My lovely dad is 81, and has gallantly been living with Parkinson’s for 12 years. He took what felt like a rather sudden decline over the last fortnight – not eating, sleeping most of the day – and got taken into hospital on Thursday night.
He is now bed bound, on IV fluids, and occasionally oxygen. He has not eaten proper food for several days, and can only manage tiny sips of water or thin soup. The swallow team have STILL not been to see him to assess his swallow, when this is clearly an issue now and taking food could be dangerous in case of aspiration. The Parkinson’s consultant has told us he’s approaching end of life, but cannot tell us how long we have left, but said anyone wanting to visit should come within the next week. He’s emaciated, and mainly sleeping now, drifting in and out, with some delirium and bouts of agitation. My Dad’s wife still seems to think he’s going to come home, but myself and my sister cannot see how that would be possible.
I feel like I’m in a holding pattern, balancing on a tightrope. Can anyone tell me from their own experience what we are looking at here? Days? Weeks? It’s just awful.
Hi Lobbylo .. So sorry to hear that your Dad is declining. It is very sad but we all have to go sometime. My Father died aged 79 with Alzheimer’s in a nursing home, my Mum died in her late 60’s with a type of Parkinson’s. She spent her last years in bed sleeping mostly. It is all about enjoying our lives & having quality of life. If there is no quality of life then living is no fun. Doesn’t making losing someone we love any easier.
Having Parkinson’s does wear the body out, but 81 is a good age.
Some people, like your Mum, hold out hope where there is none. Maybe that is how she copes.
Anyway all the best to you in this most difficult time. In my case with time great loss was replaced by happy memories.
Hi @Lobbylo73, thank you for your post. We are so sorry to hear that and understand how distressing that must be for you and your family.
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