Now as you know my 70 year old dad who insists he's fine all the time and I won't let him do anything,gripe, gripe, gripe, went with me.

He poops on himself and fell, I counted it 27 times in a five day period, and still he insists I am persecuting him and making it all up.

He's so deaf you have to scream at the top of your lungs to be heard at all. Now as we all know noise bothers us.

So I spent 20 hours in a 27 foot Rv he bought because he thought he was going to be able to take off to parts unknown with it. He's not even allowed to drive the carts at walmart.

I have no experience with anything similar to this behemoth. He of course being the stubborn you know what, he is, insisted at the top of his lungs my internet directions were wrong.

So we went against my better judgement, his way. I wish I hadn't. Not only did he not know what he was doing, he kept insisting at the top of his lungs that he did and I had to keep screaming at him the way I needed to go, which was in the opposite direction.

after almost a thousand miles and numerous stressful situations, we arrived in springfield.

I was as most people are prone to do seriously second guessing myself. I was sure this was a bad stupid idea, they weren't that sick, so on and so on.

We ate went to sleep and 30 minutes later my dad is up and standing in the middle of the room peeing. On the floor.

I took care of that sent him back to bed and went back to sleep. Then he starts snoring, loud enough to peel paint off the walls and make your arm pits itch.

My nine year old, whose lyme anziety was made worse by the stressful trip. What with all the noise and screaming and worrying about everything like he always does, and he certainly had plenty of ammo, started having panic attacks and throwing up.

Laying there, and in case I forgot to tell you all this started on only 3 hours sleep, since I waited till the last minute like I always do to pack. Laying there holding my son and crying because I couldn't take away his fear and knowing I gave this to him. I gave this to him.

I felt like I was scraping the bottom of that proverbial barrel and I was coming up with nothing.

I did not think I was going to make it, and I still don't know how I'm going to make it home.

I woke up the next morning after a lot of prayer and pleading with God to give me strength and went to the dr. It was worth all the pain.

I can't stand to see my precious, so special little red headed boy suffering such mental anguish and was beginning to loose hope. That's not normal for me.

I'm the one that always has it for everyone else.

The dr clinically diagnosed them and started them on bx and nausea meds and promised me with eyes full of hope I had lost at the bottom of that barrel, that they were going to be allright and they would not fall through the cracks and they would get well.

Would it be possible to spend tomorrow just lying around and napping? Maybe there is a park where you could spend the day.

If you take care of everyone else, you need some reserves to draw on.

Wish I had solutions to your problems, but all I can do is make a few suggestions.

Keep praying for strength & peace.

Use your internet directions going home.
That should shorten the trip considerably, though the noise level in the RV may be a little higher.
Tell your Dad "this is a short cut." It will be if you can stay on track.

Can you play calming music while you travel?
Maybe it'll help everyone.

Keep praying.

If you get too tired & you know you shouldn't be driving, stop & take a break.
Please don't take any chances.

When your Dad's getting upset, distract him by asking him to tell you & your children about when he was a little boy.
Have him tell you about his grandparents, things that happened when you were little.
Most older people enjoy remembering the "old days".

Pray for more strength & peace.

Repeat the "Serenity Prayer":
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."

Some of the things you said about your Dad remind me of my father's behavior. He was mis-diagnosed Alzheimer's, but actually had Lyme disease.
He changed to a Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde personality. Most times very quiet & easy going. Other times VERY difficult to deal with. Confused (also on trips), balance problems, etc. etc.

Assuming that your Dad has not acted like this all his life, you may want to consider having him tested for LD. At 70, he shouldn't be having these problems.

Now, first thing in the morning, read the following little prayer:

"Dear Lord,
So far today, I've done all right. I haven't gossipped, haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over-indulgent. I'm really glad about that.
But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help.
Thank you.
Amen.

You did a remarkable job handling the situation.

Maybe you can make the trip in several shorter parts. It is supposed to rain all week-end up here in the Northeast and I wonder about the safety of your dad driving.

I'm sure he won't give up the wheel volenterily, maybe drug him with benydril and duck tape him down?

Children often bounce back well and faster than adults from lyme. After several years of treatment my son is able to play Lacrosse this spring. They had their game yesterday. I haven't seen hin so happy in years.

It sounds like you have done a good job getting help for your kids. Is there other family that can help you with your dad? LD is certainly a possibility for him too.

Take care driving back.

I guess I didn't make myself clear. My dad is not going near that steering wheel with a ten foot pole. He is not even allowed to drive the cart at wal-mart without supervision. Which doesn't explain why I drove the way he wanted me too, does it. Oh well.

Like others, I am concerned about your dad. 70 is too young to be exhibiting the problems he seems to have. It is not an age thing. it is something pathological going on. How long has he had these problems?

You are in the driver's seat on the way home. You will make it.

Prayers for you, tikbit, that you have a SAFE and UNEVENTFUL journey home. Keep strong and focus!

seriously, the benadryl for your dad on the way home...then drive to the nearest mobile home park and get some rest.

Your story made me laugh and cry. There are so many of us who can I identify with the absolute craziness of the situations of lyme disease. The distances we go to get diagnosis & treatment!!!

It seems like you did a great job under very stressful circumstances. You should be so proud of your strength. Keep remembering your prayers and faith. You are not alone.

I was at the drs. office (4 different drs.) this week because me and my 9 yr. old and 5 yr. old are having lyme complications. I also gave this disease to them. Both of my children are struggling so much that it makes me forget about my own pain at times. I wrap them in my arms and promise that I will take care of them and help them to get better.

Brought back memories of my traveling with Dad after Mom died. He'd get upset too. The last LONG trip we ever took, "Betty, I'm never going on a trip with you again!" We were so mad at each other.

I think my late Dad also had late-stage lyme disease since he was a full-time farmer, and was a truck driver for hire otherwise. It could have also been too many meds interacting with each other too.

CBB, you gave Kat excellent advise.

Kat, may your trip home go smoothly for you. Take time out for yourself. Next time leave your Dad with someone and you come alone. It's not worth the stress you are going thru to take your Dad on this long trip. Best wishes always.

You have done a wonderful job of handling everything so far - I give you a lot of credit! Get home safely and let us all know when you do!

--Annie

------------------

Lyme Out Retreat Website

Lyme Disease Awareness Products

Click here to join Lyme Pals.