The Alzheimer's part of the equation seems to have taken a back seat to the physical condition in my dad's life. He continues to sleep a lot. The most he has been able to stay up is 3 hours. Today he played some solitaire with his caregiver, and with me, for about an hour. Yesterday evening, he and I played for awhile after dinner. But all of a sudden, he says he is tired. Off he goes to lay down, on a chair, couch or bed. Within a minute, he is sleeping. Naps linger on for hours and hours. He was served breakfast in bed over the weekend. He just couldn't get up. When he sleeps, I keep him hydrated by taking a drink to him and use a straw to cue his mouth. He briefly awakens and drinks it. Than, he's back asleep.
He's not eating even half of his usual meals/snacks. Sometimes, he misses meals completely because he is sleeping. Attempts to awaken him to eat bring a whining, pleading voice to "let me sleep, I'm so tired".
He continues to be short of breath with any amount of physical activity. I'm still assisting him to dress and undress. He is letting me into the bathroom without too much protesting, although he sometimes sounds just like my dad when he yells through the door, "don't come in!" He wins with that for awhile because, after all, it's my dad. His legs, feet, tummy continue to be swollen and very hard to the touch. His feet won't fit in his shoes anymore. He doesn't complain, except to say he is tired.
It's a rough time right now. I made an appointment to see my dad's doctor on Thursday evening to talk about his care. No way am I taking my dad anywhere, unless I absolutely have to do that. I'm hoping I will get some questions answered, some clarity or confirmation of my thoughts, and information that will help me care for my dad and plan.
Poor Papa :(
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