My 51-year-old dad is diabetic and losing the feeling in his legs. How can I help him?

Asked by lettie  |  Oct 3, 2011

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Carol Bradley Bursack, Oct 3, 2011

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories."

 

If he absolutely won't go to a doctor, you should call his doctor's office and give them the scoop. They may have suggestions. Also, please contact the Diabetes Association for ideas on how you can help him physically.
It's sad that this burden is placed on you. Please understand that no matter how miserable your dad is, if he does commit suicide - which is unlikely - but if he does, it's not your fault. Follow through with a therapist is you can. A professional counselor may have ideas for you. Often, sadly, officials can't do anything unless suicide is attempted. Start making contacts for your own support, please.
Carol

 
 

Eddie

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Dec 28, 2011

LETTIE:

His suicide statements are a cry out for help. If he's verbalized a method, however, an intervention is needed. In the meantime, I suggest leg exercises to improve circulation. A physical therapist and/or short Internet videos will definitely alleviate the symptoms. If he's overweight, plenty of fluids (not just water) and cutting down fatty foods should reduce some of the pressure on the legs as pounds are shed.

If he doesn't want to move, present him a worse case scenario: vascular surgery. Having to be wheelchaired, being completely homebound for a while, needing assistance to take a shower and use the toilet. ... Utterly humiliating for a man accustomed to self-sufficiency.

Good luck my friend, and enjoy the rest of the Holidays.

 
 

lettie

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Oct 3, 2011

my husband and i are really battling with my dad he keeps saying that he is going to commit sucide because he cant live like this anymore and he wont get help from anyone and he refuses to go to a hospital for check ups what should i do.

 
 

sumlerc

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Dec 28, 2011

lettie, how are you coping with your Dad? Have you received help for him?

 
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