his kidneys. He’s been at Stage 4 kidney disease for some time. However, he’s inching closer to stage 5. A little over a year ago, he was considering dialysis, if necessary. As of our last conversation on the subject, he won’t go through dialysis. At 90, some doctors have said it would be too hard on his body. He has a lung doctor appointment tomorrow and a kidney doctor appointment in about two weeks. Both docs will require X-rays and the kidney doc will have blood work results which will determine his kidney failure “number”.
His blood pressure is good, his appetite is great but he tires easily, which is to be expected at his age. His sleep is easily disturbed with his need to pee often. He sleeps for a couple hours, wakes up to pee and then turn on the TV in his room and it may stay on for hours. I don’t mind though, as long as it provides him peace and helps him rest.
Dad has other issues that I won’t put on a public post, but we deal with them daily and get through each day. Someday, I may laugh about some of my experiences, but not today.
(Dentist office, pedicure, leg lotion, shorts and slacks, etc.)
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