Fractured Rib, Walker and other stuff

[Karen]

Yes, once he gets used to it, you will be able to leave the house to walk dogs, etc. A walker means he will be able to move around, not painlessly with a busted rib, but more securely than he likely has been. A walker is extra strength and stability and balance - those are all good things.

Tennis balls for the front "feet" so it doesn't squeak on the floors, and drive everyone crazy, but it will be a GOOD thing.

After I had brain surgery many years ago, they gave me a walker to relearn walking and balance. The physical therapist was astounded at my skill with it. "You use that really well for a person your age!" she said, surprised.

"I have a LOT of elderly friends and relatives, I've been watching the pro walker users for a long time," I replied!

[MoonandBean]

So sorry to hear about your dad! Karen's response was great and I'll just add one thing: I'm sure they will tell him this but fractured ribs can easily lead to pneumonia as people tend to breathe shallow due to the pain. He should do "incentive spirometry" every hour or so. They will probably give him a chamber and ball that he has to blow into. If they don't; ask for one. If all else fails, he'll need to hug a pillow and make himself cough a couple of times every few hours. This is all to prevent pneumonia...which is very important (can you imagine pneumonia on top of a fractured rib? Ouch!)

Tell him I wish him a speedy recovery!

[Freedom]

Wow, thanks!! Both of you had lots of good info.

[Medusa]

No info from me, only encouragement and to let you know that I'm still praying for you and Dad.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Oh No Sandie!!!! I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are going out to your Dad and you. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[cassiesmom]

Oh No Sandie!!!! I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are going out to your Dad and you. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

No info from me, only encouragement and to let you know that I'm still praying for you and Dad.

What D&D said! What Medusa said!

[K9karen]

*Sigh* Been in that situation 2x. Anyhoo..why don't you call Eldercare (should be in the phonebook) or your local county Department of Aging? I'll be you can get arrangements for an aide a few hours a day to stay with your dad while you shop etc. *Another Sigh*. If your dad is anything like my parents, they hated having a stranger in their midst, but I learned too late that I needed my own life. Good luck and lots of prayers for your dad's fast recovery.

Your Marlin and Dad's bed story is amazing. So habitual are our dear little buddies. I know Mz Logan won't even go into the bedroom on her bed at night unless I go in with her and stay there! Many late nights on PT resulted on my elbows being nosed in the air! And a firm demanding bark! Never a dull moment, and I only have one! Sending you lots of hugs!