I could tell that Papa was back-sliding into his previous depressed state, since he came home from the skilled nursing facility about a week ago. So, Friday I went with him to his "primary care" Doctor.
This doctor treats both of us, and has treated Papa for about 20 years so I feel comfortable "telling" the doctor the down and dirty truth about what's going on with him. It's always beneficial and I have managed to get him extra help when I go along. I am not so sure that'd happen if he went on his own. Papa grumbles that he doesn't want me to miss any more work, and says he doesn't "need" me to go, but secretly I think he really appreciates someone speaking up on his behalf.
So, this time I got the doctor to prescribe physical therapy for him! The doctor agrees that his multiple surgeries and general health over the past year has caused him to be very weak and lose lots of muscle tone.
Papa will have to drive about 45 miles each way a few times a week, and that in itself will give him something to do, besides the interaction with the PT staff and the benefits of the therapy.
(Other news continued next entry.....)
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Everything is worth a try- maybe the PT will make him feel better and want to get out, get active.
ReplyDeleteDEFINITELY a good idea to go with your dad to the doctor. It helps to have someone to advocate for you no matter what your age, but older people need this even moreso. In my experience, the medical profession gets "lazy" when it comes to old people, and they have to be kept honest... Lisa :-]
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