Our Parents

[avbill]

Some of you knew that my wife and I are taking care of my father in law. We actually felt his time was near. He has been in the hospital 7 times in 2 months. Being the person I am I started questioning the medications that He was on. To make a long story short The doctor with my suggestion reduced his medication. He is no longer taking 5 medications and 2 of the three that is takings was reduced. The results his ability to walk again has come back, he ability to have a conversation and mentality stay with the conversation has been regained. His bodily functions are back to "normal"

I am writing this to help others that are caring for their parents watch their medications. By reexamining his meds and adjusting them with the doctor my father in law has a better quality of life in his golden years!

Be cautious -- Do it with the doctor - and do it one med at a time!

 

[JimB]

That's good advice at any age. About 3 years ago my cholesterol was high. I went to see my doctor ( a new doctor for me). He ASKED what I wanted to do after he explained my options of medications, diet, excercise, and some over the counter options. I told him I didn't want to start with presciption drugs as once you do that you generally stay on them for life. I made the other changes and my cholesterol has been at an acceptable level ever since. No presciption medications. I check it a few times a year and talked to my doctor about it at every annual check up.

 

[les-smith]

Way to go Bill. That's the kind of care and attention our parents need in their time of need. I'm glad you were able to help your father-in-law get things back to something more normal. I bet he appreciates it more than he could tell you.

 

[MobilMan]

Good for you Bill for questioning it all. Sometime it's best to get a second opinion cause some Drs. seem to be pill pushers. Not saying he is. My mother in Law refuses to take medicine & at almost 86 she's spry as the devil.
Jim, eat oatmeal for breakfast & it WILL lower the cholesterol.

 

[nava1uni]

Good for you Bill. Everyone needs to review their medications on a regular basis. I do believe that many people take too many medications, especially if seeing more then one MD. MD's don't seem to communicate with each other so patient's can be taking multiple meds for the same thing and have lots of problems.

Walking daily for 20 minutes will also lower your cholesterol.