10 days ago my father was admitted to the hospital where after a couple of days his health deteriorated dramatically. Despite strict Covid rules Brother and I were called by the staff to say goodbye to our father. He was already far away, open eyes, not even noticing us for the hours we spent at his bedside, his breath just a rattle.
By noon the next day he regained conscience and clarity, the fever was down, and he was re-admitted from the dying room to a normal ward. Because of Covid restrictions we have not been allowed to see him anymore since he got better.
From talking to him on the phone we realize that he changed a lot, does not want to eat, is very weak, his mind and speech confused. This has been going on for a week now. Can we expect him to get better? Or do we still - one week later - need to be prepared for him to die? Sorry if that sounds very naive, but neither of us has any experience with death and reading the signs.
I have felt so angry towards my Dad and his stubbornness for the last few years but now the thought of never seeing him again is hard to bear.
I am in limbo, @AlvaDeer, on many levels. Feeling sad and guilty and hopeful at he same time. IF my dad should make it out of hospital alive it would be time for a NH (for both of them). And it would be a relief and break my heart at the same time. Does that sound stupid?
Thank you all - this site is a godsend!
You will know a lot more in a month. Unfortunately there is nothing to do but allow for that time.
Covid-19 rules for hospitalizations are made so much more dreadful for everyone. It is so difficult not to be right there. But the awful--the sad--truth is that being there is disturbing and without answers as well.
I hope you'll update us. I wish for his full recovery.
I know that it is not about if, but when.... Still hard to accept, especially since we are not allowed to visit him.
Kind thoughts to you.
I have an uncle, 87, who was hospitalized twice with the COVID. He spends most of his time in bed but goes out to a senior center every day for lunch. Its been almost two years since he was in the hospital.
It takes a long time for a senior to recover and obviously your dad was/is very ill. The fact that he has been moved to the normal ward is encouraging. Healthier/younger people are often confused in the hospital.
As prepared as we think we are to say goodbye it does come as a shock when our parent dies. I hope you get to visit with him soon.