204,642
SparkPoints

Aaahhhh....slowing down a bit!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Things are starting to slow down a bit (oh, yeah, except for Christmas bearing down on us!) I love having the kiddos so close---we went shopping and had lunch today!!! WooHoo! Lots fo fun!
I wore the Holtor monitor and all readings were normal. I'm not sure whether to be happy or not. I had symptoms but not strong while wearing it so I guess I'm OK. And, I must say, I've felt better since the end of last week. Doctor has offered a stress test but I am undecided right now. I need to think about it.
My dad is in serious decline. He is running a fever, blood pressure very low (as long as I can remember he was on much blood pressure med for HIGH bp), and has lost another pound in a week. I talked to him yesterday and he sounded fairly good although weak. My brother said dad was not lucid this morning. He has a significant bedsore on his foot from the way he has to hold his leg due to the break. It is not healing at all. Hospice indicated that he will probably not be here for Christmas. My heart is breaking!
I have lost another half pound but, more importantly, I continue to feel good. More energy, better mood. My pants are fitting better and I can now button them without leaving major red indentations on my belly and getting serious gas!! Right now my eating is better than my exercise! Just too inconsistent this past week. Need to work on that. I asked for cold weather gear for Christmas so I can walk outside in the cold---I really enjoy walking outside so I'm hoping new gear will be motivating.
Please pray for my dad. I don't want to lose him but I don't want him hanging on in so much pain and little dignity left. He is an awesome dad and man!! Please pray for my strength to deal with this inevitable event.

Share This Post With Others

Report Inappropriate Blog

Member Comments About This Blog Post

- Report Inappropriate Comment
- My SparkPage
MORTICIAADDAMS
I'm really glad that you daughter and grandkids are close by now as I'm sure they will give you lots of love. And I'm relieved about the holter monitor. Why not have the cardiac stress test and make sure everything is okay? You have been under a lot of stress the past year and I'm sure it has taken it's toll on you. You have not been able to exercise like you wanted to, eat right, rest, etc. I know this has changed lately and you are feeling better but you still have a lot of stress ahead of you.

I am so sorry to hear about your father, Beth. I can't help hope that they are wrong and he will pull out of this. You know I will be praying for your dad as well as you and the rest of your family. God has promised that you will be provided with everything you need to endure this sad time in your life.

Love you.
3321 days ago

Comment edited on: 12/16/2011 9:11:48 AM
- Report Inappropriate Comment
- My SparkPage
PINKNFITCARLA
Beth-sending lots of and for your Dad and the rest of your family too. I know all too well how hard it is, I lost my Dad when he was only 54, right after New Years. Hospice was wonderful and they helped make an unbearable time more bearable.
3323 days ago
- Report Inappropriate Comment
- My SparkPage
JANEDOE12345
Beth, my prayers are with you and your family. A mixed blessing when someone in pain passes away - but God decides when enough is enough and gathers them up in His own time.
Hope your Christmas is rich and rewarding in every way,

Pam
3323 days ago
- Report Inappropriate Comment
- My SparkPage
LESLIESENIOR
Thank you for posting this blog, Beth. So much important information. I will keep your dad in my prayers. My dad also died right before Christmas in 2003 on Dec. 17. It was so sad, but he too was very ill. I actually was comforted by the season of celebration of Jesus' birth. There was something very powerful about his transition from earthly life occurring during the Christmas season. I pray for pain free and peaceful days for your dear dad.
I am glad that the Holter didn't show anything, but I understand your concern that there must be more. Not knowing can be very anxiety producing. The stress echo is really easy and painless and give a very good baseline documentation for the docs to use. But it is a personal choice. Even though things have slowed down for you, it sounds like you have plenty on your plate.
You sound wonderful and very encouraged by feeling better and more healthy. I am so relieved to hear the "jingle in your jingle bells".
Congrats on the weight loss. Woo Hoo, Woo Hoo, Woo Hoo. Picture me with pom poms. Hee Hee.
Leslie
3324 days ago
- Report Inappropriate Comment
- My SparkPage
MOM2ACAT
I will keep your dad, and all of you , in my prayers. It's so hard to let go, even when you know it's inevitable. If my dad hadn't passed away so quickly, he would have been in hospice as the next step. Even though we knew my dad didn't want to be kept on life support, it was so hard to make that decision and just let him go.
3324 days ago
- Report Inappropriate Comment
- My SparkPage
SUZYMOBILE
Prayers for your and your dad, my friend. I'm afraid hospice is probably right, but they, too, will tell you that every individual has their own journey, which can be hard to predict. It is a blessing that he can still speak with you, though. Bill's mom hung on for months without being able to communicate clearly or at all.
3324 days ago
- Report Inappropriate Comment
- My SparkPage
SNUGLBUNIE
Oh Beth, I'm glad the tests came back good and it probably is stress. You have been living a lot of things lately. I'm sad about your dad and will keep him and you in my prayers. If he is suffering and sick, sometimes it's easier to let them go even though it pains us. (((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) my dear friend.
3324 days ago