September 9, 2010 - General Update

Hi everyone .....

Long Weekend
Hope you all had a great long weekend!  We had a very good time at the lake.  The weather wasn't too bad - a little cool and windy on Saturday, beautiful on Sunday, and Monday it rained but did not matter as we left at 11:00 am.  I am sorry to say we couldn't take Dad fishing.  The water was very low and as a result we were unable to take the boat out of the marina.  Oh well, next year!  Dad did enjoy sitting around the campfire working in his puzzle book - much better than sitting in the house!

Transportation
I do continue to have problems getting Dad to and from the GAT Unit.  I can get "We Care" to drive him but it will cost $37.00 each way for a total of $74.00!   I had a lady from Pineview drive him this morning for $30.00 one way.  Brian may be off work soon so it won't be a problem in the future (I hope!).  We do need good transporation as Dad may be going to Rainbow, a place where he can spend the day and socialize with people instead of dogs!

Doctor
Dad now has a Doctor which may, or may not, be a good thing.  I have to say the service Dad received from the "Unattached Patient Clinic" was exceptional!  I know it was/is better care than he would have received from a Doctor!  We will miss them!

Hearing
Did mention, Dad can't hear very well!  It can be painful sometimes when you are trying to have a serious conversation with him.  Dad finds it frustrating too, not being able to hear and always having to say "huh?".  We are going to look into getting him a hearing aid.  They cost quite a bit ($2,500 - $4,000), but I think it is worth it!  Having said that, there are many funny moments when we say something, Dad responds, and the response has nothing to do with that we said!!  We do have a some good laughs!!  :o)

September 3, 2010 - Warafin & Camping

Hi all .... just wanted to let you know I have reviewed all the notes I've made in regards to my discussions with the Unattached Patient Clinic and the GAT Unit over the last four weeks.  It looks like I may have made the error in regards to Dad's warafin dose.  I feel very bad.  I have been so careful when it comes to Dad's medication.  I do have to say other mistakes have been made too.  I will be sending a letter to both the Clinic and Unit advising what happened over the last few weeks and a few suggestions on how we can communicate better between us all!  Anyway, Dad's INR is down to 2.3 (between 2 and 3 is good).  Hopefully, I won't get charged with elder abuse!  Did I mention on the last fishing trip with Dad we just about gave Dad sun stroke?!!  A story for another day.  Shhhh! ... don't tell anyone!

This weekend is a long weekend so we are leaving after work and heading to Stuart Lake.  The weather is not supposed to be very good at all, but what the heck.  It would be nice if Dad went fishing one more time this year and if the weather is too, too, bad then we can always come home!  Have a wonderful long weekend everyone!!