Re: Dad falling vs NH - Kim

December 28, 2002

Kim

Wow, you explained my dad to a tee. First, the falling and leaning. My

dad leaned too. He always leaned forward and at times leaned to one

side or the other. He seemed to lean more to his right side. Then you

mentioned the breathing. My dad began the last year to have somewhat of

a rattle, asthma-like sound. It would go away at times, yet worsened

toward the end. The last 2-3 weeks of his life, it was constant. My

dad started losing weight the beginning of this year, with a definate

decline from the middle of June on. From June to the middle of August

he lost over 30 lbs. He never put the weight on again, and gradually

lost more. By Sept. 4th when he was involuntarilly discharged from the

NH, and was transported by me in my truck, to the Mercy lin Center

Adult Psychiatric Unit he instantly need to be fed, like he had

forgotten how to. His swallowing instantly changed. It had been hard

for him to swallow before then, but at that time he drastically changed.

The gurgle in his throat and lungs never went away, and just got worse.

You mentioned about balance and perception...both are affected from the

disease.

The off-balance due to the Parkinson's symptoms, and depth perception is

just part of the disease as a whole. My dad's depth perception was off

and couldn't always determine where a chair was and I think people

approaching him scared him more than anything as he wasn't sure how

close they were. He would react in anger and/or agression then staff

would chart that he was having behaviors. Seemed to be a lose/ lose

situation. Hopefully this answers some of your questions. You still

may call me, or give me a time when its best to call you. If I could go

to everyone's homes, and help with the struggles of the disease, I would

be there in a heartbeat.

Praying for your guidance and strength.

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

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