Sunday/Monday

Lethargy and thick tongued speech have cropped up on occasion over the past few weeks. There has not been a pattern or specific precedent for this condition nor has it persisted longer than twelve to eighteen hours or been accompanied by other symptoms.

Sunday, Dad had a less than normal prelude to the day and indications of idiosyncratic behavior persisted for the most of the day. Two of his granddaughters, Hali and Kakki came up for the Razorback game and stopped by to see Mom and Dad. Mom said that Dad was less than communicative. He may have spoken one or two senteces during their entire visit.

Around eight p.m., Charlotte called and said that Mom had called 911 because Dad's BP was high and his pulse was elevated and he was very weak. Chanetta didn't think that she could get him into the van by herself. He was also having difficulty with his balance.

I left work and met them at the hospital. Dad looked tired and his eyes were matted and he seemed groggy. He was responsive and was able to relate relevant facts about his birth date and social security number to the admitting nurse but I could tell all was not "normal". They ran all the customary test and gave him a cat scan.

At 10:30 I sent Mom and Chanetta home because it was going to be a couple of hours before any results would be available. I went home to change clothes and eat a bite and came back around 12. Dad had been sleeping even through the din of beeps of machines, emergency room radios and a baby crying in the next room. He woke up when I came in and asked a few questions and went back to sleep. About 12:30, the doctor came in and said that they were going to get him up to walk around a bit. I told her that he needed a walker and a gait belt at best. She said that they were not permitted in the ER so I told her that she better have a couple of strong nurses at his side or they would be picking him up off the floor. I had tried to explain his NPH to them (I guess they didn't read his chart from his previous stay in the hospital) and that it was probably the reason for most of his symptoms. She said that she would get another nurse to assist. I asked her if they were going to keep him over night and she said that all of his baseline numbers were good and that he would be going home. I told her that I would have to go get his gait belt, clothes, wheelchair and suitable transportation.

I woke Mom up and gathered all the needed paraphernalia and headed back to transport him home. I got him dressed and with the help of an aide got him into the van and we headed home. Mom and Chanetta were waiting and Dad said that he was hungry. The transfers to and from the van were labored and Dad could not seem to sit up straight in the wheelchair. Chanetta made him an egg sandwich while I tried to get him in a more upright position. He couldn't seem to right himself. Chanetta indicated that he had had trouble with his balance all day. Hopefully he will be able to get some sleep and he will regain his normal demeanor tomorrow.

We will try to get him in to see his PCP as soon as possible and develop a new strategy for the future in the event this type of episode continues to occur.

We are praying for guidance and strength as we go forward.

God is good.