Update

I’ve been making excuses for the last three weeks about my lack of posting here because of my dad being in hospital. The hospital visits have slacked off a bit, but that’s mainly due to it being hard to take JJ in to see him.

Initially dad didn’t want to see JJ – mind you that was on the first day when I asked him – and knowing that JJ is quite restless and quite loud I kept him away for nearly a week. Then JJ was starting to ask if he could see his Pop and was getting quite upset when I said I’d have to check. I ended up taking him in for a little while and he’s been back since, but they are very short visits. I think the whole thing has freaked him out if the number of wet beds by JJ are anything to go by.

Dad’s stroke affected him on his right side and therefore affected his speech. Fortunately now, he’s speaking so much better which makes it a lot easier all round. The speech clarity comes and goes though. I think he gets tired talking and when he’s tired the words don’t come out as clearly. A couple of days after he had his stroke, it worsened and he lost all movement in his right arm which he is now also getting back.

As I mentioned in my previous post (linked above) a symptom of stroke can be that emotions are displayed a lot easier, ie crying and laughing. The crying has eased of somewhat but he still gets upset when people are arriving or leaving for his visits. It’s not as frequent and it doesn’t seem to last as long now though.

The main thing he’s freaking out about is that he might never be able to drive again. I don’t think anyone has actually told him this, it’s more how he feels at the moment. Apparently he asked mum if she’d cancelled his driver’s licence which of course she hasn’t.

A few days ago he had a stent put in blocked veins (or arteries?) at the back of his neck where there were blockages. This should help eliminate a further stroke. As this procedure went well, he moved to rehab today where he will be for another month or so. He’s very well aware that he’s been in hospital for nearly 4 weeks and I’m sure he’s counting down the days until he can leave hospital.

I’m certainly feeling a lot more positive about the whole thing now. The first few days really dragged on, and the initial setback freaked us all out a bit. Until then, we hadn’t thought that his stroke could get worse.

Now, practically all my spare time (I didn’t think I really had any before) is taken up with visiting him so the home maintenance is suffering a bit – nothing that can’t wait mind you. So there’ll be a few more leaves to sweep up, and a few more weeds to pick when I eventually do get around to it. I think I’ve seen my dad more in the last 4 weeks than I have in the last year which isn’t a bad thing.