I'm en route to Phoenix.
Several weeks ago my dad checked himself into the ER complaining of heartburn and vomiting.
Turns out he had a huge hiatal hernia and the majority of his stomach was sitting on top of his diaphragm. And oh yeah, his surgeon described his esophagus as "looking like raw hamburger."
So they got him put back together and he spent about another week in the hospital convalescing.
Because my dad lives alone and would be unable to care for himself immediately following this surgery, his doctor placed him in a short term managed care facility with scheduled physical therapy because apparently he couldn't sit up in bed without assistance.
That's where he's been for the past few weeks, and it turns out he's not cooperating with the staff, refusing therapy and generally making life a living hell for everyone. In fact, it's come down to him either doing his PT as prescribed, or they're going to discharge him on Saturday.
My sister called last night and said, "I need you here NOW."
For a variety of reasons, it's been agreed that it's time for Dad go to into long-term managed care. Several months ago I was discussing my dad's health issues and his living conditions with a nurse friend of mine and I asked her how we were going to get this to happen. "It's going to take an incident," she said, "that will unequivocally show everyone involved that he can no longer live on his own." Said incident has occurred, and to quote my sister, "He's not interested in going home. He wants someone to feed him and change his diaper, and that's about it."
Did I also mention the onset of dementia? "They're waking me up at 4 am to do physical therapy and everyone here is out to get me!"
So yeah. Christmas has been cancelled so I can go to Phoenix two weeks early and help my sister get him placed and attempt to go through the hoarder's paradise that is his mobile home. I'm there until Sunday. Whatever doesn't get done will either have to wait for another time or she'll have to hire someone to do it.
I'm not upset at having to go down there; I'm upset at her attitude about it.
Thankfully, it will be easier this time since we had to go through a lot of this with Mom five years ago.
Oy. I hope things go well with dealing with your sister over this.
Good luck with all of the family stuff. I sincerely hope your father does well. I hope that you have a relatively stress free, low drama trip. Travel safely, and Happy Holidays!
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I went through the same process with my parents. At one point I was ready to disown my sister due to her ridiculous religious views on everything. On a positive note, once my dad was moved to long term managed care his health and appearance improved dramatically. It was a very good thing for him.
My father has the same condition, and it sucks!!! Good Luck!!!
I hope you will be all right. We want you to take care of yourself. As always BIG HUG from both of us.
I am sorry your return to phoenix is under such circumstances.