Had To Call 911 For Dad
By webeishere
@webeishere (36313)
United States
April 23, 2008 12:36pm CST
Well as most here know I am my 83 year old fathers caregiver. he suffers from CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) He does not exercise and is always very wobbly when he walks etc. I have DDD (Dengenerative Disc Disease) and can not lift him AT ALL. Well I went to get the mail and dad was still in bed prior to his usual wake up time for lunch. As I got to the front steps of the deck I hear a loud THUD and something breaking. I dropped the mail on the ground and ran inside. I found dad on the floor in the hallway just prior to the living room. He had fallen. He hit his head on the entertainment center and his hand broke the newspaper rack. I had to call 911 and fight with dad trying to get up. He hates that I call them but it is my job to call. I will not injure myself trying to lift him. After 10 minutes of a checkup by the Paramedics thay asked if I felt he needed to go to the hospital. I asked dad how he felt and he said okay. He also was told by the Paramedics that there were no injuries. Evetrything as far as heart rate, breathing, and reactions etc are were good. So I had the sh*t scraed out of me today. I wasn't going to do anything here today but this is one way I relieve my stress and believe me I am stressed right now. Thanks for letting me babble on. Of course my friends knew I would take a photo or 3. 
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GAREGIVER GRANDPA BOB!!~
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GAREGIVER GRANDPA BOB!!~19 people like this
39 responses
@luvstochat (6907)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Glad to hear that your dad will be alright and glad using mylot helps take a little bit of stress out of your life. I have never had to call 911 before I bet that is one of the scariest things is waiting for an ambulance to come. Take care Grandpa Bob and hopefully the rest of the day will go good for you.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Thanks you very much also. I am used to this action as I have had to do it many times in the past 4 plus years that I've taken care of dad. But it is never easy on me and my heart or stress. My heart is still racing. Maybe I need them for me now? 
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~@luvstochat (6907)
• United States
23 Apr 08
You are a wonderful person to take care of your dad like that! Keep up the good work.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Thank you very much. I am proud of myself as well in the way I am and have been taking care of him for these 4 plus years. I was working partime when he moved in and he pays me what I was earning back then. But it is nowhere near what I'd be making now and prices of everything have gone up. I want to ask for more money but it's not easy asking him this. Anyhow thanks again frend.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@zhongmingyunky (379)
• China
24 Apr 08
First of all i wish you the father of an early resumption of elderly health.
Care for the elderly is a very easy matter,is a very very physical costs of energy,many countries have now entered the ageing soceiety,particularly the elderly,we should give more care for the elderly is such a harmonious society can be happy!
Once again bless the world of the elderly in old age and good health and happiness!
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
You say.."Care for the elderly is a very easy matter"? I beg to differ, it is not the least bit easy. But I do my best and so far it's been good enough to keep him going a few years longer. Thanks also for the response.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@zhongmingyunky (379)
• China
24 Apr 08
I am sorry,"should be a very difficult thing".
You are a great people,the elderly well-being of the world is willing to happiness!
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Wow!! This would definately be scary for me as well. Glad you were close by, and everything turned out to be OK. I know when something happens to a dear close loved one all you can do is sit there and wait to make sure everything is going to be OK. Glad you were around, and everything turned out to be ok. Hugz!! for you both.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
He was more anxious waiting than I was. I could care less the time it took as I felt he was fine etc. But he just wanted up and wanted up right away. Thanks bunches too.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Glad to hear that he is okay Bob. How are you doing? That fall would have scared the bejeebers out of me! I doubt that he has learned a lesson from the fall. I know many who are stubborn and refuse to use their walking aids or wheelchairs and they really need them.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I am doing okay. I think I needed a little excitement here. Nothing interesting has happened oin the past 24 hours here. Now I've a lot of neighbors visiting that seldom come around askin what was going on. Nosey people I tell ya. Some I have talked to once or twice only until tonight. Thanks.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!`
Now I've a lot of neighbors visiting that seldom come around askin what was going on. Nosey people I tell ya. Some I have talked to once or twice only until tonight. Thanks.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!`1 person likes this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Wow, I'm sure glad he's ok. You were smart to not try to do more yourself. You would have been no help to him if you injured yourself in the process.
Glad to hear that he's ok. I know that had to be pretty scary for you.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I couldn't lift him if I tried due to my back. he hates me calling but I told him to quit falling then we won't have them here so often.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~1 person likes this
@tessah (6617)
• United States
24 Apr 08
i spent five years tending my aging fatherinlaw, the last three of it being a 24/7 constant, so you have my sympathies over yer heart being stopped today when you heard him fall. been there, done that, ALOT, and it isnt any less heartstopping no matter how many times it occurs. sadly, my father in law passed away last june.. and even tho its been nearly a year, i still jump at every sound.. find myself halfway down the stairs not fully awake, running to check on him whenever i hear a bump or a bang. i so hope that you have others that are assisting you in your taking care of yer dad, being alone in it, without a break at all ever.. multiplies the stress of it unimagineably. i wish you luck and strength.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
yeah it is stressful isn't it? I imagine I'll be the same way once he is no longer around also. i watch his chest to see him breathing. I check on him like a child while he's sleeping. On and on. Rough and streesful but I love my dad. Thanks also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!`
1 person likes this
@minnie_98214 (10557)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Glad to hear he is okay. You know grandpa nothing you do is ever gonna be the right thing if it involves medics nurses or doctors lol.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Thanks sweetie. I know his thinking. Thick headed and stubborn but it had to ne done. he is okay with me making the call now. Once again I explained to him that each time he falls they will be here to assist him back to his feet.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM DADDY!!~
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Thanks friend. I am still shaken up a bit but am slowly calming down. 
He is the type that won't tell anyone when he is in pain. That's been his way forever as well. So I have to do the pinching, poking, prodding etc to see what kind of reactions I get from him to know if he is in pain or not. Too funny at times as I walk to him stabbing my finger into his knuckle then his temple area just a few minutes ago. He asked me what the hell I was doing.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
He is the type that won't tell anyone when he is in pain. That's been his way forever as well. So I have to do the pinching, poking, prodding etc to see what kind of reactions I get from him to know if he is in pain or not. Too funny at times as I walk to him stabbing my finger into his knuckle then his temple area just a few minutes ago. He asked me what the hell I was doing.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
When he asked me what I was doing I started
to laugh so hard I almost wet myself. 
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@AmbiePam (85442)
• United States
23 Apr 08
That would have scared me! And I'm glad you didn't try to pick him up. I know he would have preferred not to have a fuss, but if you had helped him, he might have ended up having to call 911 for you! I have degenerative discs and when I pick up something heavy because no one is around to help, I pay for it for days. Sometimes I have to lay flat for a couple days in a row. Please tell your dad I'm glad he is all right. Buster would have had seperation anxiety if your dad had had to go to the hospital.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
My DDD is right at the base of the spine. I can't sit too long nor drive too long or my whole lower body goes numb. Kind of the feeling when your arm falls asleep then the tingly feeling as it awakens? That's what I feel a lot in my lower body grom the waist to my toes.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
23 Apr 08
I am so glad that this wasn't any more serious, Grandpa Bob. What a scare for you. Please try to keep your stress down if possible, and take care of yourself. You're a very special person, and a great son and caregiver. I'm sure your dad really does appreciate all you do for him. Another thing, at least you know your dad doesn't have osteoporosis, as surely he'd have broken a bone, in the fall. My brother, who's almost twenty years younger than your dad, fell at home in March, and broke his hip. He's still in the rehab. hospital, and he 'does' have the osteoporosis. Take care.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Thanks bunches friend. My stress is high daily and I do a lot to keep it at bay. Walking the dog, biking, and writing etc here on myLot. No big deal with my stress yet. (fingers crossed) I love hearing these words of praise from you as well. They mean so much to me. Dad appreciates all that I do I am sure but he has never been the type to acknowldge it vocally. But that's cool because that's just him. As many times as he has fallen I am shocked he ahsn't broken anything or got a serious cut etc. Amazingly strong man yet to lazy to exercise so he won't fall. Oh well. Sorry about your brother also. Is he doing a lot better now then?
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
There are times I wished he was in a home but then again many more times I am glad here is here. Have a great day and see ya soon friend.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
23 Apr 08
You're very welcome. I'm glad I can encourage you with these words, as they're very true. I admire you for sticking with your dad. So many seem to just want to put them in nursing homes. I don't have the option to care for my parents, as both have been gone since I was very young. It is amazing that he's managed to not hurt himself seriously.
Thanks, regarding my brother. He's been in hospital for a few weeks, and then on to the rehab. He really misses being at home, but has his wife to support him. Hopefully, he'll be able to go home soon, but then will be housebound there for awhile. He did have to have surgery. He's normally very active, and in pretty good shape.
My daughter needs the computer for homework now, so I won't be able to get back to my embarrassing topic. I'll have to show my face there later, or I'll look like a coward.
I hope the rest of your day goes smoothly. Take care.
I hope the rest of your day goes smoothly. Take care.1 person likes this
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
23 Apr 08
I am sorry to hear that your father falling stressed you out. I know how that can be. It is good to know that he was not injured, is alright, and does not need to go to the hospital. He sounds like a pretty tough cookie. God bless you and your family.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
I was relieved to say the least. he just wanted up right away
but there's no way I can lift him with my bad back etc. Thanks.
All blessings are always welcomed from me. I need them daily
taking care of dad.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
•
23 Apr 08
Aww you poor thing - and your poor Dad! I know how worried i was when my gran had her accident just before christmas and it wasn't pleasant! I hope you both feel better now and I am glad to hear that you didn't risk your back by trying to lift him up, you did just the right thing! xxx
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Thanks friend. We are both great. getting hungry now though.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Oh wow, I am glad to hear he is ok, that would be a scary experience..Since I am viewing this from my in box, I can't see that pictures, so I will have to look at them after posting this..(they really do need to change that 
)
Even though your Dad doesn't like you calling, it was the wisest thing to do, I am sure that he is grateful too..
)
Even though your Dad doesn't like you calling, it was the wisest thing to do, I am sure that he is grateful too..1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Thanks. You know I had to take some photos.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
He could care less actually.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Yes, I saw them..So what does your Dad think of having his picture up for all to see..I know some people are very picky about that, especially the older generation..
1 person likes this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
23 Apr 08
That is definitely a scary situation to go through. And I know all too well about the stresses involved in being a caregiver for an aging parent.
I've had to call 911 a few times, once for my dad when he was having a heart attack. I think that was back in 1994? Something like that. It was scary. But on the bright side, as a young and single gal at the time, I quite enjoyed having so many men in uniform around me that evening. WOOT! 
Firemen, policemen AND ambulance attendants.
I hope you are calming down some now, and that your father will be okay too. Hopefully there won't be any more falls like that for either of you. :)
Firemen, policemen AND ambulance attendants.
I hope you are calming down some now, and that your father will be okay too. Hopefully there won't be any more falls like that for either of you. :)1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Luckily dad hasn't had a heart attack yet. He did have a minro stroke awhile back. I called 911 and he ended up in the ER having 7 stents placed into him for the stroke etc. I've called a lot and 3 times he went to the ER for various problems and surgery of some type. Nothing very serious yet thankfully. I guess I am doing a great job at this caregiving huh? Well as the paramedics walked into the house I laughed and asked, "Do they send you guys out in teams according to height?" They were both at least 6 foot 3 inches or taller. They laughed at that. They did nothing for me though as far as your experience.
Still a tad shaky and heart rate has lowered a bit so far. We are both doing great. Thanks also. Here's the newspaper rack he hit with his knuckle breaking one of the support bars.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB!!~
Still a tad shaky and heart rate has lowered a bit so far. We are both doing great. Thanks also. Here's the newspaper rack he hit with his knuckle breaking one of the support bars.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB!!~1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Hard knuckles along with a hard head. He refuses to be in a nursing home. After his last surgery he was there for a about a month and a half. His insurance paid for 30 days. But the bill for 13 days was well over $1500. So that is out of the question. He has good insurance and medicaid doesn't help a whole lot as he has Blue Cross. But they only pay for a certain length as well as does medicaid. He does pay for Home Health Care to give him a bath once a week. I may check into seeing about them coming to fix meals so the wife and I can get out. We have an overnight casino trip planned for late May and we shall see how he does until then before we make a final decision on the day trip. Thanks friend.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
He refuses to be in a nursing home. After his last surgery he was there for a about a month and a half. His insurance paid for 30 days. But the bill for 13 days was well over $1500. So that is out of the question. He has good insurance and medicaid doesn't help a whole lot as he has Blue Cross. But they only pay for a certain length as well as does medicaid. He does pay for Home Health Care to give him a bath once a week. I may check into seeing about them coming to fix meals so the wife and I can get out. We have an overnight casino trip planned for late May and we shall see how he does until then before we make a final decision on the day trip. Thanks friend.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~1 person likes this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
23 Apr 08
Your dad must have incredibly hard knuckles. That ought to bring on quite the bruise. Ouch!
Do you have anyone else that helps you with your father so that you can get respite? Have you considered touring some nursing homes with him to see if he'd be interested in being a bit more independant there?
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
24 Apr 08
That is scary and calling the paramedics is always the right thing to do. You can't afford to be disabled, who would do things then.
I guess you have to try and convince him NOT to try and get up when you are not around to help him...but when they get to be that age, they can be very stubborn. Good luck - you will need it.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I was holding him down telling him constantly to wait as I am not picking him up. Even as the paramedics were checking him over he kept trying to get up. Stubborn old fart. Thanks friend.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@KarenO52 (2950)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I know only too well what you're going through, and it can get pretty scary caring for an elderly person. Sometimes it's worse if they can walk, because there's always that chance of falling. Does your dad have a walker he can use to help him get around safer? My mother in law has one with a seat, and wheels on it that she can walk with, but if she starts feeling too weak, she can sit down.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I do not actually know if I could handle this if he becomes bed riiden though. That's my big fear as of late concerning his lack of exercise. He is now using the walker as I hid the cane and told him it's gone and just the walker is here. He only walks in the house and not too far. I thought about the setee walker when we bought one but he is too lazy to walk any further than the dining room actually. Thanks friend.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I really feel for you GRANDPA BOB as I know exactly what you're going through. My mother was a stubborn bird and refused outside help either so I was her caregiver as well. My mother was very wobbly when she walked as she never exercised either..on top of that she did drink which didn't help...she had her share of falls as well, one was really bad and she did have to go to the hospital.
I'm glad to hear that your Dad didn't suffer any bad injuries with his fall. I know it's hard to do, but take care of yourself...hear? As caregivers, we often have to remind ourselves to pamper ourselves any way we can, even if it's only a brief time-out for ourselves
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Thank you bunches.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Sorry you went thru this. It's hard isn't it? my mom fell a couple of times while we were caring for her. We were there for her 24/7 or at least we tried to be. It is humanly impossible. We'd go into another room or step outside for a minute and she'd be up and trying to walk on her own. She was stubborn and hated being dependent on us. Hang in there. It is so much worse when they lose their spit and fire. I'm glad he's ok. 1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
It's okay no need for you to aologize. It's all part of being his caregiver is all. He has lost his spit and fire a year ago. he doesn't want to leave the house even anymore. Just to sit on the deck is it. So he does get fresh air in the warm nice days at least. Thanks also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@DonnaLawson (4032)
• United States
24 Apr 08
You have a very hard job.. I was caregiver for my mom for awhile.. As hard as you try to take care of them, they still have their pride and want to do as much as possible for themselves.. So it is a hard job.. None of my sisters would let my mother shut the bathroom door when she went in there, and she resented them for doing this to her.. I always let her shut the door but asked her to please not lock it.. She would not lock it and it would open just a couple of inches, that way I could see her and as soon as I could see her hand reaching for the door to open it, I always went to her and helped her back to her bed.. They need a bit of their pride and do not like to feel helpless, so you really have to walk a thin line to take care of them and keep them happy for the rest of the time they have left.. You are doing a good job, but it is a hard job.. Take care and keep on, keeping on, you will miss him when he is gone, I can guarantee you that.. Good luck to you..
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I don't look at it as a JOB. I am his son and this is my responsibility in a sense is all. As far as doing for themselves, not dad. he is the laziest man around actually. he doesn't even wash unless I MAKE him. He is funny about the being lazy. He even admits it. I don't tell dad to do anything. he is his own man still and I let him do as he pleases to a point. I will hear if anything happens as I did this afternoon. Thanks bunches. I do my best and it is all that I can do.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
