Writing for my dad...

[p076]

Hi!  My name is Angela and I've joined this forum on behalf of my father who is dealing with ESRD and diabetic retinopathy.  He hates dialysis for sure - and we hate seeing what it's done to him!  I blame the diet he's maintaining on the most recent bit of damage done to his eyes... he's very nearly blind and we are desperate to find something to help him regain his sight and prevent further loss.  His energy is in the basement and his attitude toward getting better is diminishing.  He's 58 but has a health history that would make most 75 year olds cringe... To be honest, it's my sister, mom and me who are trying to find ways to help him.

He's a Vietnam Vet with Agent Orange exposure and complications (Type 2 Diabetes).  Is anyone else on here in a similar predicament?

My heart goes out to everyone on here dealing with their illnesses and banding together.  It's important and I hope that I can interest my dad in seeing what others are writing.  He currently lives in a small town in NY, but I'm hoping he and my mom will join my husband and me in NC for better health care and more medical options than he currently has.  Wish me luck!

Thanks for reading, and if anyone has any leads about treating diabetes and all its issues in Vets with AO, I'd love to hear them.

[G-Ma]

 

[Joe Paul]

Welcome Angela, good to have you aboard.

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community, Angela!  We are glad you decided to join us through your concern for your dad.  There is much helpful information here.  But even more than that, this is a wonderful place for support and encouragement.  Really, this is a genuine caring and sharing family.    I hope your dad joins us at some point.  He and I are contemporaries (I am also 58) and I too have faced lots of health challenges (cancer, diabetes, etc.) But the human spirit is strong.  We will survive.
Please keep reading and keep posting.  Let us know how your dad is doing.



Bajanne, Moderator

[Chris]

I have diabetes eye complications also blind in one eye, saved vision in the other, but another surgery is on the way due to a cataract growing. Dialysis did suck for me, it did not work well with my diabetes. As for the diet part have you been to a dietician and learned carbohydrate counting and portion control. That way your father maybe able to have food he loves, but at a smaller portion or at a regular portion but having to avoid eating something else. He probably wouldn't want to go though, but his eyes and other parts of the body are at risk with out of control blood sugars. As for the vision, I'm guessing they already did laser treatments to stop bleeding in back of the eyes? Possibly a vitrectomy. Depending how much vision he has, there maybe some equipment he can use to help him see. Special glasses, a portable video magnifyer, a video magnifyer for reading and self care, then theres computer software to help him see that can read for him (voices are human like now). Since he is a vet, there is probably a program he can get into in your state to get him this equipment for free. My states department of rehab purchased equipment for me which helps me with going back to college and they will even help me when I have a job for any adaptations I may need.
If your interested, I can supply you with links for low vision aids.

He may just need something to do to feel independent again, but his blood sugars need to be in control also to feel better.

And Welcome to the site.
Chris

[willieandwinnie]

Angela. Bless your heart for being there for your Dad. We are a wonderful group for information and support and I know if you ask questions, you'll get answers. Please keep us updated and give your Dad a  from us. 

[boxman55]

Welcome to IHD. we have many members that are willing to help in anyway they can with their knowledge and background. Take some time and post your questions in the forums we have and also use our search engine to see if you can find topics that might help.


Boxman,Moderator

[cookie2008]

 

[kellyt]

     Welcome!  You and your family have found the perfect place!  You will find much support and information here.  Read as much as you can and post all your questions.  Someone will be able to assist!  Welcome to the family!

[Romona]

 

[monrein]

   Angela.  you will find a lot of information here and I hope that your Dad will eventually choose to come and have a look around for himself.

[Wenchie58]

Welcome!

Share, learn, vent.  Its a wonderful group!

[coorsbob]

 

[pelagia]

  

[jessup]

G'day and 

[nursewratchet]

So much to benefit from this site.  Welcome, and always ask questions, they'll always be answered.   

[Ang]

 

[paris]

Welcome Angela.   I am about your Dad's age and I can appreciate how worried you are for your Dad.  My kids are dealing with all the worry and I hate it for them.   You Dad is very fortunate to have you.  We love family who takes time to learn all they can about this disease.   None of it is easy.  Depression seems to hit all of us at some point.  Your love and care will help him cope.   Also, there are several of us that live in N.C.   What area are you in?   I am very glad you found us and joined.  We are really supportive of each other and will help any way we can.   Keep asking questions.  Someone will have the answer.   




paris Moderator