Transporting to diagnostic test a problem

Debbie53 · 08-30-2008, 11:02 PM

Hi everyone,

This is a problem I haven't seen here - my dad is supposed to go to Denver this Tuesday for an EMG to figure out what he has (the dr. thinks it's PMA). We live in Greeley, about an hour and a half from this hospital....there's nothing closer, no dr. or clinic that could test him....which in this day and age seems ridiculous to me! I don't mind the trip; the problem is that he is so weak he doesn't know if he can hold up in the car that long, esp. because he never knows when he's going to need a bathroom. I have fibromyalgia, and I couldn't help him in the bathroom or getting to one, or even in and out of the car (I can't lift a half gallon of milk without wrecking my body). There's no other family members to help, no vans from his assisted living center. If he can't get there, and doesn't have an official diagnosis, does that mean he can't get Hospice help? I think he's going to need it soon. He's 87 and has gotten so much weaker just since my mom died in June, it's awful.

Thanks and if anyone has any ideas, I NEED THEM!

Debbie

BethU · 08-31-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debbie53

I have fibromyalgia, and I couldn't help him in the bathroom or getting to one, or even in and out of the car (I can't lift a half gallon of milk without wrecking my body). There's no other family members to help, no vans from his assisted living center. Debbie

Wow, Debbie ... I wish I could be there to help you! That is really a difficult situation. Is there anyone from the assisted living center who can help get your dad in the car? Or who could go with you?

It really sounds like you need someone to be with you both on the trip. Does your dad's local doctor have any suggestions?

If there are no services available in Greeley, how about someone coming to pick him up from Denver? There should be medical transportation services there. They would probably charge for two trips rather than one, but it sounds like it would be awfully stressful for you both if you try it without help.

Hope some other people will have suggestions, too.

Good luck,
BethU

CindyM · 08-31-2008, 11:44 AM

Hi Debbie- Is it the ALS clinic that you are off to? You might call the social work department and see if they know of any resources. Or maybe the MDA. Just a thought...Cindy

brooksea · 08-31-2008, 04:55 PM

Wow! With this being a holiday weekend and you having to go on Tuesday - I don't know how you could find something in time. but, you may want to try you county assistance for the elderly!

Debbie53 · 08-31-2008, 07:43 PM

Thanks everyone, again! Will let you know if I can arrange anything, although I realize, yes, I should have anticipated this sooner! He's just gotten so much worse so fast.