Jeopardy

Alan is still in rehab for his knee.  The facility is beautiful and the workers are amazing.  He spends part of every day doing PT and OT.  He is getting around better with his walker.

I've visited him several times in the last week.  I admit I am always testing him- watching his responses to questions, listening for repeat phrases, seeing beyond what he is saying to ascertain what he is covering up.  He is much better than he was described to me just after surgery.

Its interesting  and confusing  for me because much of the time I've been visiting  he seems like himself.  The small slips are only there if you are looking.  It would be so easy to brush this stuff off.  He is after all, 70.  He doesn't remember names well so he dances around it.  He says things like "the girls" instead of calling them by name.  He couldn't find the word "tractor" the other day- so instead he described " a machine that a farmer uses to turn up dirt".    He asks the same question several times.  He knows what day it is but not always if it is morning or afternoon.

I am not sure what the hell to think.  This diagnosis is bad,  really bad, but am i being Chicken Little or am I being pragmatic and logical?

I know that part of the "job" of rehab is to assess where he is cognitively so they can figure out what kind of support he needs when he leaves the facility. I hope I am allowed to be part of that conversation but I have my doubts.

Alex, I'll take seeing into the future for 100 please.