Day spent with Dad (March 15)

We started the day with me arriving just before Mom had to leave to catch her ride to the Plymouth Playhouse. Mom had some things lined up for me to do. They included a little bookwork and taking Dad for a Dr. checkup. (Just so you know, Mom asked me if she should reschedule the appointment so I wouldn't have to do it. The appointment was a simple follow-up, so I said that she should leave it as is. Then, Dad and I would have something to do.)

I worked on the bookwork and did what I could. With this done, there was plenty of time to do other things till we needed to leave for the appointment. During which time, Dad decided to show me the evergreens that Mom had received from the Arbor Day foundation and planted. He wanted to check if they were still alive. (All seemed fine, except one. Time will tell.) With more time to monkey around, Dad decided to clean up the dog's winter mess. The photo shows that.

After a little more time outside and some monkeying on the computer, leaving time was nearing. We had decided to go out to eat. That would give us something else to do before the appointment. I was surprised when Dad ordered the Shrimp Dinner. I didn't know he likes shrimp. After the meal, we stopped at Sears to kill a little time, then headed to the new Walgreens to check it out.

Then we went to the Clinic. Here is where it really gets interesting. After the nurse took us back to the room, Dad told me he had had some pain in his chest, with him gesturing towards his heart. We were at the appointment for a follow-up about the fungus that had been in his ear. But, I didn't feel comfortable not saying anything to the health care providers about Dad's chest pain. Thus I mentioned it and the nurse proceeded by asking pertinent questions to find out if he was in immediate danger. Meanwhile, we found out that the fungus in the ear had cleared up and that Dad was supposed to avoid getting water in his ear for awhile.

After the ear checkup, the nurse associated with the ear doctor lined up an appointment for Dad to see Dr. Steve Gilles. (I mention his name because David would be interested. He shadowed Gilles briefly a couple summers ago. Also, he is Dr. Thomas Gilles's son. Dr. Tom Gilles is Russ' & my family physician.) Doc Gilles took necessary steps to attempt to find out what is ailing Dad. After some questions and taking Dad's blood pressure, Doc ordered a blood test and an EKG.

With these tests behind Dad, Doc explained that the blood test had normal results. But, the EKG showed that Dad's heart rate is low. So, Doc ordered a stress test. This test Dad has to go back for in a couple weeks. I asked Mom if I could go along. There are a couple reasons I want to attend.

First, the visit yesterday was my second time of going with Dad to the Doctor. Both times I felt nearly clueless about his previous health issues. Of course, I know he has Parkinson's and he has some meds to help with certain symptoms. But I don't know what these meds are. And when the health care providers ask me specific questions, I don't always know how to answer them.

Second, I feel that Mom needs to have help with Dad. I've noticed things about Dad that tell me his health is deteriorating. And Mom shouldn't have to take this on her shoulders all by herself. Because I'm available (no job taking up my schedule and all my kids graduated and not needing my attention nearly as much any more), I think I can be there for Mom.

Not too long ago Russ told me he feels guilty if he doesn't stop in to see his mom at least once a week. Thinking about that made me feel that maybe I should go visit my parents more often. Sometimes it can be weeks before I stop by their place. Mom is going to need more support as Dad's Parkinson's & other health issues progress. I feel I should be there for her. I live close enough that I can attempt this.