my dad had an appendex attack - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

jagsmu · 10-22-2008, 09:43 PM

so this morning it started out quite and it looked like a good day to read a book, the phone rang at 10 oclock and my dad says he thinks he is having an appendex attack, could I get over there to look after my mom while he goes to the hospital.........omg I am now telling my dad to call 911, and as I am talking I am throwing on cloths, of sorts, I am out the door, into my dingy and accross the bay, up the ramp and run to the packing lot and start the 15 minute drive to my parents... through two work zones, the flag people held up traffic to let me go, and when I got to my parents house the ambulance had just arrived... theres my dad sitting and bent over in pain and my mom is stressed right out.... off to the hospital we go and he is admitted right away, all the test were done from eeg's to god knows what else, meanwhile I am trying to ease my moms stress by telling everything that is going on, over and over and over..... at one point she got mad at me because she said that noone told her what was happening...2 hours went by and the doctor came out and said they were running all kinds of test and we should go home for a bit....so off for a bite to eat, back to the hospital for results and another 3 hour wait, finally we went home once more this was around 4.30 and a phone call from the hospital... my dad is calling for us to come get him ??????????????????????????? we get there and sure enough they have discharged him... I cornered his doctor and question this and he said that nothing showed up and the pain was gone and to bring him into the office tommorow...... so home we go.... now I sit here at my home waiting for the phone call that may come tonight to rush him back to the hospital..... anyone want to sit up with me... that was my day today....

DrewsG · 10-22-2008, 10:47 PM

jags, I'm sorry to be smiling here but I have had somewhat of an exact day. Not today but I've sure had similar ones. Parents...........they can sure be a handfull. Can't they? How could all of that pain be nothing? I'm sure your on pins and needles waiting for that phone to ring. I sure hope you can get some rest. Days or all nighters at the hospital can be exhausting.
Good Luck, I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best. I hope it turns out to be nothing with your Dad.
Chris

Gabriel · 10-22-2008, 11:20 PM

That pain could be anything from something simple like gastroenteritis (basically a really bad stomach ach) to something intermittant that may or may not be back (like a slightly inflamed gall bladder or apendix). Hopefully it will not show up again.

I do understand the anxiety when a parent has a medical emergeny and it is compounded when the other parent doesn't understand what is happening.. I have been there done that and it makes for a LONG day or days. You probalby need to get some sleep. The phone will wake you. just sleep in your clothes. Youwill not do your Mom and Dad any good if you are exhausted.

I do hope whatever it was, was a one time deal and will turn out to be nothing major. Keep us informed..... and get somer rest!!!!

Love, deb

Martha H · 10-23-2008, 04:33 AM

I hope you had an undisturbed night - it must have been frustrating for you to have to explain it over and over to your Mom and then be told ''no one tells me anything." Hope your Dad is fine this morning. It could have been just 'gas' or indigestion ...

Sounds like you live on an island ... wow.

When I used to babysit for my grandkids as young babies, my daughter always told me if there is an emergency call 911. They will get here faster and have the child treated on the way, far sooner than you can get them to the hospital. If this happens again, maybe you could call 911 for your dad and meet him at the hospital later. Getting yourself into an accident will help no one.

Love,

Martha

ibake&pray · 10-23-2008, 08:22 AM

Oh dear, doesn't it suck having to be the adult?

I'm glad that your dad was sent home, but what a long day for you..and your mom...and Dad. Perhaps you need to keep a small bag packed for you take to your parents house with a change of clothes for you and your dop kit.

Then you should also have a bag to take along for your Mom that has a sweater and maybe some light snacks and things she might do. Anything that might keep her intersted in case this happens again. Plus a bottle of water-just in case.

Can you tell we have lived through these things?

Get some rest....you have earned it. and we hope your dad gets better!