Posted by Dinah on September 23, 2004, at 16:32:38
In reply to Re: Revealing family secrets » Dinah, posted by Emme on September 23, 2004, at 16:07:13
I heard from the doctor, and let him know. I'm not sure how much good it will do. He did say that he'd have a consult for her for depression and for the hoarding behavior and maybe try to get her on meds.
Then he told me she was probably going to have her entire leg removed below the knee and would be in the hospital for weeks and weeks, then in a wheelchair, then eventually fitted with a prosthesis. And that while she was in the hospital we should remove the stacks of newspaper and clear the place out and tell her that it was necessary because of her wheelchair. He didn't seem impressed by our fear of doing that, and our fear of her. But I can't imagine doing that. :(
My understanding is that her surgeon is more hopeful about amputation. I hope that's true. Hard to say what's true filtered through my mom. I don't know what they're going to do, poor parents of mine. How can two frail and wheelchair bound people live alone? I really do realize that however difficult this is for me, it is immeasurably more difficult for my stubborn and independent parents.
I contacted the home health agencies but now my father's backed out of his promise to get someone and is saying he'll die alone in the house before he has home health care. And he is perfectly capable of driving away anyone who would agree to work there, if I don't have his cooperation.
And I'm scared of both of these people. The idea of going against their very strongly stated opinions is so far against anything I've ever done that it is absolutely incomprehensible to me.
I think I'll move to Australia. :(
The only good thing is that I made an appointment with a geriatric social worker for counseling for me and what I can realistically do for my parents. It's not for two weeks, but maybe that's almost good as I should have a good idea what's going to happen to my mom by then.
I'll see if I can call their family and friends to talk sense into them. And my brother is coming to town friday. Of course, he's not going to go against their wishes any more than I am. My parents are scary!
poster:Dinah
thread:394020
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040923/msgs/394203.html