Dad update

I met Dad at the VA Hospital again yesterday in what turned into a 3-hour ordeal. We were taken for his 2:20 appointment at 4:30. Ugh.

All his tests from the ER a few weeks ago were good. His bloodwork was fine, there's no evidence of a thyroid, heart, or liver problem, his kidneys are functioning fine, etc. Everything looks OK in terms of potential major problems.

He does have a neuropathy in his feet, though, which is causing some blockage between his brain and his legs and feet, hence the multiple falls. The doctor stressed again that he needs to use his walker. Yesterday, he was using his cane instead of the walker. Just a little stubborn...

He's also pretty significantly arthritic, particularly in his knees, shoulders, and upper back. The doctor is prescribing an ointment that he can apply directly to those areas and said he can take his pain meds in higher doses. She didn't seem at all concerned at the amounts of various pills he's taking regularly, and I didn't feel comfortable confronting her about it.

One other thing... He has depression and refuses to seek help for it. That's what worries me most. His living situation is quite stressful right now and is the main cause of the problem. I'll have to tread gingerly on this subject. He's old-school; people who seek mental help are weak. Crazy, even. I don't know how I'm going to convince him that it's a sign of strength, not weakness, to admit you need help.