My 96 year old Dad has always been bright and vibrant and clear thinking....until he went into the hospital for pneumonia. Now he's been hospitalized for 3 1/2 weeks and has become increasingly "confused". He has congestive heart failure and has been through cycles of fluid in his lungs and dehydration. That is all pretty awful; however, the hardest part to deal with is the incredible mental confusion. And......my feeling that the doctors and nurses are not dealing with that aspect of his condition because they automatically assume that his advanced age is the explanation. They all cite "sundowning" as an explanation and don't seem to understand that Dad was "never like this". (Maybe a lot of people say that.) Anyway, we realize that these may be my Dads last days and it is so hard to have him in such a confused and agitated state. Sometimes he doesnt know who we are and he has no idea he is in the hospital. My heart is breaking watching this man go out like this. I see that all of you are intimately acquainted with this. Please......say anything......
Vivvi, there is a reasonable explanation for why your Dad is so confused , given the conditions you stated. Sometimes illness compromises the brain's functioning, and it's very sad when you want so badly to talk to him, and tell him you love him, and you really cant because he isnt capable of understanding right now. My heart goes out to you. I'll keep you in my prayers that ,if these are your Dad's final days, that you may find closure with him, and have a chance to say goodbye.
Take care- my sympathies- Melissa
"Whatever tomorrow brings, I"ll be there-with open arms and open eyes"
Posts: 1795 | Location: Dayton,Ohio | Registered: May 30, 2002
vivvi, So sorry.My husband just went through the same thing.Many times fluid in the lungs will cause a behavior change as with congestion as it cuts off oxygen from the brain.It does not mean this is permanent.It is quite hard on a gentleman of your grandfathers age to fight the pneumonia, but with the proer medicine he has a good chance.If you are indoubt of his treatment or non treatment, you become his advocate and voice your concerns,Tell them you want the total picture and what they are doing to give him the best chance possible.
<Janie>
Posted
Vivvi, although your dear father has lived longer than any of us could ever even hope for, your pain is still very evident and obvious. I am very sorry.
