Dad is 76, 9 months post stroke/seizure. He came home last December and improved slowly in cognition up to now. Became weak from stroke but did not have any paralysis. Weak to the point that he required assistance walking to bathroom and self-care dependent. He had been up until few days ago climb over tub and stand in tub 10-15 minutes for me to wash him and helped him stepped out. A few days ago, however his legs became weak that he is not able to do this and even assisted walking, he is not able to reach washroom like before. Cognition has not been altered. Food/water intake still strong but his mobility is next to nothing now that i had to pull out the wheelchair again. Not sure what is causing this? Mom and I just thought that we changed his sleeping position recently where he laid on his side, but legs might be cramped because he DOES NOT move all night from this position. I am worried because without mobility, we can’t provide care for him. It was a rough try with a bath bench to shower him tonight. I don’t know what to do but I am so scared of the ER. I wish I will never have to bring him in ever again.
Walking one day, unable to move next day.
He has Parkinson’s disease for over 10 years, although diagnosed in 2015, his GP mentioned it in 2012.
He went to hospital end of June and had every test done, no stroke, hearth problems, dementia, nothing!
As healthy as somebody 30 years old.
And not due to Parkinson’s as every specialist agreed with that. And he had entire team of specialists taking care of him.
And nothing conclusive after 3 weeks of tests, MRIs, Catscans, ultrasounds.
Right now doing physiotherapy helped, he regained strength.
Strangely enough his friend had something similar some months ago and nothing was found and he has no neurological conditions.
Not to scare you but some things will remain a mystery.
Second best option is an urgent appointment with his doctor. He or she should get a referral to a neurologist, an orthopedic doctor, and physical therapy. From these specialists, you can get a good work-up to discern what is going on.
You need to talk to his PCP and get him into stroke rehab. There, they will get him back on his feet and start to do exercises. He has to do exercises every day. Some of them are to rebuild strength, others are there so that the brain will remember the function.
If he is obstinate, as most people are, see if you can find some activities that you can incorporate into his day. My brother enjoyed shopping for food, so I and others, took him to the farmers market where he had to practice proper walking and using the cane correctly.
This is hard for both you and him. He need physical therapy badly, and if he is already too atrophied, you will need advice on how to care for a bed-bound individual.
Perhaps his PCP could do a new assessment or refer home care services to him and they can provide professional input to PCP , perhaps could assess if he needs additional at home PT also or other levels of care needs.
https://tinyurl.com/pfesp285
Your Dad may be having mini-strokes that no one is aware of. Time to have him re-evaluated by his doctor. He needs labs. Could be a number of problems. Yes, his doctor can order in home physicsl therapy. I see no need for ER its not an emergency. Just get an appt with his doctor.
You can order extra large body wipes and waterless shampoo and conditioner caps on either Amazon or Walmart.com. to use for the bed baths, or just fill a basin with warm water and some soap and go to town.
I wish you all well.
I think you need to make a plan for the next phase of his life because even if he recovers somewhat it sounds like the days where he can walk are numbered. Caregiving becomes harder but is still doable when a wheelchair becomes necessary, once they lose the ability to stand and pivot it becomes exponentially harder.
Have you called his PCP to report new weakness?