We are still planning the trip to Iowa on this Sunday, October 27!
Today Dad had a doctor's appointment to check up on his current medication dosing and also to double check his electrolytes. He got very tired yesterday and it worried us. I guess we all need to keep remembering that Dad has a heart in atrial fibrillation, and some days he will just be out of gas. It is easy for forget since there is no outward sign that his heart is running at a different speed and beat than normal folks. The doctor said that she thinks all is just fine for a move back home for the folks, as long as he is followed by a doctor there in Belmond.
Yesterday we met with the neurologist / Sleep Doctor in Eau Claire. He reviewed the results of Dad's sleep test and explained to us about sleep apnea causes. Dad has an appointment on Thursday morning here in Rice Lake to get his machine. They will give him some education about using the machine and keeping it maintained. The sleep machines now come with a memory chip that has to be taken to the doctor in about 6 months. This chip records how often Dad uses the machine and how well the machine is working to prevent sleep apnea. Ah maze ing. Medicare requires that the machine is used a certain percentage of nights in order to continue to pay, so this memory chip provides that data as well.
We have already set up Dad's first doctor's appointment in Iowa with a family practice doctor and today we got hard copies of all Dad's records to take with him to that appointment. We want to be sure that he has good follow up in Belmond. We will set up an appointment with a Sleep Doctor too. The Belmond Clinic runs a Warfarin/Coumadin clinic twice a week, and now Dad is signed up for that as well. I think we have transitioned everything to Iowa now.
The last of the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Appointments happen tomorrow afternoon. The Home Health Care has been really important to Dad's recuperation. Dad will talk his Belmond doctor about continuing some Physical and Occupational Therapy. The OT folks will even help with evaluation of fitness for driving and then helping prepare for driving again, in the meantime, Ev will be the new chauffeur.
We are thankful to have our Iowa O'Toole family who are close enough to help the folks once they are back in their own apartment there in Belmond. The Belmond Apartments has a Care Car too, so the folks can take advantage of that for rides around Belmond. And of course, Dad and Ev have many other friends in the area who are willing to help whenever there is a need.
Life is Good!
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