Getting Better?

[wlotus]

I hope Dad's exhaustion and almost constant sleeping is a normal part of the healing process. He's been mostly out of it ever since they brought him up to a regular ward yesterday afternoon. Between the dialysis--I am told that wears you out until your body gets used to it--and this being only the second day he's been asked to get out of bed for things like going to the bathroom, I guess it's normal. But if he isn't more alert tomorrow, I am going to say something to his nurses. The nurse I met this evening just assumed he is always incoherent and barely alert, until I told her he wasn't that way before he came upstairs.

I've been thoroughly impressed with the nursing staff, and I've been sure to tell them so. They are kind as well as competent, and that's been a great comfort to me.

Comments

[lilrongal.livejournal.com]

His body's been through a lot. It's understandable that he'd be exhausted. It has to work hard to heal.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

You're right. Thank you for reminding me.

[queen-in-autumn.livejournal.com]

*hugs

I hope this is just part of the healing phase, and he continues to gain strength and clarity.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I think it is. I am overtired and had forgotten that.

Thank you for the hugs. They help.

[ruthiebgr8.livejournal.com]

Pain and major surgery take a LOT out of you. Sleeping is one way the body can recuperate. Anyone who can sleep in a hospital is TIRED. Percocet can also make people very tired and, seemingly, incoherent. Part of all this could be the meds that he needs.

BTW, nurses really appreciate chocolate. There's a reason I go into the hospital with 3 big boxes of chocolate with me. Makes my nurses happy!

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

On the inside I am jumping up and down and clapping my hands with glee!! Thank you...that will be far better than the thank-you note I had in mind. I shall hie me to a shopping center tomorrow!

[ruthiebgr8.livejournal.com]

Thank you notes are also appreciated, so one would not be amiss, but the chocolate will gain you bigger smiles!

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

it is true that patients on dialysis can be that way, mostly for the first couple of hours after dialysis. It can also be caused by some of the pain meds they may be giving him, and also just the environment--he is probably being woken up every couple of hours all night.

there is a difference between being tired and being disoriented, though. If it seems like he is worn out, that's probably part of the process. But if it seems like he's "not himself", then it might need to be looked into further if it doesn't resolve in the next day or so. If you are still concerned, talk to his doctor and aske them to review his meds.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

It seems like he is worn out more than disoriented, but this afternoon it was almost impossible to get him to respond to anything. At least this morning he was able to open his eyes, look at me, and know who I am. Tonight the nurse could barely get him awake enough to take his medicine, and I had to spoon-feed him to get him to eat half of his soup...which he ate entirely with his eyes closed and with no effort to feed himself.

I'll see how he is tomorrow, and if he's the same, I'll express my concern to the nurse.