Oh, Skittles, more thoughts and prayers to you.

dang! Sometimes you wish dr's could lie or at least withhold the truth. Lots of prayers for your dad. And ((hugs)) for you.

I'm so very sorry. Sending prayers and good thought to y'all.

Thanks for the hugs, Truff. I think my mom needs them more. She's been doing OK by herself for the past three months and does extremely well for 90; however the loss of dad will devastate her.

Sending prayers for you and your family Skittles.

Talked to my mom earlier today about my 90 year old grandfather. Diagnosed a year ago with prostate cancer and has had issues related to congestive heart failure. He does not have any effects related to Alzheimer's/dementia, which in some ways, almost makes it tougher because he KNOWS his body is failing. It's really hard to watch this process. Mom said he woke up today completely convinced that my grandma had left him. He was very distraught. In order to calm him down, grandma sat next to him and sang hymns to him for over an hour. It truly breaks my heart, but what a wonderful gift they're giving the rest of the family by showing how to love.

Dad (and my mother and brother) met with the cardiologist yesterday. The cardiologist told dad that he could replace his heart valve with a 97% chance of everything going as planned. If not, dad will continue to get weaker and won't be able to stay at home - and probably wouldn't last two years. Dad has decided to call the office today and schedule his evaluation to make sure he's strong enough for surgery. Hopefully this will all work out and he can get a little stronger. If he can get his valve replaced the fluid that continues to build up in his lungs will stop since his blood flow will be back to normal. The doctor told him that the valve should have an opening of 35 millimeters - and it's only 7.

Yes, he's 93 but still sharp and he doesn't want to live in an assisted living. I think he made the right decision.

Wow Skittles. That's great news. Praying he's strong enough for surgery and it's successful. Sounds like the Dr. is confident and that's always good to hear!

Sending prayers to your dad and the medical team Skittles. That really is great news. Even better if it gets your dad into a more positive place too.

Prayers on a successful procedure for your dad, Skittles!

Thoughts and prayers to you, Busy Bee.

Is this a minimally invasive procedure Skittles, or do they have to crack his chest open? Which valve is it? Replacement with a pig valve? God bless him.

No, they couldn't crack his chest. They (if they can) will go through the artery in his groin - like they do with a stent. Just a much bigger catheter. Dad is diabetic and his arteries have narrowed so we're not sure if he's a candidate yet. I believe the doctor is going to call today to schedule the evaluation.

Sending my prayers

I would appreciate some prayers today for my dad. He's currently at the hospital undergoing tests to see if he's eligible for the surgery. I know that whatever the outcome it's what's meant to be.

Prayers for your dad and you and your family. Hope all goes well.

Dad is home now. My brother said they have scheduled a heart cath on Friday just to make sure there won't be any trouble when they do the valve.

Sounding good to me. Hang in there Skittles

Dad's heart cath was good today. They will do a CT scan next Friday and the heart valve replacement is scheduled for the 13th. It just amazes me that they can replace a heart valve on an almost 94 year old man without cracking his chest.

I was just thinking about your dad Skittles. That is really great news. Continued prayers for his healing and upcoming surgery!!

As of right now they have moved dad's procedure forward to tomorrow. On Sunday he was back in the hospital with fluid on his lungs and a low hemoglobin. I'm nervous and will head up this afternoon, but praying the doctor's know what they are doing. Living like this - constantly in and out of the hospital and rehab - isn't good.

Prayers for the surgeons, your dad and your family Skittles. Hope all goes as planned and your dad can get back to enjoying life.

Praying for your Dad, Skittles.

Thanks to you both. My brother just said 'It's a go' so we're on.

Prayers for your father, Skittles!

I just visited my grandfather at lunch. His body is slowly shutting down. It's so hard to see, but he was so sweet....he wanted to hold my hand and kept kissing it. Those are the precious moments that I will always have and wouldn't trade for anything!!

Skittles, hope all went well with your father's procedure.

I am looking for some advice/help.
My mom has Alzheimer's, in the somewhat earlier stages yet.

She can still dress herself, walk with cane/walker and still knows most people. She is still at home with my dad. She doesn't wander and actually doesn't care to leave the house, so dad can still leave her alone for a couple of hours. She had lifeline in case something does happen while he is gone.

My question is how do you know when it is time for them to go into a nursing home with an Alzheimer's unit?
I realize everyone's situation, etc are different. But are there some guidelines, or somewhere you can call and ask questions?
My dad says he can still care for her, but it is taking its toll on him. He has a bad back so that doesn't help at all.
My brother does live in town, so he goes over and help with different things my dad can't do. I live about 3 1/2 hrs away, so don't get home to help as much as I should.
We were home this last weekend, and I can tell that mom is getting worse and that also dad's temperament is changing.
Any ideas would be appreciated.